Innovation + Job News

If you have recycled something in the city of Detroit, there is a good chance you have met Matthew Naimi. The Midtown/Cass Corridor resident runs the city of Detroit's Recycle Here program and co-founded Recycle Green consulting firm and Michigan Green Safe Products. If you have question about being green in Detroit, Naimi has the answer.

That helps explain why the slogan for his business in BEE Green. The 36-year-old University of Tennessee alumni, with a bachelor's in political science/philosophy, has used the green economy to create four full-time jobs and keep a couple of independent contractors busy.

Describe your business in two sentences or less?
The Recycle Green is a full-service green consulting and green event and
marketing company. We specialize in the creation and implementation of green initiative for businesses and events.

Why did you decide to set up shop in Detroit?
Detroit is a blank canvas in which to operate. The city needs small business
and often has an untapped customer base.

What are some of the advantages to doing business here?
Lack of competition.

What do you see in Detroit that other people who live outside the city don't?
Loyal customers who love to 'know the owner" and support local business.

What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in the Motor City?
Make sure that you know that things move slow in the city in regards to permits and inspections. Also, be prepared for higher insurance rates, high taxes, property crime and security issues.

If you could change one thing about Detroit, what would it be?
Lack of mass transit. Once people are in a car, they can go anywhere. People get on a bus, and they will stay local ...

Source: Matt Naimi, director of Recycle Here and co-founder of Recycle Green and Michigan Green Safe Products
Writer: Jon Zemkeread on…

Model D welcomes a new sibling: Bmore in Baltimore, MD.

The new e-zine launched last week and promises the latest news on emerging tech sectors and industries, development, neighborhoods, plus general cool stuff and goings on in Baltimore.

It's the latest publication from Model D's publishers, Detroit-based Issue Media Group.

IMG's other fine publications include:

• Pop City in Pittsburgh, PA
• Rapid Growth in Grand Rapids, MI
• Capital Gains in Lansing, MI
• Soapbox in Cincinnati, OH
• metromode in Metro Detroit, MI
• Concentrate in Washtenaw County, MI
• Keystone Edge in Pennsylvania

read on…

Michigan is the big winner in $2.4 billion of federal grants for research and development of advanced automotive batteries. And TechTown was at the center of it all.

Vice President Joe Biden made the announcement last week at the business incubator in New Center. Michigan will receive about half of that money, which will be used for everything from lithium ion batteries to hybrid cars.

Wayne State University is also getting a small slice of the pie, taking in $5 million for training and education for researchers, technicians and service providers. Think of it as one of the first steps for creating the path for the next generation of engineers and technicians who will work on advanced battery and hybrid/electric car technology.

"The auto manufacturers are training their electric-drive vehicle engineers and technicians mainly in-house," Simon Ng, a professor in the department of chemical and materials science engineering at Wayne State said in a press release. "These components and systems are very much in a state of rapid scientific and technological development that will demand highly trained engineers and technologies with the highest level of technology education."

Ng leads Wayne State’s Alternative Energy Technology degree program and is helping NextEnergy (a TechTown anchor firm) and Macomb Community College to create a comprehensive set of advanced educational degree programs in electric-drive vehicles.

These degrees would include a master’s in Electric-Drive Vehicle Engineering, a bachelor’s in Electric Transportation Technology and an associate’s in Automotive Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology. Ng estimates that there are about 1,000 prospective graduate students and 2,000 prospective undergraduates eligible for these sorts of degrees.

Source: Wayne State University and TechTown
Writer: Jon Zemke
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After nearly three years in the making, Origins Concrete Design is starting to get some firm ground underneath it.

The craftsman concrete firm has watched its orders increase, despite the current state of the economy, and just landed a contract with IKEA's store in Canton Township. It's a big step for a guy with a concrete dream about concrete.

Derek Peters worked as a construction superintendent in Metro Detroit earlier this decade. He focused his efforts on his primary interest, pouring concrete. His interest really peaked when he saw concrete being used and formed in high-end residential construction.

"I just had a fascination with the flow and formation of concrete," Peters says.

That inspired him to start Origins Concrete Design in the fall of 2007. It’s now his full-time job where he hires the occasional independent contractor to help him keep up with orders at the Russell Industrial Center. There he makes counter tops, sinks, fire places and table tops -- all out of concrete. His work can be seen at Anita's Kitchen in Ferndale and Salsarita's Fresh Cantina in the Renaissance Center.

"Anything with concrete, anything decorative with concrete, I can do," Peters says.

Source: Derek Peters, owner of Origins Concrete Design
Writer: Jon Zemkeread on…

Sweet Juniper and its creator will be the focus of the latest lecture next Tuesday in Hamilton Anderson's ongoing lecturesHAA.

Sweet Juniper is a website/blog created by Jim Griffioen, a former corporate litigator turned writer, photographer and stay-at-home dad. His work or his name has appeared in Harper's, The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal. On his website he muses about everything from his thoughts on parenthood, contemporary culture and the issues of his adopted home of Detroit, such as historic preservation and urban farming.

Griffioen will speak about urban farming, historic preservation and the city's architectural ruins, among other issues. It's all part of Hamilton Anderson's plan to introduce new thinking and innovative ideas to the discourse about Detroit.

