Board of Directors

Mr. Anderson is the senior international Executive Leadership Coach, CEO and Founder of the Leadership Science Institute, LLC. He is a Certified Master Coach (CMC). He is a senior executive with equal blend of technical, business, managerial and public sector skills developed during experience with several “Fortune 500” companies and local municipalities.  He is also Certified in Applied Neuroscience.

He has extensive experience in helping his international executive clients to be successful.  He helps them expand and grow their careers and/or businesses through skills assessments, coaching and training. In addition, he helps them to train and develop their professional staffs. He possesses the unique ability to help his clients attract, retain, and motivate outstanding management and professional leaders. His company was awarded the “2020 Top Leadership Development Company” by Manage HR magazine and “2021 Top Leadership Development Company” by HRTech Outlook Magazine.

Mr. Anderson was an Adjunct Professor in Business and Management at Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Westminster, Colorado where he taught a variety of business courses. Today, he is a State appointed Business Adviser to the FRCC system. He is an official facilitator for the World Business and Executive Coach Summit (WBECS).  As a Certified Business Advisor for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), he helped businesses to start, expand and grow.

He was a publicly elected official. He held the positions of City Council Member and County Commissioner for the City and County of Broomfield in the State of Colorado.

He is the author/co-author of the following books:

• “Unwrapping the CIO: Demystifying the Chief Information Officer Position” (iUniverse Publishing: September, 2006)
• “Powerful People Are Powerful IT Professionals: Your Daily Guide to Becoming a Powerful Information Systems Person” (iUniverse Publishing: January, 2007)
• “I Am Unemployed … Now What Do I Do?: An Organized Approach to Becoming Employed” (iUniverse Publishing: June, 2011)
• “I Am An Unemployed Christian … Now What Do I Do?: An Organized Approach to Becoming An Employed Christian” (WestBow Press: March, 2013).
• “Psychology of Business Success: A Practical Guide to Successful Leadership” (Minibük: December, 2017) – From Wayne’s Pocket Leadership Series
• “Coaching Perspectives VIII: The Magic of Executive Coaching”  (Center for Coaching Certification: November, 2018)

He is a U.S. Navy veteran. He holds degrees in Organizational Leadership, Information Technology and Business Finance and is a keynote speaker on various motivational topics for both public and private organizations.  He also holds positions on a variety of non-profit boards of directors.

He resides in Westminster, Colorado USA.

Jonathan Ballesteros is the inventor, founder, and CEO of Geyser Systems. He and his team design and manufacture products that make the most of every drop of water. The flagship product called the Geyser System, is the highest rated hot, portable shower at REI Co-op. It uses less than 1 gallon of water and is ready in as little as 5 minutes.

His vision is to use the technology and solve a real-world problem faced by 2.3 billion people: water-scarcity and sanitation. His patented technology reduces water consumption by 90% and is in demand for natural-disaster relief, overcoming drought conditions, and other off-the-grid situations.

Education Background & Career Achievements

Prior to starting Geyser Systems, Jonathan dedicated 10 years designing advanced surgical instruments and techniques used in arthroscopic, orthopedic, and brain surgeries. His proven methodology for impactful innovation includes his experience in Standford University’s BioDesign process as well as advancing cutting-edge products in global companies. Since graduating as an engineering scholar at Texas A&M’s industrial engineering, Academy of Future International Leaders at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, and University of Texas MBA programs, Jonathan was a global product manager for Stryker Neurovascular and engineering project manager at Smith & Nephew. He was responsible for identifying, designing, managing, and launching products that overcome complex problems faced by surgeons. Jonathan’s career started with a passion for factories. He managed 55 people at Dell Computer’s Topfer Manufacturing Center responsible for shipping 23,000 computers a day. He also worked in a variety of stainless steel and medical device factories around the world.

Thought & Policy Leadership

Jonathan’s track record for innovation and start-ups puts him at the forefront of re-kindling the entrepreneurial spirit and sets new precedents in the investment community. He is a growing thought leader behind the proven methodology for developing jobs and resilient economies in rural areas. He speaks on a proven methodology and provides real tools for delivering lasting innovation at a variety of MBA schools and incubation groups. He is asked to be a voice for start-ups and shape Colorado’s policy through the Kauffman Foundation’s Start Us Up: America’s New Business Plan in partnership with Colorado Startup, Colorado University’s School of Law, and Silicone Flatirons.

