Interview with Erika Hecht, Founder & Principal Consultant

Company

Market Ascent

Mission

Our mission is to grow technology companies and learning organizations by improving their marketing, increasing their sales and making a greater impact. Our slogan is to: accelerate your marketing and business performance without wasted sales cycles.

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

We serve as your marketing consultant on-demand to help you gain clarity on how to acquire, upsell and retain customers and grow revenue.

We help our clients:
• Position and package their offering to better prospects.
• Attract, engage with and win more customers.
• Create breakthrough brand experiences that increase new and repeat sales.

What makes your company or organization unique?

Our proprietary process puts a science behind accelerating desired outcomes whether you are in the build, grow or lead phase of progressing your business. We often serve as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer for larger clients and focus on a specific marketing challenge for smaller clients. We’ll focus our efforts to address your most pressing problems first, then our integrated approach will amplify returns across your business.

Prominent organizations we have worked with include IBM, Microsoft, Apple, SPSS, Adobe, Accenture, Deloitte, Gartner, Forbes, Camo Analytics, NewSpace New Mexico, the New Mexico Space Valley Coalition, Be Greater Than Average, the American Marketing Association and The Great Courses.

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

Yes, we are looking to bring on independent consultants and marketing partners to augment our team.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

During the pandemic we learned that building relationships online is more important than ever to win and retain business. We combined the founder’s deep expertise in online learning and thought-leadership marketing to build trust with decision-makers more effectively online.

Share a goal you set for 2022.

To launch Girls Into Tech with our client Be Greater Than Average as a co-founding program partner. The program was announced at the recent NM Tech Council Women in Technology Awards Ceremony. We are passionate about giving back to the state of New Mexico in tech and education and this program supports both of these interests.

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

Emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, space technology, blockchain, cyber security, edtech, biotech and green tech will have changed the world as we know it today. Market Ascent specializes in working with companies that are leading the way towards shaping a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable future.

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

Green

Follow Market Ascent!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact info@nmtechcouncil.org

Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with Bob Foster, Managing Member

Company

Graybird Innovations, LLC

Mission

We consistently deliver meaningful results by offering pragmatic solutions to familiar obstacles.

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

• Project Management

• Training

• Operations Management

• Management Consulting

• Career Coaching/Mentorship

• Business Process Improvement

We consider ourselves generalists, but hospitality sales and telecommunications are the bulk of our experience.

What makes your company or organization unique?

We have applied unique innovations with entrepreneurial gusto and passionate persistence within large corporate bureaucracies. In other words, we excel at adapting real-world techniques to drive success in business environments that don’t always embrace an agile mindset.

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

We are growing our customer base, but we do not expect to be hiring this year. We do anticipate partnering with others on a contract basis, as needed, to meet our client’s needs. Our values dictate we seek out other small, local businesses when possible.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

It hasn’t changed the way we do business, but it did substantially delay our launch.

Share a goal you set for 2022.

We are focused on expanding our menu of services, specifically with an emphasis on leadership seminars and other corporate training initiatives.

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

We expect an ever-increasing pace of change. AI, “big data”, 3D printing, and ubiquitous broadband will enable more real-time business interactions, many of them in a virtual environment. It will be more important than ever to consider the human element of business, even as the human is diminished or eliminated in many “back end” processes.

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

Christmas

Follow Graybird Innovations!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.

Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with Brian Osterloh, Director of Technology and Innovation

Company

City of Albuquerque Department of Technology and Innovation (DTI)

Stats

The City of Albuquerque was officially founded in 1706. DTI has grown to meet the City’s needs for decades! We employ about 150 people ranging from 311 Community Contact Center Agents to Data Architects to Systems Administrators.

Mission

Our role is to blend data, technology, and creative problem solving with people to bring value to our vibrant community. We do not serve technology, we serve the people who use the technology.

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

DTI engages with customers in various capacities. We interface internally with 6000+ City employees working across 25+ City departments and divisions and externally with community members.

The City’s leadership champions innovation in all solutions, allowing DTI to be the first point of contact for the technological needs and support at City Hall.

We support the community by improving services available to residents and businesses, like making it easy to interact with your government, gaining access to WiFi, and implementing public safety technology throughout the city.

