# Christian Vanek

> Christian Vanek is the co-founder and former CEO of SurveyGizmo, now Alchemer. His career spans software development, consulting and customer research tools. In 2023 he acquired The Mountain-Ear in Nederland, Colorado, adding community newspaper ownership to his work supporting local institutions and businesses.

- **Role:** Owner and Publisher at The Mountain-Ear (documented in 2025)
- **Organizations:** Alchemer (formerly SurveyGizmo), The Mountain-Ear, Mountain Vale Media, LLC, CVanek Studios, DCI, AmeriCorps
- **Known for:** Co-founded SurveyGizmo, now Alchemer., Built SurveyGizmo without VC or angel funding during its first decade, according to his 2016 account., Received a 2024 Colorado Press Association innovation award for work at The Mountain-Ear.

## Career timeline

- **1995** — Built service-distribution software during AmeriCorps service.
- **1997** — Joined DCI in a temporary travel-services role; automated processes and became a developer.
- **1999** — Started a marketing automation venture that subsequently failed.
- **2002** — Built a full-time consulting business.
- **2005** — Began developing SurveyGizmo after discussions with a consulting client.
- **2006** — Launched SurveyGizmo with Scott McDaniel.
- **2018** — David Roberts succeeded him as CEO; Vanek moved to chief product officer.
- **2020** — SurveyGizmo was renamed Alchemer.
- **2022** — KKR made a majority investment in Alchemer.
- **2023** — Acquired The Mountain-Ear through Mountain Vale Media.
- **2024** — Received a Colorado Press Association innovation award.

## Achievements

- Co-founded SurveyGizmo, now Alchemer.
- Built SurveyGizmo without VC or angel funding during its first decade, according to his 2016 account.
- Received a 2024 Colorado Press Association innovation award for work at The Mountain-Ear.

## Latest updates

- **2025-10** — Reported to be remodeling Nederland’s former Citywide Bank building into The Vault, with local businesses preparing to move in.
- **2025-07** — Colorado Press Women reported his seven-year subsidy plan for The Mountain-Ear.
- **2024-08** — The Mountain-Ear reported his Colorado Press Association innovation award.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-vanek
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/cvanek

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/christian-vanek
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-20