Jonathan’s Passions & Other Notable Achievements

Outside of work and shaping policy, Jonathan has a steady track record of leadership in a variety of communities and outdoor expeditions. He ascended Mt Rainier, Mt Superior, Longs Peak, and Mt Sinai. He obtained his Master of Yacht license and captained over 3500 nautical miles through the British Virgin, Thailand, and Greek Islands. He was a board of director for the Hillel Foundation at Texas A&M and brought transformative results in many organizations. His global perspective shaped by his Spanish father and Russian mother propelled him to live in Australia, Taiwan, Spain, Israel, and Costa Rica. He explored 23 countries around the world. He was voted Austin’s Texas #1 extraordinary gentleman and was interviewed by Steve Harvey.

Presentation Style & Interviews

The following video interviews and presentations provide more information about Jonathan’s presentation style along with insights into the future of business leadership, water, and culture:

Business Think Radio

How My Family’s Escape of Soviet Union Shaped My Business Leadership & Love For Factories

Catapult Accelerator Pitch 2019

Innovation Workshop – Sequencing the DNA Of A Business Idea

https://youtu.be/6vICKPWdo_M
https://youtu.be/XPHevPypd48
https://youtu.be/LDv3o7arADE

Presenting To Montrose City Council For Local Incentive – Highlights

As Space Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Brunswick serves as a corporate officer, and is responsible for Space Foundation operations, facilities, processes and personnel. Functions reporting to her include education, development/philanthropy, marketing and communication, operations, human resources and administration, customer service, information technology, facilities, maintenance, security and assurance. She has primary responsibility for Space Foundation headquarters, the Space Foundation Discovery Center, operational management of the annual Space Symposium and the Faga Forum on Space Intelligence. She also oversees government affairs activities in the Washington, D.C., office including relationships with government agencies, other space advocacy organizations and associations and corporate interests.

Brunswick joined the Space Foundation in 2015 after a distinguished career as an acquisition and program management professional for the United States Air Force and finished her career as a key leader within the Air Force Congressional Liaison office working both within the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill. She was Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certified in Program Management Level III, Financial Manager Level II, and a certified Space Professional Level III by the United States Air Force Space Professional Functional Authority.

Brunswick was the Chair of Women in Aerospace (WIA) from 2016-2019. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the WIA Foundation and is one of 25 women from around the world selected as a Space4Women Network Mentor, which is part of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). As an advocate and mentor, Brunswick shares her expertise, knowledge, and experiences to build environments where women and girls can take their place as active and equal participants in space science, technology, innovation and exploration efforts. Throughout her career, Brunswick has dedicated considerable time and energy to increasing the leadership capabilities and visibility of women in the aerospace community.

In addition to these endeavors, Brunswick serves on the board of directors for Manufacturer’s Edge, strengthening the competitiveness of manufacturers through coaching, training, and collaboration-focused industry programs, and by leveraging government, university, and economic development partnerships. She was elected to the Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation, providing strategic, mission-based leadership and governance. Formerly, she was a board member for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Rocky Mountain Chapter.

Brunswick graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified Project Management Professional through Project Management Institute and was a Professor of Acquisition Management at Defense Acquisition University.

Tom Bugnitz has over 35 years of broad experience in strategic planning, operations and financial oversight. Most recently, Tom served as the Chief Executive Officer for Manufacturer’s Edge for nearly a decade and recently retired in November of 2021. Prior to Manufacturer’s Edge, Tom was a senior executive for Coolerado, a manufacturer of cutting-edge green air-conditioning systems that grew from five to 60+ employees during his tenure. As founder and president of the Beta Group, Inc., Tom advised corporate and government clients across the globe for over 25 years in business strategy development, cross-organizational team building, and management process and organizational redesign. Tom also co-authored a widely-adopted book on business strategy and capital planning for technology, now in its third edition of printing.

