December News

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MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS 

December 6, 2021,  5 - 6 pm via Zoom

Please register below for Zoom link

Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly virtual networking event. You never know...

REGISTER FOR CHANCE MEETINGS

Theme: Making Mental Health a Workplace Priority 

The first collaborative assessment of mental health and substance use in Jackson Hole revealed a community struggling with a myriad of challenges. The report, drafted by FSG consultants, comprises a year of research and includes interviews with community leaders, workshops with a 19-organization steering committee, and a survey of more than 1,000 residents. 

The pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties of living in our isolated mountain towns. COVID has, for many, rapidly changed the nature of work requiring constant adaptation and added stress. Trends that made the Teton region a difficult place to call home have accelerated. The survey revealed that nearly half of those surveyed considered leaving the area in the past year due to housing instability, lack of stable employment, or insufficient income. 

Please join us on Monday, December 6th from 5-6 p.m. for a discussion on making mental health a priority in the workplace. We will look at creative tools and benefits available to support entrepreneurs and staff, suggestions for self-care, and the various resources available in our area. 

Our expert panelists include Matt Murphy, CEO of Marvell Technology, a leader in innovative programs to promote employee wellness and work-life balance, Abigail Ridgway, Managing Director of FSG, and Deidre Ashley, Executive Director of Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center. Don't miss this important and timely conversation. 

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NEWS AND NOTES

ANNIE MORITA JOINS THE SILICON COULOIR BOARD

We are pleased to announce the addition of Annie Morita to the Silicon Couloir board. Annie has a wealth of executive leadership from across the globe. Currently, Annie is the Chief Operating Officer at Koji.

Annie was an executive with Apple, Inc., as the business lead for the Internet Software & Services Division in Greater China, focusing on the App Store, and Apple Media Products (Apple Music, TV, iTunes, and Podcasts). She joined Apple in January 2017 and was based in Shanghai through July 2019. She finished her assignment with Apple in late 2019.

Prior to Apple, Annie served as the head of global interactive for DreamWorks Animation. She led the company’s efforts for gaming across all platforms, as well as new business development and production for virtual reality and augmented reality.

Prior to this role, Annie served as the lead business executive for Oriental DreamWorks, DreamWorks Animation's first-ever joint venture in China with the goal of creating the leading family entertainment company in China. Annie worked on the creation of the joint venture and eventually moved to Shanghai to set up operations and launch the new company. She joined DreamWorks Animation in 2009 as part of the online team, with responsibilities for the company’s worldwide production and management of interactive virtual worlds for kids and companion online and social products.

NOVEMBER VISIONARY VENTURES:
 NAUGHTY FRUIT GROWS FROM LOCAL ROOTS

This month's News and Guide column features Teton Valley entrepreneur Juan Morales, Founder and CEO of Naughty Fruit. Juan is committed to family, community, sustainability, and growing his company. “People can taste the love,“ explains Juan. “No matter what their culture, language, or background is, people want to be part of something local.”

Juan envisions a larger facility in Teton Valley and a team of full-time employees. It’s a big step with the need for considerable planning and investment. To get there, Juan is returning to his Silicon Couloir roots. He has applied to TEAMS, Silicon Couloir’s free business mentoring program, and has his eye on Pitch Day 2022.

READ THE COLUMN HERE

FRANCO SNOWSHAPES EXPANDS TO SKIS

Franco Snowshapes is proud to present Tailored Skis to our line-up of one of a kind shapes. Collin Schauerman, formerly of Parlor Skis in Boston, brings with him a background in Architecture Design/Build and a lengthy history of ski making. Matching the Franco aesthetic with cutting edge technology like Carbon Fiber/Kevlar blends, poured urethane sidewalls, Titanal and other aerospace-grade composites, Collin’s aim is to take custom skis from merely pieces of functional art to performance-focused tools befitting of a ski born in the Tetons.

MIA SHARE IS HIRING

Pitch Day 2020 award winner, Mia Share, is hiring for 7 new positions. Join an innovative team and develop income-based payment tech for trade & technical schools across the country and beyond. Expect exceptional co-workers and a fast-paced working environment. Strong benefits & remote flexibility. Learn more and apply by following this link.

WELCOME TO NEW TRUSTEES

We are pleased to announce the addition of four new Silicon Couloir Trustees to our remarkable and talented community. Welcome and thank you for your generous commitment to support entrepreneurship in the Teton region.

With over 30 years executive experience in finance, investments & philanthropy, George M. James is Chief Investment Officer & Principal of Glasshouse Capital, a family investment vehicle with interests across global markets. He & his wife are founders of the George & Karen James Family Foundation.

Founded with colleagues from Morgan Stanley, Mr. James was Co-CIO of Old Lane LP, a $4.5 billion multi-strategy hedge fund sold to Citigroup in 2008. He was appointed Vice Chairman, Citi Alternative Investments & member of the Citigroup Management Committee. His partner Vikram Pandit was named CEO & the senior leadership team invited to oversee Citigroup’s alternative investment platform globally.

George M. James worked with Morgan Stanley for 24 years & was Managing Director for 14 years, joining the corporation upon graduating with an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. While working in NYC, Tokyo & London, George facilitated Morgan Stanley’s entry into diverse Fixed Income businesses worldwide & was founding co-head of the Global Derivative Products Group.

Lauri Corliss had a long career in business – banking, real estate, and development – and entered the wine business in Washington State in 1999 with her husband Michael.

She brings skills that few people in this industry can claim, but which are essential to building a lasting legacy. Lauri acquired her wine knowledge over many years of traveling to acquire wines at auction, where she came to understand the whole spectrum of quality and attention to detail in winemaking. She and Michael now own and operate 4 wineries and 7 estate vineyards, Lauri’s focus is on the sales and marketing aspects of the business.

Michael Corliss is the founder and shareholder of Pacific Trust Company. Michael has over 40 years of experience owning and operating unique business assets and privately held operating companies. He founded Investco in 1983, which today manages over $2 billion in real estate assets on behalf of the Corliss family and its partners. In 1985, he acquired The Truss Company & Building Supply, which manufactures roof trusses in Washington, Oregon, and California. He also owns farming, winery, and vineyard operations.

Phil Hartl is a Managing Director in Private Wealth Management at Merrill within Bank of America. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 2000, Phil was a Vice President in the Private Client Services Group at Goldman Sachs. He is a Certified Private Wealth Advisor® professional, and has been trained at the Money, Meaning, and Choices Institute in San Francisco.

Phil earned his Ph.D. at the University of California at San Diego in Cellular and Molecular Biology.  His postdoctoral work was conducted at the University of California at San Francisco, where he was a Fellow of the Cancer Research Institute.  His graduate and postdoctoral works have been published in several journals including:  Science, The Journal of Cellular Biology and the Journal of Clinical Investigation.  Phil earned his B.S. in Biochemistry and his M.A. in Plant Biology from Binghamton University in New York.

THANK YOU TO DEPARTING BOARD MEMBER
GINNY HUTCHINSON

Following six years of dedication and service on the Silicon Couloir board of directors, Ginny Hutchinson is stepping down to focus on travel and family. Ginny has spent countless hours in support of our local entrepreneurs. Thank you, Ginny, for your vision, leadership, and unflagging positivity. Ginny and her husband, John Kanengieter, will continue serving as Trustees.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWS
TO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS

November Visionary Ventures: Roots give Naughty Fruit a path to growth

Juan Morales doesn’t do things by halves. Whether it’s starting a family business, supporting his local community, enacting sustainable business practices or nurturing Naughty Fruit, his growing dried-fruit snack company, Juan gives it 110%. Naughty Fruit, based in Teton Valley, Idaho, and inspired by his Mexican family heritage, combines a blend of unique spices, such as dried chili and lemon, and uses dehydrating techniques that allow the fruit to retain nutrientdense qualities. The result is a taste experience that sets the product apart in a crowded snack food space and “gives people a little zing in their life,” explains Juan.

Family is central to Juan’s life and values. The middle of five children, he took on the role of helping to support his parents, who had “busted their butts” to provide prospects for their children. Years of agricultural labor left his father with chronic back pain and limited his work options. In the face of difficulties, Juan saw an oppo r tuni ty for his first entrepreneurial venture and a solution for his parents: Rosa’s Tamales. The tamales are a local favorite at summer markets, and connoisseurs have learned to arrive early before they sell out. The Morales all have a role in the business, from cooking to preparing to selling. The community connection and bridging of cultures became an inspiration for Juan and instilled the value of fresh ingredients and buying local whenever possible.

In 2013 Start-Up Intensive, a 10-week entrepreneur boot camp offered by Silicon

Couloir and Central Wyoming College, graduated its first cohort, and Juan was part of it. Building on his success with the tamale business, Juan knew he could apply his passion for connecting with people through food to a more scalable enterprise. In 2017 he launched Naughty Fruit. Since that time the venture has grown tremendously through direct website sales, local partnerships with Yellowstone National Park and Ecotours, and has even landed shelf space in Whole Foods.

Sustainability and community are central to Naughty Fruit and are reflected in both the process and product. Packaging is biodegradable; processing is all-natural. Pears and apples are sourced from Idaho, and waste is minimized by sending fruit scraps to feed chickens at a Tetonia farm.

“People can taste the love,“ said Juan. “No matter what their culture, language or background, people want to be part of something local.”

So enthusiastic is he about his fellow Teton Valley food producers, Juan has created and marketed a gourmet gift box of local consumables that complement his fruit: Cheeses, jams and chocolate all made by his friends and neighbors. It’s just one of the ways Juan gives back.

With two businesses for Juan to run, Naughty Fruit has been, up until now, a part-time venture, and he is truly a solopreneur — sourcing, preparing, packaging and shipping product all on his own. Eager to take the next steps to grow the business, Juan applied to Trailmix this fall and was chosen from hundreds of applicants as one of seven finalists. Based in Boise, Idaho, Trailmix is a pitch competition that features all consumable products and awards cash prizes. Much like Silicon Couloir’s Pitch Day, Trailmix provides coaching with business experts to hone a pitch for a panel of judges. Juan didn’t win the competition, but what he gained was far more valuable: confidence, confirmation and a vision.

“I learned so much about myself. I don’t have a business degree, so I’ve been gaining skills as I go. The opportunity to dive into my finances, develop my pitch and plan a path for growth was incredible,” Juan said. “I’m going full time with Naughty Fruit in 2022 with the goal of expanding nationally.”

Juan envisions a larger facility in Teton Valley and a team of full-time employees. It’s a big step with the need for considerable planning and investment. Juan is returning to his Silicon Couloir roots to get there. He has applied to TEAMS, Silicon Couloir’s free business mentoring program, and has his eye on Pitch Day 2022.

