Las Vegas, USA – June 18, 2026 — Jarvis Eugene "Gene" Saunders, Founder & CEO of Project Lifesaver International, was honored with the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award at the Founders 2.0 Conference. His recognition was featured on New York’s Times Square billboards, highlighting his contributions to search-and-rescue innovation and public safety. The three-day entrepreneur conference, held from April 7–9, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, USA, brought together founders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to discuss emerging solutions, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.
Gene Saunders founded Project Lifesaver International with a vision to create a unique search-and-rescue solution that would save lives while reducing costs for agencies responsible for locating missing individuals. Through his leadership, the organization introduced radio-tracking and locating technology to help locate lost persons, particularly those with cognitive disorders who have wandered from safety.
Since its founding, Project Lifesaver International has expanded from a single agency to a network of 1,841 member agencies operating across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This growth has enabled the program to support more than 5,000 successful rescues, helping locate individuals quickly and safely while reducing the manpower and logistical resources traditionally required for search operations.
As the organization evolved, Gene continued to strengthen its capabilities by improving both training and equipment. In a significant milestone, Project Lifesaver International acquired its supplier company, allowing the organization to produce its own equipment. This move increased its ability to influence product performance, enhance operational efficiency, and further support the effectiveness of its search-and-rescue programs.
Throughout his career, Gene has received extensive recognition for his leadership and contributions. His honors include the American Medal of Honor, World Leader recognition, the VS House of Lords UK Medal of Honor, the Bank of America Hero Award, the Pilot International Hero Award, and the Freedom Foundation Medal of Honor.
Gene has also received numerous distinctions from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), including CEO of the Year, Lifesaver of the Decade, Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award, Global Leader Award, Man of the Year, Top Visionary Award, and Law Enforcement and Military Leader of the Year.
His accomplishments have also been recognized through the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Citizens Honor Award, the American Medical Association Leadership Award, the 211 Non-Profit Leader of the Year Award, and various leadership recognitions throughout his law enforcement career.
In addition, Gene is the author of the best-selling book Deploying High, has written multiple articles on searching for lost individuals, and has been featured on numerous television programs, radio shows, and podcasts discussing Project Lifesaver International and its impact.
This recognition highlights Jarvis E. Saunders’ role in advancing search-and-rescue innovation, improving public safety outcomes, and developing solutions that have helped save thousands of lives while enhancing operational efficiency for participating agencies.
Founders 2.0 Conference is a global platform that brings together entrepreneurs, startup founders, business leaders, investors, and innovators to explore ideas shaping the future of business. With upcoming editions in Singapore, Dubai, and Las Vegas, the three-day entrepreneur conference features keynote sessions, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and recognition programs that celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation, and business excellence. To learn more, please visit www.founders2conf.com.