Podcasts about arizona commerce authority

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Best podcasts about arizona commerce authority

Latest podcast episodes about arizona commerce authority

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0
AZ Tech Ecosystem: Making the World Better Thru Technology w/ Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. - AZ TRT S07 EP13 (295) 8-23-2026

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2026 47:47


  AZ TRT 2.0 - AZ Tech Ecosystem: Making the World Better Thru Technology w/ Eric Miller of PADT, Inc. AZ TRT S07 EP13 (295) 8-23-2026   What We Learned This Week ·         A great product doesn't build a great company by itself. Founders eventually have to build the organization around the product—sales, marketing, finance, HR and people. The founder's job changes as the company scales. ·         The 80/20 rule applies to company building. Figure out what you are uniquely good at, keep strategic functions close, and bring in employees, fractional executives or outside specialists to fill the gaps. ·         You don't get the value of a technology community by joining—it comes from showing up. Eric's experience with the Arizona Technology Council, Venture madness & Arizona Commerce Authority demonstrates that relationships, customers, suppliers and friendships develop through repeated participation. ·         Arizona's technology economy is much bigger than semiconductors. Aerospace, photonics, medical devices, university research, startups and advanced manufacturing are all part of the ecosystem. Universities are particularly important because they help turn research into commercial companies. ·         Today's technology was somebody's science fiction yesterday. Eric's Star Trek story is a great reminder that technologies that once seemed impossible—3D printing, advanced lasers, handheld communications and artificial hearts—can eventually become real-world tools that change people's lives.   Guest: Eric Miller, Principal & Co-Founder PADT, Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emillerphx/ https://www.padtinc.com/   Arizona Tech Council – Board Member, premiere org in tech community of AZ https://www.aztechcouncil.org/ Arizona Commerce Authority – Entrepreneur in Residence, building economy of AZ https://www.azcommerce.com/   Venture Café – Advisor for startups https://venturecafephoenix.org/ Venture Madness – Board Member for tech pitch competition https://venturemadness.com/       Bio: Business Owner - Engineer - Writer - ANSYS Fan Boy - 3D Printer - Speaker - Podcaster - Angel Investor At PADT "We Make Innovation Work" by helping companies that make physical products by providing them the engineering services and tools they need. Every day I get to work with smart employees, interesting customers, and fantastic vendors. Those are the basic facts, read on to learn more or follow my regular musings in the Phoenix Business Journal The official bio: Eric Miller is a co-owner of Tempe based PADT, Inc., where he is involved in providing tools and services to companies who design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and has lived in Arizona since 1986. He started his career focusing on the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) to simulate turbine engine components. Over the years he became recognized as an expert user of the ANSYS software tool and in the development of custom software to automate the product simulation and design process. As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric was able to also pursue his interests in IT, graphic design, additive manufacturing, database programming, and small business management. As both PADT and the use of advanced engineering tools grew, Eric became exposed to dozens of different industries and developed his broad understanding of the application of technology for product development and manufacturing. After over three decades in the industry, Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D Printing as well as on startups and the high-tech sector. His involvement in the startup community includes angel investing as well as mentoring and serving on steering, screening, and advisory boards of a variety of technical organizations and institutions. His current and past "other" jobs are listed under Experience below. In his spare time, Eric enjoys traveling, history, cooking, running (slowly), and learning about new things.   PADT Inc. A New Company (1994) PADT's founders felt that the tools and skills they used as aerospace engineers to design, analyze, and prototype turbomachinery had applications in other industries. In the summer of 1994, they left their corporate jobs to form Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies, Inc., better known as PADT. The first office was a one-person executive suite in Tempe, Arizona, crammed with four people and three computers. From this tiny room, they started calling potential customers. Slowly but surely, work began to come in, and the company was off and running. With the purchase of a 3D Systems SLA250 3D printer at the end of 1994, PADT became the first independent Rapid Prototyping service provider in Arizona. 30 Years and Beyond Doing anything for 30 years is an achievement worth noting. When we approached our 30th anniversary, we were dealing with something we never thought of in 1994, employees were retiring from PADT.  Or 30th year started well with continued growth around simulation. As our long-term partner, Ansys, continues to grow and evolve, so does  PADT.  The same is true for Flownex, with its adoption across the US, backed by PADT's sales and support team. The team has also met the challenge of changes in the Additive Manufacturing space, upping our offerings around the medical and aerospace industries. Our 4th decade also so the launch of several products designed with customers by our Product Development team.  Since 1994, PADT has grown to become the most respected technology company in the region. By sticking to its core principles and growing its skill and technology base. The company has positioned itself to continue this by providing the best solutions to new and current customers. Nerdtoberfest - PADT's annual open house. 2026 Event – Wed. Oct. 28 from 4 - 8pm ASU Research Park / Tempe PADT open house Technology demonstrations Community networking Partnership with the Arizona Technology Council Previous event attracted approximately 700 registrants Technology ecosystems are built by people getting together—not just companies operating independently.   Notes: AZ Tech Roundtable — Eric Miller, PADT, Inc. Interview: August 2026 Guest / Company Overview Eric Miller & PADT Eric Miller is a principal and co-owner of PADT, Inc. Eric came from an aerospace engineering background and, with two partners, started PADT in 1994. PADT originally stood for Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies. The company was founded by engineers to serve mechanical engineers. PADT is broader than simply being a 3D-printing company. Its work includes engineering products, services, 3D printing, advanced manufacturing and technologies such as lasers. Eric's involvement in Arizona technology extends well beyond PADT: Arizona Technology Council board member Venture Cafe mentor Venture Madness board involvement Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arizona Commerce Authority Eric is also heavily involved in mentoring companies and giving back to the Arizona technology community. Segment 1 — What Founders Learn About Building a Company It's Not Just About Having a Great Product One of the biggest lessons Eric learned from starting a company is that a good idea and a good product aren't enough. You also have to build the organization around the product: Sales Marketing Finance/accounting HR Operations People The founder has to eventually stop thinking only like the person who created the product and start thinking like the person building the company. The 80/20 Rule for Founders Eric's advice is to identify the areas where you're strongest and weakest and then determine where your time is best spent. The founder doesn't have to personally do everything. Instead: Know what you need to control and know what you can delegate. That can mean hiring employees, outsourcing functions or bringing in fractional executives/advisors. What Should Stay In-House? Eric's basic rule: If something is strategic or integral to the business, you generally want to keep it in-house. For PADT, accounting is an example. Eric chose to keep accounting internally because the company's accounting requirements are very specific to the business. For another technology company, however, outsourcing finance and accounting might make perfect sense. Fractional Talent Eric highlighted the growth of fractional roles. A company can bring in an experienced person part-time to help with a critical function without taking on the cost of a full-time executive. This can give a growing company access to: Expertise Decision-making Strategic guidance Experience without requiring a full-time salary. Hire HR Earlier Than You Think Eric believes companies should bring in HR expertise relatively early. Even if HR is initially outsourced, somebody needs to be paying attention to: Hiring Onboarding Benefits Employee issues Culture People management People are your company's most important asset. Eric's own company uses Employers Council for HR support. Strategic Functions vs. Specialized Functions An interesting distinction from the conversation: Keep strategic knowledge and decision-making close to the company. Outsource specialized expertise when it makes sense. For example, PADT outsources patent work to patent attorneys who often have engineering backgrounds themselves. That gives both sides a common technical language. Segment 2 — Arizona's Technology Ecosystem PADT's History of Spinning Out Companies PADT itself has contributed to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Examples discussed: Salad and Go - Founded by a former PADT employee. Luminosity - An engineering/technology consulting company associated with ASU and founded by former PADT employee Tyler Smith. The larger lesson: Companies don't just create products. They can create people who go on to create other companies. PADT has therefore become part of the ecosystem's entrepreneurial "gene pool." Why Arizona's Tech Community Can Be Confusing The conversation broke down several organizations that play different roles in Arizona's technology ecosystem. Arizona Technology Council Eric described the Arizona Technology Council as one of the most important organizations in the state's technology ecosystem. Approximately 700 member companies Members span: Technology IT Manufacturing Aerospace Medical devices Eric serves on the board. The organization advocates at the state legislature. It works to promote business growth. It also provides business services, including programs involving areas such as 401(k)s and healthcare. Perhaps most importantly, it creates a community for companies and people to meet each other. The Real Value Is Showing Up One of Eric's strongest points: Joining an organization isn't enough. You have to actually attend the events. Eric has developed: Friendships Business relationships Customers Suppliers Partnerships -       through the Technology Council. He originally joined looking for suppliers and customers but discovered that the broader relationships became just as valuable. The lesson: You don't get the value of a business community by becoming a member. You get it by participating. Unexpected Business Relationships Eric gave the example of developing a partnership with Tom Sullivan of Air2O through his involvement with the Council. The broader point is that networking often produces opportunities you weren't specifically looking for. Technology Council Events Examples discussed: Manufacturing showcase with GCU Cybersecurity events Annual awards event in November Other technology/community networking events The manufacturing event is particularly interesting because Arizona has relatively few traditional manufacturing trade shows despite the state's rapidly expanding manufacturing base. Segment 3 — Venture Cafe, Venture Madness & the Startup Ecosystem Venture Cafe Venture Cafe provides an informal entry point into Arizona's startup and technology community. Thursday evenings Approximately 5–7 PM Phoenix Bioscience Core Rotating programming Topics can include: AI Food technology Aerospace Other emerging technologies Entrepreneurship The key idea: you don't need to already be deeply embedded in the startup ecosystem to show up and meet people. Eric also serves as a mentor. Other Startup Community Organizations The discussion also referenced Freeway, associated with Danielle Santangelo, as another part of the startup ecosystem. Venture Madness Venture Madness was described as Arizona's premier startup pitch event. Designed to connect startups with investors Similar in concept to Shark Tank Has been operating for more than 20 years Originally called Invest Southwest Has evolved/pivoted over time to remain relevant to investors and founders Eric serves on the board The core purpose: Connect capital with companies that are looking for funding. Arizona Commerce Authority Public-Private Economic Development The Arizona Commerce Authority plays a different role from the Technology Council and startup organizations. Eric described it as a public-private partnership focused on economic development. Its mission includes: Recruiting companies to Arizona Helping companies expand in Arizona Growing the state's economy Supporting founders and funders Eric serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence. One major example discussed was the tremendous manufacturing growth in the West Valley, including the arrival and expansion of TSMC. Arizona Tech Week The conversation highlighted the first Arizona Tech Week in spring 2026. It generated more than 400 events, demonstrating the appetite for technology-related engagement across the state. Arizona's Manufacturing Boom Aerospace + Semiconductors = Economic Engines One of the strongest themes in the interview was the transformation of Arizona's economy through technology-driven manufacturing. Eric identified two especially important sectors: Semiconductors Arizona's semiconductor story has deep roots. The discussion referenced: Motorola Freescale ON Semiconductor Intel Amkor TSMC The state's semiconductor ecosystem now extends across manufacturing, packaging and supporting technologies. TSMC The enormous TSMC investment in the West Valley represents one of the most significant developments in Arizona manufacturing. Aerospace Arizona also has a major aerospace ecosystem involving companies such as: Northrop Grumman Honeywell Aerospace Viasat Iridium Orbital Sciences The state also has missile and aerospace-related activity in Tucson. Eric's broader point was that aerospace and semiconductors are becoming major economic engines for Arizona. Segment 4 — Universities as Technology Economic Engines A major insight from the interview: The strongest technology ecosystems tend to be built around universities. Eric compared Arizona with other major technology centers: Silicon Valley Boston Austin The common thread is the presence of major universities and research institutions. Arizona's Three Major Research Universities University of Arizona Tucson Strong in optics/photonics Medical research Technology commercialization Eric's memorable description of Tucson's optics/photonics ecosystem: "It's all light." This can encompass: Cameras Lenses Satellite imaging Photonics Advanced optical technologies Arizona State University Phoenix/Tempe Major research and technology commercialization engine SkySong serves as an important technology/community hub Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Third major research university contributing to Arizona's technology ecosystem Turning University Research Into Companies The universities don't just conduct research. They can help commercialize research and turn it into businesses. Examples discussed: Tech Launch Arizona Associated with the University of Arizona and focused on moving university technology toward commercialization. SkySong ASU's technology/business ecosystem in Scottsdale. These types of organizations help turn: Research → Technology → Commercial Product → Company Areas mentioned include: Medical devices Cryptography Photonics Advanced technologies Eric noted that this university-to-company pipeline is one of the characteristics shared by successful technology ecosystems around the country. Technology as a Force for Economic Growth One of the broader ideas running through the interview: Technology can be an economic engine for an entire region. Arizona's combination of: Universities Research Manufacturing Aerospace Semiconductors Medical devices Startup capital Entrepreneurial communities creates an ecosystem rather than isolated technology companies. Examples discussed include: GE Ultrasound in Tempe Medical technology in Tucson Artificial-heart technology developed by a Tucson company Semiconductor manufacturing Aerospace and space technologies Photonics Eric also referenced the Arizona company involved in retrieving a sample from an asteroid as another example of the extraordinary technology being developed in the state. The Human Side of Technology Star Trek as Inspiration One of the best personal stories from the interview came at the end. Eric's original inspiration for technology came from Star Trek. As a kid, he saw technology portrayed as something that could make the world better. Today, he gets to work with technologies that once seemed like science fiction: 3D printing Advanced lasers Handheld communication Advanced imaging Other emerging technologies The larger idea: The future we imagined as kids eventually becomes the technology we build as adults. Eric's work at PADT allows him to experience some of that firsthand. Bonus Conversation — Star Trek & Branding There was also an interesting side discussion about Star Trek's visual branding. The uniforms used color coding to communicate roles: Yellow — command Red — engineering Blue — science Matt connected this to branding and organizational communication. The lesson: Good branding reduces confusion. When people can immediately understand what something represents, the organization becomes easier to navigate. This applies not just to logos and colors but to: Roles Products Services Organizational structures Messaging       Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/  