“My product has been proven,” Juan said. “I’m ready to move forward. I’m all in.”

Visionary Ventures prints once a month. Rebecca Reimers works for Silicon Couloir. Reach her at rebecca@siliconcouloir.com.

Juan Morales is determined to take Naughty Fruit to the next level.

“My product has been proven.

I’m ready to move forward.

I’m all in.”

— Juan Morales

November News

MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS 

November 1, 2021,  5 - 6 pm via Zoom

Please register below for Zoom link

Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly virtual networking event. You never know...

REGISTER FOR CHANCE MEETINGS

Theme: Mini-Pitches from Engaged Entrepreneurs

An elevator speech is "a short description of an idea, product or company that explains the concept in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. This description typically explains who the thing is for, what it does, why it is needed, and how it will get done." Join us on Monday, November 1st from 5-6 pm to hear our version of the elevator speech, the "mini-pitch". Four of our local companies: All Hands Craft Cocktails, Allfalfa, Avant Delivery, and YogaLyte will present their "what, why and how" to the audience, followed by Q&A. Please come support these entrepreneurs and learn how to perfect your own "mini-pitch." 
 

Caroline Fabacher, Founder and CEO of All Hands Craft Cocktails: "bar strength" cocktails in the convenience of an adventure proof can.

Brad Walsh, Founder and CEO of Allfalfa: offering 100% live learning, for the good of your mind, body, and soul.

Sam Schwartz, Founder and CEO of Avant Delivery: eliminating single-use cups and take out containers by focusing on customer convenience.

Dani Perry, Co-Founder of YogaLyte: Thirst for Balance. Simple, Natural & Effective.

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NEWS AND NOTES

RIDE FORCE AWARDED DREAMERS & DOERS MEMBERSHIP

Pitch Day finalist, Ride Force, was recently chosen for a first-of-its-kind award, a one-year membership to Dreamers & Doers which is a powerful combination of high-impact community and PR hype machine amplifying extraordinary entrepreneurial women founded by Gesche Haas.

"I can’t thank Gesche enough for this amazing opportunity and award. I’m so honored to be a part of such an inspiring and supportive community," says Ride Force Founder & CEO Taylor-Ann Smith.

ANGEL GROUP BEST PRACTICES TO SUPPORT LOCALS

Gary Trauner, Silicon Couloir's Executive Director, sat down with Hall Martin of TEN Capital Network to discuss best practices for Angel Groups to support their local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

LISTEN NOW

WELCOME TO NEW TRUSTEES

We are pleased to announce a new group of Silicon Couloir Trustees. Welcome and thank you for your generous commitment to support entrepreneurship in the
Teton region.

Eric Ellenbogen has spent more than 30 years running entertainment businesses, including holding senior management roles as President of Broadway Video Entertainment (the TV and film production and distribution company founded by Lorne Michaels); President of Golden Books Family Entertainment; and President and CEO of Marvel Enterprises before its acquisition by Disney. With the backing of private equity, he co-founded Classic Media in 2000, which became one of the largest private owners of branded kids’ and family entertainment and was acquired by DreamWorks Animation (DWA) in 2012. At DWA, Mr. Ellenbogen became Co-Head of DreamWorks Classics and DreamWorks International Television and was largely responsible for the company’s entry into the television business. Following DWA’s sale to NBCUniversal, Ellenbogen became Co-President of Classic Media, which was restarted as a business unit of NBCUniversal. Mr. Ellenbogen was a board director of Golden Books and Marvel, then both public companies, and is a Trustee of the Public Theater in New York City among other civic involvements. He is a graduate of Harvard College and holds an MBA from UCLA.

Christine Kwak is a founding Principal and President of Aris Real Estate Ventures (ARIS), KL Realty (KLR), and American Opportunity Zone Advisors (AOZA). Ms. Kwak is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the companies’ activities, including fund investments, investment management, and strategic planning. Ms. Kwak leads sourcing, underwriting and executing on the investments, as well as managing the on-going liquidity, profitability, and capital structure of its investments. With over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, Ms. Kwak has worked with multi-property types with specialization in multifamily, office and industrial. Her experience has ranged from acquisition and debt originations of more than $4.0 billion of acquisition and disposition transactions
and $2.0 billion of financings. Prior to co-founding ARIS and KLR with Dr. Peter Linneman, Ms. Kwak was a Managing Director of the Shorenstein Company in San Francisco responsible for sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, and closing capital transactions in the Western United States. Prior to Shorenstein, Ms. Kwak was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs in New York in the Investment Banking Group, an Associate with Boston Financial, and a Senior Consultant with Ernst & Young/Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Practice leading teams on due diligence and restructuring of non-performing real estate for the RTC and various banks and insurance companies.

Ms. Kwak graduated from University of California at Berkeley with a B.A. in Architecture and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Kwak serves as a full member of the Urban Land Institute (IOPC council member since 2006), prior board member of NAIOP (San Francisco chapter) and prior advisory member of the California Alumni Association Finance Committee at UC Berkeley.

Dominic Ramos-Ruiz is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Community Development and Impact Investing team. On this team, Dominic has been focused on identifying and scaling market-based solutions to systemic challenges faced by low-and-moderate-income communities. Prior to joining the New York Fed, Dominic was the Director of Healthy Buildings at GreenGen, a global sustainability consultancy, and a Senior Policy Advisor to the International WELL Building Institute (IWB), a public-benefit corporation whose mission is to improve human health through building technology and design. Before GreenGen and IWBI, Dominic worked in real estate development for Weitzman Associates and Lane4 Property Group, and earlier, as a fellow for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dominic is a graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned a master’s degree in regional and community planning. He serves as Vice Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s National Public-Private Partnerships Council and as Executive Co-Chair of ULI New York’s Young Leaders Group.

He’s a member of the Public Theater’s Young Partner Board and the MoMA Contemporary Arts Council, as well as ACE Mentor through which he mentors high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering. Dominic was recognized by Crain's New York Business in July 2020 as a Rising Star in Real Estate.

Eric Samay is a retired sales management executive turned angel investor and mentor. During his sales career in data-driven marketing, Eric helped transform early-stage companies into attractive acquisition targets for the likes of Oracle, Sallie Mae and Kroger. He has deep vertical expertise in consumer packaged goods, technology, telecommunications, media and entertainment, and an ease at navigating both start-up and Fortune 500 organizations.

Eric is also an accomplished real estate investor and portfolio manager, and has brought this "side hustle" into the forefront since his corporate retirement in 2019.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWS
TO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS

October News

MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS 

October 4, 2021,  5 - 6 pm via Zoom

Please register below for Zoom link

Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly virtual networking event. You never know...

REGISTER FOR CHANCE MEETINGS

Theme: Best Legal Practices for Start-Ups

Founders are visionary big-picture thinkers with a passion or dream to pursue. Establishing the necessary legal framework for their business is often overlooked or delayed to the detriment of the company. When launching a start-up, it's essential to get the legal framework right from the start. Entrepreneurs need to ensure that their product or service is protected, that they are operating with the correct structure, and that the needed contracts and licenses are in place.

Join us and a panel of experts on Monday, October 4th from 5-6 pm for an in-depth discussion on best legal practices for start-ups. We'll cover laws around company structure, investment, intellectual property, and taxation. 

Panelists include attorneys Matt Confer, Bill Ewing, and Jim O'Brien. 

Matt Confer serves as CEO and General Counsel to a single-family office based in Jackson, Wyoming while continuing to represent a few legacy investment funds. Previously, Matt founded RPK3 Law to serve as legal counsel for clients in all corporate areas from inception to exit as well as advising lenders and investors in due diligence, transactional structuring, documenting, negotiating and closing of secured debt and equity financing transactions.

Prior to founding RPK3 Law, Matt was an attorney at the Jackson, Wyoming office of Long Reimer Winegar LLP (LRW LLP) focusing on corporate transactions and estate planning. Prior to joining LRW LLP, Matt worked in senior finance roles for emerging technology companies in the San Francisco Bay Area where he specialized in long-term financial planning raising significant amounts of debt and equity.

In addition to his role as attorney, Matt is the founder of WyomingWINs, an intrastate equity crowdfunding portal and serves as a director of over 20 corporations located throughout the United States primarily in the commercial real estate development and management and quick service restaurant industries.

Bill Ewing, Partner at Burns and Thorburg, LLP, advises and represents clients in a wide range of transactions with a particular focus on the energy industry. With over 25 years of experience, Bill understands the art of the deal and knows what it takes to close important transactions successfully in the most tax-advantageous manner — all while maximizing his client’s opportunity for success. 

Co-chair of the firm’s Renewable Energy group, Bill represents clients in the energy industry in a variety of transactions, including partnership investments, sale/leaseback transactions, financings, acquisitions and sales of energy related assets. He also has a broad range of tax credit experience involving production and investment tax credits for solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and other energy-related projects, as well as in new markets and affordable housing tax credit transactions. 

With significant knowledge of corporate, partnership, international and leasing transactions, Bill’s experience includes mergers, acquisitions and dispositions of business enterprises, spin-offs, complex partnership investments, and structuring for a number of U.S. inbound and outbound transactions. He also assists clients with tax audits and controversies. 

James Patrick O'Brien is a partner resident in the Chicago office of Baker McKenzie, and chairs the firm's Global Projects Practice Group, which consists of over 250 lawyers who work on large energy, mining and infrastructure projects and financings.

Mr. O'Brien serves as counsel in major project and infrastructure transactions such as renewable energy projects. On behalf of project sponsors, investors and lenders, Mr. O'Brien has led the counsel team moving complex projects through development, financial closing and operation.

From 2007 to 2012, Mr. O'Brien served as General Counsel of Oncor Electric, the largest transmission and distribution utility in Texas, with over 3.5 million customers. During his time as General Counsel, the utility deployed the largest automated meter program in the United States, with over $600 million of investment.

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NEWS AND NOTES

SEPTEMBER VISIONARY VENTURES: COACHES ARE ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS

"The Tetons region is filled with people willing to risk it all in the arena," explains author Gary Trauner. "But they cannot do it alone. Finding and cultivating mentors or coaches — not usually something entrepreneurs put at the top of their list — can be the difference between failure and the “triumph of high achievement.”

Read more about the importance of coaching and mentoring and learn about how Silicon Couloir can help with both our Pitch Day and TEAMS programs.

READ THE COLUMN HERE

GIVE'R IS HIRING! 

