Research Terms
Business Administration Advanced Technology
Keywords
Accelerator Business Incubator Economic analysis Incubator Startup
Industries
Biotech Medical Devices Pharmaceuticals
My mission is to foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity that enables evidence-based solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of our society and economy. I have a proven track record of creating and launching successful entrepreneurial support programs and initiatives, such as the NIIP/NIIC in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where I served as the President and CEO for 21 years.
I am also a certified innovation mentor, dream manager, growth wheel, and predictive index psychometric assessment, and the author of several books on entrepreneurship and innovation. I am honored to be part of the UF Innovate team and to contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of the Gainesville Innovation District and Progress Park in Alachua, FL.As the Director UF Innovate | Accelerate, I oversee two award-winning business incubation programs that leverage the world-class research and technology commercialization capabilities of the University of Florida. With over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, I am passionate about supporting dynamic startups and growth companies with programming, resources, and networking opportunities. My mission is to foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity that enables evidence-based solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of our society and economy. I have a proven track record of creating and launching successful entrepreneurial support programs and initiatives, such as the NIIP/NIIC in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where I served as the President and CEO for 21 years. I am also a certified innovation mentor, dream manager, growth wheel, and predictive index psychometric assessment, and the author of several books on entrepreneurship and innovation. I am honored to be part of the UF Innovate team and to contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of the Gainesville Innovation District and Progress Park in Alachua, FL.
50 Super E-Hacks: Actionable Insights for Business Builders50 Super E-Hacks: Actionable Insights for Business Builders AuthorHouse · Sep 22, 2024
Entrepreneurial Hacks: Practical Insights for Business BuildersEntrepreneurial Hacks: Practical Insights for Business Builders AuthorHouse · May 1, 2021
Guard Rails: Build Your Business and Self Through Insights and InnovationGuard Rails: Build Your Business and Self Through Insights and Innovation Author House · Aug 3, 2018
Innovation Guidebook Series: Business Creativity & InnovationInnovation Guidebook Series: Business Creativity & Innovation Self-Published · Jan 1, 2011
Best Practices in Action: Guidelines for Implementing First-Class Business Incubation Programs, Revised 2nd EditionBest Practices in Action: Guidelines for Implementing First-Class Business Incubation Programs, Revised 2nd Edition NBIA Publications · Apr 1, 2010
Innovation Center Guidebook: Strategic Plan on A Page for Incubator ProfessionalsInnovation Center Guidebook: Strategic Plan on A Page for Incubator Professionals Self-published · Jan 1, 2010
Creating Winning Business PlansCreating Winning Business Plans AuthorHouse · Sep 19, 2005
Indiana University—Purdue University Fort Wayne: Doermer School of Business, Board of Advisors; 2025 - present
International Business Innovation Association, Member; 2022 - present
Florida Business Incubation Association, President; 2021 - present
Franklin Pierce University - College of Business, Board of Advisors; 2019 - present
Tech Startup Readiness Project , Member; 2018 - present
Ball State Entrepreneurship Center, Board of Advisors; 2018 - present
Indiana Chamber of Commerce - Economic Development Policy Committee, Board of Advisors; 2017 - 2021
Fort Wayne Ballet, Chairperson; 2016 - 2017
Science Central, Board of Advisors; 2014 - 2021
Indiana University—Purdue University Fort Wayne: Engineering, Technology, & Computer Science Industry Advisory Board, Board of Advisors; 2013 - 2015
International Business Innovation Association, Board of Directors; 2013 - 2014
Manchester University, Member; 2008 - 2015
League for the Blind & Disabled, Chairperson; 1998 - 2010
Soft Landings Programs; Select USA Summit; Select USA; 2023
Strategies for Effective Mentoring Programs; Annual ICBI 36 Conference; International Business Innovation Association; 2023
Innovation in A Culture of Innovation; Innovation is a Messy Business; Franklin Pierce University; 2023