CAST11 - Be curious.
Yuma Welcomes $100 Million Kimberly-Clark Manufacturing Facility

CAST11 - Be curious.

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 4:33


Send us a text and chime in!The Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation (GYEDC), in partnership with the City of Yuma and the Arizona Commerce Authority, is proud to announce that Kimberly-Clark Corporation is constructing in Yuma, Arizona one of its newest U.S. facilities, a 50,000-square-foot pilot facility representing a capital investment of over 0 million. The project is well under construction and expected to create approximately 50 full-time jobs at competitive compensation levels, further strengthening the region's advanced manufacturing and sustainable industry base. “We welcome Kimberly Clark! This investment is a perfect example of building upon our historical and strong agricultural industry, while developing our future...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/yuma-welcomes-100-million-kimberly-clark-manufacturing-facility/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

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CAST11 - Be curious.
Airbus Supplier Day Highlights Arizona's Aerospace Growth

CAST11 - Be curious.

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 3:43


Send us a text and chime in!With rapid momentum across Arizona's dynamic aerospace and defense ecosystem, Airbus, a global aerospace and defense leader, and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), hosted Airbus Supplier Day on June 12, 2026. Governor Katie Hobbs joined Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America; Sharon Green, CEO of Unical; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; Representative Greg Stanton; Representative David Schweikert; Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and over 60 A&D suppliers for Airbus Supplier Day, showcasing the strength and depth of the state's aerospace and defense supply chain. Since 2020, Arizona has attracted more than 62...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/airbus-supplier-day-highlights-arizonas-aerospace-growth/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

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KJZZ's The Show
Taiwan passes Canada, China to become Arizona's No. 2 trading partner

KJZZ's The Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 48:22


Arizona exports were up last year, and a new country is the state's second-biggest trading partner. The head of the Arizona Commerce Authority on what that means for the state. Plus, what doctors can learn from improv comedians and vice versa.

CAST11 - Be curious.
Silicon Valley VC Brings AI Growth to Arizona - Beyond

CAST11 - Be curious.

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 2:18


Send us a text and chime in!Silicon Valley–based venture capital firm NovaWave Capital has welcomed AZ Venture Capital Inc. and Sunny Day Sports as new investors in its latest fund, further strengthening the public-private capital supporting innovation across the United States. The announcement coincided with CES 2026®, where NovaWave, together with anchor investor LG Electronics, unveiled a collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority to launch WaveX, a new AI venture studio. WaveX will support startups and early-stage companies in healthcare, energy, sports, and media. NovaWave's initiative complements its existing hubs in West Virginia and Silicon Valley, along with its growing presence in the Gulf region, creating... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/silicon-valley-vc-brings-ai-growth-to-arizona-beyond/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

CAST11 - Be curious.
Dr. Lisa Rhine Appointed to Arizona Commerce Authority Board

CAST11 - Be curious.

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 2:53


Send us a text and chime in!Ten community college presidents of the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4) unanimously nominated Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine to represent the state's community colleges on the Arizona Commerce Authority's Board of Directors on August 22. Dr. Rhine is replacing Mohave Community College President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein. Dr. Rhine, the tenth president of Yavapai College, has over 36 years of leadership experience in colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and Arizona. Dr. Rhine serves on numerous local, regional and national commissions, task forces and boards including service on the Commission on Economic and Workforce Development for the American... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/dr-lisa-rhine-appointed-to-arizona-commerce-authority-board/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

CAST11 - Be curious.
Prescott Valley Hires New Economic Development Administrator

CAST11 - Be curious.

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 1:10


Send us a text and chime in!The Town of Prescott Valley is excited to welcome new Economic Development Administrator Jamie Kerr to its leadership team. Kerr brings with him a wealth of experience with over 32 years in business and economic development, including his current role as Vice President of Rural Economic Development for the Arizona Commerce Authority. In this capacity, he has played a crucial role in strengthening rural economies across Arizona by fostering strong relationships with businesses and regional partners, making him a great fit for Prescott Valley. As the Economic Development Administrator, Kerr will be responsible for promoting industrial growth, enhancing local businesses,... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/prescott-valley-hires-new-economic-development-administrator/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0
AZ Tech Council on 2024 Innovation & Governors Celebration w/ Steve Zylstra - AZ TRT S05 EP42 (258) 11-10-2023

