David O’Brien is a dynamic entrepreneur and the President & CEO of Quantum5, LLC, a groundbreaking education technology company based in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a passion for revolutionizing the learning environment, David is at the forefront of transforming the traditional approach to learning management systems (LMS) through Quantum5’s personalized learning sustainment approach.
David O’Brien grew up with an entrepreneurial father who owned auto dealerships in Illinois, and O’Brien inherited a drive for pursuing his own vision. In 2020, while leading his second company, he recognized an opportunity to impact the automotive learning community. O’Brien collaborated with his friend and co-founder, Ken Herfurth, and embarked on a mission to enhance the customer experience in the industry.
O’Brien identified the shortcomings of traditional learning management systems that relied on static tests and rote memorization. He envisioned a learning technology application that would leverage artificial intelligence and create a supportive learning community. In October 2020, Quantum5 was launched with pilot clients, innovative content and an emphasis on building trust and improving retention. Within 120 days, the company was revenue positive.
In 2021, Quantum5 secured its first major dealership group as a client and completed its first acquisition. In 2022, the company acquired the largest employee satisfaction measurement company in the automotive industry. O’Brien also expanded the team by bringing on board a seasoned automotive SaaS veteran as the company’s first chief operating officer. Quantum5’s growth under O’Brien’s guidance resulted in a 529% increase in revenue in 2022.
“Each risk I took to get here was relative to each opportunity,” O’Brien said. “The common theme at each one was the conversations with my support system and their unyielding trust in me to succeed. The most difficult likely, though, was at age 50 when I wanted to walk away from success and start a new path. My friend and financial advisor said not to do it, protect assets at your age, he said, and (he) reminded me that startups were a young person’s game. (But) walking away from something good to start new at that point is why I am where I am today.”
O’Brien is recognized as a thought leader in the automotive industry, sharing his insights as a guest on CBT Network and contributing articles to Automotive News, Digital Dealer Magazine and Wards Automotive Magazine. He is also a sought-after speaker at events such as the National Auto Dealer Association Convention and the Fixed Operations Roundtable.
