Ian Rush with Summit Electric Supply and Jason Haines with ISI Arizona

May 30, 2023 by Karen

Ian-Rush-with-Summit-Electric-Supply-and-Jason-Haines-with-Industrial-Solutions-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Ian Rush with Summit Electric Supply and Jason Haines with ISI Arizona

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Ian Rush with Summit Electric Supply and Jason Haines with ISI Arizona

Summit Electric Supply is an electrical supply company. For over 30 years they have been providing Schneider/Square D components to Electrical contractors in Arizona.

Since 2021, they have been expanding their business into the industrial automation space; providing essential components to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing operations in the state of Arizona.

Ian Rush is an Arizona native, but has lived in 2 countries outside the USA; Paraguay and Brazil. He is fluent in both Spanish and English.

After graduating from Red Mountain High School, Ian immediately enlisted in the Marine Corps; serving from 2007-14.

Ian has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Minnesota State University. He has worked as an engineer at companies like: 3M, Wabash National, and Summit Electric Supply.

His current role at Summit Electric Supply, has him building a new division of the company, focused on Automation components and solutions for Arizona Industrial organizations.

Connect with Ian on LinkedIn.

With a robust library of Lean training materials, ISI Arizona can help improve any part an organization through training, facilitation, or consulting work.

We help business owners and leadership achieve a standard of excellence by creating strong internal team relationships, employees who produce quality – all while saving resources.

We strive to make it possible for these owners and leaders to focus on working on the business, by developing their employees so they no longer feel they must do everything themselves.

Furthermore, ISI Arizona is licensed and certified to present Blue Collar Leadership© Training. This leadership training is uniquely designed content specifically created to engage and develop the front-line workforce and those who lead them, by taking powerful leadership concepts and packing them in easy to understand and apply resources.

Jason Haines is Owner, Lead Consultant and Trainer at Industrial Solutions, LLC of Arizona (ISI Arizona). As part of the Industrial Solutions team, Jason has the ability develop and execute customized solutions and/or Lean trainings for Commercial, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Industrial companies.

Through these solutions and trainings, organizations can expect to increase their bottom line, improve system capacity, remove unnecessary steps, to streamline and increase overall efficiency through Lean Thinking implementation.

Our goal is to help companies create stronger leadership, increase morale, employee retention, and ultimately greater profitability.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector E19

October 26, 2021 by Karen

Made-in-AZ-The-Rise-of-Arizonas-Manufacturing-Sector-feature

AZ TechCast

Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona's Manufacturing Sector E19

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Made in AZ: The Rise of Arizona’s Manufacturing Sector E19

Made in Arizona. It’s a phrase that is becoming more familiar as the state’s manufacturing sector continues to grow and add a rapidly increasing number of manufacturing jobs. Between the development of technologies improving efficiency and reducing costs, automation of manufacturing processes and a business-friendly climate, Arizona’s manufacturing landscape is being recognized on a national stage.

In the Arizona Technology Council’s October 2021 episode of AZTechCast, Mike Buseman, EVP and chief operating officer at Benchmark; Brett Dooley, technical sales engineer at In-Position Technologies; and Mike McCormack, president and CEO at CP North America joined Phoenix Business RadioX owner and president, Karen Nowicki, to discuss the rapid evolution and development of Arizona’s manufacturing sector.

Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of experts explored the various factors that have contributed to Arizona’s rise in manufacturing over the past decade, the newest technologies manufacturers are utilizing to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the automation being implemented to compete with foreign sources and the largest manufacturing challenges they are facing in a post-COVID world, particularly around supply chain and talent acquisition and retention.

Benchmark provides comprehensive solutions across the entire product life cycle; leading through its innovative technology and engineering design services; leveraging its optimized global supply chain; and delivering world-class manufacturing services in the following industries: commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation telecommunications, medical, complex industrials, and semiconductor capital equipment.

Benchmark’s global operations include facilities in seven countries and its common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE.

Mike Buseman serves as Benchmark’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for all worldwide manufacturing operations. Mike is an accomplished executive with broad experience in operations, quality and customer relationship management. He has an extensive background in EMS and related industries.

Mike served as Chief Global Logistics and Operations Officer of Avnet, Inc., a global electronics components company, and was Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing Operations at Plexus Corp., having served as their Vice President of Global Technology, Quality and Facilities previously.

