MADISON, FL, January 20, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jeffrey S. Minder has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Marked by innovation, leadership and a commitment to advancing both technology and education, Mr. Minder has led an impactful career of more than 40 years across multiple industries. As the founder and chief executive officer of Top Tier K9 — established in 2014 and named as the World's Greatest Dog Training Company in 2024 — he has become a leader in integrating advanced technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence into dog training and business education. He owns the intellectual property for the curriculum, documentaries and all documentation related to Top Tier K9, ensuring the long-term integrity and uniqueness of the educational experience.
Mr. Minder has held the role of master trainer with Top Tier K9 since 2013. During this time, he developed a comprehensive program that not only trains individuals in dog training and handling but also equips them with essential business skills, including customer service, contract management and insurance navigation. His program functions as both a business school and a dog trainer school, setting it apart from traditional university offerings. Minder franchised Top Tier K9 in 2023.
The recent launch of a virtual reality system allows students to practice dog training in the metaverse, while an artificial intelligence interface is set to further enhance the learning experience. Mr. Minder's initiative, which he calls "Top Tier People," extends these educational opportunities to individuals aged 14 and older, reflecting his dedication to accessible lifelong learning.
Throughout his ownership and development of Top Tier K9's services, Mr. Minder has achieved several notable milestones. He trained the world's first COVID-19 detection dog and has shared his knowledge and advice on 15 news programs as well as several television series. Furthermore, he is recognized for developing the world's first artificial intelligence brain for dog trainers and holds a trademarked Foundation Dog that was awarded "incontestable" status in 2025.
In addition to his endeavors with Top Tier K9, Mr. Minder is an entrepreneur with JeffMinder.com, where he assists clients in technology-driven education, business analysis, project management and training solutions. From 2009 to 2013, he served as a project management instructor at The Versatile Company, sharing his expertise with professionals across various industries. During this period, he was also an instructor for ESI International (now part of Korn Ferry) from 2009 to 2011.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Minder was a managing member of Victory Vets LLC from 2005 to 2011, during which he contributed to consulting, teaching and coaching services in the areas of business development and operational leadership. From 1999 to 2005, he led ImarcsGroup as a managing member, focusing on software development and project management solutions for insurance companies and universities. His leadership was pivotal in the company's recognition as Startup Business of the Year in Tallahassee in 2001.
Mr. Minder's professional journey began with distinguished military service as a survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) instructor in the United States Air Force from 1982 to 1993. His military background provided him with invaluable experience in instruction and human learning — skills that have informed every aspect of his subsequent career. After being medically retired due to a parachuting accident, he transitioned into software development before moving into project management education for Fortune 500 companies. The unique combination of communication skills and life experiences he gained during this time ultimately led to his formation of Top Tier K9.
While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Minder pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and computer science from Troy University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1992. He also earned a certificate in instructional system design from Air University Academic Instructor School in 1988. To augment his qualifications and leadership skills, he was certified as a project management professional and project manager by the Project Management Institute.
Mr. Minder's military and civilian achievements have seen him recognized with numerous accolades over the years, including nomination for the Air Commando Hall of Fame by the United States Air Force in 2011 and top survival instructor honors from both the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command. In honor of his accomplishments as a business owner, he was selected as one of the top 10 entrepreneurs in North America by both Dell and the National Federation of Independent Business and was a featured guest on Oliver North's Real American Heroes.
Alongside his primary work with Top Tier K9, Mr. Minder is also known for founding "A Human Approach" at www.VRDogTraining.com — a platform dedicated to advancing virtual reality-based dog training — and for launching initiatives that blend technology with human learning at an expert level.
Happily married for more than 40 years and a proud father of two children, Mr. Minder enjoys spending time playing cards and board games with his grandchildren as a balance to his professional pursuits. Committed to bringing about significant change within the dog training industry so that people can once again become dogs' best friends, he continues to inspire others through his dedication to family values, technological advancement and human connection.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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