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The Allen Family

Genius Bar

The Genius Bar, located in the Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is designed for faculty, seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts to share their experiences and knowledge with students from all disciplines interested in entrepreneurship and innovative ideas.

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday/Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  (Professors of Professional Practice)
Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. (Industry Expert)
 
Become an industry genius
Schedule an appointment

Onsite Geniuses

 

 

Geniuses are available Tuesday/Thursday throughout the semester.

 

  • Paula McCullough

    • Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs Coordinator

    • Research Interest: General Riata Center Inquiries, Student Business Plan Competitions and Cowboy Tech Angels

    • paula.mccullough@okstate.edu

  • Chad Mills

    • Riata Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director

    • Research Interest: General Riata Center Inquiries, Riata Startup Experience, Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, Competitions, Cross-Campus Collaborations, Academic Support, Food and Beverage and Event Management

    • chadhm@okstate.edu

  • Jonathan Butler

    • School of Entrepreneurship Assistant Professor of Professional Practice.

    • Research Interest: Entrepreneurial creativity and imagination.

    • jonathan.butler@okstate.edu

  • David Thomison

    • School of Entrepreneurship Associate Professor of Professional Practice

    • Research Interest: Early-stage capital formation, investor presentation/pitches, value proposition and strategic pricing and student business plan competitions.

    • david.thomison@okstate.edu

  • Richard Gajan

    • School of Entrepreneurship Associate Professor of Professional Practice

    • Research Interest: Customer discovery, investor presentations and financial projection

    • Areas of expertise: Startup Companies, Value Creation, Customer Discovery and Raising Equity

    • rgajan@okstate.edu

  • Craig Watters

    • School of Entrepreneurship Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Director of Institute for Global, Social Entrepreneurship

    • Research Interest: Economic development infrastructure in rural areas.

    • craig.watters@okstate.edu

Industry GeniusesAvailable most Wednesdays throughout the semester

Bedlam Law

Sept. 13, 2023 1-4 p.m. (John Alberts)

 

Bedlam Law is focused on two key areas of law: Family Law (including divorce, paternity, child custody, motions to modify and more) and Estate Planning (including trusts, wills, guardianships, probate and more). With years of experience in each area, we can help you through the complex legal strategies needed to ensure you are getting the results you deserve. More importantly, with our experience, we can help you avoid potentially damaging pitfalls.

Pig Tracks

Sept. 27, 2023, 1-4 p.m. (Mitchell Sims)

 

Mitchell is an accomplished oil & gas professional, turned entrepreneur in 2019. His startup, Pigtracks, is a field service execution platform for the pipeline integrity industry. What Mitchell likes most about being an entrepreneur is building teams and solving complex problems with creative solutions. Naturally, Mitchell enjoys mentoring and helping others on their entrepreneurial journey.

Black Dog Law

Oct. 4, 2023, 1-4 p.m. (Kate Sullivan)

 

Your business idea or invention needs a secure legal foundation in order for you to develop its true potential. As a patent and trademark attorney at Black Dog Law PLLC, Kate Sullivan will provide straightforward, cost-effective legal services that can help you turn ideas for products and businesses into a reality. ​

46 Venture Capital

Oct. 11, 2023, 1-4 p.m.

Nov. 1, 2023, 1-4 p.m.

 

46 VC invests in a more diverse array of startups across industries.  They will be here to answer questions regarding venture dept, revenue-sharing and other equity-like structures – and reasons why creating a business in Oklahoma is smart!

Pinot's Palette

Oct. 18, 2023 1-4 p.m. (Lisa Riley)

 

Lisa Riley is a native Oklahoman whom graduated from OSU in 1998. She worked in the oil and gas industry for many years until she decided to branch out on her own. She owns 4 Pinot’s Palette franchises and House of Style Foods. She was Oklahoma’s Small Business person of the year in 2020. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband Ben and son Keaton. She is proud OSU graduate!

Write on Fundraising

Nov. 8, 2023 1-4 PM (Jonathan Weber)

 

Jonathan is a nonprofit fundraising professional with a Master’s in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. Since 2018, Jonathan has served Write On Fundraising in multiple capacities working with both our nonprofit partners and staff to fulfill the company’s mission. As Director of Mission Impact, Jonathan equips staff with the education and resources needed to provide equity and compassion to philanthropy.  

Thermal Specialties, LLC

Nov. 15, 2023 1-4 p.m. (Mitch Myers)

 

Mitch Myers received a bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering and Management in 1995 and an MBA in 1999 from OSU.  He served 13 years as VP of Operations for FW Murphy, a company that provides products and services for comprehensive equipment management and control solutions. He has experience in manufacturing, supply chain management, materials management and Information Technology. In 2007, he purchased a Tulsa based manufacturer, Thermal Specialties, LLC. At the time, the company provided heat treating services, high temp furnace design and fabrication as well as distribution of related insulation and controls. Since the acquisition, Mitch has become a serial entrepreneur, while acquiring nine (9) new companies in a diverse set of industries and applications.

 

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