Entrepreneurial Lecture Series
Creativity and Innovation will be the driving forces behind the revitalization of our state - and nation - and Lawrence Technological University is preparing its students to lead the way. To foster the University's commitment to leadership through theory and practice, as well as create an entrepreneurial mindset, the College of Engineering's Lear Entrepreneurial Program is proud to present the Entrepreneurial Lecture Series, a program designed to create an awareness and understanding of entrepreneurship - and how it can benefit us all.
The series is sponsored by the Lawrence Tech Chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization and the LEGENDS Entrepreneurial Alumni Organization.
Speaker Schedule 2009
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September 22, 2009
Ray Ormachea, BSIM, '02
President
WSP Technologies
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Lawrence Tech alumnus Raymond Ormachea co-founded Automated Solutions in 1999. This company designs and manufactures assembly line equipment for automotive interior manufactures. They have manufactured interior equipment for many of the world's vehicle platforms. In addition to Automated Solutions, Ray co-founded WSP Technologies in 2006. The company has grown into a leader in standard error proofing systems. WSP is known for its expertise in cost effective product systems and flexible design concepts. The company continues to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions. Ray holds seven US patents and he is a member of The LEGENDS of Lawrence Tech. Ray is innovative, energetic, and passionate about the entrepreneurial experience.
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October 20, 2009
Tim Stephens, BSIM, '92
Managing Member
Speedraft, L.L.C.
| Alumnus Tim Stephens is founder & CEO of Speedraft, Inc. The company was established in 2002 to automate custom transactions for the build-to-order tooling industry. Speedraft is first and only company to automate the creation of solid model engineering files in real-time on a standard web browser. Stephens is a member of The LEGENDS of Lawrence Tech. Lambda Iota Tau Honor Society and received the Dean's List Recognition Award in the College of Management. |
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November 17, 2009
Gretchen Minnhaar, AIA,
BSArchE'92
Owner
Gretchen Minnhaar Designs
| Alumna Gretchen Minnhaar is currently in private practice as architect in the Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has expensive background and experience in architecture and design. Gretchen has been recognized by numerous professional societies and civic organizations for her outstanding contributions to her profession. Gretchen is a registered architect in Michigan, Colorado, California and Argentina. She has earned a N.C.A.R.B. Certificate. Gretchen has holds a Master of Architecture from Rosario, Argentina and Masters of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. Her passion is art education and she has received numerous awards for her achievements. |
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January 21, 2010
Keith Pratt, BSIM'82
Chairman and CEO
Shared Vision, L.L.C.
| In 1993 Lawrence Tech alumnus Keith Pratt founded Panda Precision Inc. and then acquired Schwartz Industries, calling his new venture Shared Vision LLC. Based in Warren, Pratt's company produces precision machined parts and subassemblies for clients in the aerospace, automotive, defense, heavy equipment, and medical industries. Some of Pratt's components have been used on Mars, in the Hubble Space Telescope, and in artificial hearts! |
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February 18, 2010
Donald A. Stevens, BSArch'92
Managing Member
Stucconsteel Building Systems, L.L.C.
| Alumnus Donald Stevens is the founder of a design/build company that is based in Westchester, Virginia. The company, Succon Steel has pioneered the use of panelized light gauge steel frame and high strength stucco finishes. Donald has developed a patent pending innovative process that is currently being used in emerging countries around the world to provide lower cost housing. This market has created a unique "social entrepreneurship" business model that had lead to the formation of a foundation - Reach 4 Children. This organization has recently established a partnership with Lawrence Tech's Leadership Program. It will provide an opportunity for students to travel and gain valuable lessons in emerging countries. |
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March 18, 2010
David Darbyshire, BSME'87
Engineer and Owner
Dasi Solution, L.L.C.
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An active member in the business and education communities, Lawrence Tech alumnus David Darbyshire was named Automation Alley's Member of the Year in 2007 for his planning of the "Superhighway to Success," a day-long event in which 10,000 high school students explored careers in Michigan's emerging sectors. Darbyshire holds a mechanical engineering degree and is the co-founder of DASI Solutions LLC. Based in Pontiac, DASI Solutions helps companies identify and find solutions to bottlenecks in their design and engineering processes.
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