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 24:18


AZ Tech Council on 2024 Innovation & Governors Celebration w/ Steve Zylstra   - AZ TRT S05 EP42 (258) 11-10-2023            What We Learned This Week Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, honors technology leaders and innovators from across the state with the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards. AZ Tech advocates for the entire tech industry New committee on Space, Satellites & Rockets for launches Major Investment$ in AZ for Semiconductor & Battery factories     Guest: Steve Zylstra, President / CEO AZ Tech Council https://www.aztechcouncil.org/   Steve Zylstra of AZ Tech Council joins BRT to talk all things technology in the Valley. The Arizona Technology Council is one of the largest technology-driven trade associations in North America, with over 850 members and growing, the only organization specifically serving technology companies statewide. They protect innovators and truly believe that technology moves all of us forward; and are dedicated to the future of Arizona. Steve Zylstra advocates for AZ tech, as well as his recurring writing about the industry. Steve, and the Council are a major source for updates on technology, business growth, and what legislation is being drafted.     The Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, has announced the winners of the 2022 Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards. Winners of this prestigious annual award program represent the best of the best in Arizona's technology, science and education ecosystem. This year's recipients were recognized tonight in a ceremony at the Phoenix Convention Center. “The Governor's Celebration of Innovation award winners represent the pinnacle of innovation and cutting-edge problem solving throughout the state,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and its foundation, SciTech Institute. “It was a pleasure to celebrate our winners, as well as the many outstanding finalists, at tonight's awards show. Each year we are so proud to see how far Arizona has come as a leader in technology, science and STEM education.” “Each year, the Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards showcase Arizona's vibrant technology community,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “This year's winners and finalists certainly carry on that tradition. We are proud to partner with the Council to highlight the entrepreneurs and local leaders making Arizona a magnet for innovative technologies.”     Notes:     Steve Zylstra of the AZ Tech Council joins the show to preview the upcoming Governor's Celebration of Innovation     Seg 1   AZ Tech Council operates statewide with offices in Phoenix in Tucson. They do public policy advocacy for the technology industry in Arizona. Host events 3x a week, have a newsletter, and numerous programs members.   Council has 14 committees, with the prominent one being public policy.   Link: https://www.aztechcouncil.org/committees/   Tech Impact Report: https://aztc.eimpactv3.com/dashboards/6/techimpact/aztc   Tech industry is booming in Phoenix and Arizona with over $102 billion invested in the semiconductor industry alone. There are four Giga battery factories being built in Arizona.   Company looks selfish if they advocate to politicians in the state direct. Arizona Tech Council acts as a go-between to advocate for the whole technology industry. They also help with legislation through legislative reps. They've gotten priorities past like tech credits R&D invest plans and also lower corporate taxes. They review candidates to see who votes and how the candidates info align with technology goals.   Tech Council committees include AI with 95 companies involved. One of the biggest industries in technology and also Arizona is Optics and Photonics. This deals in light, lasers, lenses or managing light through devices like a telescope to a microscope. University of Arizona and Tucson is the No. 1 school for optics.   Some companies involved are Synapse Labs and Mercurio.   Consultants help companies to transform business on how to use AI. Can either use AI current tools like ChatGPT, or create your own large language model. AI can improve all aspects of a business, really upgrade efficiency.   The AZ Tech Council has added an AI bot called Ada named after Ada Lovelace (early computers) to their website. Over time, AI learns and grows. The company that helped the council with the AI bot is called Skilly.AI.     Seg 2   Clean Energy is a big topic and technology in Arizona. With the passing of the inflation reduction act during Covid,  $12 billion has been invested in Arizona, which created 18,000 jobs.   Four Giga factories being built by companies like Kore Power, LG, and American Battery Factory. Deals in Transportation and energy storage for batteries.   You also got major EV car makers in Arizona ike Llucid and Nicola. Estimated over the next 7 years Arizona will have 40% more power needs. Arizona also number one and number two in data centers and growth.   Data Centers use lots of power and cost a lot. You also have a life science industry with organizations like AZ Bio. This is one of the fastest growing sectors. Another one is semiconductors.   Early discussion about mini or modular nuclear facilities for data centers. This could produce renewable power on site. This is long-term planning and might be 10 years away. An example of something being worked on as a nuclear plant loaded on a semi truck.   Governor Celebration of Innovation is a joint awards event between AZ Tech Council and AZ Commerce Authority. Celebrating startups, and small and large companies. Awards to stem students and teacher of the year.   Lifetime achievement award for execs in Boeing, and Phantom Launch (in Tucson) rocket company.   Link to Event: https://www.aztechcouncil.org/event/2024-governors-celebration-of-innovation-awards/   CEO Jim Cantrell of Phantom Launch (formally of SpaceX). rocket expert building a launch system for micro satellites or small satellites. He's competing with SpaceX, his former boss, Elon Musk, and their Falcon satellite.   Satellite and rocket launch technology is a fast growing industry and technology. Future goals to see man return and colonize the moon, as well as mine meteors for resources.   AZ Companies involved in the space industry are Honeywell, Northrup, Grumman, Raytheon, Paragon Space, Viasat, Blue Origin, and Virgin, all operating in Arizona   Steve's son works for Space Force, and also Steve worked in the Aerospace industry prior to the tech council. Arizona Tech Council 2024 is forming a committee on the space industry the end of 2024.           Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science     AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech     ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.       AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Arizona's Morning News
Patrick Ptak, Arizona Commerce Authority

Arizona's Morning News

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 6:02


Patrick joins the show to talk about the pursuit of CHIPS Act opportunities in Arizona

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The Mike Broomhead Show Audio
Hour 3: Was it illegal for the Arizona Commerce Authority to woo CEOs for business during the Super Bowl?

The Mike Broomhead Show Audio

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 31:21


Kristin Bentz explains how major events impacts Arizona's business economy.

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The Mike Broomhead Show Audio
Hour 4: Should government agencies be reviewed more often?

The Mike Broomhead Show Audio

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 32:12


Mike shares the latest on the Arizona Commerce Authority.

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KJZZ's The Show: Friday Newscap
Arizona's budget shortfall could be an easy fix

KJZZ's The Show: Friday Newscap

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 22:00


Former state schools superintendent Jaime Molera of Molera Alvarez and Dawn Penich-Thacker of Agave Strategy joined The Show to discuss Gov. Katie Hobbs' proposed budget, the debate over the future of the Arizona Commerce Authority and more.

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KJZZ's Stories You Don't Want to Miss
Stories You Don't Want to Miss for the week of Jan. 15, 2024

KJZZ's Stories You Don't Want to Miss

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 25:54


Keeping the Arizona Commerce Authority going is a priority for Gov. Katie Hobbs, but a Republican-controlled panel voted against continuing the agency. Dams are coming down on rivers across the West and many tribes are all for it. Phoenix has launched a special court for low-level offenders experiencing homelessness. Plus the latest education, metro Phoenix and Fronteras Desk news.

KJZZ's The Show
A city this size needs more support for the arts, outgoing Phoenix Symphony director warns

KJZZ's The Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 47:52


The Arizona Commerce Authority has become a topic of debate, with the AG calling some events unconstitutional. We'll hear about the latest on the agency's future. Plus, the outgoing conductor of the Phoenix Symphony on his time leading the orchestra. That and more on The Show.

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The Conservative Circus w/ James T. Harris
Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman discusses the AZ Commerce Authority's shady dealings

The Conservative Circus w/ James T. Harris

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 5:58


The Arizona Commerce Authority faces backlash from both sides of the aisle.

authority commerce hoffman shady state senators dealings arizona state senator arizona commerce authority
10 Lessons Learned
Re-Broadcast Eric Miller-Know Your Own Bias

10 Lessons Learned

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 42:09


                                                  Eric Miller, CEO, Entrepreneur, Director speaks with us why it's important "To learn your tools", "Never to understate the importance of a network", why we should "Know our own bias" and more. Hosted by Diana White About Eric Miller   Eric is a co-owner of Tempe-based PADT, Inc., a provider of tools and services to companies that design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and started his career focusing on applying Computer-Aided Engineering to turbine engine components. As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric also pursued IT, graphic design, 3D printing, database programming, HR, and small business management. Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D printing. He is also steeply involved with the startup community and the high-tech sector. Eric hosts the podcast All Things ANSYS. He is currently Chair of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors, a member of the Arizona Technology Investors' screening committee, and serves on several advisory boards. Eric also serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arizona Commerce Authority and mentors through multiple startup incubators including Chandler Innovations and The CleanTech Open. He regularly contributes to the Phoenix Business Journal with articles about technology, small business, and the Arizona ecosystem. Eric also moonlights as a freelance writer. He enjoys traveling, writing, history, cooking, and learning about new things. Episode Notes Lesson 1. Communication is so important and drives everything. 03:28 Lesson 2. Never understate the importance of a strong network 06:11 Lesson 3. What you learned in Kindergarten works. 09:09 Lesson 4. People and situations change over time. 11:54 Lesson 5. Know your own bias. 15:10 Lesson 6. Feelings should guide you, not constrain you. 18:26 Lesson 7. Be able to do, or at least understand, your employee's job 20:57 Lesson 8. Letting people go is good for their co-workers, for them, and for your company. 23:53 Lesson 9. Take the time to learn your tools. 27:45 Lesson 10. Understand the real and perceived value 30:41

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0
Governors Celebration of Innovation AZ Tech Council w/ Steve Zylstra + Future Innovators - BRT S04 EP44 (207) 11-5-2023

AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 52:54


Governors Celebration of Innovation AZ Tech Council w/ Steve Zylstra + Future Innovators   - BRT S04 EP44 (207) 11-5-2023                    What We Learned This Week Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, honors technology leaders and innovators from across the state with the Governor's Celebration of Innovation Awards. Interviews w/ Future Innovators     Guest: Steve Zylstra, President / CEO AZ Tech Council https://www.aztechcouncil.org/ https://www.aztechcouncil.org/kfnx_july2021/       Steve Zylstra of AZ Tech Council joins BRT to talk all things technology in the Valley. The Arizona Technology Council is one of the largest technology-driven trade associations in North America, with over 850 members and growing, the only organization specifically serving technology companies statewide. They protect innovators and truly believe that technology moves all of us forward; and are dedicated to the future of Arizona. Steve Zylstra advocates for AZ tech, as well as his recurring writing about the industry. Steve, and the Council are a major source for updates on technology, business growth, and what legislation is being drafted.     The Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, has announced the winners of the 2022 Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards. Winners of this prestigious annual award program represent the best of the best in Arizona's technology, science and education ecosystem. This year's recipients were recognized tonight in a ceremony at the Phoenix Convention Center. “The Governor's Celebration of Innovation award winners represent the pinnacle of innovation and cutting-edge problem solving throughout the state,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and its foundation, SciTech Institute. “It was a pleasure to celebrate our winners, as well as the many outstanding finalists, at tonight's awards show. Each year we are so proud to see how far Arizona has come as a leader in technology, science and STEM education.” “Each year, the Governor's Celebration of Innovation awards showcase Arizona's vibrant technology community,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “This year's winners and finalists certainly carry on that tradition. We are proud to partner with the Council to highlight the entrepreneurs and local leaders making Arizona a magnet for innovative technologies.”   The winners in their respective categories are: Future Innovator Awards ·         Siddarth Adda – Basis H.S., Scottsdale ·         Sruti Peddi – Basis H.S., Scottsdale ·         Ram Bubby – Basis H.S., Scottsdale ·         Baochan Fan   Future Innovator Honorable Mentions ·         Maya Marie Schwickert – Texas Women's Univ. ·         Prisha Shroff – Hamilton H.S., Chandler       Notes:   1st Half     Steve Zylstra of the AZ Tech Council joins the show to preview the upcoming Governor's Celebration of Innovation     Interviews with Future Innovators Awards Winners & Honorable Mentions       ·         Siddarth Adda – Basis H.S., Scottsdale   AI diagnostic tool to read for eye disease, uses app on a phone to take a picture of the eye and scan the picture for any disease issues, this can help with telehealth and make the optometry industry more efficient   Siddarth has family who has eye diseases and partially blind Future Major – Biology for a Medicine career     ·         Maya Marie Schwickert – Texas Women's Univ. , Chemistry & Math major   Maya's Science Project reducing LED blue light on wildlife and nature   Thru gelatin used seaweed to create a light cover to reduce light emissions   Career objective FBI analyst         2nd Half   More Interviews with Future Innovators Awards Winners & Honorable Mentions   ·         Sruti Peddi – Basis H.S., Scottsdale   Sruti's Science Project Built an AI tool that can predict future floods and warn residents 3 days in advance of a high flood area to get away for safety, help people who do not have access to good data   Sruti has family who have farms and experienced the devastation of floods Future career aspirations is to work in government and public policy     ·         Ram Bubby – Basis H.S., Scottsdale   Ram's Science Project was to test the affect of UV light on crops to improve crop yields for agriculture, used spinach as a test crop UV light had good results helping crops grow better vs LED or fluorescent light Outdoor fields cannot keep up with demand Future career aspirations is to get a degree in environmental engineering to work in sustainability and more efficient use of energy     ·         Prisha Shroff – Hamilton H.S., Chandler   Prisha's Science Project was an AI algorithm that can predict blood sugar levels for Diabetics based on inputting what  foods they will be eating in their next meals to help manage health and give alternate ideas if not a good choice. The App User would need to enter 2 weeks of historical data, plus health information to help setup up the process. Prisha has both family and friends who have diabetes so she has seen firsthand how this info can help daily.         Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech   More - BRT Best of Tech: Best of AZ Tech Council BRT of Tech 2022 BRT S02 EP52 (99) 12-26-2021 – Tech for the Holidays – BRT      Best of Biotech from AZ Bio & Life Sciences to Jellatech: HERE   Biotech Shows: HERE   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023      ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the BRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Studio Sherpas
333. Insights on Human-Centered Filmmaking: An Interview with Dan Tyre, Former HubSpot Employee and Angel Investor

Studio Sherpas

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 48:08


Today on the show with Dan Tyre, we talk about how infusing your business with a human centered outlook at every level can help you achieve exponential growth while maintaining healthy relationships. Dan is a rapid growth expert and has many tips from years of developing several massively successful startups. We talk about some of the most important keys to growth such as niching, effective websites, human centered sales, and the “freemium” business model. This conversation is a much needed reminder to treat each other like humans and do our best to help others. When you strive for this, your business, and the world, will become a much better place! Key Takeaways  The best way to grow in 2023 is to have a very narrow niche. Embrace the “freemium” model by using free stuff to hook potential clients, build trust, and create raving fans. For serious growth, your customers are more important than your sales team. Utilize your website to get a conversation started with potential clients, don't try to sell to them immediately. About Dan Tyre Dan is a 14-year-veteran of HubSpot, hired as employee number six. While initially the first salesperson, Dan has since helped expand the sales team through management, recruiting, and training. He is also a frequent contributor to the HubSpot Sales Blog and coined the term "Schmarketing" to describe the necessary alignment between sales and marketing. Outside of HubSpot, Dan leverages his 42 years of multidisciplinary business experience in sales, marketing, and service to help scale fast-growing companies and coach those that want to harness the power of Inbound Marketing to improve their bottom line. In April 2018, he published a book with Wiley Business Press with Todd Hockenberry called Inbound Organization: How to Build and Strengthen Your Company's Future Using Inbound Principles, and he regularly shares his knowledge through guest appearances on podcasts and as a speaker at worldwide events. In his local Arizona community, Dan puts pen to paper with his life motto of “always be helping” and spends time advising startups and mentoring executives and young people with ambitions with the Arizona Commerce Authority and Galvanize location in Phoenix. He also demonstrates his commitment to social responsibility with mentorship at Seed Spot. Most proudly, Dan has been married to the beautiful, smart, and thoughtful Amy Tyre for 33 years, and they share two children, Eli and Sally, and a rescue pup named Stinson. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [02:28] Meet Dan Tyre [04:17] Dan's interesting career background [22:55] Dan's books [25:55] Principles of an Allbound business [30:12] The riches are in the niches [34:29] The HubSpot Flywheel [38:55] Inbound marketing for your website [40:56] Using a CRM [41:50] Free resources [46:16] Connect with Dan [46:52] Outro Quotes  “Number 1 - treat people like human beings.” [26:07] - Dan Tyre “You help before you sell.” [27:00] - Dan Tyre “Never before has it been so easy for me to say, ‘here's exactly, not just what we do, but who we do it for.'” [31:48] - Ryan Koral “You can actually grow quicker in 2023 if you have a smaller focus, a niche focus.” [32:42] - Dan Tyre “Your customers are more important for new business than your sales team.” [34:42] - Dan Tyre Links  Get the The Lead Machine: Website Checklist for Filmmakers FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Find Dan Tyre online HubSpot's Free Website Grader HubSpot's Growth Grader Follow Dan Tyre on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Connect with Dan Tyre on LinkedIn Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram What's your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Check out the full show notes page If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

Phoenix Business Radio
How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation E35

Phoenix Business Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023


How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation E35 Public-private partnerships play a pivotal role in Arizona's economic development and positioning the state as an attractive place for technology companies to do business. So, what are some of the partnerships contributing to Arizona's continued growth? The February 2023 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s AZTechCast podcast featured experts […] The post How Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovation E35 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

3 On Your Side
Big Game, Big Business

3 On Your Side

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 13:05


As Super Bowl festivities kick off, Arizona is getting ready to welcome dozens of CEOs in an effort to lure new business to the state. In this episode, Sandra Watson, the president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority gives us an inside look at the potential economic impact and the unique itineraries for the out-of-town guests. 

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Quest Friends!
Ep. 8 - Matthew Earl Jones talks about Arizona's Film Office Endeavors

Quest Friends!

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 13:52


Matthew Earl Jones, Director of Arizona Commerce Authority's Film and Digital Media Program talks about what's next for the film industry in Arizona.

Arizona's Morning News
Patrick Ptak, Senior Vice President of Arizona Commerce Authority

Arizona's Morning News

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 4:43


Patrick Ptak with the AZ Commerce Authority join AZ Morning News to discuss the risks of tech industry jobs in the state and what job growth looks like overall compared to the rest of the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

senior vice president ptak arizona commerce authority
Tucson Means Business
TMB E87: Howard N Stewart recipient of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award

Tucson Means Business

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 31:29


Local Tucson community advocate and philanthropist Howard N. Stewart is Mark's special guest in this episode. Howard is a recipient of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award, Mark discusses what that means to Howard and why.About ~ HOWARD N. STEWART In 1970, AGM was founded by Howard's parents, Roger and Joyce Stewart. The following year, at only 12 years of age, Howard began working at AGM for “the princely sum” of just $1.00 an hour. He continued to work at AGM almost every summer until 1982. In 1989, Howard returned to AGM in the position of “junior purchasing clerk”. In the year 2000, Howard was named AGM's President/CEO. In 2002, the Tucson Metro Chamber named Howard as Tucson's Small Business Leader of the Year. In 2009, under Howard's leadership, AGM was recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as "America's Best Small Business", beating out over 4,500 other contenders for this distinction. To date, AGM remains the only Arizona business to have ever received this distinction from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2018, Howard was named Southern Arizona's CEO of the Year. In 2021, the Arizona Commerce Authority, in concert with the Arizona Technology Council, jointly named Howard as “Arizona's Transformational Leader of the Year. ABOUT AGM CONTAINER CONTROLS INC. Founded in 1970, AGM is a supplier of pressure, moisture, and logistics management hardware that is beneficial to our nation's aerospace & defense industry. As a result of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, in 1992, Ascension, a division of AGM, entered the wheelchair lift market, whereby AGM has become the designer and manufacturer of the world's best wheelchair lifts for the public facilities and commercial space markets. Furthermore, in the year 2022, Ascension, became the exclusive North American distributor for a new product called the Omeo personal mobility (wheelchair) device, which is already beginning to change the way many people with disabilities are leading their lives. As such, the Omeo's unique, self-balancing technology enables its users to reclaim their independence and interact with the world around them in a revolutionary new way. Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, AGM is a proud, American-owned manufacturing company, which has established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), such that AGM's employees have become employee-owners who own a significant portion of our organization. In fact, such employee-owners have helped AGM Management to drive up the value of our organization by roughly 2,400% in the last 27 years. Moreover, AGM aspires to be a model, principled company, whereby we do our best to provide for the needs of our employee-owners and their families, as well as to enable such employees to fulfill their personal goals through increasingly rewarding career opportunities and continuing education. Howard N. Stewart President/CEO AGM Container Controls 3544 E Fort Lowell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 462-0912

10 Lessons Learned
Eric Miller-Know Your Own Bias

10 Lessons Learned

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 40:51 Transcription Available