Hiring Smarter for Startups; Hub Educational Series; UF Innovate | Accelerate; 2023
Managing Challenging Clients; Michigan Business Innovation Association; 2023
Measuring KPIs and Creating Data Driven Impact; FBIA Winter Conference; Florida Business Incubation Association; 2022
Entrepreneurship: Growing Your Own; Mitch Daniel’s Leadership Academy; 2021
Leading by Providing an Excellent Customer Experience; Shafer Leadership Academy; 2020
Providing the Best Client Experience in your Entrepreneurial Support Organization; Great Lakes International Innovation Summit; Northeast Indiana Innovation Center; 2019
The NIIC Story: How a Small Town Made a Big Bet; Great Lakes International Innovation Summit; Northeast Indiana Innovation Center; 2017
Beyond the Dashboard: Tying Metrics to Outcomes; Great Lakes International Innovation Summit; Northeast Indiana Innovation Center; 2019
Student Entrepreneurship: Creating a Pipeline of Future Entrepreneurs; International Business Innovation Association; 2017
Access to Small Business Capital: Engaging the ESOs; Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; 2017
Critical Success Factors in Building a Best-in-Class Rural Entrepreneurship Ecosystem; Illinois Rural Community Economic Development Conference; Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs; 2017
Lessons Learned from Growing Your Own Rural Entrepreneurship Program; Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs; 2017
Accelerators: Moving Beyond Traditional Models; International Business Innovation Association; 2016
Incubators and Accelerators: A Primer; Global Acceleration Network Summit; Accelerate; 2015
Business Creation: The Fourth Leg of the Economic Development Stool; International Economic Development Council; 2015
Business Incubator and Accelerators: Innovations & Trends; NDC Academy; 2015
Rethinking Your Incubator Revenue Streams; NBIA 28th International Conference on Business Incubation; International Business Incubation Association; 2014
Creating an Effective and Engaged Incubator Board; International Business Incubation Association; 2013
Incubation Business Models: Path to Sustainability; NBIA 26th International Conference on Business Incubation; International Business Incubation Association; 2012
Understanding Seed Accelerators and Their Potential Impact on Incubation; NBIA 26th International Conference on Business Incubation; International Business Incubation Association; 2012
Seed Accelerators & Business Incubators; NBIA Summit for Advanced Business Incubation Professionals; International Business Incubation Association; 2012
Higher Order Thinking; Northeast Indiana Non-profit Association; 2011
Incubation Business Models: Path to Sustainability and Attracting & Retaining to Quality Clients; NBIA Fall Training Institute; International Business Incubation Association; 2011
Commercialization in Action and from Best to Next Practices; NBIA 25th International Conference on Business Incubation; International Business Incubation Association; 2011
Best Practices and Bringing Out the Best in the People You Lead; NBIA 24th International Conference on Business Incubation; International Business Incubation Association; 2010
Facilities Management Certificate Course; NBIA Fall Training Institute; International Business Incubation Association; 2010
Facilities Management Certificate Course; NBIA Fall Training Institute; International Business Incubation Association; 2009
Creative Incubator Funding Strategies; NBIA Summit for Advanced Incubation Professionals; International Business Incubation Association; 2009
An Incubator’s Toolbox; NBIA Fall Training Institute; International Business Incubation Association; 2009
Strategies for Advancing your Program; NBIA Fall Training Institute; International Business Incubation Association; 2008
Staying Relevant; NBIA Fall Training Institute; International Business Incubation Association; 2007
The Practical Guide to Business Incubator Marketing; International Business Incubation Association; 2007
Metrics Matter: Tracking and Measuring Performance; NBIA Fall Training Institute; International Business Incubation Association; 2006
7 Deadly Sins of Entrepreneurial Support Organizations; Incubator/Accelerator Forum; BioFlorida; 2021
My mission is to foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity that enables evidence-based solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of our society and economy. I have a proven track record of creating and launching successful entrepreneurial support programs and initiatives, such as the NIIP/NIIC in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where I served as the President and CEO for 21 years.
