Ingrid Cook is one of the Pittsburgh region's most energetic and creative tech company founders. From as far back as she remember, she always wanted to start and run her own company.     SHzoom is the original inventors of “Snap A Pic, Get A Quote,” for your minor fender bender!  We now use our patented system to sell up-time to organizations with large fleets of vehicles. Whether it’s a crash, OEM recall, or regular maintenance, its electronic repair management system with automated crash reporting destroys downtime problems by cutting the repair process in half!    

TechVibe Radio

Pittsburgh Founders: Ingrid Cook

Learn more about Proofpoint's software engineering teams in this conversation with Senior Engineering Manager Jason Brubaker and Engineering Manager Mike Kelly. They not only detail some key projects, but dive deep into Proofpoint's work culture and open positions in the Pittsburgh office.

Proofpoint Ep.5: Pittsburgh Software Engineering

For the next three weeks, #TechVibeRadio will be coming at ya from the new Huntington National Bank in The #StripDistrict. Tune in Sunday, Oct. 10, at 6 a.m. to 100.1 FM | AM 1020 KDKA to hear from Kevin L. Miller of LegalSifter.  Learn how its products use artificial intelligence and human expertise to help people negotiate contracts and organize documents faster, safer, and more affordably. Plus, Huntington's Rob Carnell, Sr. VP of Enterprise Analytics, will join us to overview his teams use of AI and Machine Learning at the bank. Mark your calendar for these Strip District Shows: Oct. 17 - Aspinity, Inc. Oct. 24 - IAM Robotics and SteelBridge Labs

TVR 10/10/21: TNT in the Strip District -- LegalSifter

The Pittsburgh autonomy sector has reached critical mass and has the potential to become a major player in the global market, a new study finds. But urgent action is needed to compete more effectively against other regions and to encourage autonomy companies to locate and remain in Southwestern Pennsylvania as they mature and grow.  The report — “Forefront: Securing Pittsburgh’s Break-out Position in Autonomous Mobile Systems” — was issued by Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) and the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce with research conducted by TEConomy Partners.  Listen to RIDC president Don Smith detail: The culmination of a nine-month long study, the report finds that the Pittsburgh region is one of the top centers for autonomous mobile systems — a sector predicted to grow to a $1 trillion+ global market by 2026, with an estimated 5,000 jobs and a $10 billion impact for a region that captures 1 percent of that global market growth.  The study was conducted with funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, and the region’s top autonomous technology companies, including Argo AI, Aurora, Carnegie Robotics, Motional, Seegrid, and Thoro.ai.   The estimated direct employment footprint of Pittsburgh’s autonomy sector totals over 6,300 jobs which provide an estimated $651 million in labor income, $34.7 million in state and local tax revenues, and $126.7 million in federal tax revenues.  These companies generated an additional 8,604 full- or part-time indirect jobs, bringing the total number of jobs in the region that are dependent on the industry to 14,923. 

New Study Says Pittsburgh Could Become Global Center of Autonomy Sector

TechVibe will introduce you to Comcast's Mark "Hutch" Hutchinson, the new Vice President of Network Engineering. He's moving to Pittsburgh to ensure Comcast's network is fast, resilient and always on. His enthusiasm for tech is contagious. We will also talk to Christopher Rouser, VP of Human Resources, about leading a team that manages Comcast’s employee experience, talent strategy, critical human resource processes, wellness, motivation, engagement and development. Take a deep breath and geek out with us!

TVR 10/2/21: Deep Dive with Comcast

Take a deep dive with Highmark Health's Chief Analytics Officer Richard Clarke on the next episode of Health Care Reinvented. Learn how Richard and his team focus on delivering innovative data and advanced analytic solutions that fulfill Highmark Health’s mission of creating a remarkable health experience, freeing people to be their best.   Of note, Richard will go into detail with the Pittsburgh Technology Council's Audrey Russo about the Living Health Platform and the partnership with Google Cloud to build a highly personalized model that puts people and their clinicians at the center of a simpler, better coordinated experience.   While at Highmark, Richard has led several analytics teams as well as Product, Clinical Services, and Human Centered Design. In 2020, he moved into the chief analytics officer role, overseeing all data and analytics for Highmark Health. Wherever data and health care intersect, Richard is there. Learn more about Richard and his fascinating work.