Give'r, one of our star ecosystem companies, is hiring! Looking for an awesome job where you have fun at work and have the flexibility to keep the fun going outside of work?! Give'r is looking for eager, driven people to add to the magic in both our Production and Fulfillment Zones. Part-Time and Full-Time opportunities are available, with extra incentive for people who can keep the engine humming during nights and weekends. We want to work with you to create a flexible schedule so you can work hard and play hard! More info and applications on the Give'r Careers Page.

VERTICAL HARVEST PARTNERS WITH AVANT DELIVERY

Vertical Harvest Farms has partnered with Avant Delivery to bring you their 6-week Fall Farm Share 2021 with 100% reusable packaging.

Order online by October 1st and it will sell out fast! Farm Share runs October 8 - November 12th.

ORDER FARM SHARE

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE WY GLOBAL
TECH SUMMIT

Wyoming Global Tech Summit will be held on October 7th in Jackson, WY at the Arts Center. The Wyoming Global Technology Summit is hosted by the Jackson Hole Technology Partnership. The purpose of the JHTP is to identify cutting-edge technologies relevant to rural populations and accelerate their accessibility to promote quality of life and job creation locally, regionally, and globally. The 2020 Summit featured government leaders, high-tech entrepreneurs, financiers, and futurists on the topics of angel investing, agriculture technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, economic empowerment, quantum computing, venture capital, and digital healthcare technology. This event helps energize solutions to old challenges by leveraging new technologies to produce quantifiable outcomes for rural populations. The 8th annual event will expand upon the conversations ignited over the last several years and will not disappoint. Updated speaker information will be posted to this event and on the Jackson Hole Technology Partnership website.

REGISTER HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWS
TO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS

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Jackson gender-neutral clothing line to launch first collection

By Carlyann Edwards

Bentley Wederski is using his childhood trauma as fuel to ignite cultural change. Wederski faced constant bullying for dressing in neon colors when he was growing up in Wyoming.

Fast-forward a decade, the 24-year-old fashion designer created Utilitarian, a gender-neutral clothing brand with the mission to lay the bricks for a more equitable path for all genders. The inaugural line is expected to launch in mid-October.

Gender-neutral fashion isn’t a new concept, but it has rapidly grown over the last few years. According to a study conducted by the Innovation Group, 78% of Gen Z consumers agree that gender is not as important as an identity marker as it once used to be.

“There’s so much inequity,” Wederski said. “Men can only wear this. Women can only wear that.

“If you take those basic roles away and we just starting wearing what we want to wear, I think these gaps can be bridged and societal wounds can be mended,” he said. “I truly believe that can happen.”

Fall 2021 line to be released

All products are designed by Wederski, with pieces ranging from boots and sneakers to cross-body bags and matching leather pant and shirt sets. He’s been independently running the LLC since October 2020 and has been working on the startup full-time since May. The brand’s price point is described as “accessible luxury,” which means a pair of boots cost anywhere from $380 to $580.

Wederski describes the style of his wear as “modern construction with minimal design.” The brand aims to offer a collection of timeless clothing and accessories that embrace the intersection of gender inclusion and equity. While the fall 2021 launch will take place online, Wederski hopes to open a pop-up shop and eventually a brick-and-mortar store, either in Jackson or New York.

The line focuses on footwear in particular, where there aren’t many options for consumers. Wederski claims that Utilitarian likely offers the biggest selection of gender-neutral footwear of any brand.

Although Wederski is Utilitarian’s only full-time employee, he attributes much of his success thus far to consultants, mentors and incubation programs. Locally he benefited from Wyoming’s Small Business Development Center and Silicon Couloir, Jackson’s entrepreneurial hub.

Wederski was one of six entrepreneurs out of nearly 30 applicants selected to participate in Pitch Day, which took place last week. Even though he didn’t win the competition, he said mentorship that Silicon Couloir provided has been vital in his business planning and development. Wederski described coaching sessions with former CFOs and marketing experts who live here.

“There is an insane amount of knowledge and experience present,” he said. “If you’re part of the Silicon Couloir community, you pretty much get access to all of that.”

The Utilitarian designer

At a young age Wederski knew that fashion was a crucial part of his identity. He remembers being bullied for wearing bright, colorful pants in seventh grade at Riverton Middle School and was even advised by the superintendent to stop wearing them.

“I got the s--t bullied out of me,” he said. “I was given the labels girly, fruity, flamboyant, faggot. You name it, I got it.”

Wederski spent most his childhood wanting to leave Wyoming and move to a big city. In 2016 he was accepted to study fashion business management at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, which was recently ranked as the top college for fashion-related degrees by CEOWORLD magazine.

Before founding Utilitarian he worked at fashion brands The Row and Anthropologie, which inspired some of the concepts used in his designs. Up until May he worked at apparel retailer Nest in Wilson a community that he attributes as one of his primary support systems in the area.

A shift toward genderless fashion

The fashion industry is quickly embracing gender neutrality, which has exploded over the past few years. The same Innovation Group Study found 56% of Gen Z respondents know someone personally who uses gender-neutral pronouns and 56% also said they already shop for clothing outside of their gender.

Outside of clothing, California could soon force large department stores to display some child products in gender-neutral ways after its state legislature passed a bill earlier this month aimed at getting rid of traditional pink and blue marketing schemes for items like toys and toothbrushes.

Wederski has experienced his own personal frustrations while shopping: “I was forced to choose between men’s and women’s sections. You’re confined to the merchandise mix and the size range that the retailer deems appropriate for your gender,” he said. “Fashion plays a big part because it is a direct mirror to the culture and the age that we’re in.”

Future of the brand

Wederski hopes Utilitarian will become one of the largest gender-neutral apparel brands in the market and one of the largest retailers in the fashion industry. He’d like to spotlight minorities in Wyoming through his business, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community and eventually establish a foundation to support youth interested in the arts in rural areas.

“My goal is that one day we can get to a place where young boys in Riverton, Wyoming, who want to wear colorful pants can do so without having to fear the labels, scrutiny or bullying,” he said.

Coaches are essential to success in the startup world

September Visionary Ventures: Coaches are essential to success in the startup world

By Gary Trauner

As I write this, six finalists are hard at work preparing for Silicon Couloir’s Pitch Day, and an integral part of their preparation has been intensely focused coaching sessions.

Most people think of entrepreneurship — starting and running one’s own business or venture — through a somewhat romanticized lens. Yes, intellectually they may know it takes long hours and hard work, but it seems the Hollywood view is of employees shooting Nerf hoops from a beanbag chair while somehow magically growing a business that makes millions.

The truth is much different than most who’ve never been entrepreneurs will ever know.

Entrepreneurship is not just hard work, long hours and daily stress over everything from finances to staffing to operations. It also tends to be an incredibly lonely undertaking by those willing to risk it all for their vision.

In the words of Teddy Roosevelt, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena ... who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but … who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Those words, while delivered by Roosevelt in the context of “Citizenship in a Republic,” apply just as well to entrepreneurship. Striving against odds to succeed, all while usually toiling in relative anonymity and bearing the burden mostly alone.

A quick parallel story: I’ve been both an entrepreneur (with success and failure — welcome to that world) and I’ve run for elected office at the federal level (sadly, at least for me, unsuccessfully).

In my first political campaign I ended up wide awake in bed at 3 in the morning on election night, behind by a mere few hundred votes out of several hundred thousand. With my spouse sleeping beside me I spent time on the phone with campaign staff, D.C. lawyers and D.C .officials working to figure out what we should do next. As I listened in — mostly silent — a realization suddenly hit me: The true burden of that campaign was on me alone as the candidate. Not my family or friends or staff. Winning or losing was mine to own, and, as I now advise future candidates, make sure when you’re sitting in bed on election night you’ve run the race you want to run and done the things you want to do. No regrets.

My experience in entrepreneurship, while not quite so dramatic, follows a similar theme. When all is said and done, it is the entrepreneur on whom the burden of

success or failure rests. Not staff or vendors or consultants or board members. Difficult decisions fall on the entrepreneur: when and how to raise money, how to grow, who to hire, when to cut back or lay people off (if necessary). The entrepreneur must live with his or her decisions in perpetuity.

And that’s where mentoring and coaching come into play. Successful entrepreneurs almost universally find someone or several people who help guide them along their journey.

The best and most effective coaches, or mentors, generally have several traits in common: (1) As expected, they likely had prior success in business or in starting a venture; (2) they have a desire to help others follow their path to success and are not looking for compensation or public visibility; and (3) the truly good mentors take the time to understand their mentee’s values, business model and ultimate goals before providing relevant advice and guidance.

Mentorship can take many forms. Silicon Couloir has followed a successful model in which each entrepreneur in the TEAMS program is assigned three mentor.” Regular meetings are scheduled to discuss ongoing and new issues encountered by the entrepreneur. Critical in this model is that while the mentors make suggestions and problem- solve with the entrepreneur, it’s the entrepreneur who must do the work. Another key aspect of Silicon Couloir’s mentoring model is what I’ll call the “next go-round” concept. Unfortunately, most startups don’t succeed. So while mentors focus on coaching for the immediate venture, they are also working to impart expertise and experience to better prepare the entrepreneur for future efforts should the current one fail. Entrepreneurship is a unique undertaking, and TEAMS aims to increase the odds of success, both now and in the future.

The Tetons region is filled with people willing to risk it all in the arena. But they cannot do it alone. Finding and cultivating mentors or coaches — not usually something entrepreneurs put at the top of their list — can be the difference between failure and the “triumph of high achievement.” Gary Trauner is the executive director of Silicon Couloir. Visionary Ventures runs once per month. Contact him at gary@siliconcouloir.com.

PITCH DAY IS NEXT WEEK—REGISTER NOW!

PITCH DAY IS NEXT WEEK—REGISTER NOW! 

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021,  5 - 8 pm  MST

Don't miss Silicon Couloir’s 10th Annual Pitch Day, our signature event of the year. “Shark Tank, Teton style,” Pitch Day features local entrepreneurs showcasing their businesses. Cash prizes will be awarded in a number of categories. Pitch Day will be held at the Center for the Arts on Tuesday, September 14th from 5 - 8 pm MDT. 

The safety and health of our community are our highest priority. Therefore, due to the recent surge in Covid cases, we have limited in-person attendance, which is now closed. We do hope you will attend virtually. A livestream link will be sent to all following submission of the registration form linked from the button below.
 
Pitch Day stars a select group of innovative and creative companies developing in the Teton region. This event supports local entrepreneurs by allowing them to hone their pitch and share their business to a wide audience.  

Presenting entrepreneurs have had several coaching sessions with a team of successful and experienced business experts leading up to the main event. Coaching is a critical feature of the program, as it helps entrepreneurs hone their delivery and synthesize the information that is most likely to interest the audience.  