                                              Eric Miller, CEO, Entrepreneur, Director speaks with us why it's important "To learn your tools", "Never to understate the importance of a network", why we should "Know our own bias" and more. Hosted by Diana White About Eric Miller   Eric is a co-owner of Tempe-based PADT, Inc., a provider of tools and services to companies that design and manufacture physical products. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and started his career focusing on applying Computer-Aided Engineering to turbine engine components. As a co-founder of PADT in 1994, Eric also pursued IT, graphic design, 3D printing, database programming, HR, and small business management. Eric is often called upon to write and speak on simulation, design, and 3D printing. He is also steeply involved with the startup community and the high-tech sector. Eric hosts the podcast All Things ANSYS. He is currently Chair of the Arizona Technology Council Board of Directors, a member of the Arizona Technology Investors' screening committee, and serves on several advisory boards. Eric also serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Arizona Commerce Authority and mentors through multiple startup incubators including Chandler Innovations and The CleanTech Open. He regularly contributes to the Phoenix Business Journal with articles about technology, small business, and the Arizona ecosystem. Eric also moonlights as a freelance writer. He enjoys traveling, writing, history, cooking, and learning about new things. Episode Notes Lesson 1. Communication is so important and drives everything. 03:28 Lesson 2. Never understate the importance of a strong network 06:11 Lesson 3. What you learned in Kindergarten works. 09:09 Lesson 4. People and situations change over time. 11:54 Lesson 5. Know your own bias. 15:10 Lesson 6. Feelings should guide you, not constrain you. 18:26 Lesson 7. Be able to do, or at least understand, your employee's job 20:57 Lesson 8. Letting people go is good for their co-workers, for them, and for your company. 23:53 Lesson 9. Take the time to learn your tools. 27:45 Lesson 10. Understand the real and perceived value 30:41  

Business RadioX ® Network
2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21

Business RadioX ® Network

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021


2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21 Over the past year, Arizona has gained global recognition for its thriving technology ecosystem. Despite being on the tail end of a pandemic and facing supply chain challenges, Arizona has rapidly become an epicenter for electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing and many other rising industries. In […]

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Phoenix Business Radio
2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21

Phoenix Business Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021


2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21 Over the past year, Arizona has gained global recognition for its thriving technology ecosystem. Despite being on the tail end of a pandemic and facing supply chain challenges, Arizona has rapidly become an epicenter for electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing and many other rising industries. In […] The post 2021 – A Whirlwind Year of Growth in Review E21 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Tipping Point With Zach Yentzer
Nationally syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette talks Critical Race Theory; Kevin Gullette from the Arizona Commerce Authority talks Southern Arizona economy and workforce.

Tipping Point With Zach Yentzer

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 51:30


Zach sits down with Ruben Navarrette to discuss how we're getting the Critical Race Theory conversation all wrong; Kevin Gullette, VP of Business Development for the Arizona Commerce Authority talks Southern Arizona economy and developing a workforce for the present and future, as part of ongoing show series Workforce Pivots.

Arizona's Morning News
Patrick Ptak, Arizona Commerce Authority

Arizona's Morning News

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 4:47


Patrick Ptak with the Arizona Commerce Authority says Arizona's job availability is set to increase by over 700,000 over the next decade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

arizona ptak arizona commerce authority
The Slice'd Podcast
Slice'd Snippet: Andy Lombard + Mahati Sridhar

The Slice'd Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 25:05


This episode was recorded in Arizona at the UNMET AZ conference back in early October and will be a short, but inspiring look into impactful founders and notable people from the region. On today's Slice'd Snippet we speak with Andy Lombard, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Venture Development for the Arizona Commerce Authority, and Mahati Sridhar, Vice President of Revolutions Rise of the Rest. Andy and Mahati were panelists at UNMET and provide us with a little slice of knowledge from the conference. Check out Rise of the Rest and ACA: https://revolution.com/entity/rotr/ + https://www.azcommerce.com

AZ Tech Podcast
News RECAP - Week ending Oct. 1

AZ Tech Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 28:09


This week in Arizona we saw a merger between two drone data collection companies. The first is Skynetwest, which was based here in Chandler, joined forces with Mississippi-based Soaring Eagle Imaging to create Soaring Eagle Technologies. Another bit of news was that Arizona Commerce Authority announced the National Semiconductor Economic Roadmap (NSER), which will bring people from different sectors together to position the US as the leader in semiconductor manufacturing. We also discuss Instagram's halt on its product for kids, privacy and what the Elizabeth Holmes trial says about Silicon Valley. 

NEWS THAT MATTER
Why Arizona Is Becoming A Hotbed For Tech

NEWS THAT MATTER

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2021 20:34


Arizona has rapidly become an epicenter for electric vehicle and self-driving tech, and it's now the site of three big new semiconductor factories as the U.S. struggles to increase production during the global chip shortage. The Arizona Commerce Authority says it helped 634 companies relocate or expand in Arizona between 2015 and 2020. Big names include Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and electric vehicle companies Lucid Motors, ElectraMeccanica, Nikola and Atlis Motor Vehicles. In 2020, Phoenix attracted more residents than any other U.S. city for the fourth year in a row, as highly skilled remote workers flocked to the lower cost of living and wide open spaces of the Grand Canyon State. Get the latest news: https://anchor.fm/world-of-relaxation

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Business RadioX ® Network
Arizona Commerce Authority – 10 Years of Growth Re-Imagined E16

Business RadioX ® Network

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021


Arizona Commerce Authority – 10 Years of Growth Re-Imagined E16 This episode of AZTechCast features three members of the ACA's leadership team: Andy Lombard, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Venture Development; Jena Coolidge McGovern, SVP of Marketing and Communications; Brian Sherman, Chief Innovation Officer. These dedicated leaders are ushering in a new era of […]

Phoenix Business Radio
Arizona Commerce Authority – 10 Years of Growth Re-Imagined E16

Phoenix Business Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021


Arizona Commerce Authority – 10 Years of Growth Re-Imagined E16 This episode of AZTechCast features three members of the ACA's leadership team: Andy Lombard, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Venture Development; Jena Coolidge McGovern, SVP of Marketing and Communications; Brian Sherman, Chief Innovation Officer. These dedicated leaders are ushering in a new era of […] The post Arizona Commerce Authority – 10 Years of Growth Re-Imagined E16 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

On The Border
Lack of clarity around border crossing laws leads to problems in Agua Prieta

On The Border

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 9:22


Good morning, it's Monday March 1st and this is The Herald Review's Daily Chirp podcast. We're bringing you a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other important things going on in our community.  Today - Lack of clarity around border crossing laws have left humanitarian aid workers with potential problems in Agua Prieta. Before we begin, some local history. The Arizona copper mine strike of 1983 began as a bargaining dispute between the Phelps Dodge Corporation and a group of unioncopper miners and mill workers. It lasted nearly three years, and resulted in replacement of most of the striking workers and decertification of the unions. Today's history is brought to you by Benson Hospital - they're doing more than treating illnesses in Benson, they're building a healthier community. Benson Hospital is now collaborating with the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona to provide diaper assistance to families in need. For more information visit their website at bensonhospital.org. Also, The Daily Chirp podcast is giving away 5 Amazon Echo Dots - one every month now through July. You can enter for your chance to win twice a day! Today's code is LUCKY, and find the other codeword in our e-newsletter. To enter the sweepstakes go to myheraldreview.com, again today's codeword is: LUCKY Now, our feature story.  Humanitarian aid workers are discouraging Mexicans from flocking to Agua Prieta and other towns bordering Arizona, telling them this stretch of the southwest border is still closed to migrants. While the Biden administration has let hundreds of Mexican asylum seekers into the U.S. earlier this month through Tijuana, Juarez and Matamoros, that's not the case along the border in Arizona.  Beto Ramos, the coordinator of the two main centers in Agua Prieta that process and house migrants who are seeking asylum told us: “There is misunderstanding and there is misinformation,”  While the Centro de Recursos Para el Migrante has been helping people seeking asylum with everything from paperwork to obtaining clothing or supplies, Ramos says The only people the US will accept are those who applied for asylum under the Migrant Protection Protocol policy in 2019. He wants to be clear: “That is not happening here and we are telling people, ‘Do not come to Agua Prieta.' “ Right now there are six Mexican families waiting, who want to seek asylum in the U.S., but who are not enrolled in MPP. A member of one of those families is 28-year-old Yajayra Rosique Chable and her 5-year-old son, Aslan. Chable and her child have been living at that center, in the heart of Agua Prieta, for a year. They're hoping that with President Biden things will change. On Biden's first day in office, the homeland security department suspended the policy for new arrivals. Since then, some asylum seekers picked up at the border have been released in the US with notices to appear in court. But according to an article in The Guardian, the Department of Homeland Security said the move “should not be interpreted as an opening for people to migrate irregularly to the United States.”  Administration officials have said repeatedly that the vast majority of people who cross the border illegally are quickly expelled under a public health order in place since the pandemic struck in March. And Ramos wanted us to know that many people have been crossing illegally from Mexico into Arizona lately and he wouldn't be surprised if coyotes — those who smuggle people into the U.S. illegally— are telling people in Mexico that the Biden administration has opened the border. But regardless of what people are being told in Mexico, the lifting of Trump-era prohibitions could spark an influx of migrants into Arizona. And Douglas Mayor Donald Huish said that could be a mix of both asylum seekers and individuals who are trying to enter illegally. The mayor says he is concerned. He has met with the Mexican consul in Douglas, as well as with Adams and Border Patrol officials. Now, they're trying to secure volunteers in the community who will help. The situation is frustrating for Huish, who said the federal government created these laws yet they will do nothing to help cities like Douglas deal with an influx of migrants. And back in Agua Prieta, Ramos said both migrant centers have been receiving calls from people in the country asking if the border is open and if they can travel. According to Huish - It seems like a policy without a plan. To stay up to date on this story and more, visit myheraldreview.com. Thanks for listening, before we continue, a quick message from our sponsors, Prestige Family Living.  Now, we'd like to highlight Pastor Clea McCaa of Sierra Vista First Church Of God in Christ. brought to you by ApexNetwork Physical Therapy in Benson and Sierra Vista. They're doing more than just treating patients, they're helping patients get back to living their daily lives. Using extensive knowledge, their therapists treat each patient one-on-one, focusing on individual care. To learn more, go to ApexNetworkPT.com. We asked Pastor Clea McCaa about his hopes and goals now that he is the new president for the local NAACP chapter. Among his many many goals, he told us that locally, the idea is to be more visible in the community and to assure the public is educated as they promote racial equity within community economic development. They'll also focus on strengthening the economic fabric by supporting the creation and growth of individual wealth building and supporting small businesses. Next, an upcoming event in our community that you should know about -- brought to you by our sponsors, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. Tomorrow, join the SBDC at Cochise College to learn more about international trade and the Arizona State Trade Expansion Program Grant from the Senior VP of International Trade at the Arizona Commerce Authority. The keynote speaker is Kevin OShea. The zoom event is completely free, and begins at 10am. For questions give them a call at 520-515-5492. Finally - we'd like to remember the life of Roberta Merwin, also known as Katie, from St. David, Katie was born in Cleveland Ohio, and married Douglas Merwin in 2003 in Colorado Springs.  Katie took joy in joining with her husband in ministering to hurting people through Truth In Love Ministries. She was actively involved in ministering to children throughout her life and loved singing hymns about her precious Lord! Surviving are her beloved husband, three stepchildren, six grandchildren, sister, nephew, and two nieces. Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Katie's life. Thanks for tuning in to the Herald Review podcast today, join us again on Tuesday! And remember, the Herald Review is here for you with local news you can trust. For more information on any of the stories you heard about today, visit us at myheraldreview.com. Right now you can become a member starting at just $1.99 per week. Support the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business RadioX ® Network
Electrifying: The Future of Vehicle Transportation and Mobility E8