What makes your company or organization unique?

The same things that make NMTC unique! The City of Albuquerque serves as a representation of the residents here and we recognize Albuquerque’s unique position as a large and diverse metropolitan area in a rural state. We are seizing the opportunity to create a sense of place by supporting the growing technology hub of organizations, companies, schools, and, of course, the people!

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

DTI is hiring! The City of Albuquerque has an excellent benefits package, a pension-based retirement plan, and opportunities for career advancement. DTI specifically looks to empower employees to succeed in their roles.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

We are finding solutions to support customers in new ways, like setting up thousands of employees to work from home, facilitating public participation in virtual City Council meetings, expanding free WiFi across the city, and getting events, exhibitions, performances, and information online.

Share a goal you set for 2021.

As employees and residents, we are vested and have a passion to see our efforts help the Albuquerque community thrive and grow! We plan to continue navigating the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and taking steps to ensure that Albuquerque is positioned to excel in the future.

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

We see Albuquerque as a national hub for Smart Communities and are continually expanding the relationships and foundation to allow companies choosing to develop Smart Communities projects to thrive here.

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

We love potlucks, so bring your best red OR green recipe to share!

Follow the City of Albuquerque!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.
Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with Dan Donoghue, Business Lead

Company

RESPEC

Stats

RESPEC was founded in 1969 and is an employee-owned company that has over 400 employees and annual revenues above $75 million. RESPEC has been in New Mexico since 1988.

Mission

As an Integrated Solutions Partner, RESPEC is a globally eminent technology team that transforms businesses and industries for greater success. Designing solutions that simplify complex problems, our project results demonstrate the power of trusted partnerships that collectively deliver more. We provide what our clients need to create value.

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

Engineering smarter ways for major industry sectors. RESPEC is a global leader in diverse technologies and draws from a wide array of expertise and services to deliver world-class solutions for information technology, mining, energy, water, natural resources, urban development, infrastructure, and enterprise services.

What makes your company or organization unique?

At RESPEC, our company culture is defined by our common core values. These core values didn’t happen by accident or develop overnight; they were cultivated by the collective efforts of talented and dedicated people working toward shared goals. We describe our core values as a PACT that exists between our co-workers, families, client partners, and communities. Our PACT represents mutual Passion, Accountability, Caring, and Teamwork, which manifests in every interaction we undertake. With genuine dedication, we strive to be the best at everything we do while remaining true to our values. Our PACT represents the cornerstones of RESPEC and lends itself to a culture of shared successes, collaboration, and enjoyment.

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

Yes, we are growing and have multiple openings now and plan to hire in the future. 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

To deal with COVID-19’s challenges, RESPEC took steps to focus on the health and financial welfare of our families and clients. We created a COVID-19 page on our employee portal, communicated health guidelines and changing directives, provided flexibility regarding remote working, and requested that employees provide daily screening information. With each new action, RESPEC’s employee-owners rose to the occasion.
At times, that work was in the office. Other times it was at home in front of our families. Often, our work was at clients’ sites after coordinating travel in challenging environments. But every time, we truly came together as a company. We focused on what needed doing. We put our energy into what was in everyone’s best interest, and our work paid off.

Share a goal you set for 2021.

To continue to grow in New Mexico and nationwide.

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

Technology in the year 2030 will be completely integrated into our lives. We will understand and feel more comfortable with technology and the concepts that once seemed out of reach.
The challenge I see with technology is it’s very hard to predict a technology demand when the market changes so rapidly. So we are seeing more companies move to the cloud, requesting enhanced data reporting, machine learning (gets better with more data) and an enhanced technology stack to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Not to future trip too far, but when I think of innovative technology I envision a life where I can have access to everything in a safe and secure manner, in all areas of my life. So you really can work anywhere, anytime!

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

Christmas, to be fair.