Career History

• Manufacturer’s Edge, CEO, 2012 – 2021
• Coolerado Corp, Vice President, 2008 – 2011
• The Beta Group, Inc., President and Founder, 1988-2008
• Design Color Systems, Vice President of Strategic Planning, 1995-1999
• Washington University, Director of Computer Services, 1978-1988

Education

M.B.A, Washington University in St. Louis

B.S. Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Washington University in St. Louis

Jessica Jessen is an Executive Vice President for FirstBank, an employee-owned bank with its roots beginning in Lakewood, Colorado in 1963.  FirstBank has grown organically to over $27 billion in assets becoming one of the nation’s largest privately held banks and Colorado’s largest locally owned bank.  Jessica has worked at FirstBank since 2004 and directs operations for retail operations, works with consumer, business, and non-profit clients on their banking and financing needs, and manages a workforce of over 100 employees and officers within the North Market.

Jessica is a Colorado native and enjoys spending time in the mountains with her husband, two young sons, and two dogs.

Education: 

University of Northern Colorado –  Bachelor of Science in Business Management, minors in Economics and Spanish, graduated summa cum laude

Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington – Certificate of Banking in masters-level extension program

Community Involvement:

Businesses of Thornton Advisory Commission – 2017 to present

Brighton Economic Development Corporation, Executive Committee – 2022 to present

Horizon High School Career and Technical Education Advisory Board – 2010 to present

FirstBank Scholars Advisory Committee – 2012 to 2021

Brighton Housing Authority, Board Chair – 2010 to 2018

Thom is the Chief Operating Officer of Muller Technology of Fort Collins, Colorado. Previously, Thom has served as the President & CEO of Pelsue as well as the CEO of Mount Sopris Instrument Company. With the assistance of Manufacturer’s Edge, Thom launched the company’s LEAN initiative in 2014, which dramatically improved customer outcomes, global competitiveness, and financial results.

Previous work experience includes both small and large manufacturers in a variety of industries, including Ford Motor Company and Procter & Gamble. Thom has an engineering degree and MBA, and holds professional certifications in LEAN, Six Sigma, and supply chain management.

Thom joined the Manufacturer’s Edge board of directors in 2017 and also sits on the board of ASCM Northern Colorado.

Kathay Rennels works to advance collaborative networks across the state and create economic development opportunities. She has significant experience fostering public and private partnerships in regional and rural workforce development, with particular attention to Larimer and Weld Counties. Rennels previously served three terms as a Larimer County Commissioner and is now leading the Food and Agriculture Key Industry Network for the State of Colorado.

Rennels helped initiate the “Value Chain of Colorado Agriculture” study, released in February 2013, and co-authored the November 2014 follow-up study, “The Emergence of an Innovation Cluster in the Agricultural Value Chain along Colorado’s Front Range.”

She also currently serves on the Northern Colorado Economic Development Council, Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, El Pomar Foundation, The Matthews House, Larimer County United Way, and Colorado Youth Conservation Association.

Experience

Armite Laboratories, Inc. dba Armite Lubricants
President & Business Development (Jan. 2019 – Present)

Sandstrum Law, LLC
Co-Founder/Managing Director (2013 – Present)

Current: Business law, transactions, M&A, contracts, international contracts, regulatory (aerospace/defense/trade).

Pre-2022: Business, Law, transactions, contacts, complex business/commercial litigation, employment, real estate, and private capital raises/securities and other related practice areas.

Downtown Denver Law Firm
Of Counsel – Chair/Head of Business Department (2012 – 2013)

Broomfield Law Firm
Special Counsel – Chair Business Department (2010-2012)

Downtown Denver Boutique Law Firm
Special Counsel – Co-Head Business Law Department (2007 –2010)

Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara, LLLP
Managing Partner
October 1998 – June 2008 (10 yea Newport Beach, CA

Licenses

*Licensed to practice law in Colorado (2007) and in California (1998)

Education

University of California, Los Angeles
B.A., Political Science (1987-1992)

Western State College of Law
J.D., Law (1994-1998)

Associations & Organizations

Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA)
Board Member (Jan. 2021–Present)

Manufacturers Edge (ME)
Board Member (Jan. 2023-Present)

National Manufacturing Association (NAM)
Member (Jan. 2021- Present)

Advanced Manufacturing Science Institute (AMSI)
Advisory Board Member (Jan. 2021–Present)

A Precious Child, Inc., 501c(3) nonprofit (2011–2019)
Board Member – Founder Youth Advisory Board, Governance Chair
9 years 10 months. Chairman of the Board from January 2017 through January 2018.

Since 2008, SG Aerospace & Gas has been pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation. We are a precision manufacturer of application-specific products that support the Aerospace, Oil & Gas, and Industrial markets.