Pitch Day is a celebration of the highly successful entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Teton region. We hope to inspire audience members and others in our community to dream up or begin their own entrepreneurial journey.
 

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Scott Fitzgerald pitched for Buddy Pegs Media in 2019.

HELP SUPPORT A HEALTHY ECONOMY THROUGH
OLD BILL'S FUN RUN

Silicon Couloir offers a wide range of cost-free programs from founding to funding for our dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Please help us continue our work and leverage your gift with a match by donating through Old Bill's. The giving period is now open until 5 pm on Friday, September 17th.

GIVE NOW

VISIONARY VENTURES

The August edition of Visionary Ventures, our monthly News & Guide column, explores the challenges of owning a business that relies on local workers in our current housing crisis through the experience of Jeff Rice, former owner of Jackson Whole Grocer.

Notes author Will Stabler, "(Rice) urges local leaders to dream bigger and make more bold and ambitious initiatives, even if they may be unpopular with some constituents. He would like to encourage approval of more housing projects even if they don’t fit neatly into the Comprehensive Plan."

READ THE FULL COLUMN HERE

WELCOME TO NEW TRUSTEES

Silicon Couloir Trustees are a bold group of thinkers and doers who provide support for our mission. Please help us welcome new Trustees Mark Ladd and Dave Anderson. We're grateful for their generous gift to our entrepreneurial community.

Mark J. Ladd has over 25 years of experience leading design and technical innovation for large multi-national architectural/engineering/ construction/ real estate and emerging services companies. Mark is an investor, entrepreneur, and a seasoned professional adept at developing sophisticated solutions for the virtual and built environments with a proficiency in merging disparate technologies and personnel into team and customer service-centered business units. 

Mark is the Managing Director of Malex Enterprises which is focused on early-stage ventures, real estate investment, and equities portfolio. In addition, Mark is a Venture Partner at New Stack Ventures involved in deal flow, assessing new opportunities, and working with portfolio companies in their technical and marketing roadmaps. Mark is also a Board Member/ Shareholder of Artory, a blockchain based registry that tracks provenance for art and collectibles. Mark is also a mentor to aspiring real estate and construction technology start-ups at Moderne Ventures and previously at Elmspring Accelerator.

Mark was also the Founder/ CEO of LyteShot, the first immersive augmented reality (AR) gaming platform that leverages the cloud, connected mobile and IoT devices and AR smartglasses for unique interactive gaming experiences anywhere.

Mark received his Master’s in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a concentration in Digital Media where he received multiple awards for his design portfolio projects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Medieval History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dave Anderson is a lifelong resident of the Tetons Region. Recently retired as a practicing ophthalmologist in Idaho Falls after 37 years, Dave enjoys all the adventure that the region has to offer: from ski racing on Rendezvous Mountain before the Tram was built to hiking in the Tetons. Dave’s goal is to provide the space, training, and support for consumers to transform into entrepreneurs.

NOSO PATCHES IS HIRING! 

Noso Patches is hiring a Director of Operations. Put your talent to work for a remarkable company that makes environmental and social change through extending the life of clothing by using next-generation hi-tech do-it-yourself patches.

JOB DESCRIPTION HERE

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS

Jeff Rice an advocate for workers

August Visionary Ventures: Jeff Rice an advocate for workers

By Will Stabler

One day in 2010, Jeff Rice, owner of Jackson Whole Grocer, realized that the Rocky Mountain regional president of Whole Foods Market, along with several others from his management team, were sitting at his store’s juice bar in the Powderhorn Plaza. Whole Foods was scouting the Jackson market and it became clear over the coming couple of years that Whole Foods wanted to be in Jackson.

Shortly afterward they made an offer to buy the store and Jeff turned them down. Many years later in 2019, when Kmart announced it was closing and Lucky’s Market had recently pulled out of the market, Jeff was faced with the prospect that another grocer could enter using either of those spaces. What was the fate of the old Kmart and Lucky’s spaces — would a Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or other national or specialty grocer appear? Jeff had already navigated through Lucky’s entry into the Jackson market and there was a rumor that Smith’s was eyeing the Kmart space for a second store. Another player was something Jeff kept a watchful eye on.

Jeff was comfortable dealing with such a prospect. In fact, Jeff thought he would run Whole Grocer for decades until only recently; “I’d have been happy to run this business for another decade or more,” he said recently via video call.

An entrepreneur most of his adult life, Jeff had been involved in various start-ups including a locally based pharmacy benefits management company in the mid-1990s and a regional internet service provider in the late ’90s. Back in the early ’90s, during Jeff’s first few years in Jackson, he sold lift tickets at Jackson Hole Ski Corp and was in sales for Sysco Intermountain. Tragedy struck his young family in 2005 when he abruptly and unexpectedly lost his wife, Wendy, to a heart arrhythmia disease. He was a single parent of two baby boys for five years thereafter. He then married his current wife, Darcy, reengaged his career life and acquired Whole Grocer from the Arndt family. Jeff and Darcy were drawn to a local community-oriented business and had a love of natural food.

Eleven years later Jeff is proud of what he accomplished at Jackson Whole Grocer. In the face of Whole Foods’ offer to buy the business in 2012, he and his team doubled down by relocating and expanding the store. In 2014 it moved to the current location of Whole Foods and was expanded from 14,000 square feet at the old location to 40,000 square feet at its current location.

More important to Jeff were Whole Grocer’s contributions to the community. Jackson Whole Grocer fostered philanthropic partnerships with organizations like Systems of Care, an affinity group of 35 local health and human services organizations. Further, Whole Grocer contributed many tons of food to Hole Food Rescue and supported organizations like Slow Food in the Tetons.

Jeff commented that “pursuing the company’s mission of creating and sharing the JWG experience…was the really good stuff that came from my time at JWG. It was always a joy to see the community come together through food. It was a pleasure to watch the community in the aisles chatting, or customers engaging with employees while finding something or as they tried a sample of something new.”

The team — 140 strong when the sale finalized in February — is what Jeff holds most dear from his years at the helm of Whole Grocer.

“Our team truly made the magic happen and I will always be grateful for each of them and cherish our chapters spent together,” he said.

In recent years Jeff watched with great concern as stress and anxiety grew among his team at all levels of the company.

“While labor challenges across the country are certainly a current trend, the lack and cost of housing here is at the foundation of the systemic stress and anxiety in our community,” Jeff said. “There are a lot of people suffering as they try to make it here.”

From a business perspective, such dynamics are creating an increasingly unsustainable environment. Housing shortages lead to higher labor costs. While Jeff feels employees in Jackson need and deserve higher wages, high labor costs, even despite high sales volumes, don’t blend well with a business in the low-margin grocery industry. Jeff said that “a tipping point was realized when even higher paying leadership and management positions — directors of accounting, HR, IT, and marketing — were being affected by housing issues.”

Long before the business was sold, Whole Grocer’s accounting and HR offices had gone dark and such operations were outsourced. Such folks are finding it difficult to make it in Jackson. That in turn is resulting in a material shortage of qualified professionals.

The situation was “compromising fundamental operations within the company,” so when the Whole Foods opportunity came along Jeff made the decision to take it. But first he explored any alternative available to keep the business locally owned. He did deep dives into the possibilities of an employee-owned company and opportunities to sell locally. Despite spending substantial time, effort and money on these options they did not prove viable. So after ensuring all qualified team members would be offered job opportunities after the transition, Jeff concluded that the best alternative was to sell Jackson Whole Grocer to Whole Foods Market.

Jeff is contemplative now. As a 30-year community member and businessman, he’s troubled by current dynamics in Jackson. He points to the sale of Whole Grocer, the closing of The Bootlegger, the recent announcement of Jackson Cycle and Saw closing, and many businesses cutting back their operating hours, etc., as foreshadowing: “Unfortunately, in the coming years we’re going to see more of this — business owners and the workforce can’t run full-tilt and carry the shortfalls on a sustained basis.”

He urges local leaders to dream bigger and make more bold and ambitious initiatives, even if they may be unpopular with some constituents. He would like to encourage approval of more housing projects even if they don’t fit neatly into the Comprehensive Plan.

“Let’s not let perfect get in the way of good. There is a healthy balance that can be struck here ... as an avid outdoorsman, skier, fisherman and climber, I’m all for conserving and keeping this place beautiful and healthy, but we’ve got to put people first.”

Silicon Couloir supports entrepreneurs in the hope they can create something like Jeff did: one of the biggest employers in Teton County, driven by strong core values and with many year-round, well-paying jobs.

If we are at a point that both front-line employees and higher-paid leaders and management-level folks cannot make it here, who is going to be left and what’s the point?

Again, Jeff urges local leadership to take big, bold, decisive action that will advance progressive development regulations, housing proposals, alternative tax measures, transportation initiatives, etc. — all of which are aimed at bettering the lives of the people that make up the fabric of the community.

I, for one, agree with him.

“There are a lot of people suffering as they try to make it here.” — Jeff Rice former whole grocer owner

Visionary Ventures prints once a month. Will Stabler is operations manager for Silicon Couloir. Reach him at will@siliconcouloir.com.

Please Remember Silicon Couloir at Old Bill's!

Silicon Couloir is hard at work supporting our entrepreneurial community so that they may remain in the Teton region pursing meaningful work and create good-paying, year-round jobs. If you value the Teton region’s new economy—beyond tourism and resource extraction—and a suite of free programs from Founding to Funding, please support Silicon Couloir at Old Bill’s.

Access for All: SIlicon Couloir & happyly

Caitlin Iseler, Founder of happyly and a busy mom, felt there needed to be an easier way for families to get outside together.  So, after a 15-year career with tech companies, she decided to build an app to give parents suggestions for activities in under 60 seconds for a 5 star family time. 

Today happyly serves families across the US in thirty locations and is growing by the week. Activities are sourced by a passionate team of ambassadors that share local knowledge of quality family experiences. 

As a TEAMS company, Entrepreneurship Essentials graduate, and a Pitch Day 2020 finalist, Silicon Couloir has been instrumental in happyly’s growth.

 Pitch Day provided Iseler with an opportunity to hone her pitch and build awareness for the company. The coaching and hard work paid off. Iseler took home the Audience Choice Award.

Despite the isolation brought on by COVID, Iseler has never felt alone. As part of the Silicon Couloir community, she has a network of mentors, coaches, and peers, so there’s always someone available to take a call, share advice or simply listen.

“SC made it easy for me to invest in myself and my business by providing both low-cost and no-cost programming,” states Iseler.  “It’s the gift that keeps on giving! It's such a special community and being part of it has helped me and happyly beyond measure. I have been the recipient of so much goodness and hope I can return that to this community over a lifetime.”