Follow RESPEC!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.
Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with Diane Smogor, Executive Director

Company

The Santa Fe Alliance for Science (SFAFS)

Stats

Our organization was co-founded in 2005 by Robert (“Bob”) Eisenstein, a nuclear and particle physicist, and Susan McIntosh, M.A, Executive Director of the Santa Fe Science Initiative, Founding Co-Director of the Santa Fe Children’s Museum, and a classroom teacher with the Santa Fe Public Schools. Their shared vision was to improve STEM education in Santa Fe and boost the perception of science and mathematics within the community. The Alliance has one employee (a half-time Executive Director) and approximately 75 volunteer scientists and STEM experts who dedicate thousands of hours each year to deliver all of our programs at no charge to the schools they work with. 

Mission

We inspire the inner scientist in Santa Fe youth by creating STEM learning opportunities through our network of volunteer scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals.

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

For nearly 15 years, the Santa Fe Alliance for Science has brought scientists and STEM experts to schools to enhance STEM learning and discovery opportunities for Santa Fe students. Our volunteers partner with Santa Fe Public School teachers to engage students in real-world, interactive STEM activities. We work with students in grades K-12 but currently focus our programming in high-need elementary schools (K-8) where our volunteers can build student interest and confidence in STEM.

What makes your company or organization unique?

• Our ability to provide a direct connection between scientists/STEM experts and students to facilitate interest and success in STEM. As one teacher said, “Kids want to hear from real scientists.”
• Our unique cohort of volunteers who have extensive STEM subject matter expertise and diverse experiences.
• Our longstanding relationship with the Santa Fe Public School district and classroom teachers.
.

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

We are always looking for new volunteers who have diverse STEM experiences and backgrounds as our programs grow and evolve. We also need volunteers who have specific talents and skills, such as photography, videography, social media, and website management to join our team. 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

When schools closed, our volunteers began to convert all of our programs for remote learning. Based on requests from teachers, our volunteers created a digital library of STEM educational videos in English and Spanish and a learning guide, which can be accessed by any Santa Fe Public School student or teacher. Our volunteers also tutored and mentored students online, lead virtual classroom lessons, and met virtually with 450 students from 16 schools who participated in the SFPS virtual STEM fair. While our program delivery format has drastically changed due to the pandemic, we continue to provide a path for students to interact directly with “real scientists” to deepen STEM learning. 

Share a goal you set for 2021.

We’re expanding our Adopt-A-Scientist program, which matches an Alliance volunteer with a classroom teacher all year to provide teacher-driven STEM support and resources. This program enables our volunteers to build deeper connections with students and teachers so kids see how STEM relates to everything.

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

I think we’ll continue to see dramatic changes in how technology is used in our lives, in our schools and in our communities. Advances in technology will provide us with new opportunities to create healthier communities and live healthier lives, which is why cultivating a young person’s STEM capabilities will remain critical. 

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

My guess is Christmas but I know our volunteers would love to gather and test this out!

Follow Santa Fe Alliance for Science!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.
Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with Lisa Kuuttila, President & Chief Economic Officer

Company

UNM Rainforest Innovations (formerly known as STC.UNM)

Stats

UNM Rainforest Innovations was first created in 1995 (under the name Science & Technology Corporation) by the University of New Mexico Board of Regents to commercialize university inventions. We currently have 16 staff members and 7 student interns. 

Mission

To foster a Rainforest in the Desert, UNM Rainforest Innovations nurtures innovation and catalyzes economic development.

Also, our vision is to play a vital role in New Mexico’s economic development and to be an innovator in technology commercialization worldwide. As a New Mexico University Research Park and Economic Development Act organization, UNM Rainforest Innovations does this by:

• Protecting technologies developed at UNM and transferring these technologies to the marketplace, via starting new companies and transferring technologies to established companies;
• Connecting the business community to UNM for access to expertise, facilities, and research activities; and
• Facilitating UNM’s role as a contributor to New Mexico’s economic development.

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

UNM Rainforest Innovations is the technology-transfer and economic development organization for the University of New Mexico (UNM). We work to protect and commercialize technologies developed at UNM by filing patents and copyrights and transferring them to the marketplace. We connect the business community (companies, entrepreneurs, and investors) to these UNM technologies for licensing opportunities and the creation of start-up companies.

In 2013, we also began implementing UNM’s economic development initiatives. With the guidance and input from the UNM Rainforest Forum and the UNM Economic Development Council, we support economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.