Health Care Reinvented: Highmark Health's Chief Analytics Officer Richard Clarke

On September 23rd, the Pittsburgh Technology Council was in Johnstown, PA to host "Where Electrification and Autonomy Meet: Economic Opportunities and Megatrends in the Automotive Sector." It was an economic forum to explore opportunities associated with two converging megatrends in the global automotive industry: Electrification and Autonomy. Our panelists included national thought leaders from SAE International and the American Iron and Steel Institute. We’ll also be hosting some of the fastest growing firms in our region’s autonomous vehicle industry, including ARGO, Aurora and Locomation. From the EV supply chain, we heard from local manufacturing firms like PPG and organizations involved in providing EV Infrastructure, including Altoona based Sheetz. TechVibe Radio's Jonathan Kersting interviewed Panelist Hesham Ezzat, Senior Technical Consultant of the Automotive Program, at the American Iron and Steel Institute to learn more about the ever-important roles steel plays in building electric cars. From light-weighting to crash protection there are more than 200 recipes for automotive designers to choose from!

TechVibe Exclusive: Dr. Hesham Ezzat, American Iron and Steel Institute

TechVibe Radio explores some of the latest episodes of Health Care Reinvented with Highmark and Allegheny Health Network. Learn about Highmark Health's digital transformation spinout company Lumevity and see how Higmark uses advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to fight health care fraud.

TVR 9/26/21: Health Care Reinvented

Mark Hutchinson has been named Vice President of Network Engineering for Comcast’s Keystone Region, which comprises western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and the Maryland panhandle. In Hutchinson’s role, he leads the region’s construction and network maintenance organizations.  Hutchinson brings 25 years of leadership experience in cable and telecommunications, spanning customer care, service delivery, engineering, and network and field operations. He most recently served as the Comcast West Division’s Director of Project Management, where he served engineering and technical operations teams launching strategic project. We sat down with Mark to learn more about his background and how he is embracing his new role at Comcast. Buckle your seatbelt!

One Mic Stand: Mark Hutchinson of Comcast

TechVibe Radio talks with Carlos Tribino of the The Machine about technology's ever-growing impact on marketing and branding. It looks like technology has becomes the marketer's best friend and worst nightmare all at once. Plus get a preview of the Digital Dream Labs One Mic Stand podcast.

TVR 9/19/21: The Machine and Digital Dream Labs

Aspirant, a global management and technology consulting firm, announced the hiring of Tom Leeker as its Chief Client Officer (CCO). Leeker is an award-winning executive within the CPG industry, having spent the previous eight years as GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) Vice President for the Walmart and Sam’s Club business. In this role, he will serve as a trusted advisor to Aspirant clients as well as provide capabilities for companies in the market. Leeker will also be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting to Aspirant CEO Mike McClaine. “Client focus is the core of our success at Aspirant, which is why I’m so excited for Tom to join us. His proven ability to cultivate lasting customer relationships will align perfectly with our organization,” said Mike McClaine. “While working together at GSK, I saw firsthand the effectiveness of Tom’s transparent and empowering leadership. I look forward to him reinforcing Aspirant’s high-performing culture with both internal and client teams.” Tom Leeker added, “Aspirant’s innovative approach to consulting is resonating with the market, as proven by the company’s exponential growth. Having used consultants throughout my career, the solutions aren’t always apparent, while Aspirant provides clear differentiation through their integrated expertise, lean delivery teams, and unique tools like the virtual, AI-based Digital Discovery®. Combine this with a culture built on core values, and the result is a company that I am excited to join!” In his prior GSK Vice President position, Leeker doubled the business portfolio and earned his team recognition with Supplier of the Year Awards for Omni Channel Excellence and Outstanding Customer Focus. Additional roles included Vice President of Corporate Development and Director of Sales for the CVS business. Leeker also led teams through multiple prescription (Rx) to over-the-counter (OTC) switches as well as various mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and reorganizations. Aspirant hiring Leeker is a continuation of the company’s evolution and expansion of capabilities to meet market needs. Earlier this year, the organization announced the integration of Newton Talent and acquired TASE Labs, both of which are now operating as new practices within the company.”