Additionally, Mike served as Vice President and General Manager of Operations of Celestica, Inc., as well as their Director of Operations, Engineering, and Technology. Mike began his career in 1983 with Unisys, Inc., holding positions of increasing responsibility, including Principal Process Engineer and Director of Advanced Design Manufacturing Services.

Mike holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn and follow Benchmark on Facebook and Twitter.

In-Position Technologies is a robotic automation company who partners with both suppliers and customers to deliver automation. Their charter is to be a value-added partner in the automation process.

They do this by supplying products coupled with training, and integration resources coupled with know-how.

With offices located throughout the Western United States, In-Position Technologies has been helping both end users and original equipment manufacturers automate for more than 20 years.

Brett Dooley is a mechanical engineer with In-Position Technologies. He collaborates with business owners and engineers to develop targeted solutions for motion control and automation challenges.

He can assist in a broad range of applications, including autonomous mobile robotics and logistics, machine tending, vision, laser marking, laboratory automation, as well as OEM product development.

He uses his wide experience in business development, industrial repair, and a decade as an electronics tech in the US Navy submarine force to ensure delivery of an effective and robust automation system.

Connect with Brett on Instagram, Twittter and LinkedIn and follow In-Position Technologies on Facebook.

CP North America is an independently operated U.S.-based company, encompassing a family of brands including CP Technologies, CP Systems and CP Aeronautics.

CP Technologies is a U.S. designer and vertically integrated manufacturer of rugged and custom computing solutions for defense applications.

CP Systems is a U.S. designer and vertically integrated manufacturer of custom and rugged, high-performance computing solutions serving the industrial, commercial, and agriculture markets.

Focused on cost-effective unmanned combat-proven ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions, CP Aeronautics provides integrated turnkey systems and subsystems based on platforms, payloads, communications, and ground control stations for defense and civil applications.

Mike McCormack is the President and CEO of CP North America. To this role, he brings Extensive general management and leadership experience, full profit and loss experience, and the management of Sales, Distribution, and Manufacturing organizations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

This has included an understanding of managing businesses across cultures and geographies that has led to double-digit growth in challenging environments. He attended the University of California, San Diego, and earned an MBA in International Business at The Open University.

Follow CP North America on LinkedIn.

About AZ TechCast

AZ TechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond.

Through the art of connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s guests will share their expertise, success stories, news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling the state’s growing technology ecosystem.

About Your Hosts

Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.

Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.

Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.

Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.

Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.

In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.

Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.

About Our Sponsor

The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.

A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.

Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Troy Cobb, Cinch I.T., and Mark Ligler, Factory Automation Systems

October 19, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Troy Cobb, Cinch I.T., and Mark Ligler, Factory Automation Systems

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Troy Cobb, Cinch I.T., and Mark Ligler, Factory Automation Systems (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 26)

On this episode of ProfitSense, host Bill McDermott was joined by Troy Cobb with Cinch I.T., who discussed the decision to purchase a franchise vs. start his own business, cybersecurity issues he sees currently, and more. Mark Ligler, Owner and Vice President of Factory Automation Systems, also joined the show. Mark’s business has weathered many seasons in the automation and robotic industry, and he shared his wisdom and experience on sensible business growth, attracting and retaining talent, and much more. Finally, Bill shared his thoughts on how essential a good organizational culture is for a business. ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Cinch I.T.

Cinch I.T., Inc. was established in 2004. Like so many computer support companies, it started as a one-man shop in a 10×10 office with no windows. But even then, the focus was on building great relationships with their clients. Over the years, Cinch I.T. has been fortunate enough to see unbelievable growth.

They have added some of the most brilliant minds in our industry to the team, expanded into a 12,000 sq ft corporate office complex, and we have been honored to receive numerous awards, including being named one of the Top 501 Managed Service Providers Globally by Future Channels.

Cinch I.T. has established itself as one of the most highly-regarded I.T. company and computer service providers in the United States. The reason is simple. They have spent years shaping the entire company to meet YOUR needs.

With Support plans designed to create lasting relationships, together they ensure immediate and long-term success.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Troy Cobb, Owner/Sales Director, Cinch I.T.

Troy Cobb became the owner and sales director for the Cinch I.T. Atlanta office in January 2020.