What makes your company or organization unique?

Our organization is unique because we work across so many different parts of the university and business community. We also work to bring those people together in order to create opportunities from those partnerships.

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

Certain areas of activity are growing within our organization, but at this time we are not growing in terms of staff members. business is growing but there are no plans to hire in the near future.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

Many of our events have moved online, with some resulting in better attendance rates than before. As we transition back to working in-person and holding events, we will likely continue to do some things online and introduce hybrid models to reach a larger audience. 

Share a goal you set for 2021.

To begin the Right to Start project, which is a state-wide initiative to foster and promote New Mexico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, aided by Victor Hwang author of the “The Rainforest: The secret to building the next Silicon Valley.”

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

This is very difficult to predict. Perhaps one of the biggest transformations will be the use of AI in our daily work lives. 

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

We received mixed answers, but most of our team prefers green chile! Many of our staff also noted that it depended on the type of food it’s served with.

Follow UNM Rainforest Innovations!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.
Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with Liz Doke, Solutions Sales Representative

Company

ADT Commercial, LLC

Stats

Established in 1874, ADT has been serving businesses for more than 145 years. After splitting from its parent organization in 2012, ADT emerged as a separate company initially focused on home and small business security. Since then, ADT merged with Protection 1, building upon its commercial capabilities and customer-focused approach with over 15 strategic acquisitions. ADT Commercial is founded on decades of experience serving commercial clients. The local Albuquerque Office focuses on providing attentive service to customers throughout New Mexico.

Following ADT’s acquisition of Protection 1 and Red Hawk Fire & Security, ADT Commercial became a stand-alone company with a local office in 2020.

Mission

Our mission is to help our customers protect and connect to what matters most—their families, homes, and businesses.

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

ADT Commercial, LLC provides security solutions to business customers to include the following systems and equipment:

• Access Control
• Analytics & Reporting
• ATM/ITM Solutions
• Cybersecurity
• Electronic Article Surveillance
• Elevated Skin Temperature Systems
• Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System
• eSuite™ Account Management
• Fire & Life Safety
• Infrastructure as a Service
• Installation, Inspections, & Maintenance
• Integrated Solutions
• Intrusion
• Managed Services
• Monitoring
• Occupancy Management
• Risk Assessment & Management
• Structured Cabling
• Video

What makes your company or organization unique?

Our only business is helping to protect your business. We’ve grown our commercial technical competency to serve customers in a unique way—with the scale and expertise to help meet your needs throughout the U.S. ADT Commercial was formed to focus on the disciplines required to help meet the complex needs of our commercial customers.

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

The ADT Commercial office in New Mexico is continuing to grow. Positions are opening on a regular basis. 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

ADT Commercial enforced safety restrictions to protect employees and customers during the pandemic. We worked diligently with customers to protect their businesses during a very difficult time.

Share a goal you set for 2021.

One important goal for 2021 is to increase the number of consulting clients based in or operating in New Mexico. One goal for 2021 is to be awarded State and Local Procurement contracts to increase eligibility for bidding on more government projects.

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

In 2030, analytics will be more prominent in daily business operations to enhance security and promote productivity.

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

New Mexico Chile is the best in the world. Red, Green, or Christmas are best suited for certain dishes, but should be added to most.

Follow ADT Commercial!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.
Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with STEM Santa Fe

Organization

STEM Santa Fe is a New Mexico 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded by Dr. Lina Germann, serving Northern NM kids for 5 years so far.

Stats

STEM Santa Fe was founded in February 2016, and we just celebrated our 5^th year anniversary. We are two employees plus one or two college interns rotating year-round and between 4-10 mentors and instructors that we hire as needed as independent contractors. Plus we have about 200 volunteers who give us anywhere between 5-60 hours each per year.

Mission

STEM Santa Fe advocates for, develops, and provides STEM programming, mentoring, and resources for all youth, especially underrepresented groups in STEM, to realize their potential and expand their opportunities in a dynamic world.

What makes your company or organization unique?

