Operating a Start-up in a Downturn
SPECIAL EVENT: Operating a Start-up in a Downturn
Join us April 2nd for the third event in the MIT Venture Lab's Start-up in a Downturn Series for a special panel discussion about running a new technology business in a cash-strapped economy. No matter how far along you are in your venture, this event will help you develop a better business plan, and get a better understanding of how you will operate your start-up. The issues discussed by our panel of experts will arm you with the answers to the questions investors typically ask, increasing your chances to secure financing.
Topics discussed will include: How do you build the right team, define an operating plan, deal with gaps in funding, and drive your vision to market? How do you effectively work with your Board of Directors, and plan your scaling models and exit strategies?
The session will be moderated by Randy Phillips, Founder of Red Point Leadership Group. For the last 10 years, Randy has devoted considerable time to coaching and leading executives, including the facilitation of weekly executive roundtable groups. Our panel of experts who will be sharing their experience and expertise include four successful local entrepreneurs:
. Tom Guthrie, President & CEO, Twisted Pair Solutions
Tom has 20 years of management experience in technology engineering and operations for a wide variety of service providers.
. Ann-Marie Archer, President & Founder, Archer and Associates
A long-time member of the Pacific Northwest business community, Ann-Marie has over 20 years of experience in consulting, sales, management and team building.
. Bob King, Founder, C.O.O. Services
Bob is a strong executive leader with over 25 years of experience leading and managing manufacturing and distribution companies.
. Gary Glouner, Senior Product Manager, Microsoft Corporation (Mobile Advertising Solutions) Gary joined Microsoft when the company acquired WebFives, a destination video social network where he served as EVP of Product and Business Development.
MODERATOR
Randy Phillips, Founder, Red Point Leadership Group
For the last 10 years, Randy has devoted considerable time to coaching and leading executives, including the facilitation of a weekly executive roundtable group in Seattle. He launched RedPoint Leadership in 2006, and in that year developed and refined the Executive Decision Compass and the Team Decision Compass tools. In 2007, he was credentialed by the Thomas Paterson Center as a certified Paterson ProcessTM facilitator for Strategic Operating Plans. In 2008, he became a certified LifePlanTM facilitator. In the last three years, Randy has worked with over 200 executives to enable the creation of high-performance teams and uniquely productive plans.
PANELISTS
Tom Guthrie, President & CEO, Twisted Pair Solutions
Tom is responsible for Twisted Pair Solutions' internal operations. He has 20 years of management experience in technology engineering and operations for a wide variety of service providers. Prior to joining Twisted Pair Solutions, Tom was CTO for USA.NET, an outsourced provider of messaging services. In this role, he was responsible for software development, operations and professional services offerings for Microsoft Exchange, as well as other outsourced messaging services for enterprise customers. Tom has led engineering and operations organizations for service providers such as MCI, U.S. WEST and Allied Riser Communications in support of local, long distance, internet and wireless services. Tom holds a B.S. from Oklahoma State University and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.
Ann-Marie Archer, President & Founder, Archer and Associates
A long-time member of the Pacific Northwest business community, Ann-Marie has over 20 years of experience in consulting, sales, management and team building. Prior to founding Archer & Associates, she served as Business Manager for the highly respected BEST Consulting, where she recruited and managed consulting professionals and internal staff, hiring more than 400 individuals over a seven-year period. After BEST Consulting, Ann-Marie became Director of Business Development for Inteliant, where she consistently surpassed multi-million dollar business development targets. Ann-Marie has also developed, launched and cultivated on-site consulting and staffing practices for Fortune 1000 Corporations.
Bob King, Founder, C.O.O. Services
Bob is a strong executive leader with over 25 years of experience leading and managing manufacturing and distribution companies. The breadth of his experience ranges from Fortune 100 companies to $10M privately held concerns. Prior to starting C.O.O. Services, LLC, Bob served as President of a national, multi-site manufacturer of office and school supplies. During his nine-year tenure, sales grew over 300% through both organic sales growth and acquisitions. In addition to two mergers and subsequent integrations, Bob developed the strategic plan that called for the company to move from a small west coast-only player to become a major factor in the industry throughout North America. This plan included the development of a national sales team as well as national distribution capabilities. Major clients included 3M, Costco and Staples.
Gary Glouner, EVP, WebFives and Top Three Mobile (now with Microsoft Advertising)
Gary is a telecom veteran who currently works with Microsoft in mobile advertising strategy and business development. His company, WebFives, a mobile-focused social networking site with mobile interactive technologies and services, was shopped to Google, Nokia and various Hollywood firms, and ultimately bought by Microsoft in 2007. Prior to WebFives, Gary served as Chief Executive of Top Three Mobile, a location-based services firm, and as Vice President of SinglePoint, a mobile advertising and entertainment application and services provider. He was also a founding employee of Openwave, a mobile infrastructure developer and founder of first WAP technologies. Gary also worked in mobile software development for AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile through EDS and Accenture. While working at Ogilvy & Mather advertising, he did media planning and buying for Nestl'e and American Express, and won Microsoft's first large corporate advertising accounts.