One Mic Stand: Tom Leeker of Aspirant

Learn how Stanley Ference of Ference & Associates fights on-line patent and copyright infringement. Stanley and his team work with businesses large and small to ensure their products are not being illegally duplicated and sold. Plus, learn how Huntington Bank is part of the Sewickley community and beyond. Tune in and geek out with us!

TechVibe Neighborhood Tour: Sewickley Part 2

Atlas Marketing Founder Chris Martin details more about his Sewickley-based marketing company and on-going marketing trends. Since its inception in 2008, Atlas Marketing efforts focus on telling stories that engage and connect to help its customers make decisions.  Those decisions center around answering one simple question – Do I want to work with this company or buy its product or service? To aid the decision-making process, the Atlas Marketing team partners with company owners, executives, CMOs and marketing teams to understand the company goals and vision.  Atlas is a strong believer in a deliberate and organized marketing strategy that remains flexible to address the ever-changing business world.   

TechVibe Neighborhood Tour: Sewickley -- Atlas Marketing

Check out Part 1 of the TechVibe Neighborhood Tour from Huntington Bank in Sewickley. This episode will feature Patrick Colletti of Net Health talking about his new book "Refounder." Plus, Chris Martin of Atlas Marketing will stop by for the latest trends in digital marketing technology.

TechVibe Neighborhood Tour: Sewickley

Did you know that Highmark likes to spin out a startup company from time to time?   Learn all about its latest spinout Lumevity -- a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highmark Health. It was formed as a result of its successful programs in organizational effectiveness, digital transformation and change management across its diverse portfolio of businesses.   The next episode of Health Care Reinvented features Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark and chief growth officer; Larry Kleinman, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Highmark; and Marcus Johnson, SVP, Co-Founder and Head of Sales and Delivery at Lumevity to tell you how Lumevity helps innovative leaders develop self-funding, tangible transformation programs that simultaneously improve employee engagement and increase measurable outcomes – at scale.   Discover how Lumevity evolved from a radical transformation program at Highmark Health; how it fits into Highmark Health’s overall enterprise; and how it is quickly going to market to help a diversity of industries.

Health Care Reinvented: Lumevity Spinoff Tackles Digital Transformation

Christopher Rouser is Regional Vice President of Human Resources for Comcast’s Keystone Region, which comprises western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and the Maryland panhandle. In this episode, Rouser talks about leading a team that manages Comcast’s employee experience, talent strategy, critical human resource processes, wellness, motivation, engagement and development. With more than 20 years of telecommunications industry experience, Rouser joined Comcast in 2013 as Director, Talent Acquisition & Management for the Company’s Western New England Region. He has also served as Senior Director, Human Resources for Comcast’s Freedom Region and Senior Director, Human Resources, for the Company’s Northeast Division. "I try to live my life with purpose and intention, which often includes seeking to improve the lives of others, and the idea of coming to a region that is guided by this as a north star is exciting,” said Rouser.  “As our organization evolves, our continued focus on talent engagement will serve as a positive differentiator. I'm passionate about employee development and welcome the opportunity to continue to engage in this work in the Keystone Region." Rouser holds an MBA from Towson University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore.  He will relocate to Pittsburgh.

One Mic Stand: Building an Awesome Workforce at Comcast!

Podcasts from TechVibe Radio, now on KDKA 1020 AM every Wednesday at 7 PM. The Pittsburgh Technology Council's Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting interview Pittsburgh's most dynamic technology companies and entrepreneurs.