Troy is a USMC Desert Shield/Storm Veteran with over 20 years of experience in the I.T. industry. Originally from New Jersey. he has lived in Atlanta for over twenty years.

He is married to Tanya Cobb, an incredible Nurse/Hero at Emory University Midtown Hospital.

Mark Ligler, Owner and Vice President, Factory Automation Systems

Mark Ligler is the Owner and Vice President of Atlanta-based Factory Automation Systems, Inc.

Factory Automation Systems is a full-service systems integrator that provides turnkey automation solutions to manufacturing companies across the U.S. FAS designs and implements solutions with programmable controllers, manufacturing information systems, motion control and robotic systems. They serve customers from diverse industries – building products, food and beverage, consumer products, automotive, metals, and more.

Factory Automation Systems was founded by Ross Pryor in 1992. Based in Atlanta, GA, the company has implemented thousands of solutions for manufacturers from a variety of industries across the U.S. and abroad.

Discrete control, coordinated motion, process automation, production monitoring, robotic machine tending, material handling, traceability, robotic assembly, machine safety – diverse projects for a wide mix of customers. They welcome the opportunity to put their experienced team to work on your next automation project.

FAS is near the Atlanta airport – they welcome visitors to meet the team and tour their facility.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community and their profession. The show is presented by McDermott Financial Solutions. McDermott Financial helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion and financially prepare to exit their business. The show archive can be found at profitsenseradio.com.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of McDermott Financial Solutions. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University and he and his wife, Martha have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Twitter and follow McDermott Financial Solutions on LinkedIn.

Alpharetta Tech Talk: Samay Kohli, GreyOrange

May 13, 2020 by John Ray

Alpharetta Tech Talk

Alpharetta Tech Talk: Samay Kohli, GreyOrange

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“Alpharetta Tech Talk,” Episode 16: Samay Kohli, GreyOrange

GreyOrange uniquely combines robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to shape the fulfillment industry and help their customers respond to “Amazon customer experience” expectations. CEO Samay Kohli joined host John Ray to discuss this and much more in a fascinating interview. “Alpharetta Tech Talk” is produced virtually by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

GreyOrange

Three technologies are fundamentally changing the nature of how things work: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Robotics. GreyOrange combines all three to shape the future of the fulfillment industry in real time.

GreyOrange is the only company that integrates software and robots built together specifically to improve order fulfillment throughput, scale, accuracy and economics. Ranger robots are developed in concert with GreyMatter software and use machine learning to adjust decisions and behavior based on real-time observations. Additionally, maximum-life engineering ensures every Ranger robot delivers ‘last and learn’ value. Communication among the robots and the GreyMatter central system incorporates that learning so the entire system continues to get smarter. The GreyMatter Command Center gives fulfillment personnel on the warehouse floor insights into the movement of inventory, performance levels of people and robot teams, order fulfillment rates, Service Level Agreement rates and other relevant information.

GreyOrange is a global company headquartered in the United States with additional core operations in Singapore, Germany, Japan and India. The company has more than 70 installations of its solutions around the world.

Samay Kohli, CEO

While still an engineering student at India’s Birla Institute of Tech and Science (BITS Pilani), Samay Kohli began attracting attention as an innovator in robotics as the founder and leader of a team of students who invented a humanoid robot, AcYut, at the institute’s Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems.

As the team successfully competed in various global robotics competitions, Samay and fellow teammate Akash Gupta decided to join together to channel their passion for robotics, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning into a company focused on “a problem big enough to be worth solving.”

After interviewing leaders from several different industries, Samay and Akash were struck by the lack of modernization they saw in fulfillment operations. They found the core challenges perfectly suited for solving by robotics, AI software and machine learning: thousands of decision variables shaped in real time, the ‘it depends’ nature of optimal decisions, the need to operate quickly but also at the right cost, and the challenge of attracting and retaining high-performing workers. They founded GreyOrange in 2011 to solve these challenges.

Today, Samay Kohli, GreyOrange Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, are changing the face – and pace – of fulfillment. GreyOrange has evolved from the right idea to a global force of innovators defining “what’s next” in eCommerce and omnichannel fulfillment, working in partnership with leading retailers and third-party logistics providers worldwide.