Business RadioX ® Network

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020


Electrifying: The Future of Vehicle Transportation and Mobility E8 Innovative companies are playing a significant role in enabling the growth of the state s transportation electrification market and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As technology for self-driving cars and electric vehicles become more advanced, concerns on infrastructure challenges abound. Moderated by Phoenix Business Radio Owner & President […]

Phoenix Business Radio
Electrifying: The Future of Vehicle Transportation and Mobility E8

Phoenix Business Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2020


Electrifying: The Future of Vehicle Transportation and Mobility E8 Innovative companies are playing a significant role in enabling the growth of the state s transportation electrification market and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As technology for self-driving cars and electric vehicles become more advanced, concerns on infrastructure challenges abound. Moderated by Phoenix Business Radio Owner & President […] The post Electrifying: The Future of Vehicle Transportation and Mobility E8 appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Straight Up Chicago Investor
Episode 29: Revitalizing Pullman with Chicago Neighborhood Initiative (CNI)

Straight Up Chicago Investor

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 42:54


Ciere Boatright is the VP of Real Estate and Inclusion at CNI and has managed the planning and development of over $350 Million in new investment in southside neighborhoods. Today, Ciere walks us through several of those projects, with a focus on CNI’s successful revitalization of Pullman.  Ciere explains CNI’s approach towards creating jobs and affordable housing in specific communities, and why investors should care. Some topics covered are how subsidies offered for affordable home ownership affect the community, how investors can have access to benefits of the social programs stimulating the neighborhoods as well as future projects planned for the area. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5 star review and share us with a friend. Also, join our FB Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/3265227216848263 Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Sponsor: Smith REO Guest: Ciere Boatright of Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Link: National Park Service, Pullman Monument | Pullman National Monument (US National Park Service)   Link: History | A Brief Overview of the Pullman Story - Pullman   Link: Benefits of Enterprise Zones | Enterprise Zone Program   Link: Chicago Opportunity Zones | Opportunity Zones   Link: Invest Southwest | Invest Southwest | Venture Madness – Presented by Invest Southwest In Partnership with The Arizona Commerce Authority   Link: Red Line Extension | CTA Red Line Extension Project - CTA   Link: Pullman Food Hall | One Eleven Food Hall – Creating A Diverse Dining Collective In Pullman   Link: Book Recommendation | The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration   Link: Carlos Nelson | GAGDC Staff Leadership   Link: Leon Walker | Our People   Link: Abraham Lacy |  https://www.farsouthcdc.org/about-us   ----------------- Guest Questions Landlording Tip of the Week 2:43 Guest Intro 4:49 What has been the catalyst for revitalization over the past 10 years? 7:25 Can you talk about how CNI has improved the housing stock in the area? 11:00 How have investors succeeded in Pullman? 16:04 How has the history of Pullman helped the growth of the neighborhood? 21:30 What are some of the things an investor should be looking at from an urban planning perspective? 23:20 Can you tell us about the red line extension project? 27:00 How has Pullman been different from other areas CNI invests in? 28:10 How have your financing partnerships helped get projects done? 30:30 Is there a way a new investor can get connected to CNI? 33:00   Wrap Up Questions What is your competitive advantage? 34:05 What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new investor? 36:00 What do you do for fun in Pullman? 37:00 What is a good self development activity you’d recommend? 38:47 Who is one person you’d recommend to others as a quality resource? 39:40 How can we learn more about you? 41:25 That’s our show, thanks so much for listening! ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2020.

Process Makes Perfect
Positive Business Takeaways During COVID-19

Process Makes Perfect

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020 13:02


The Arizona Commerce Authority put on a 6-week small business boot camp, where Chris Ronzio was featured on one of their daily sessions, presenting on the topic of scaling back-up your business post-COVID-19. In the final segment of this series, Chris wraps up with some perspective on positive takeaways as businesses navigate through this pandemic and into the future.

Process Makes Perfect
How to Build Repeatable Processes

Process Makes Perfect

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 15:45


The Arizona Commerce Authority put on a 6-week small business boot camp, where Chris Ronzio was featured on one of their daily sessions, presenting on the topic of scaling back-up your business post-COVID-19. In the following audio segment, you will hear Chris explain the concept of “Your biggest asset is the work you have already done,” building a repeatable process, and knowing when to outsource or hire help.

Process Makes Perfect
How to Find a Niche During COVID-19

Process Makes Perfect

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 8:25


The Arizona Commerce Authority put on a 6-week small business boot camp, where Chris Ronzio was featured on one of their daily sessions, presenting on the topic of scaling back-up your business post-COVID-19. The following segment covers how to find the right niche your business can serve during this evolving period of the pandemic.

covid-19 niche chris ronzio arizona commerce authority
Process Makes Perfect
How to Find Your Best Product or Service During COVID-19

Process Makes Perfect

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 14:27


The Arizona Commerce Authority put on a 6-week small business boot camp, where Chris Ronzio was featured on one of their daily sessions, presenting on the topic of scaling back-up your business post-COVID-19. In this segment, he talks about finding your best product or service, with useful exercises like “The Largest Check” and watching market trends.

Tech Trends Podcast
Microsoft Retail Closes? | iPhone 12 Display | Google Business App

Tech Trends Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 36:20


Former intel engineer sheds light on apples decision to design own chips. Macs will boast apples silicon as opposed to intel-based processors. The transition will take about two yrs and will start with the new Macs set to hit store shelves later in 2020. Apple has been designing best chips for iPhone for years. apples new iPhone 12 display has been revealed. ITHome revealed today that the native resolutions for apples resized iPhone 12 display to be the best smartphone buys of the year. Google phone app appears to be getting Verified Calls that will feature business name, logo, and the reason they are calling you. This feature relies on a business supplying their phone number, our number and the reason for the call, this will then give the call a verified badge. This new feature will let us know when the call is even worth picking up. Since the Human Malware and severity of the economy Microsoft states that they will be closing retail stores. Also Microsoft stated that they will be taking a new approach in retail by not actually operating retail stores in their prior approach. This time around Microsoft will become experience centers where one can see, touch, and play with there products and not provide a way to purchase them in stores. Also Microsoft had stated that their online sales have grown and the product portfolio has evolved to a largely digital offerings. AMD Exceeds and impves in Processor Energy Efficiency. Intel announces that launching the first Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Associate Degree Program. Intel is partnering with Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). The Arizona Commerce Authority will also provide a workforce grant of 100,000 to support the program. It enables tens of thousands of students to lance careers in high-tech, healthcare, automotive, industrial and aerospace fields. Nvidia and Arterys Bridge Gap between Medical Researchers and Clinicians. Arterys Marketplace integrates Nvidia Clara platform to make it easy for researchers to plug their data into AI models and get results. Healthcare practitioners provide their feedback on how the models can be optimized for them in the real world scenario. Once the models are hosted on the Arterys Marketplace, developers can send them to researchers anywhere in the world, who in turn can start dragging and dropping data in and start getting results fast. Seeing discussions threads between researchers and clinicians on every continent, sharing screenshots and feedback, and using that to make models better. Microsoft Retail Closes ? | iPhone 12 Display | Google Business App, GiveAway | Tech Trends #0008 ----------------------------------- Follow us on: Blazin Tech YouTube --► https://www.youtube.com/user/renejr2006?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook --► https://www.facebook.com/blazintech2 Twitter --► https://twitter.com/blazintech2 371fr2179 Tech_We_Love YouTube--► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCemPpoIQfnm55TukxYk8UIA?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter --► https://twitter.com/Tech_We_Love Facebook --► https://www.facebook.com/TechWeLoveYouTube/ rjeverettvlogs Vlogs YouTube --► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxin5iGVGBzK-PzPWYmz0Mg?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook --► https://www.facebook.com/rjeverettvlogs Twitter --► https://twitter.com/rjeverettvlogs 371fr2178 ------------------------------------- --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/techtrendspodcasts/support

What's Your Ask? with Stephanie Sims
Episode 26: How to Get an Offer You Can’t Refuse with Mark Moeremans

What's Your Ask? with Stephanie Sims

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2020 49:18


Mark Moeremans is the Senior Vice President for Entrepreneurship and Venture Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority, a public-private agency focused on economic development across Arizona.  In this role, Mark runs the Arizona Innovation Challenge, one of the largest pitch competitions in the country, as well as the Venture Ready Accelerator Program. He has long been interested in the intersection of the private-public and social sectors, and throughout his career, he has looked at entrepreneurship, technology and business as a way to drive economic development.  Mark has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a background in management, consulting, and private equity. Before joining the ACA, Mark was an Operating Executive with Alpine investors. Mark has vast experience, including global transformations of Fortune 50 companies and successful turnarounds and exits from small boutique shops.  He has consulted on behalf of governments and NGOs from Bosnia Peru and has launched and helped build social enterprises in Ghana and South Africa. Mark is excited about building community and helping founders and entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. In this episode… There’s a tendency to panic shop and take the first thing that comes along when you’re looking for opportunities. But if you’re discerning and intent on getting what you want, those significant opportunities exist -- it’s just a matter of doing the work to find them. For Mark Moeremans, one of the most important work you have to learn is to master the art of asking people for coffee. Why is it so important? And how can it help you make the asking process easier? Tune in to this week’s episode of What’s Your Ask with Stephanie Sims as she interviews Mark Moeremans from the Arizona Commerce Authority about how you can seek the opportunities you need for your business. Listen in as he discusses tips on how to structure your ask the importance of overcoming the feeling of embarrassment when making an ask, how to best avoid missed opportunities, and knowing when it’s time to stop asking.