Virtual Chance Meetings is Monday, August 2nd: Competition, Refreshed: Understanding Leadership with Jeff Moore

MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS 

August 2, 2021,  5 - 6 pm Via Zoom

Please register by clicking the button below

Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly virtual networking event. You never know...

REGISTER FOR CHANCE MEETINGS

Theme: Competition, Refreshed: Understanding Leadership with Jeff Moore

Jeff will challenge you to re-examine your approach to leadership by discussing the difference between leading people and managing them. Managers build companies from the outside-in. They tend to be results-obsessed, driven by the need to compare favorably. Leaders don't compare. They compete. Leaders build companies from the inside-out by embracing Strivership, an ethic of continuous improvement based on the origin of compete: “to strive together.”  

Succeeding in today’s disruptive, unstable economy requires being in perpetual invent, adapt, and reinvent mode, and yet there is constant pressure to compare favorably. The impression management industry has stifled our willingness to solve big problems. Success (or the appearance of it) must always be within our grasp. The key to thriving in a rapid change economy is the willingness to compete - the willingness to stretch beyond perceived limitations. Companies that are led exude a Spirit of Strivership, the palpable sense that everyone involved is excited about getting better every day - together!

Jeff is the CEO of Moore Leadership LLC. He helps leaders in organizations of all types build championship teams using the revolutionary Strivership Quotient Assessment. During his 23 year career at the University of Texas, Jeff's Longhorn Tennis Teams won 2 NCAA Championships, appeared in 2 NCAA finals, advanced to the Final Four 3 times, reached the Elite Eight 3 times, and won 18 conference titles. Jeff is a member of the Longhorn Hall of Honor and the College Tennis Hall of Fame. He has been named National Coach of the Year and was Conference Coach of the Year 10 times. Before taking the reins at Texas, Jeff coached the Men's and Women's Tennis Teams at the University of Colorado.  

Jeff served as Chairperson of the NCAA Men's and Women's Tennis Committee and as a member of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Board of Directors. He also has experience as a teacher, administrator, and basketball coach at all levels. Jeff and his wife Lucy live part time in both Jackson Wyoming and Austin, Texas. They have 2 sons, Tim, a dean at St. Andrew's Episcopal School and Andy (32), a product development manager for GoDaddy.

REGISTER FOR CHANCE MEETINGS

FOUNDING TO FUNDING: 8 QUESTIONS WITH SUSAN PIEPER,  FOUNDER & CEO, DMOS COLLECTIVE, AND 2016 PITCH DAY WINNER

Susan Pieper saw a need for a portable yet full-sized and durable shovel. Since there was nothing out there that fit the bill, she created it and DMOS Collective was born in 2015. She has grown DMOS Collective into a nation-wide highly recognized brand with numerous innovative products. And, the shovels are made right here in Wyoming. Now that’s a success story! Silicon Couloir has been there as a support for DMOS Collective throughout their growth, starting with Pitch Day in 2016. We’re so proud to see one of our ecosystem companies grow from FOUNDING TO FUNDING with our help and support. Way to go Susan!

Read her thoughtful responses below to learn more about DMOS Collective and visit https://dmoscollective.com to see the goods!

8 QUESTIONS WITH SUSAN PIEPER

WELCOME NEW TRUSTEES MARTY COLOMBATTO &
 RISHI KUMAR

Martin (Marty) Colombatto is a technology industry executive with over 30 years of experience in engineering, production development, sales & marketing, and general management. Marty built his career in the semiconductor field holding various management positions with Texas Instruments, LSI Logic, Broadcom and Staccato Communications. As VP & GM of Broadcom’s Networking Division, Marty built a $500M business from inception, was instrumental in the company’s IPO and subsequent acquisition of 20+ companies. Marty was Chairman and CEO of Staccato Communications - an Ultra-Wideband wireless communication chip developer.

Marty is currently serving on corporate boards, consulting and angel investing. He graduated from California Polytechnic University with a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. He continues to serve on the school of engineering’s Dean’s Leadership Board. In 2013, he received the school’s Distinguished Alumnus award and was appointed to the Engineering Hall of Fame. Marty resides in Wilson, WY, has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He enjoys all forms of outdoor sports and recreation.

Rishi is one part engineer and one part financier. He is an MIT trained computer scientist who spent many years as a bond derivatives trader on Wall Street before founding two financial technology companies. As Founder and Co-CEO of Kashable, an employee financial wellness platform, he is now looking to use the same talents to drive social and financial impact in the lives of Working Americans. Rishi’s companies have provided $2 billion in financing to underserved small businesses and consumers.

VISIONARY VENTURES: PITCH DAY SUCCESS PORTENDS ANOTHER GREAT EVENT

"While we’re unsure who will stand out in interviews this week, one thing is certain: With such a strong pool of businesses to choose from and terrific coaching to follow, we’re in for quite a show at Pitch Day on Sept. 14. And for those selected to compete, just look at Irene with Nitrome Bioscience, Jack and Ellie with Powwater or several other community members and see: This may be the beginning of something big, " explains Silicon Couloir staff member Will Stabler in the July edition of Silicon Couloir's Jackson Hole News & Guide column, Visionary Ventures.

READ THE FULL COLUMN

STAY TUNED FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF OUR PITCH DAY FINALISTS!

REMEMBER SILICON COULOIR AT OLD BILL'S FUN RUN

Silicon Couloir offers a range of FREE programs to entrepreneurs in the Teton region— from monthly networking events, to education, to world-class mentoring. Entrepreneurs in our ecosystem build values-based businesses, create jobs, and enjoy meaningful work. If you appreciate the work we do,please remember Silicon Couloir at Old Bill's Fun Run. and double your impact with a match. Giving starts on August 13th.

THREE CHEERS FOR START-UP SUCCESS GRADUATES 

If you attended Chance Meetings last month, you were treated to inspiring and thoughtful elevator pitches from 8 of our 14 Start-Up Success: Fundamentals graduates. Three members of the cohort went on to apply for Pitch Day. Congratulations to all of the grads for their hard work, vision, and courage to begin their entrepreneurial journey.
Says Start-Up Success: Fundamentals graduate Megan Curfman, “Start-Up Success was everything I was hoping for and more! I had a business concept I was excited about, but didn’t really know where to begin on creating a pitch deck, let alone all the critical pieces that go into one. The instructors were amazing at walking us through the critical path of entrepreneurship - with support every step of the way. I especially loved the emphasis on preparing ourselves mentally and emotionally for what is in store as you finesse a concept into a real live business.”

Peter Frank, CEO & Founder of Buonaforma gives his pitch at the July Chance Meetings.

FORBES FEATURES LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

KELLI JONES & TANA HOFFMAN

We're so proud of these local ladies who are making a name for themselves as successful entreprepreneurs with national recognition from Forbes Magazine. Kelli Jones, Founder and CEO of Noso Patches, was interviewd for a piece entitled "There's No Business Like Your Own Business: Six Essential Tips To Launching A Successful Startup". Both Kelli and Tana Hoffman, founder and CEO of Mountainist, were named on the Next 1000 list. Congratulations, Kelli and Tana!

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWS
TO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS

Pitch Day success portends another great event

July Visionary Ventures: Pitch Day success portends another great event

Visionary Ventures / By Will Stabler

The audience was on to something. In September 2018 people attending Silicon Couloir’s eighth annual Pitch Day voted for Irene Griswold-Prenner’s Nitrome Biosciences more than any other business competing that day. Less than 18 months later Nitrome raised $38 million from investors to fund its research for a Parkinson’s disease treatment.

In 2019 an experienced investor panel awarded Pitch Day’s grand prize to Powwater, a startup determined to bring clean water solutions to underserved populations around the globe. Since then Powwater has won an extremely competitive grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and significantly expanded its team as it endeavors to beta test in Mombasa, Kenya.

These are not anomalies. Several Pitch Day alumni were awarded grants by the Wyoming Business Council, including Monica Grohne (Marea), Eric Green (Blaze Controller) and Karissa Akin and Kailey Gieck (both of Iksplor). This run of success speaks to the experience Pitch Day affords, and the counsel that Silicon Couloir’s volunteer coaches and panelists provide.

Another episode of Silicon Couloir’s Pitch Day ramps up this week. Twenty-six applicants — double the previous single-year high — will be narrowed down to six finalists. The interview stage mirrors Pitch Day itself, with contestants limited to eight minutes to explain and market their business. Entrepreneurs will explain the problem they are hoping to solve, their concise solution and who their customers will be and how they’ll find them. The presenters will also look to distinguish their business from its competitors, and provide key milestones and financial data.

A question-and-answer session follows, when the selection committee will both probe the businesses fundamentals and offer coaching to the individuals. The committee then faces the daunting task of selecting just a handful of finalists from a strong group, evaluating each business on its chance for success, likelihood of being funded, the strength of its team, the quality of the presentation and the values it holds closest.

When the dust settles, six people and their companies will have eight weeks to prepare for Pitch Day 2021, set for the afternoon of Sept. 14 at the Center for the Arts. The selection committee will have indicated areas of weakness in both the business and the presentation, and Silicon Couloir has found that the finalists who put the most work in before Pitch Day are those who walk away with the awards and prize money.

Arguably the most valuable experience for the finalists is this interim period, between the selection as a finalist and the event itself. During these eight weeks each entrepreneur will have the opportunity to pitch four more times before seasoned volunteer coaches, who will offer critiques on the presentation and the business. A rotating cast of coaches ensures a variety of perspectives and differing levels of industry familiarity, so presenters can be sure that their pitch resonates with people from all sorts of backgrounds.

While we’re unsure who will stand out in interviews this week, one thing is certain: With such a strong pool of businesses to choose from and terrific coaching to follow, we’re in for quite a show at Pitch Day on Sept. 14. And for those selected to compete, just look at Irene with Nitrome, Jack and Ellie with Powwater or several other community members and see: This may be the beginning of something big.

FOUNDING TO FUNDING: 8 QUESTIONS WITH SUSAN PIEPER, FOUNDER & CEO, DMOS COLLECTIVE, AND 2016 PITCH DAY WINNER

FOUNDING TO FUNDING: 8 QUESTIONS WITH SUSAN PIEPER,  FOUNDER & CEO, DMOS COLLECTIVE, AND 2016 PITCH DAY WINNER

Susan Pieper saw a need for a portable yet full-sized and durable shovel. Since there was nothing out there that fit the bill she created it and DMOS Collective was born in 2015. Since that time, she has grown DMOS Collective into a nation-wide highly recognized brand with numerous innovative products. And, the shovels are made right here in Wyoming. Now that’s a success story!

