About

Hey there! I'm Gina Danford, founder of Red Zebra Coaching.

I started this business in 2013 after seeing too many entrepreneurs stuck in the grind—overworked, overwhelmed, and losing sight of their passion. They weren’t failing from lack of talent, but from focusing on the wrong things.

My mission? To replace the hustle mentality with smarter strategies that help business owners scale without burnout. Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about clarity, strategy, and systems that work for you.

When I’m not helping businesses grow, I’m out hiking, biking, and camping in the California sunshine with my husband, teenage daughter, and our rescue dogs.

LET'S DO THIS!

Proven Results

Scaling & Exits: Successfully scaled and sold in a Bay Area tech firm.
Global Consulting: Advised Colliers International, Marriott, and IBM on business growth.
Revenue Growth: Developed a $40M sales program — during a recession.
Market Repositioning: Increased client revenue by 42%.
Efficiency & Profitability: Overhauled workflows, leading to 30% revenue boost.
Executive Coaching & Leadership: Trained 65+ executives and led workshops for 250+ attendees.

Ready to scale smarter and reclaim your time? Let’s make it happen together.

My Support Staff

At Red Zebra, a love for animals is not just a part of the name – it's ingrained in the culture. My support team is comprised of specialty staff members, each a rescue with a unique story to tell. While the presence of dogs in the workspace infuses an element of play and joy, there's more to it than meets the eye.

Research conducted at Washington State University and Virginia Commonwealth University illuminate the strategic benefits of having pets around. Interacting with dogs has been shown to reduce stress and enhance cognitive functions such as thinking, planning, and concentration.

Here's a bit about our favorite four-legged team members.

Harrison Danford, "Harry"

Head of Barketing

Allow us to introduce Harry - our newest addition.

Harry is our charismatic Head of Barketing, infusing the canine outreach department with a contagious spirit of exploration and excitement. With a tail that wags in tune with his enthusiasm for a good game of fetch, Harry brings a playful and collaborative atmosphere to the workspace. His adventurous energy is a catalyst that propels the team into creative journeys, leaving behind lasting pawprints of innovation. Always ready for the next challenge, Harry ensures that every project becomes a 'pawsome' tale of success, just waiting to be unleashed!

Tuxedo Ted, "Tux"

Feline and Squirrel Patrol Officer

Meet Tux - the esteemed senior staffer.

With infectious enthusiasm, Tux extends a warm welcome to each person he meets, his joyous tail wags symbol of the positive energy he brings to the workplace. As our Patrol Officer, he takes his protection duties seriously, fearlessly standing guard against nefarious felines and wily squirrels, ensuring the safety of our Red Zebra haven. Under his vigilant patrol, the team is safe from every critter and Amazon delivery truck in the vicinity. Tux, not only a guardian of our physical space but also a virtual delight, making surprise appearances on Zoom calls. He adds fun to interactions and ensures every client receives the 'wag-nificent' service they deserve.

Pippa

Stress Management Strategist

Say hello to Pippa - our office darling.

Pippa, our designated 'barkitect' of stress relief, is the Stress Management Specialist. She effortlessly captivates visitors with her irresistible charm. She's almost guaranteed to steal a lap, a nap, and your heart. Pippa possesses an uncanny ability to sniff out stress and graciously reminds everyone to take a much-needed 'paws' during the day. With her furry presence, the workspace undergoes a magical transformation into a more balanced and happier place, thanks to the joy, comfort, and 'paws-perity' she brings to the team.

The Original Red Zebra

The Namesake

When I was searching for the perfect name for the company, my daughter played an unexpected role. Three years old at the time, Samantha repeatedly handed me her cherished stuffed zebra, donning a vibrant red bow, insisting, "Mommy, you need my RED zebra!"

And so, Red Zebra was born.

While "red zebra" typically refers to a tropical fish, I draw inspiration from the majestic mammal. The zebra's stripes hold a captivating duality. On one hand, they provide a natural camouflage, protecting zebras from predators who struggle to single out an individual from the herd. Yet, these very stripes also serve as unique identifiers, allowing each zebra to be recognized within its community.

The zebra symbolizes the harmonious integration of opposites – the power to maintain individuality while contributing to something greater than ourselves. It's a powerful metaphor that resonates with the essence of our work.

Join Red Zebra and embrace the spirit of the zebra, celebrating both our distinctive individuality and our collective strength.

Ready to ditch the hustle and work smarter?

Tired of the endless grind and feeling like you're running in circles? It's time to reclaim your passion and steer your business toward sustainable success. Take the first step today—I'll be with you every step of the way. Let's transform your business together!