The SuccessLab Podcast: Where Entrepreneurs Collaborate for Success
Patience: More Than a Virtue, It's a Strategy

The SuccessLab Podcast: Where Entrepreneurs Collaborate for Success

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2020 23:27


Like many entrepreneurs, Jacob Findlay gave up the comforts of a secure job, a reliable paycheck and benefits for a new world of unknowns. But unlike other entrepreneurs, he decided to take a year to work in the field he was aiming to disrupt to learn it from the inside out.  Leaving his job as the director of finance at a rapid-growth SaaS company to work in a diesel repair shop may sound unorthodox, but for Jacob, it was a necessary step in his entrepreneurial journey.  Today, Jacob is the founder and CEO of Fullbay, a cloud-based heavy duty truck repair and shop management software based in Phoenix. Now in its fifth year, Fullbay has grown to become the number-one fleet repair platform in North America, completed a very successful Series A funding round, and was recently named the outright winner of Invest Southwest's and Arizona Commerce Authority's Venture Madness competition.  In this episode of The Success Lab Podcast, Jacob talks about the importance of starting lean, building a network that helps you focus rather than distract you, and, above all, the value of practicing patience in business.   Read on for a selection of questions, and listen to the entire interview by clicking the player above. What led to you build Fullbay? I fell into the software startup world on the electronic medical record side and was fortunate enough to be involved in three startups. At one point, I heard from a friend who was looking to find good software for his truck shop and was frustrated in what was out there. The idea was sparked and I thought, “why don't we just build it?” So, I quit my job and I worked in a truck shop for a year to gain some credibility before we launched Fullbay.  What's been one of the biggest challenges you've had to overcome as founder of a fast-growth SaaS company? Learning patience. We are five years in and we're just now doing the things I've wanted to do since the beginning. It's really satisfying. I think it's easy to get pulled into chasing shiny objects that don't necessarily build a company. We've been fortunate enough to keep our eye on the ball and be patient enough to wait to do the amazing things we know we can do.  What advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs looking to build impactful connections? The way you build anything is to start with a thesis and then test it. Based on that evidence, you're going to establish the next thesis. Another thing that I think is important is that you don't have to be in endless rounds of fundraising, which can be a huge distraction. Try to start your organization as a lean startup. You can continue doing that as it scales. I believe this vastly increases the probability that it's going to survive. What's one of the best ways you make impactful connections to grow yourself and your business?  For about three years I've been involved with the StartupAZ Foundation, which is an incredible group and anybody who has or is looking to start a company should definitely become part of that or something similar in your community.  Speed round: Coffee drinker, yes or no? No, LaCroix. One business tool you're geeking out over right now? Bamboo HR Favorite piece of technology? The iPhone is amazing. One person you'd like to make a connection with? Elon Musk What's your favorite ice breaker when introducing yourself to someone (either online or off)? I try to get them talking about themselves. How many hours of sleep do you get each night, on average? Seven hours and 15 minutes. How can people connect with you or Fullbay? On the web at fullbay.com. And you can always hit me up on LinkedIn.

Heed Your Calling
How To Live Courageously In Your Calling...With John Kaites

Heed Your Calling

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2019 32:14


John Kaites – Attorney, Entrepreneur, Author, and Minister has worked in a wide range of roles. John shares wisdom from his business and biblical experiences, ranging from a public policy firm, global security company, water, real estate, construction, leader in high technology, energy, and biotech sectors, to helping to establish the Arizona Commerce Authority and gaining a seminary degree. John Kaites also offers the Heed Your Calling community his insight on the core principles of businesses that succeed and ways to keep God at the center of all that you do. Episode Highlights: How does John define having a calling? John explains how he implements his calling. How did John begin his calling journey? What does Johns’ book “Fear Not” provide readers with? When did John know that he was designed to be an entrepreneur? What are the three types of businesses in the world? What are the four core principles of a successful business? John shares a prayer that guided him towards doing work to benefit others Faith requires taking action. Pursue activities that are good, biblically-based, and are not all about you…but are about helping others. What are the benefits of planting seeds that will live beyond you? What are the three non-negotiable pieces of wisdom that John  would pass on to future generations? 3 Key Points & Quotes: Our brains are made with 300 trillion synaptic nerves that make up all of our thoughts. They either can come from the confidence of God’s love or fear. The three tools God gives us to operate our lives with our love, forgiveness, and gratitude.   Core principles of a successful business are a great product or service, efficient administration of the development and distribution to create margins, as well as executing sales and marketing. “My job is to be transformative in the lives of everybody I come into contact with.” – John Kaites “Our job is not to close the deals, as much as we want to be deal-closers in the business world. Our job is to plant the seeds.” – John Kaites “Faith is not passive. Faith is active.” – John Kaites  Resources Mentioned: John Kaites: Twitter Book: “Fear Not” by John Kaites HeedYourCalling.com 

god entrepreneur minister pursue johns fear not live courageously arizona commerce authority
Leadership Lyceum: A CEO's Virtual Mentor
Board Governance & Effectiveness, Shareholder Activism, and Utility Consolidation and M&A