Silicon Couloir has been there as a support for DMOS collective throughout their growth, starting with winning Pitch Day in 2016. We’re so proud to see one of our ecosystem companies grow from FOUNDING TO FUNDING with our help and support. Way to go Susan!

Read her thoughtful responses below to learn more about DMOS Collective and visit https://dmoscollective.com to see the goods!

Q: How did you come to found DMOS Collective?

A: I’ll make a long story short and say that innovation happens at the intersection of multiple fields, disciplines, and cultures (this is called the Medici effect) and that’s how DMOS was born.  I had previously been working in startups and have an MBA and knew I wanted to start a brand.  Separately, when I moved to Jackson, I wanted to be connected to this place by working in the outdoor industry. The third vector was that I lived in Japan for three years and studied principals of Japanese design, particularly the art of well made/beautifully made things (Monozukuri) as well as their small and often compact to fit small spaces.  So, DMOS was born out of the intersection of those experiences. A lot of people know the story that the catalyst for our first product was the observation that there was no tool that was full sized yet portable for my son to use in building jumps in snow and dirt.  If all of this doesn’t sound linear, it’s because it truly wasn’t, but what emerged as DMOS today was a crowd hit through a successful Kickstarter Campaign that won awards and was a cult favorite with skiers and snowboarders including Travis Rice, whom I deeply admire.  I may digress here, but I simply want to say that I am forever grateful for Travis’s support and encouragement and DMOS wouldn’t be where we are today without Travis. 

 Q: Tell us about the growth of DMOS. How have you been able to scale so successfully?

A: Well, the growth has not been linear as in the early days we were looking for product market fit outside of the backcountry kicker building market, which while cool, is very small.  In 2016-2017, we started selling driveway shovels, but few were sold to the same customers in the same channels. It wasn’t until 2018 that I put two and two together and noted that the larger market of DMOS customers were the dads of the skiers who were buying the DMOS Stealth Shovel as the best winter recovery shovel for their car and, around that time, one of my mentors, Emily Miller, the founder of the Rebelle Rally, told me to go to Overland expo that people there would love the Stealth Shovel as she does for an off road recovery shovel in sand/dirt.  And that is when our business began to really take off. 

Q: What prompted your decision to move your manufacturing to WY?

A: We had been operating with a strategic supplier who did all engineering, design for manufacturing, production, and fulfillment from 2017-2020 and when COVID hit, demand for DMOS products skyrocketed and yet their production capacity was extremely limited by COVID-19 protocols that were very strict in Oregon.  We could not get product for most of 2020 and  obviously realized we could no longer afford to be beholden to one supplier.  After our former factory finished the holiday order in December, we moved all these processes to Wyoming at New Year’s – right in the middle of our busiest season with 5’ of snow on the ground.  I had been living in Jackson but could not put the warehouse in East Jackson so I moved down to Alpine and got a 2000 square foot warehouse.  I still have PTSD from all the moved (LOL) but we’re doing better than ever now in Alpine.  Everything is better – our product quality, customer service and warranty service, fulfillment, and particularly innovation and engineering.  The only thing worse is that I don’t have a commute and I can now work all the time since the warehouse is right by my house.  But, hey, that’s the entrepreneur life, and I am living my dream of creating not just a business but a lifestyle brand that stands for self-reliance through great adventure products that fit your mobile life.

Q: How has Silicon Couloir supported you in your journey?

A: I have been tightly networked in the Valley through Silicon Couloir and couldn’t build this startup business without my network here.  I was able to close a funding round after pitching (and winning the panel and audience choice award) at Pitch Day in 2016 as it gave me reach and relationships.  I’ve enjoyed a sense of community and have learned from the other companies here and I’ve hoped I’ve been able to help other startups as I’ve been very open to share about my journey and our challenges

Q: What do you appreciate about being in the Teton region and in Alpine specifically? A: A: What I appreciate about the region is the quality of life we all enjoy.  What I appreciate in Alpine specifically is the ability to attract and retain employees who can afford housing here or in neighboring Star Valley.

Q: Would you recommend Pitch Day to other entrepreneurs and why?

A: I would definitely recommend Pitch Day as it’s not just a day but a process of expert mentorship and forces you to have discipline in pitching so that you are prepared to go to any angel group anywhere in the world.  It’s a first rate event and the Board and Trustees keep it that way and I respect their contribution to our community and dedication to support the entrepreneurs here. 

Q: Being an entrepreneur can be lonely. How has Silicon Couloir contributed to a sense of community?

A: Have you been listening to Brene Brown on vulnerability?   Just by asking that question, I applaud you for raising a topic that is mostly not discussed except in whispers.  Yes, it is lonely at the top and I have found Silicon Couloir to be a community of like-minded business owners to share experiences with as well as some war stories. 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?

A: I simply want to say that I feel so privileged to live in the Valley and that there is an entrepreneurial ecosystem around our world class Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the Tetons.  The brands that call the Tetons home and/or that have roots here have paved the way for those of us who follow in their footsteps to succeed.  The history is rich if you consider that Mountain Khakis, Croakies, Life Link, Simms, Mizu, Cloudveil, all started here.   and now the current generation of brands like Stio, Made/Mountain Dandy, New West Knives, Franco Snowshapes, Noso, and Avalon 7 pave the way for us and lift us up. 

Our brand values are truly indistinguishable from what you need to survive here – self reliance, being prepared, having gear that outlasts you and I drive a lot of inspiration from the sense of place in which we live.

Chance Meetings is Monday, July 12th: Start-Up Success Graduates Pitch Their Businesses

IN-PERSON Chance Meetings is Monday, July 12: Start-Up Success Graduates Pitch Their Businesses (Note new location)

July 12, 2021,  5 - 7 pm @ Jackson Hole Historical Museum

Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly networking event. You never know...

Theme: Start-Up Success Graduates Pitch Their Businesses

We're excited to be back IN-PERSON and in a NEW LOCATION for Chance Meetings! Enjoy your first drink on us.

Join us to hear graduates from the new Start-Up Success (SUS) course share their elevator pitches and discuss their key learnings from this spring. Give support to these new founders and learn about their business ideas!  3D printing for home decor, Grizzly-proof composters, and an authentic app for travel recommendations— to name a few. Be inspired by the new cohort of entrepreneurs. 

Thank you to SUS sponsors Stio and Beyond Efficiency for providing student scholarships!
 

Please note: In accordance with CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated invitees may attend without masks; non or partially-vaccinated guests are asked to maintain social distancing and to bring a mask to be worn when interacting with others.

NEWS AND NOTES

RECORD NUMBER OF PITCH DAY APPLICANTS

This year's round of Pitch Day applicants was the strongest ever with 25 entrepreneur applications, a new record! Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply. It's going to be a very competitive selection process and a world-class event.

We're looking forward to hosting an in-person Pitch Day again this year at the Center for the Arts on Tuesday, September 14th from 5-8 pm. Pitch Day is free and open to the public.

WELCOME NEW TRUSTEE ANNIE MORITA

We're delighted to announce that Annie Morita is our newest Trustee! Annie brings years of experience in technology and innovation. Welcome, Annie!

Most recently, Annie was an executive with Apple, Inc., as the business lead for the Internet Software & Services Division in Greater China, focusing on the App Store, and Apple Media Products (Apple Music, TV, iTunes, and Podcasts). She joined Apple in January 2017 and was based in Shanghai, China.

A marketing and new media veteran, Annie has held top leadership positions at Dreamworks Animation, Warner Bros. Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Electronic Arts where she was a founding member of EA Mobile and supported efforts for the company’s acquisition of Jamdat Entertainment. Annie began her career with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., as an assignment editor with CNN International before moving to Hong Kong as the head of marketing for Turner International Far East Ltd., launching both CNN International and TNT & Cartoon Network to 32 countries in the region.

Annie holds a BA from Smith College and a master’s diploma in patisserie and baking from Le Cordon Bleu. She is a trustee emeritus at Smith College where she served on the board of trustees from 2006-2011. Annie served on the board of trustees for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) from 2015-2017 before departing for her international assignment with Apple in China, and recently re-joined in June 2019 for a six-year term.

With her move to Jackson, Wyoming, Annie is certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) as well as is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). She also serves on the board of trustees for the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Silicon Couloir.

LEADERSHIP: MORE THAN MANAGING

Our June Visionary Ventures column in the Jackson Hole News & Guide was an insightful reflection on the importance of leadership and how entrepreneurs. Gary Trauner uses personal examples to highlight how entrepreneurs can move beyond mere management to take their businesses to the next level.

READ VISIONARY VENTURES

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS

Leadership: More than Managing

June Visionary Ventures: Leadership— More than Managing

By Gary Trauner

Many entrepreneurs in our valley, and in general, are new to starting and running a business.

Typically, first-time entrepreneurs come up with what they believe is a great idea. If they are smart, organized and lucky, their idea may morph from concept into reality. Et voila, a new venture is born, and with it, a founder or founders who must run the business.

This applies to potential growth businesses that can scale beyond the Tetons region as well as small local businesses dependent on people spending their money here.

As their business grows, so typically does the eventual need for employees. What might have started out as a venture run by a solo entrepreneur often grows into one that turns to outside contractors and vendors and part-time staff. If all goes well and growth continues, in all likelihood the founder will end up with full-time employees, part-time employees and outside vendors for specific aspects of the venture, such as marketing or manufacturing.

Throughout this process two distinct facets of running an organization become more critical as the venture grows: management and leadership.

Yes. Though often conflated together, leadership and management are two distinctly different concepts requiring completely different skill sets. For the entrepreneur, understanding the difference between the two can be the determining factor in the ultimate success or failure of their venture.

Peter Drucker is revered by many as the father of modern management. He defined management as “the art of getting things done through and with people in formally organized groups.” More than just “art,” management involves process. Specifically, utilizing processes through planning, organizing, decision-making, implementing and accountability to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively (yeah, sounds pretty wonky). Effective management of staff and outside vendors is critical to the success of any business or organization.

Inspiring and motivating

However, managing is not the same as leading. Leadership entails, well, leading others. This entails defining a mission and vision and inspiring and motivating others to fully believe in and work toward a common purpose. Leadership means not just convincing people to hop onboard the boat for the ride, but inspiring everyone to actively pull their oars in the same direction to make sure the boat arrives where it was meant to go, perhaps even faster and earlier than originally planned.