What Samay and Akash understood that others didn’t is that tacking robots onto software built for earlier times improves fulfillment performance some…but not nearly enough. After all, those robots are simply hardware appendages limited by the capabilities of the software systems to which they interface.

Instead, GreyOrange delivers a fundamentally new Fulfillment Operating System: One driven by an AI-enabled software brain called GreyMatter that integrates robots rather than merely interfacing to them. Robots leverage GreyMatter software built into their core to communicate with other robots and with the central system, creating continuous feedback between the algorithms in the software brain and the real-time operations on the floor. In this way, prescribed operations are continuously informed by alternate real-time options to ensure GreyMatter’s always-solving intelligence calculates each “best decision” moment to moment.

In recognition of his achievements, Samay has been named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list, MIT Technology Review’s Top 35 Innovators Under 35, and Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list. He is a frequent speaker at logistics, fulfillment and robotics industry events.

Find out more at their website, or call (470) 223-2260.

About “Alpharetta Tech Talk”

“Alpharetta Tech Talk” is the radio show/podcast home of the burgeoning technology sector in Alpharetta and the surrounding GA 400 and North Fulton area. We feature key technology players from a dynamic region of over 900 technology companies. “Alpharetta Tech Talk” comes to you from from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Past episodes of “Alpharetta Tech Talk” can be found at alpharettatechtalk.com.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with approximately $12.9 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you.

Scott Tekesky and Jason Smith with Bunker Labs, Terrie O’Hanlon with GreyOrange and Conrad Meertins with MyAbilities

October 15, 2019 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Scott Tekesky and Jason Smith with Bunker Labs, Terrie O'Hanlon with GreyOrange and Conrad Meertins with MyAbilities

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Scott Tekesky is Bunker Labs Atlanta City Leader. He enjoys making connections for others and building supportive communities. Scott has a strong background with talent acquisition and operations, specifically focused on the military to civilian transition process.

As a former Infantry Officer, he still prefers to be out in the woods or with people as opposed to behind a desk.

Jason Smith is Bunker Labs Atlanta City Leader. He is a Sales Expert, Business Coach, Trainer, & Military Veteran Community Leader. Jason helps businesses grow predictable revenue by applying his years of professional experience to his clients’ business development goals. He can personally augment your sales team to conduct business development campaigns.

Jason can train your sales teams to implement tailored strategies he will develop in partnership with you. He will engage his network of partners and experts to meet your needs.

Follow Bunker Labs on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

In her role as CMO of GreyOrange, Terrie O’Hanlon is responsible for global brand positioning and influencer strategies as well as for leading GreyOrange’s market development, communications and demand generation programs.

O’Hanlon brings extensive expertise to her role, including leading marketing for emerging and established companies in supply chain, healthcare, financial ecommerce, enterprise applications and cybersecurity.

Her supply chain experience includes orchestrating a successful brand transformation for Manhattan Associates, a global leader in supply chain commerce, inventory optimization and omnichannel solutions, and for Steelwedge, a supply chain planning company acquired by e2Open in 2017.

Follow GreyOrange on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Conrad Meertins attended St. John’s University in Queens, New York for his Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Computer Science and Master of Science in Mathematics (M.S). After moving to Georgia, he received his Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Conrad also have many technical and leadership certifications such as Oracle DBA Masters and CCNA.

While living in New York, he was an Assistant Vice-President at Citibank/Citicorp Brokerage and Manager at Salomon’s Brothers Brokerage on Wall Street where the software he helped to write traded billions of dollars on a daily basis. In Georgia, Conrad held various leadership roles at Sprint, Center for Disease Control (CDC), Internet Security System (ISS) and HD Supply to name a few. His love for the community led him to be on the board of directors for South DeKalb Churches Federal Credit Union for many years.

As CEO of FamTeck and 25 years in Information Technology, Conrad brings a wealth of experience in disruptive technology as it relates to Database Security, optimization and doing more with less.

Conrad’s spiritual faith, love for the community and members of his family with different types of disabilities allowed him to embark on developing MyAbilities. Conrad encourages business leaders to look at ways to give back to the community outside of their core solutions. Together, we will make a difference.

Connect with Conrad on LinkedIn.

ITEN WIRED RADIO: Ep. 7, The Countdown Begins……..