I am also a certified innovation mentor, dream manager, growth wheel, and predictive index psychometric assessment, and the author of several books on entrepreneurship and innovation. I am honored to be part of the UF Innovate team and to contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of the Gainesville Innovation District and Progress Park in Alachua, FL.As the Director UF Innovate | Accelerate, I oversee two award-winning business incubation programs that leverage the world-class research and technology commercialization capabilities of the University of Florida. With over 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, I am passionate about supporting dynamic startups and growth companies with programming, resources, and networking opportunities. My mission is to foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity that enables evidence-based solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of our society and economy. I have a proven track record of creating and launching successful entrepreneurial support programs and initiatives, such as the NIIP/NIIC in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where I served as the President and CEO for 21 years. I am also a certified innovation mentor, dream manager, growth wheel, and predictive index psychometric assessment, and the author of several books on entrepreneurship and innovation. I am honored to be part of the UF Innovate team and to contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of the Gainesville Innovation District and Progress Park in Alachua, FL.
Speaker Topics
Accelerator Business Incubator Communication And Leadership Customer Experience Economic Development Entrepreneurship Global Business Incubation Innovation
Target Audiences
Fee Range
Greater than $500 Less than $500
Seven Tsunamis of Social Change Impacting Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Leadership Showcase Breakfast (2020)
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Going Virtual Fast: Advice to ESOs, Wendy Kennedy International Webinar Series (2020).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Failure in a Culture of Innovation, Ideas @ Work, (2020).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Innovation Potential & Pathways, Purdue University Ft. Wayne Innovation Day (2020).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Connect & Collaborate: Technology. The Indiana State Chamber of Commerce Regional Roadshow Presentation, ©2017.
Subject Areas:
Audience:
Adults
So, You’ve Got This Crazy Idea Talk, Downtown Ft. Wayne Rotary, © 2014.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Adjunct Faculty: Design Thinking for Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation in Multidisciplinary Education and Entrepreneurship Pedagogy. Bethlehem University (Bethlehem, Israel) in collaboration with Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Institute for International Business (2017).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Visiting Professor. Entrepreneurial Pathways Certificate Program. University of International Business & Economics Summer School Program (Summer 2016).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
more than one day
Presenter: The Innovation Imperative. Canadian Consulate General. 2016.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenter: Why Do Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Need Incubators and Accelerators in Beijing, China at the Innovation Forum on Innovation and Investment, 2015.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
more than one day
Speaker: New Models in Coaching & Mentoring at the EBN (European Innovation Network) 23rd EBN Congress in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, June 2014.
Keynote Speaker on the Global Collaboration & Connectivity: Why Partnerships Matter and conference workshop presenter/trainer at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in Moscow, Russia on three topics: Commercialization in Action; BI as part of the Educational Process; and Global Innovation Networks: Fostering Regional Innovation & Inspiring an Entrepreneurial Spirit (November 2013).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
half day
Speaker, Communities of Innovation: Collaboration & Innovation Networks at the Hebei Academy of Social Sciences (HBASS), “Innovation Driven Economic Transformation” Symposium, (2013).
Subject Areas:
Keywords:
Keynote Speaker on the Global Reach of Business Incubation and conference workshop presenter/trainer on Seed Accelerators: A New Tool for Incubators at the 2nd Russian-American Business Incubation Forum at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in Moscow, Russia (December 2012).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
more than one day
Session Chairman, Incubation: International Experiences and Support Programs and panelist/presenter on Various Government Support Programs for Technology Business Incubators at the ISBA 2012: Business Incubation: The Greatest Innovation for Societal Development in Pune, India (March 2012).