In many organizations, leadership is highly undervalued and misunderstood. Most businesses tend to lean on quantitative metrics (sales growth, profitability and gross margin, among others) to measure success. These metrics are easy to measure and, yes, important to understand. Yet it is the qualitative aspects of a business — common culture, motivation, maximizing efforts for a common purpose — that often determine the ultimate success or failure of a venture.

Clear guidance

As organizations grow, so do the views and opinions of staff. Good leaders recognize that it is highly unlikely that everyone in their organization will agree with any given leadership decision. That’s why it is essential that true leaders set clear roles, goals, responsibilities and expectations, delineate processes and clearly guide their teams on how decisions are to be made.

Leaders must meaningfully engage with all parties in a process, and then clearly communicate not only the final decision but also the reasons behind the final decision to all participating and affected parties. And, yes, leaders must make tough decisions.

Entrepreneurs and business owners can delegate management (i.e., operations, sales marketing, finance, accounting and other business processes) to others within the organization. The same is most certainly not true of leadership.

Perhaps a real-life story will help underline the difference between management and leadership. Several years ago, a co-founder and I were running an internet firm here in the valley. We had started from scratch, and the business had grown rapidly through acquisitions to where it had nearly 100 employees. The company competed in a rapidly evolving industry that required constant infusions of capital to keep up with technological change and consumer demand.

Tough decisions

Over time, it became clear that our organization did not have the resources to continue to compete against bigger and better-capitalized competitors. While we had a management structure that allowed the company to operate as efficiently as possible, it became clear to me and my partner that no change in process or increase in efficiency would stem the bleeding of our customers to larger companies offering state-of-the-art services.

We knew that we were facing a founder’s worst nightmares: the possibility of laying off staff. It was time for leadership to kick into a higher gear. We gathered everyone together and explained the situation, ran through market and industry conditions and where the company stood from a competitive perspective. We solicited alternative ideas and worked our way through them.

Only after considering all alternatives did we actually arrive at the final decision, albeit a gut wrenching one: Layoffs were required.

Understanding the reasons

To this day, it is still one of the hardest business decisions I ever made. However, not long after we explained our decision to our team, one of our managers approached me unsolicited in the hall outside his office.

“Gary, I know how hard this must have been,” he said. “But think of it this way: Your decision actually saved all of the jobs for those of us still here.

“And I understand why you needed to do what you did. For that I’m truly appreciative.”

For success, management matters. But, leadership is essential.

Chance Meetings is Monday, June 7th: Beyond Cryptocurrency—Blockchain for Business

VIRTUAL MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS 

JUNE 7, 2021,  5 - 6 pm Via Zoom—Registration below

Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly virtual networking event. You never know...

Theme: Beyond Cryptocurrency—Blockchain Technology & Applications

Innovations in technology leave most of us trying to catch up. New products, platforms, and companies arise on a near-daily basis. Rarely, however, does an innovation come along with as much potential to alter and disrupt our current systems as blockchain. From healthcare to finance to social benefit, blockchain is changing the way we do business.

Join us for a panel discussion from experts in the field to understand the basics of blockchain and how it is being applied to businesses and systems for the better.  

This event will be moderated by Stina Brock with presentations from Rob Torti and Stuart Corby of Authentag, 2019 Pitch Day finalists. 

Stuart Corby is the CEO of Authentag and CEO of Databased.FINANCE. Stuart spends his time meeting clients from all verticals and helping them protect their consumers, product, brands and bringing best practice into their inventory and tracking capabilities.  Stuart has worked in the US, Australia, the UK and Hong Kong and has had a broad ranging career as a systems architect, the founder of multiple successful companies and a senior manager and board member in a variety of multimillion dollar ventures. His experience includes IT, investment banking, secure printing, packaging and consulting.

He started his career working for Sales Trading at Warburg, an investment bank.  5 mergers later and SFC and SFA qualified, he had set up and run the Asian electronic and algorithmic business for UBS and was responsible for 80% by value of their Asian equity trading flow. Stuart left UBS in 2002 to co-found I&W Ltd; a medical waste processing technology company whose machines still process most of London’s medical waste at the GRUNDON site in West London.  He sat on the board of SEP Sprint from 2004 to 2008; a secure printer that printed the postage stamps for multiple small countries around the globe. He founded Bio-Supplies Ltd in 2004 and sold it in 2008; bringing environmental packaging to markets in Asia and Europe for top F&B, retailers and cosmetic companies.

Since 2008 Stuart has executed turnarounds for APA Group, The Joyce Group (SEHK:647) and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and worked with HDAC (backed by Hyundai) in South
Korea as a Technical Advisor during their $268M Token Generation Event in 2017. In the US he was advisor to the Chairman of Further Future.

In 2011 Stuart started looking at hash structures and brought his broad knowledge of logistics, IT, algorithmic architecture and big data together to design, build and apply for the Patent rights for the Authentag technology platform.

Stuart holds a MA in International Relations and Economics from St Andrews University and in 2009 he sat for his Chartered Public Accountancy Exams in Hong Kong. He was a Mountbatten Scholar at the UWC of the Atlantic (Atlantic College) and was supported by the Sir Vincent Fairfax scholarship while working for Outward Bound Australia.

As COO / CFO of Authentag and the COO of Databased.FINANCE, Rob Torti manages cross functional teams to facilitate a positive, equitable, open environment leading to higher quality discussions and interactions resulting in higher performance. Rob also gives investor and community presentations spreading the word about what is now possible in supply chain security and decentralized finance.


He started his career in New York City as an Equities Trader at Credit Suisse and then as a proprietary trader at First New York Securities. Rob moved into Mergers and Acquisitions in 2004 with Gridley & Company and then Warburg Pincus. Rob left the world of banking after taking his MBA at Columbia and moved into insolvency and restructuring with Alix Partners. After 7 years at the firm Rob had helped the likes of - General Motors, Kodak, General Growth Properties, AIG and BearingPoint in their time of greatest need.
In the Arts, Rob is a Treasurer of Robot Heart, a 501c3 organisation focused on the curation of world- class musicians and art, alongside inspiring leaders in the areas of science, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

Rob holds a BA in History from Princeton and an MBA from Columbia University.

Stina Brock is currently VP of business development at Proterra, where she is focused on building out Proterra's software capabilities to support customers with charging and grid integration for their electric vehicle fleets. Stina was formerly head of North America for Electron. Electron's blockchain-based platform digitizes asset identities and allows market operators to launch local flexibility markets for distributed energy resources. Previously, Stina was the Senior Director of Global Energy Solutions at Sunverge, where she led Sunverge’s efforts to improve how distributed energy resources can provide services and value to customers and grid operators.

Prior to Sunverge, Stina led product marketing activities at Primus Power, an energy storage startup based on advanced flow battery technology, and managed utility demand response operations at EnerNOC. She started her career at Accenture as a consultant in the technology sector.

Stina holds an MSEE degree in electrical power engineering from the University of Washington, and AB & BE degrees in engineering and economics from Dartmouth College.

REGISTER FOR CHANCE MEETINGS

NEWS AND NOTES

VISIONARY VENTURES NEWS & GUIDE COLUMN: ENTREPRENEURSHIP COULD ANCHOR YOU IN JH

Our most recent Visionary Ventures column published in the Jackson Hole News & Guide features Mikey Franco of Franco Snowshapes. Author Will Stabler describes Mikey's path from juggling multiple seasonal jobs to establishing a world-class custom snowboard business. Silicon Couloir has supported Mikey along the way with our TEAMS mentoring program and our annual Pitch Day event.

READ VISIONARY VENTURES

WATCH gBETA PITCH NIGHT TONIGHT

gBETA Cheyenne's Pitch Night takes place tonight and you are invited. Silicon Couloir is rooting for Beauty Scripts, Silicon Couloir's 2018 Pitch Day Finalist Choice Award winner!

"The gBETA Cheyenne startup accelerator is nearing completion of the Spring 2021 cohort, and I am so excited to show off the work that these incredible teams have done, says Baylie Evans, gBETA Cheyenne Director  "The founders and I hope you will join us for our public Pitch Night -- to be held in person AND livestreamed -- starting at 5 p.m. MT on Tuesday, June 1, at the Array Coworking Space, 106 E. Lincolnway in downtown Cheyenne."

Pitch Night is a fun and casual reception during which participating companies have the opportunity to pitch to an audience of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and community members.

If you will join us, either in person or via the livestream, please RSVP by clicking here.
 

NOMINATE FOR 'WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR AWARD'

The Wyoming Council for Women (WCW) is seeking nominations for outstanding female entrepreneurs across the Cowboy State for recognition with the annual ‘Woman Entrepreneur Award.’

“Female entrepreneurs impact economies and families in every single community in Wyoming,” said Jennifer Wilmetti, Chair of the Wyoming Council for Women. “It requires tremendous courage and a belief in self that the Wyoming Council for Women celebrates. We encourage women entrepreneurs, as well as their families, friends, and colleagues, to submit an application so we can recognize and celebrate the amazing Wyoming women helping to drive our local economies. ”

The ‘Woman Entrepreneur Award’ recognizes woman-owned businesses in Wyoming and is designed to increase the attention to, and recognition of, the contribution female entrepreneurs make to Wyoming's economy. Applications are now available here.

Nominees must be women who own or operate a Wyoming-based business that has operated continuously for at least three years. Nominees may nominate themselves or be nominated by another individual. Along with recognition on the WCW website and social media and statewide media outlets, the award will be provided at a recognition ceremony in the recipient's business location city. The deadline for 2021 nominations is June 30, 2021.

PERFECTUS BIOMED IS HIRING

Local biomedical research company Perfectus Biomed, formally Extherid Biosciences, is hiring a research scientist! Extherid was one of our original TEAMS companies and we're excited to see them thriving and growing.

Perfectus Biomed, LLC is a fast-growing global company that provides innovative research and development services for medical and consumer health sectors. We have a unique full-time opportunity in Jackson! We are seeking creative individuals with a background in science for Research Scientist position. We offer training programs, international travel, innovative research teams, publishing opportunities along with competitive salary, health and retirement benefits, PTO and paid holidays.

Applicants must submit a CV, personal statement, and 2 recommendation letters to info.US@perfectusbiomed.com.  For a full job description click here. 
 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWSTO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS

Founding to Funding: Silicon Couloir & Extherid Biosciences

Founding to Funding: Silicon Couloir & Extherid Biosciences

Extherid Biosciences was one of our original TEAMS members. This film explains how the guidance and mentoring CEO and Founder Dr. Marnie Peterson received from Silicon Couloir helped propel Extherid and prepared the company for a key merger with Perfectus Biomed. Extherid does groundbreaking research and provides career opportunities for scientists right here in the Teton region. We're proud to be Empowering Entrepreneurship in the Tetons.