STEM Santa Fe is a mentorship organization utilizing a network of STEM professionals who volunteer to serve as mentors and role models for students. We organize many STEM programs in Northern New Mexico that are project-based and hands-on, providing extended learning experiences and mentorships to middle- and high-school-age youth. We aim to reduce the disparities in educational opportunities by offering our programs at low to no cost to families.
In 2018 our programs earned STEM Santa Fe a “STEMY” award as Non-Profit of the Year for New Mexico Excellence in STEM by Air Force Research Laboratory New Mexico.

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

Yes, we continue to extend our programming to reach more students and to develop and offer new engaging programming in STEM and STEAM. In the next 6 months, we are looking to hire another employee that will be stationed in Española, NM.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

We have re-designed all our programs to be offered virtually with live instructors and with materials distribution prior to each workshop or camp. We offered even more programming virtually over the summer and spring break, because of the need and urgency to keep the youth’ minds active while in lock-down.

Share a goal you set for 2021.

To mentor our older students into becoming role models for the younger ones.

Describe where you see technology in the year 2030.

Technology is now part of our everyday life and every minute really. I see technology in 2030 assisting us in so many aspects of our lives that we can’t even envision yet.

Where do you stand – red, green, or Christmas?

Usually green, and that is what we have at our house at all times. but every now and then I order Christmas when at a restaurant.

Follow STEM Santa Fe!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.
Thank you to our Community Partners!

Interview with Mike Athens, President & CEO

Company

Rio Grande Credit Union

Stats

RGCU has been in business since 1953, and we have 150 employees.

Mission and Slogan

Our stated mission is to create a trusted partnership with our members that demonstrates excellent member service by providing financial education and solutions, competitive pricing, and convenience.

We believe we exist to make people’s dreams come true.

Our slogan is that at Rio Grande, we understand. 

What does your company do/what industry do you represent?

Rio Grande Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that provides savings, checking, lending, and payment solutions for the communities we serve.  

What makes your company or organization unique?

Rio Grande Credit Union understands everyday people and has the financial solutions and services to help them wherever they are in life. RGCU’s difference can be summarized in the following four categories:

FLEXIBILITY. RGCU has the flexibility to customize loans and provide financial solutions that suit our members’ situations.

DIVERSITY. RGCU’s board members, managers, and employees reflect the community the credit union serves. Diversity leads to better service, greater innovation and creativity, improved solutions, and increased membership, which ultimately makes the cooperative stronger.

INCLUSION. We call it banking without barriers. RGCU is dedicated to providing affordable financial access to our entire community and a support system for our members’ financial well-being. We honor the value that each member brings.

COMMUNITY. Rio Grande Credit Union is committed to serving our community in a way that is personal.  We seek to understand and address the needs of our community by working with diverse organizations that have first-hand experience working with unique populations. 

Is your business growing and do you plan to hire in the next 6 months?

RGCU is most definitely growing. The ways members can do business with the credit union have expanded, in a large part through online and electronic means. But there are people behind every technology that must ensure we fulfill what the online channels promise. We will be hiring in those areas. 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you do business?

As COVID accelerated trends we were already seeing. People were already migrating toward self-serve channels like online and mobile banking, text banking, and video banking. But the pandemic sped up that process. People who never used digital channels for banking before tried them, discovered how convenient they are, and may never go back to traditional face-to-face banking the way they used to. 

Please share one goal you have set for 2021.

Like all organizations, RGCU has strong growth goals both in membership and in product and service penetration. But our biggest goal is to make it easier to do business with Rio Grande Credit Union. That means focusing on service quality, improving our processes, and enhancing our technology. 

Describe where you see technology in the year the 2030.

Interestingly, 2030 isn’t that far away. In the financial services space, the thing that will likely have a significant impact are advances in artificial intelligence. The sector of our industry that will be most disrupted is the payment arena. Alexa can already pay your bills from your RGCU accounts. Tokenization platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay pose the potential to make plastic cards obsolete. That’s where we are seeing the most competition and the most disruption.

What would your team say is their favorite- red, green, or Christmas?

That’s a loaded question. Which is hotter?  

Follow Rio Grande Credit Union!

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For more information about membership with the NMTC, contact Mary Tieman.
Thank you to our Community Partners!