August 28, 2018 by angishields

ITEN Wired Radio

ITEN WIRED RADIO: Ep. 7, The Countdown Begins........

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Jim Rhodes

AppRiver
ITEN Director

Jim has actively participated in the planning of the annual ITEN WIRED Summit since 2012 and is in his 6th year serving as its director.

He is a native of Pensacola and a graduate of Tate High School and the University of West Florida, where he received his degree in finance. He moved to Charlotte, NC in 1997 with a goal of furthering his career in banking, but later developed a passion for information technology. Upon graduating ECPI College of Technology, he officially entered into the world of IT in 2001. After working several years as a network engineer, he and his family relocated back to Pensacola in 2007.

Jim has been employed by AppRiver since 2008 and currently manages the mobile solutions team which provides mobile device support for a global customer base of almost 300,000 users. He also serves as an advisor to the board of directors for IT Gulf Coast and as a board member for Innovation Coast.

He is married and has two sons. He enjoys golfing, kayaking, and fishing.

Sean O’Brien

CSRA
ITEN Programming Committee

I am a graduate of the University of Rochester in N.Y., then was designated a Naval Flight Officer and a bombardier/navigator in the A-6E Intruder in 1992.
My Operational assignments include Attack Squadron Five Two (Knight Riders), NAS Whidbey Island with deployments onboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Attack Squadron–One One Five (The Eagles) forward deployed in Atsugi, Japan. Where he deployed onboard the USS Independence (CV-62).
I then reported to Electronic Attack Squadron One Two Nine to receive training in the EA-6B Prowler. I was then assigned as a Plank Owner to Electronic Attack Squadron One Two Eight (VAQ-128) providing electronic attack support to U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations. My last squadron assignment was as Operations Officer for Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Two (VAQ-132). During this tenure, the Scorpions, flying off the USS George Washington (CVN-73), provided round the clock combat air support for Operation Enduring Freedom.
My shore assignments include instructor duties withVA-128 and VAQ-129. I was the EA-6B Systems Phase Head, a class room and flight instructor and El Centro Detachment OIC. Most recently while at NETC, I flew as an Associate Instructor with VT-86 in Pensacola. I earned an MS in Information Systems and Operations at Naval Post Graduate School. I then served as Computer Network Operation Branch Chief on the Joint Staff in the J-3 Deputy Directorate for Global Operations and Information Operations.
I reported to NRD New Orleans as the Executive Officer in June 06. In December 2007, I assumed command of Naval Recruiting District New Orleans. My tenure at NRD New Orleans started in the months following Hurricane Katrina. My leadership was said to be instrumental in the critical reestablishment of Navy Recruiting on the gulf coast and the ascension of NRD New Orleans from number 26 to the number 3 recruiting district in the country in just three years.
In 2009 I was selected by the Chief of Naval Operations to Command a Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion forward deployed to Taji, Iraq, the largest Navy command on the ground in Iraq. I led this Battalion of 450 Sailors guarding 4,000 of the most violent terrorists in Iraq, as well as training all Iraqi Correctional Officers to transition detention operations to the Gov. of Iraq in April of 2010.
I returned from Iraq and reported to Commander Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) as the Deputy Director of NETC Information Management Division. Along with the staff and field teams, we provided secure, reliable, state of the art information technologies and business capabilities on the world’s largest training network to enable NETC’s mission; training every sailor for the fleet.
After I retired from active duty in 2013, I decided to settle my family in Pensacola and started my own business; Sean O’Brien Consulting, LLC. The firm provided IT Business Integration, Solution Architect, Business Capture and Development, Strategic Planning, Business Process Reengineering, Information Systems and IT Operations services. In 2015 a contract evolved into a full time executive position with CSRA. I am currently the Program Executive for the NETC ITSS Program.
My Military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with “V” device, Arial Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals, Army Commendation and Achievement Medals.
I am married to the former Jennifer A. Schulz of New York and Mobile, Alabama. We have five sons Connor, Dillon, Abner, Colin and Danann.