Downtown-based Hamilton Anderson is hosting this series of lectures. The first one centered on Hamtramck-based Design 99 designers Gina Reichert and Mitch Cope who spoke about contemporary architecture, its impact, influence and inspiration.

"It's more about getting people out there, to give them a voice to talk about what they believe in," says Christina Hansen, designer with Hamilton Anderson.

The lecture will be held Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Johanson Charles Gallery, 1345 Division in Eastern Market. For information, call (313) 255-1020.

Source: Christina Hansen, designer with Hamilton Anderson
Writer: Jon Zemke
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TechTown hopes to create 400 new economy start-ups at its in campus within the next couple years, and someone is going to have serve all of those laptop wielding entrepreneurs coffee. That person is Ramone Crowe, Jr.

The 40-year-old Crowe owns The Java Exchange Cafe in the middle of TechTown’s campus in New Center. He has been serving lattes and mochas to Detroit’s aspiring entrepreneur class for a few years now. The Central Michigan University graduate and U.S. Navy veteran employs six people at the coffee shop and plans to hire more soon. Before The Java Exchange Cafe, Crowe owned or co-owned t-shirt and electrical businesses, and owned/managed rental property.

Describe your business in two sentences or less?
To serve the greater Detroit area as the premier coffee house that provides high-quality food and beverage products, and services in a relaxed community-oriented environment. And be the premier meeting space for mobile professionals.

Why did you decide to set up shop in Detroit?
I felt the Detroit market was being under served as it related to quality coffee shops and venues to host inexpensive business meetings. Every time I would schedule a meeting in Detroit, my most difficult decision would be where do we meet without coming out of our pockets for a lot of money -- or just go to the library. I wanted to create a venue that would put these questions to bed, and provide an environment and customer service that Metro Detroiters would appreciate and be proud of.

What are some of the advantages to doing business here?
I feel there is a real sense of community support, and our customers truly appreciate us. Also, being in the middle of all of the massive growth in New Center, Midtown and Techtown has proven to be a great opportunity.

What do you see in Detroit that other people who live outside the city don't?
Great opportunities!

What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in the Motor City?
Do your homework, really do your homework some more. Understand your market better than your competition. Get involved in the community and give something back! Make it a better place.

If you could change one thing about Detroit, what would it be?
I would see more citizens take control of turning Detroit into the world class city it should be, starting with education and physical responsibility.

Source: Ramone Crowe, Jr., owner of The Java Exchanged Cafe
Writer: Jon Zemke
read on…

Last year a couple of students at Bizdom U put their heads together and came to conclusion that going green might by in style, but most people usually can’t do it stylishy. That realization led to the birth of Guffly, TechTown's latest Internet start-up.

The company features a new eco-friendly product on its Web site every day. They also make a point to find products that have a bit of flair to them. The website is set to launch midway through this month.

"If style and eco-friendly made a love child it would be Guffly," says Kelley Walker, chief interwebs troublemaker for Guffly.

The company's two founders -- Chanell Scott (chief love distributor for Guffly) and Jordan Contreras (chief strategic friendship ninja for Guffly) -- plan to establish the company in its first year and continue to build its network of suppliers.

The products for Guffly (a combination of the words good and stuff with an -ly added to the end to make it catchy) range from pets' toys to cutting boards. These eco-friendly products are aimed at young professionals or empty nesters. "We don’t go for the kids stuff so much," Walker says.

Source: Kelley Walker, chief interwebs troublemaker for Guffly
Writer: Jon Zemkeread on…

A new webzine in Detroit, Mi Estillo, covers the Motor City’s Latino community.

The site launched earlier this year. The name is Spanish for My Style, which is meant to reflect the diversity of interests and talents in this segment of the population.  

"We felt there was a need that wasn't being filled yet," says Jose Rodriguez, editor in chief of Mi Estillo.

Mi Estillo publishes weekly. It is smartphone compatible and is reaching out through social media marketing efforts, such as Facebook and Twitter. It has attracted hits from around the world as far away as Russia, Rodriguez says.

Mi Estillo is looking for an intern. E-mail Rodriguez for more information.

Source: Jose Rodriguez, editor in chief of Mi Estillo
Writer: Jon Zemke
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The QSS Group has signed the University of Detroit Mercy to help develop and analyze security for business software and infrastructure.

The deal is part of a large federal contract, of which U-D Mercy gets a $551,500 slice. The program is focused on cyber security research of the country’s business and critical infrastructure.

U-D Mercy Prof. Dan Shoemaker is serving as the director of the Information Assurance Program and is the principal investigator for the project. He also is a part of the Software Assurance Initiative of the Department of Homeland Security, National Cyber Security Division.

QSS Group is a technical services company that specializes in the IT departments of federal agencies.

Source: University of Detroit Mercy
Writer: Jon Zemkeread on…

Christian Unverzagt is one of those creative people who could set up shop anywhere in the world and be successful. The 38-year-old chose Detroit and now operates one of the city's most innovative firms, M1/dtw, out of its longtime home in the Russell Industrial Center.