SG Aerospace & Gas was originally named Wren Industries. Mike And Shannon Sneddon purchased Wren Industries in 2008 then renamed to SG Aerospace & Gas in 2020. The primary goal was to establish our company into a precision Aerospace manufacturer with an emphasis on short turn and short run production. Within the last 14 years, we have worked to gain an expertise within this scope and have developed our processes to keep current with technology. In 2019 we were named Colorado’s Aerospace Manufacturer of the year by Company Week and Manufacturer’s Edge. We have also been a pioneer in the training and understanding of rural suppliers who need assistance in navigating the difficult environment of the Aerospace supply base.

Mike Sneddon is the President of SG Aerospace & Gas. Mike spent 20 years as an Engineer and business manager for Hamilton Sundstrand in Grand Junction prior to purchasing the company with Shannon in 2008. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from AIU, along with an AAS Degree in Manufacturing Technology from Colorado Mesa University. Mike also holds board positions on Grand Junction Economic Partnership as well as Colorado Space Business Roundtable and recently retired as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for Lower Valley Fire District.

Professional Summary

Co-owner and Director of Marketing, HR, and Finance with 35 years of progressively greater responsibilities for industrial furnace sales, troubleshooting, human resources management, advertising, budgeting, planning, and overall management functions.

University of Colorado at Denver B.A., English Literature
University of Colorado at Boulder, Ph.D., Philosophy (AOS: Ethics)

Employment Summary

Human Resources Manager, Platte Valley Hospital
Adjunct and Visiting Assistant Professor, Metropolitan State University, University of Colorado at Denver, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Corporate President, Deltech, Inc. (present)
Owner/Manager, Deltech Kiln and Furnace Design, LLC (present)

Professional Affiliations

Member of the American Ceramic Society Manufacturing Division
Member of the American Ceramic Society Energy Materials and Systems Division
Board member and past Chair, Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation

A Dothan, Alabama native, Jansen graduated from Auburn University with a Master of Public Administration. Starting his career in the private sector, he has a background in both construction, retail, hospitality, and local media.  In 2011 he joined the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority as the Executive Director. In 2017, Jansen took the helm of the newly formed Spartanburg Downtown Development Partnership.  In December 2018, Jansen’s role was expanded as Executive Vice President of Corporate and Urban Development for the Economic Futures Group. He proudly joined the Jeffco EDC in May 2020, ushering in the 65^th year for Colorado’s oldest economic development organization.  On January 1. 2022 – the Jeffco EDC board ushered in a new era with the addition of the West Metro Chamber and Leadership Jeffco to their organizational umbrella.

His career accomplishments have been built around a collaborative and innovative approach to economic development solutions, built on data-driven decision making.

Jansen and his family are proud to call Jeffco home.  He is married to Laura, a teacher, and has a 7^th and 3^rd grader.  He currently serves on the Red Rocks Community College Advisory Board and the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport Advisory Board.  His previous community involvement is extensive and includes higher education board, historic preservations, recreation boards, and committees on smart technology in cities.  When not in the office, you may find him on the slopes or cheering on the Auburn Tigers, Broncos, Avs, & Nuggets.

CURRENT

Arvada Works KAPS Council

Colorado Companies to Watch Steering Committee

Jeffco Business & Economic Task Force

Jeffco STEM Advisory Committee

Red Rocks Community College: Board of Advisors

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport:  Board of Advisors

PREVIOUS

Alabama Leadership Initiative:  Class of 2012

Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation:  Past Board of Directors

Dothan Area Young Professionals – Past Chairman and Board of Directors

Dothan Business Hall of Fame:  Past Advisory Board

Dothan Chamber of Commerce:  Past Board of Directors

Dothan’s 40 under 40

Dothan Recreation Board:  Past Commissioner

Dothan Rotary Club

Evergreen Presbyterian Elder

George Dean Johnson School of Business Advisory Committee:  Chairman

GSP Airport Advisory Committee

IDA:  National Council on Smart Cities

Leadership Dothan, Class XXVII

Leadership Spartanburg. Class XXXIX

Murals of the Wiregrass Board of Directors:  Past Vice Chairman

Northside Development Group Board of Advisors

United Way:  Past Dothan Area Board of Directors

Urban Land Institute:  Council on Rethinking Southern Cities

Urban Land Institute:  Upstate Executive Committee