Kenzie Fitzpatrick

VetCV
ITEN Marketing Committee

Kenzie Fitzpatrick is a two-time graduate of Florida State University and an accidental entrepreneur. She received her bachelor’s degree in Information, Communication and Technology in 2013 and then went on to pursue her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing and Management Communication. Shortly after graduating with her master’s degree, she opened a marketing firm. As of today, she has worked with flower shops, shooting ranges, holster brands, hospitals, not for profits, retail clothing stores, salons, and many more small businesses. Kenzie has worked as a Coordinator helping start the nation’s first stand-alone entrepreneurship school at a public university, volunteered as a Co-Organizer for 1 Million Cups both in Tallahassee and Pensacola, is an adjunct professor at Pensacola State College, and is the Marketing Coordinator at VetCV. When she’s not running around town on her laptop, Kenzie enjoys competitive shooting, reading books of all genres, and spending time outdoors.

Master Today’s Technology, Prepare for Tomorrow’s

Whether you are an executive, entrepreneur, IT professional, student, or just looking for insights into the current issues that concern information technology, the ITEN WIRED Summit is a valuable resource. There will be many networking opportunities with peers and area leaders. No matter your industry or location, you’ll be sure to find interesting and engaging people and topics at this year’s summit! Last year’s Summit sold out, so register early.

About ITEN

ITEN WIRED is a conference hosted by IT Gulf Coast and Florida West Economic Development Alliance. The annual summit provides networking and learning opportunities for executives, entrepreneurs, technology professionals and academia to foster local economic development efforts surrounding innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

ITEN WIRED is the Gulf Coast’s premier conference for executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and educators working in technology. With topics including cybersecurity, tech makers, start-up tech, virtual environments, simulation, and robotics, you’ll be sure to find something inspiring. Expert presenters offer an excellent forum for professional development. Don’t miss this opportunity to exchange ideas and forge new collaborations around innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

ITEN WIRED Industry Day

IT Gulf Coast and Florida West are excited to announce ITEN WIRED SBIOI (Small Business & Industry Outreach Initiative) at this year’s conference.

The day will begin at 8:00 AM on October 2, 2018 with Welcome Remarks from our ITEN WIRED Chairman Jim Rhodes and IT Gulf Coast’s Chairman Sean O’Brien.

With over 300 registrants and dozens of large corporations and small business expected to attend, this will be a great event for you to learn, network and make some great contacts.
Register for Industry Day Here

Business-To-Business Speed Networking
We have added a new and exciting event to our already jam-packed ITEN Wired agenda. On Tuesday, October 2nd at 8.30am – 2.30pm just before the ITEN Wired closing reception we will be hosting an Industry Day immediately followed by a Business-to-Business Speed Networking Event.

How It Works
We will be running the networking session for approx 20-30 businesses, each person will spend 2-3 minutes (depending on final numbers) with each participant. We would ask participants to prepare a short pitch about themselves, company details and what you are looking to get out of the event. You may wish to summarize your information on paper with your contact details and give a copy to each participant to refer to after the event, after all, they will have met a lot of new contacts in a short space of time, so make yourself memorable!

Benefits Of Business-To-Business Speed Networking
•   The main purpose of the speed networking is to meet lots of new contacts in a short space of time-saving valuable time and money
•   Within a few minutes, you can decide if you wish to spend more time with that company/person during the main forum networking events and if there is a possibility of a business relationship
•   Helps maximize your time at the forum making sure you meet the people that can offer you real business opportunities
•   If you take into account each participants business contacts, you are potentially connecting with hundreds of relevant industry people
•   Increases your networking profile within the industry
•   People like to do business with people they have met and like
•   A great icebreaker, the informal format takes the awkwardness out of traditional networking; it is a fun and easy way to meet a wide variety of people.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
•   The dress is Business Casual.
•   Check-in is at 8:00 AM
•   Speed Networking requires a separate registration. Be sure to email —— if you are interested in participating.
•   Tables are not reserved. (Except Head Tables) Tables are numbered to assist you in finding someone you haven’t met.
•   Presentations will be posted after the SBIOI. SSC Atlantic presentations may take up to 2 weeks and will be posted on their site. Industry presentations will be posted on ITEN WIRED’s website.
•   A “Take Away Table” will be set up in the lobby. Feel free to leave your company flyer on this table. Anything left at end of the day will be thrown away.
•   Coffee and tea will be available throughout the day.
•   Lunch will not be provided, but there will provide a listing of places that are close by.
•   Interested in joining the IT Gulf Coast or becoming a corporate sponsor? Come see ——- at the check-in desk.