The Lafayette Park resident holds a bachelor's in architecture from the University of Michigan and a master's in architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. His small design firm designs just about everything. He plans to add staff by the end of the year.

Describe your business in two sentences or less?
We leverage design to engage, shape and understand the world around us.

Why did you decide to set up shop in Detroit?
Plenty of cheap space centrally located.

What are some of the advantages to doing business here?
There is a tremendous independent manufacturing base that allows us to have almost anything we can imagine produced within a 30 mile radius of our studio. People around here know how to make things and in my opinion are a severely untapped resource.

What do you see in Detroit that other people who live outside the city don't?
Detroit has the potential for a new post-industrial future unlike any other city in the world. You can never go back, so forget all the talk about "bringing the city back." We're here and we're forging a new future. If you're up for it and have something positive to contribute, you should join us.

What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in the Motor City?
Follow your heart, take it slow and then give it your all.

If you could change one thing about Detroit, what would it be?
It's size. It should either be half or twice its current size as it's caught up being too large of a town and too small of a city (or region).

Source: Christian Unverzagt, owner and design director of M1/dtw
Writer: Jon Zemkeread on…

IC Data Communications is growing its staff in Detroit’s TechTown business incubator, hiring a handful of people this year and planning to double its staff by next year.

The 5-year-old firm has hired three people within the last year. With turnover, that means it expanded its staff by one person to 13 employees, a handful of independent contractors and the occasional intern since we last checked in with them last summer.

The IT company has based its growth on generating good-old-fashioned, word-of-mouth referrals. The company doesn’t dabble much in marketing or other ways to get business.

“A vast majority of our business comes from referrals,” says Terence Willis, technical services manager with IC Data Communications. Willis and Dwayne Carson founded the IT firm in TechTown.

The firm has also expanded its reach across oceans, handling IT for the likes of the Nigerian Federal Police Force. It deals with similar needs for schools and small- and medium-sized businesses. The company has also switched its business model from brake-fix to managed services, allowing it to scale up easily and maximize its profits.

Source: Terence Willis, technical services manager and co-founder of IC Data Communications
Writer: Jon Zemkeread on…

TechTown is growing its staff as it prepares to service hundreds of more start-ups at the business incubator.

The economic development agency recently hired four people to handle everything from communications to facilities management. Randal Charlton, executive director of TechTown, expects to bring on another 15 people within the next 18 months. These hires will allow TechTown to facilitate the creation of another 400 start-ups through the New Economy Initiative.

“This requires us to scale up our programs dramatically,” Charlton says.

That scale up is also expected to include the build out of 2-3 other nearby buildings to accommodate that growth.

TechTown is partnering with the New Economy Initiative and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to create between 400-500 start-ups over three years. The New Economy Initiative is making $9.25 million in direct cash investment available while the Kauffman Foundation will provide expertise to help the transition, such as staff, materials and its FastTrac and Urban Entrepreneurship Partnership programs.

Source: Randal Charlton, executive director of TechTown
Writer: Jon Zemke
read on…

Six years ago Ted Adams was watching his unemployment run out while opportunities for freelance work began to pile up. Today he runs is own business, TR3 Studios.

The graphic-design firm is based out of the Fisher Building in New Center and Adams' Ypsilanti home. Right now he is his own boss, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies like VisionIT to professional athletes like Braylon Edwards to a huge stable of local churches.

"Doing what I want do is more liberating," Adams says. "I can do what i want to do when I want to do it."

Source: Ted Adams, owner of TR3 Studios
Writer: Jon Zemkeread on…

Another 25 start-ups have signed up for space in TechTown so far this year in what the business incubator hopes will become a trend.

These businesses came into TechTown through its SmartStart program. The program’s staff coaches start-ups so they can reach certain milestones and maximize profitability. They are also eligible for small business loans offered through the program.

The companies that joined TechTown through SmartStart focus on emerging industries, such as alternative energy, life sciences, social media and film. TechTown hopes to attract an average of 25 companies every six months.

"We look for companies that are doing something unique and innovative in their industry," says Ebony Johnson, SmartStart Support Leader for TechTown.

She adds that SmartStart may be branching out in the near future. There could be a SmartLogistics program for logistics companies and SmartServices for professional service firms, such as accounting or legal services.

Source: Ebony Johnson, SmartStart Support Leader for TechTown
Writer: Jon Zemke
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TechTown is getting a little love from the folks at the macro level, receiving a Soft Landings International Incubator designation from the National Business Incubation Association.

The Detroit-based business incubator is being recognized for its own Soft Landings program. That program helps businesses based out of state and even the country set up shop in Detroit.

Nancy Cappola, director of TechTown's Soft Landings program, calls the National Business Incubation Association designation a "huge stamp of approval."

"It really says the program is special," Cappola says. "We have a unique approach."

The Soft Landings offers translation services, office space in TechTown, legal support, plus advice on how to navigate local government and finding access to capital.

The National Business Incubation Association helps advance business incubation and entrepreneurship. It has given out only 13 other similar designations across the country since 2005.

Source: Nancy Cappola, director of TechTown's Soft Landings program
Writer: Jon Zemke
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