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
full day
Presenting "ESO Best Practices" at 2026 FBIA Winter Conference @ USF; © 2026.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Setting the Stage: Leadership, Value, and Vision for Entrepreneurial Ecosystems" at FBIA Fall 2025 Conference; © 2025.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Welcome to Founders Edge" at Founders Edge in Gainesville, FL for UF Innovate | Gator CoLab; © 2025.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Engaging in Entrepreneurial Community Building" at NACCE Annual Conference; © 2023.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Presenting "Ecosystem Building to Attract and Support Entrepreneurs" at the BioFlorida Annual Conference; © 2023.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Presenting "A Place-Based ESO Operator's Time| FBIA Survey Results" at the FBIA Fall Conference; © 2023.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Keynote Speaker on the Importance & Significance of Global Business Incubation and conference presenter on Student Entrepreneurship Programs for Business Incubators at the 1st Russian-American Business Incubation Forum at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) in Moscow, Russia (November 2011).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
more than one day
Trainer, NBIA International Certificate Program for Business Incubation Professionals, Malaysian Biotech Corporation (July 2010).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
more than one day
Presenting "Successful Ecosystem Development in Non-Traditional Communities" at ICBI40 - InBIA's 40th International Conference on Business Innovation; © 2026.
Subject Areas:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Entrepreneurship Center Ecosystem Building" at USABE 2026 in Salt Lake City; © 2026.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Founders Forum Capstone" for the Founders Forum Webinar Series under UF Innovate | Gator CoLab; © 2025.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Powerful Innovation" at Duke Energy Economic Development; © 2023.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Soft Landing Programs" at Select USA Summit; © 2023.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Failure in A Culture of Innovation" at Franklin Pierce University; © 2023.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Innovation is a Messy Business" at Franklin Pierce University; © 2023.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Strategies for Effective Mentoring Programs" at the ICBI 36 Conference; © 2023.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Breakfast Connections: Mentorship as the Master Key" at FBIA Fall 2025 Conference; © 2025.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Entrepreneurship Support Infrastructure" at 2026 NACCE Workshop in Gainesville, FL; © 2026.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "Welcome to Founders Edge" at Founders Edge in Orlando, FL for UF Innovate | Gator CoLab; © 2025.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Presenting "What I Wished I Knew…Becoming the Best Version of Yourself" at Santa Fe College: STEAM FEST 2023; © 2023.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Why Entrepreneurship Matters to Alachua, Alachua Chamber of Commerce (March 2023)
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Living a More Connected and Fulfilled Life. Ft. Wayne Rotary Club (2021)
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
The Art of Welcoming. St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church Leadership Retreat, (2020).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
What Every Economic Developer Should Know about Entrepreneurship, Luncheon Speaker, IEDA/Mid America EDC 2017 Best Practices Summer Conference, © 2017.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
2-3 hours
Innovation is Messy, keynote, Muncie Innovation Connector Business Excellence in Innovation Awards, © 2016.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Innovate AND Thrive: An Exploration of Innovation Principles & Practices, Keynote, Ft. Wayne Metals Annual Meeting, February 2013.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Demystifying Entrepreneurship. First Friday. Fort Wayne, IN (2018).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Innovate or Die presented to a roundtable of privately-owned Indiana companies between $5 and $500 MM in sales; © 2010.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Innovating Health Care presented to Parkview Health Executive Leadership Team; © 2010.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Jack of All Trades: Master of Everything presented to PhD candidate students at Indiana Tech; © 2010.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Creating WOW! Customer Experiences presented to Region 6 Workforce Development; © 2010.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Northeast Indiana presented to the IPFW Wireless Summer School; © 2010.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Creating Exceptional Customer experiences & Cultivating Relationships presented to Turnstone; © 2010.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Leadership in a Time of Generational Change. Michigan Association of Realtors; © 2009.
Keywords:
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
The Four Levers of Success: The Secret Sauce for Northeast Indiana presented to Northeast Indiana Corporate Council, © December 2006.
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
1 hour or less
Major presenter, Tips for Haiti: Lessons Learned and Best Practices from Business Incubators, Alpha Haiti launch event in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (2018).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
2-3 hours
Panelist, Global Collaborations and Connections, Alpha Haiti launch event in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (2018).
Audience:
Adults
Duration:
2-3 hours
