Landing at the Top

From a young paperboy in Southern California to a visionary leader in education and business, David R. Jackson’s story is a testament to adventure, ambition, and perseverance. His passion for travel and world exploration began when he was a teenager and led to:

• Earning his private pilot license at 16
• Skiing the Americas; he traveled down the Pan-American Highway to Chile, across the Andes to Argentina, and then to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before heading back to California
• Competitive skiing at the collegiate level at Brigham Young University
• Spending a year road tripping and skiing through Europe, the Middle East, the Soviet Union, and Scandinavia

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch multiple successful businesses before taking the helm at Fairmont Schools, where he transformed a small institution into a leading private school network. A dedicated philanthropist and faith-driven leader, he has spent decades shaping the educational landscape, serving in leadership roles, and giving back to communities around the world.

Now semi-retired, David continues to travel, having visited over 130 countries, while devoting his time to philanthropy and family. This inspiring memoir chronicles a life of adventure, leadership, and unwavering determination—proving that with vision and courage, anything is possible.