Click below to watch.

Access for All: Silicon Couloir & Franco Snowshapes

Entrepreneurship could anchor you in JH

By Will Stabler

In 1990 Mikey Franco was a firstyear snowboard instructor at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. His 1995 summer was spent guiding the whitewater section of the Snake River. In 2002 he managed catering events for Fine Dining Restaurant Group. In the years between you might have also found Mikey selling T-shirts, making chocolate or serving a porterhouse.

“Having tons of jobs was just as important then as it is now,” he said.

I’d imagine everyone reading this knows a contemporary version of this Mikey Franco, if not several: some young person sweating it out to enjoy the recreation opportunities afforded by wide-open spaces and daunting mountain ranges. But that person might not be here long, or may have moved away.

“It took me 25 years to feel a part of the community, to feel like this is my home,” Franco said. “It was so transient. ... From my 20s to my mid-30s I’d have friends leaving every other year. I felt [Jackson] was a hard place to feel like ‘this is home.’ It took a lot for me to say Jackson Hole is my home, even though I never intended to leave.”

Today Mikey is a business owner, responsible for two full-time and several part-time employees; he is an emeritus snowboard instructor at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; he is a factory owner and landlord, providing other entrepreneurs a space to pursue their own dreams; and he is permanently settled here in Jackson Hole. He is an indisputably integral member of the community, floating between so many walks of life in both valleys adjacent the Tetons. What changed?

In 2010 Mikey made his first snowboard at the Igneous Skis factory on Gregory Lane. Mikey was recovering from back surgery at the time, and

his ski-shaping friends had found a great outlet to cheer him up. While Mikey always knew he wanted to make snowboards, this may have been the catalyst of his transition from snowboard instructor to entrepreneur, and a new wave of milestones followed.

In 2013 Mikey formed his company, Franco Snowshapes, which makes bespoke snowboards with state-of-the-art technology and an on-snow custom fitting experience, led by the company’s namesake with his years of high-level instructing experience. Mikey partnered with his friends at both Igneous and

Maiden Skis for factory space and turned his instructing clients into his first customers. In 2018 Mikey joined Silicon Couloir’s Teton Entrepreneurs and Mentors Service program, in which he still participates. The next year he was a finalist for the organization’s Pitch Day. This year Franco Snowshapes opened its own manufacturing facility in Victor, Idaho, which will allow the business to grow even more. Mikey started this transition from instructor to entrepreneur in his 30s. With rising rent and limited housing stock, lifestylefirst Jackson Hole residents are being forced to adapt or move earlier than in years past. While interviewing Mikey by phone, I find myself recalling my own time in Jackson Hole. Hearing him describe his 20s, I see my friends juggling several jobs: serving, photographing, ranching; I see my friends who are the ultimate networkers, knowing everyone around town; I see terrific advocacy efforts on social and environmental issues; and I admire all of you for your commitment to the valleys and to the community. Entrepreneurship may be an avenue to afford you more sunny days on the Snake, rides on the Thunder Chair, or nights in the wilderness.

I encourage you to look at Mikey’s story, how he was open to working with his neighbors and

available to timely collaborations around town: with Silicon Couloir, with his friends, with his competitors, with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and with many others. There are so many resources available to you, many of them free. Consider how Mikey has found success marketing a product to the wealthy crowd that makes up an increasingly large part of our community. I hope you’ll start setting aside time to ponder what product or service you and your friends could provide the community, and soon — with some finesse and hard work — you might be as entrenched in Jackson Hole as Mikey Franco is today.

Will Stabler is operations manager for Silicon Couloir. Reach him at will@siliconcouloir.com.

“It took me 25 years to feel a part of the community, to feel like this is my home.

It was so transient.”

— Mike Franco

Access for all & Highpoint Cider: A short film with founders Alex & andrew perez

Access for all & Highpoint Cider: A short film with founders Alex & Andrew Perez

We're so proud to have helped the Perez brothers realize their dream of opening Highpoint Cider in Victor, Idaho. This video illustrates the brother's journey and the ways we were able to support them with free TEAMS mentoring and vital connections. Visit the new brewery at 7565 Lupine Ln. and enjoy a refreshing pint. Learn more at highpointcider.com.

Founding to Funding: Silicon Couloir & Naughty Fruit

Founding to Funding: Silicon Couloir & Naughty Fruit

Juan Morales honed his entrepreneurial skills with Start-Up Institute and is now the CEO of the highly successful Naughty Fruit. Silicon Couloir helped Juan thrive and grow. From Founding to Funding, we can help you realize your entrepreneurial aspirations. Learn more about Naughty Fruit at naughtyfruit.com.

Juan Morales was looking for a better fruit snack but wasn’t satisfied with the existing options, so he founded Naughty Fruit in 2017. By combining a blend of unique spices and using dehydrating techniques that allowed the fruit to retain its raw nutrient-dense qualities, he created a chewy and unforgettable taste experience. 

Since launching, Naughty Fruit’s local distribution has grown dramatically from several local clients to partnering with Yellowstone National Park, Whole Foods, and Quality Foods Distributing of Montana. However, Morales is still true to his roots. Current Teton Valley partners continue to support the thriving company and are growing in number. 

Morales notes that, “As a small business owner, it has been crucial to be able to count on local support, and our community has been such an integral part of our growing success. Regular positive feedback from local customers is one of my favorite parts of living in Teton Valley.”

Silicon Couloir has been an integral part of Naughty Fruit’s success. “Silicon Couloir has created a safe and inclusive environment for individuals like myself to thrive and grow,” explains Morales. “It’s such a blessing to be a part of the community with wonderful networks available online and, in non-COVID times, in-person at gatherings. Silicon Couloir has not only been an inspiration to myself and Naughty Fruit and would be an asset for anyone seeking enlightenment amidst this global pandemic.”

Chance Meetings: in Monday, May 3rd Lessons from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE TETONS
~

VIRTUAL MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS 

May 3, 2021,  5 - 6 pm Via Zoom—registration below

Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly virtual networking event. You never know...

Theme: Lessons from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

Events over the last year have brought Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ("DEI"), to the forefront of our personal and professional lives. Americans are awakening to a new understanding of what constituted diversity, the existence and experience of inequity, and how we can be more inclusive in small and large ways. Individuals are engaged in rigorous self-reflection and are gaining a new understanding of how we can do better and help create real opportunities for all.

This is all well and good, but why should companies engage in DEI efforts? Is it simply for public relations or out of a sense of obligation? Or, can DEI make a lasting difference in the culture, productivity, and health of a company? We believe it's the latter. Join us for a Chance Meetings on Monday, May 3rd to hear Fred Keller, Founder and Chair of Cascade Engineering, discuss the real-world lessons and benefits of implementing DEI initiatives in the business world. Through Fred's experience, you'll gain a new sense of the value and importance of thoughtful and purposeful DEI initiatives.  

 Fred Keller is the Founder and Chair of Cascade Engineering, which he started in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1973. With a belief that you can have a successful business and still treat employees with dignity and respect, Fred began molding plastic parts with six employees in a 10,000 square foot building. Today, Cascade Engineering employs 1600 people across 15 facilities in six US locations and additional European operations in Budapest, Hungary.

Cascade Engineering has 9 business units spanning a wide diversity of markets including transportation, recycling/waste management, office furniture, agricultural/industrial containers, polymer compounding, and RFID asset management. Primarily focused on designing, engineering and injection molding of large plastic parts, Cascade Engineering is widely recognized for its business achievements and community involvement, and is one of the largest Certified B Corps in the world.

Fred believes that business has the unique opportunity to complement its efforts on financial performance with important work in the social and environmental arenas. He has emphasized the key role business can play in building financial, social and ecological capital, often through partnerships with government and community agencies. His innovative management approach and work in advancing sustainability are featured regularly in business and industry publications.

REGISTER FOR CHANCE MEETINGS

NEWS AND NOTES

START-UP SUCCESS EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL MAY 1

If you're ready to get your start-up idea or just need a little more help with the foundations of building a successful business we can help. Start-Up Success: Fundamentals is a 4-week intensive business start-up program focusing on building a values-based foundation for your business.

Students will learn key business skills, strategies, tools, and financial templates along with developing answers to the essential questions of how to develop a values-based business. Join a community of fellow budding entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and business-oriented students in the journey of building a proven framework by learning, collaborating, connecting, and, ultimately, succeeding. Students will have the opportunity to pitch their business at Silicon Couloir’s Chance Meetings to an audience of entrepreneurs, local leaders, and investors.

Early bird pricing: register and pay half by May 1 for $100 off tuition.  

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PROFIT, PEOPLE, PLANET: SILICON COULOIR & POWWATER

This inspiring video demonstrates the powerful & productive partnership between Silicon Couloir and Powwater and the shared values of Profit, People, Planet. We're proud to be Empowering Entrepreneurship in the Tetons. Learn more about Powwater here: powwater.com

VISIONARY VENTURES: TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE & OUR FUTURE       

What is triple bottom line and why is it one of Silicon Couloir's guiding principles? This month's Visionary Ventures column in the Jackson Hole News & Guide provides answers and insights.

Read Visionary Ventures

PATCHING THE PLANET: NOSO BUILDS MOMENTUM 

Kelli jones of Noso Patches is saving resources while bringing pizzaz and new life to torn nylon gear (think your favorite down jacket). To learn more about her story and how Silicon Couloir is helping support Noso's journey read our Q&A with the queen of patches. We're proud to be empowering entrepreneurship in the Tetons.

Profit, People Planet: Noso Patches

22 in 21 Announced for May 12: Registration Open

What: 22 in 21: Tourism 2021: Undertourism. Overtourism. Ideal Tourism. What Is It and How Do We Know?

Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 noon
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Cost: Free, but donations of any size are welcome and suggested
Sign-Up: Registration is required @ 22in21.com/signup


What might 2021's tourist season hold? This is the focus of Tourism 2021: Undertourism. Overtourism. Ideal Tourism. What Is It and How Do We Know?

The session will combine a series of speaker panels and breakout rooms to explore the session’s four fundamental questions:

1. How much tourism is too little?

2. How much tourism is too much?

3. How much tourism is just right?

4. How do we know?

The goal of Tourism 2021 is to start a community dialogue on these questions, a dialogue that will be continued at future conferences.

While this is a Zoom conference, registration will be limited to allow for optimal use of virtual chatrooms.

Register Now

LEARN MORE ABOUT SILICON COULOIR

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Gary@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!

ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?

Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!

To offer your time or talent, please email us at Gary@siliconcouloir.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR SILICON COULOIR SPONSORS