Leadership Lyceum: A CEO's Virtual Mentor

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2017 59:33


A CEO’s Virtual Mentor Episode 11  Board Governance & Effectiveness, Shareholder Activism, and Utility Industry Consolidation and M&A Guests include: Corporate governance expert, Tanuja Dehne Paul Bonavia, Retired Chairman and CEO of UNS Energy Chris Young, Managing Director and head of the Contested Situations Group, Credit Suisse   If you did not join us for our last episode, Episode 10 which was a special podcast on Innovation, you may have missed the announcement that we formed two companies under Leadership Lyceum’s brand: Lyceum Leadership Consulting which provides executive and board of director’s search, board effectiveness review, and an array of services for successor development and board-readiness.  And Lyceum Leadership Productions which brings you this podcast.  We also announced that we would be expanding the programming of the episodes this summer.  Well happy summer!  This is the first of our expanded episodes.  Welcome to Episode 11 which expands the programming into three segments.  We will continue to bring you the in-depth CEO and Director interviews around compelling business situations as a main middle segment, Segment II.  That main segment will be bookended over the next three Episodes with shorter Segments I and III.  At least over the next three episodes, Segment I will cover Board and Corporate Governance Best Practices on one hand and Segment III will cover the consequences of deficiencies in corporate governance, namely shareholder activism, on the other.  We hope you enjoy this expanded coverage which we will be refining over the next few episodes.  So please subscribe through iTunes and give us feedback on the new programming.  Tell us about leadership situations and subjects that you are interested in us exploring.  Please visit our website www.LeadershipLyceum.com for all of our archived media and offerings.  We will be right back to start the program.   Welcome back to this newly expanded Episode 11 of the Leadership Lyceum: A CEO’s Virtual Mentor.  We welcome three fabulous guests to this Episode.    Introduction to Episode 11 Program In Segment I the first of a series on Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness, we welcome governance expert Tanuja Dehne.  Tanuja serves on two public company boards and is a frequent speaker on board governance -- most recently she was part of the instructor panel for the NACD Advanced Director Professionalism program earlier this month.  In Segment II we welcome Paul Bonavia, retired Chairman and CEO of UNS Energy (better known as Tucson Electric Power).  We will explore the triggers and interconnected events that have led to remarkable levels of consolidation in the electric utility industry and Paul’s leadership of the sale of UNS to Fortis in August 2014. In Segment III, the first of a series on Shareholder Activism, we will be joined by Chris Young, Managing Director and Head of the Contested Situations Group at Credit Suisse.  In the first part of this series we will cover the history of activism and the market for corporate governance, growth in the asset class, and answer a fundamental question: what do activists want?  We will be right back with Segment one with Tanuja Dehne on Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness.    Segment I: Governance & Board Matters “Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness” I am delighted to be joined by Tanuja Dehne. Tanuja is a corporate governance expert and serves as an independent director on two NYSE-listed, company boards: Advanced Disposal Services, a $1.4 billion revenue environmental services company and newly IPO’d, Granite Point, a publicly-traded commercial mortgage REIT.  She also dedicates her time to not-for-profit board service including the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Young Audiences, HomeFront NJ, and Sustainable Jersey. That ends Segment I with Tanuja Dehne.  Join us for our continuing conversation with Tanuja next month in Episode 12 --- we’ll discuss derailers to effective boards and effective leadership styles in the boardroom.  And shall I say it?  Why not.  As a self-promoting reminder, the Lyceum Leadership Consulting does provide third party, Board Effectiveness Review.    Segment II:  Main Feature Interview “Special Guest Paul Bonavia, Retired Chairman and CEO of UNS Energy”  You may have read our article in the May 2017 issue of Public Utilities Fortnightly about our next guest - Paul Bonavia.  By sheer coincidence, I wrote that article for Fortnightly on April 1 of 2017 in Chicago Illinois.  Exactly ten years before that on April 1, 2007, the Illinois General Assembly passed a resolution designating April 1st as “Cheap Trick Day” in Illinois. I am giddy with delight to come as close as I can to a Rolling Stone reporter in featuring this conversation with drummer Paul Bonavia, who in his younger days was in bands with members that would go on to form Cheap Trick.   While I’m sure some subset of our listenership is interested in Paul’s pre-utility rock and roll lifestyle, this conversation was directed toward Paul’s “alternative” lifestyle as a CEO of an investor-owned utility and the sale of the company he led --- to Fortis in August of 2014.  Segment III: Special Subjects Segment “First of a Mini-Series on Shareholder Activism with Chris Young, Head of Contested Situations at Credit Suisse” Welcome to our final segment in this Episode on the dramatic, consternation-filled subject of shareholder activism.  That’s Orson Welles in his introduction to his panic-producing, 1938 radio masterpiece War of the Worlds. For the Lyceum, an allegorical backdrop of an environment well-suited to some “alien” form of activism perhaps? This is our mini-series on Shareholder Activism, and we are joined by Chris Young, Managing Director and Head of the Contested Situations Group at Credit Suisse.  In this first part of this series we will cover the history of activism and the market for corporate governance, growth in the asset class, and answer a fundamental question: what do activists want? As a backdrop, The Wall Street Journal reported recently that shareholder activism, which has been a perennial nuisance for chief executives, is now becoming an existential threat. Activists are going beyond just settling for board seats and are waging campaigns that target changes in top management at the outset. So far in 2017, and this is going back a few weeks right now, but so far in 2017 activists have started nine campaigns targeting top management. This is the fastest pace on record according to FactSet. I have represented two clients this year from the power and utility industry on board searches in the face of shareholder activism.  While two companies experiencing activism does not constitute a trend, my clients’ experience of late certainly seemed to warrant raising awareness with our CEO’s Virtual Mentor listenership by featuring this fascinating and informative conversation with Chris Young.  As we were in production on this podcast, Daniel Loeb, founder of activist investor Third Point, demonstrated this activism genius by accumulating a small 1.25% stake in Nestle, published a letter on a Sunday and two days later, Nestle announced a $20.8 billion share buyback as well as clarifying other strategic objectives. Closing of Segment III That ends Segment III.  We will continue this discussion with Chris Young in late July with Episode 12.  We’ll cover more on the “mainstreaming” of activism as an asset class and we will take apart the activist’s playbook and take you step by step through the Escalation Path.      Preview of Next Month’s Episode 12 We will be back with Episode 12 at the end of July featuring more on corporate governance with Tanuja Dehne and activism with Chris Young and an interview with Allen Leverett, President and CEO of WEC Energy Group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  WEC has been highly acquisitive over the last decade, Allen and I will discuss the company’s significant growth that has led to a uniquely different collection of operating assets over that time period.  Final Spot: Famous Last Words As we sign off we wrap with another new spot on our program called “Famous Last Words”.  In keeping with our War of the Worlds – Shareholder Activism allegory we will leave you to be restored to the real world in the good hands of, an out-of-character, Mr. Orson Welles.    Thanks for joining us.  We can’t improve without your feedback – write us through our website www.LeadershipLyceum.com and subscribe on iTunes.  See you next time.   Informative and Helpful Links The Lyceum’s Well-Tuned Governance Model https://www.leadershiplyceum.com/lyceum-board-effectiveness   War of the Worlds Link to one the Lyceum’s favorite websites – archive.org. Click below to listen directly to the chilling and timeless October 30, 1938 CBS airing of Orson Welles’ The Mercury Theater on the Air adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel The War of the Worlds https://archive.org/details/OrsonWellesMrBruns Wiki links about the radio drama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_War_of_the_Worlds_(radio_drama)   Program Guide Episode 11 “Board Governance & Effectiveness, Shareholder Activism Mini Series, Utility Industry Consolidation and M&A with Paul Bonavia, Retired Chairman and CEO of UNS Energy”  0:30     Introduction to new programming of Episodes  2:12     Introduction to specific programming in this Episode 11 3:47     Segment I: Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness with Tanuja Dehne 6:15     Break 6:40     Segment I (cont.): Why should boards care about measuring effectiveness as a board? 14:05   Wrap up of Segment I on governance and preview of next month’s Episode 12 with Tanuja. 14:54   Introduction of Segment II: Interview with Paul Bonavia, Retired CEO of UNS Energy 16:13   Segment II: Interview with Paul Bonavia 33:06   Break 33:33   Segment II (cont.): Interview with Paul Bonavia 41:30   End of Interview with Paul Bonavia 41:53   Introduction to Segment III – Shareholder Activism and War of the Worlds allegory. 43:10   Segment III – Context for shareholder activism and introduction of guest Chris Young, Managing Director of Credit Suisse. 52:57   Break 53:20   Segment III (cont.): What do activists want? 56:30   End of Segment III and preview of next month’s Episode 12 with Chris Young 57:21   Conclusion and Famous Last Words with Orson Welles.   Biographies of Guests Ms. Tanuja Dehne  Tanuja Dehne is a public company director and former C-level executive of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 power company. Tanuja brings perspective and experience from her cross-disciplinary roles to the C-suite and board room. She is a purpose-driven leader, cultivator of talent and proven strategist. She is an award winning corporate attorney, human resources professional and community volunteer who thrives when making a positive difference in the lives of others. During her tenure at NRG Energy, Inc., Tanuja had increasingly expansive roles: initially the company’s securities and finance lawyer, then Corporate Secretary and lead M&A attorney, before becoming the head of Human Resources. Ultimately, in her role as EVP, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff, she oversaw the company’s Human Resources, Information Technology, Communications, Marketing and Sustainability departments, the company’s charitable giving program, M&A integrations, as well as the construction of NRG’s sustainable corporate headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey. Tanuja also served as a sponsor, coach and “internal angel investor” of interdisciplinary innovation teams, including the team that created the “Path to Luma,” an environmentally conscious puzzle game launched in August 2015 with record breaking downloads in the Apple and Google stores. Tanuja is a director of Advanced Disposal Services (NYSE: ADSW) and Silver Bay Realty Trust Corp. (NYSE: SBY), and Board Trustee of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, HomeFront of New Jersey and Young Audiences New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. She is a frequent speaker on topics including leadership, corporate governance, and the intersection of the law and human resources. She received a B.A. from Lafayette College, Master’s in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, and Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.   Mr. Paul Bonavia  Paul Bonavia was Chairman and CEO of UNS Energy and its principal subsidiaries, Tucson Electric Power and UNS Energy Services, from January 2009 to May 2014. He served as Executive Chairman until the sale of the company to Fortis Inc. was completed in August of 2014. He had also served as President until December 2012. Mr. Bonavia worked to establish UNS Energy as a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency while maintaining safe, affordable, and reliable service to nearly 640,000 utility customers across Arizona. Mr. Bonavia was named by Governor Jan Brewer to the Board of Directors of the Arizona Commerce Authority and has served as a director or trustee of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (former chairman), Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (former chairman), United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona (former chairman), University of Arizona Foundation, Tucson Airport Authority, Edison Electric Institute, Institute for Energy Efficiency and American Wind Energy Association. Before joining UNS Energy, Mr. Bonavia was President of the Utilities Group of Xcel Energy and held senior positions at Dominion Power.  He earned degrees from Drake University and the University of Miami School of Law and completed Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program.  Mr. Bonavia serves as chair of the board’s Human Resources Committee, and is a member of the Corporate Governance & Strategic Planning Committee and the System Planning Committee.   Mr. Chris Young Chris Young has been Managing Director and Head of the Takeover Defense Practice at Credit Suisse AG and Credit Suisse Group since June 1, 2010. Until May 2010, Mr. Young served as the Director of M&A and Proxy Fight at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS). While at ISS, Mr. Young was responsible for analyzing contentious M&A transactions, proxy fights and corporate governance issues and providing proxy voting and tender offer recommendations for ISS institutional investor clients. Mr. Young also helped to facilitate a constructive dialogue between ISS institutional investor clients and senior executives and directors of public companies in the US and Europe. Mr. Young is regarded as a leading authority on contested M&A transactions and shareholder activism. Prior to ISS, Mr. Young was a member of the investment banking group at Bear Stearns and the M&A group at Sullivan & Cromwell. Mr. Young is a CFA charter holder, received his JD, magna cum laude, from Boston University and his BS from Georgetown University.   Subscribe to the podcast at iTunes: https://t.co/a70rtSiQnW or SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thomas-linquist Follow Leadership Lyceum on:          Our website: www.LeadershipLyceum.com          LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-linquist-682997          Twitter: @LeaderLyceum https://twitter.com/LeaderLyceum          Email us: info@LeadershipLyceum.com Please subscribe to the Leadership Lyceum at iTunes which will enable future content to come to you automatically.  Rate us and spread the word among your fellow executives and board colleagues.    Your host Thomas B. Linquist is the Founder and Managing Partner of Lyceum Leadership Consulting and Lyceum Leadership Productions. Over his 15 years in management and leadership consulting he has served a wide array of industrial clients.  This includes leadership assessment and search for chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief operating officers and boards of directors.  He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and over his 25-year career has served in a variety of roles: as an engineer with Shell Oil Company, a banker with ABN AMRO Bank, and as treasurer was the youngest corporate officer in the 150+ year history at Peoples Energy Company in Chicago.  He is an expert on hiring and promotion decisions and leadership development.  Over the course of his search career, he has interviewed thousands of leaders.  Please subscribe to the Leadership Lyceum in the podcast section at iTunes which will enable future content to come to you automatically. Rate us and spread the word among your fellow executives and board colleagues. 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Startups A to Z
Episode 4: Debt Financing Perspectives with Miguel Jardine

Startups A to Z

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2015 63:00


Managing cash flow is a classic challenge for small companies traversing the early stages of growth and filling customer orders. Our guest, Miguel Jardine, discusses some work he is spearheading on behalf of the Arizona Commerce Authority (www.azcommerce.com) to open more creative debt financing options for Arizona startups. Listen in to get some tips on the pros and cons of debt financing compared to other options, and resources to learn even more about the subject.

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