An established presence in the Independence, Missouri, community, Major D. Hammett, II serves as CEO of the K8 Funding Group (K8). Having developed pioneering fundraising pathways, Major Hammett has worked with 215 public school districts across the country to raise more than $50 million for education foundations and schools.

At the core of Mr. Hammett’s business model is a K8 savings card that functions similarly to a credit card and unlocks rewards and prizes when students meet academic milestones. The cards can be used at participating local restaurants, entertainment venues, and other businesses. His success in enabling schools to access additional capital sources has earned him the Green Apple Award for Outstanding Service to K-12 Education Foundations.

In the course of his entrepreneurial career, Major D. Hammett, II has developed new products such as the Scented Treasures candle, produced in 16 unique scents and sold by schools in fundraising. The Independence, Missouri, entrepreneur has also patented a sales-tracking tool for restaurant dining cards, which helps schools better understand the dynamics of their rewards programs.