Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight Podcast

Arizona Technology Council

Welcome to the Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight. The TechFocus Member Spotlight Podcast highlights Arizona’s growing prominence as a world-class tech hub. Each podcast episode features innovative entrepreneurs, transformative leaders, tech disrupters, and change agents who are reshaping the state’s evolving tech ecosystem in existing and emerging sectors. Please join your host, Eric Miller, as we get to know another interesting member of your tech community. Interested in spotlighting your company or being a sponsor? Contact info@aztechcouncil.org.

  1. Jun 23

    Episode 36: Grant Jackman, CEO & Co-Founder & Jessica Grant, President of Paragon IT Profesionals

    Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. I’m Eric Miller, founder and co-owner of PADT, Inc., and today I’m sitting down with not one, but two guests from member company Paragon IT Professionals. Joining me today are Jessica Grant, President of Paragon IT Professionals and Paragon CEO and co-founder, Craig Jackman. Founded in 1997, Paragon is an IT staffing, project and leadership solutions firm. The company helps organizations build and strengthen their technology teams through contingent staffing, project-based solutions, and leadership development. I'm excited for a great conversation about the evolving IT staffing landscape and the opportunity to get to know Jessica and Craig a bit better along the way. Craig Jackman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-jackman-3606301/ Jessica Grant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesscgrant/ Partagon IT Profesionals: https://www.paragonitpros.com/   You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil         Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org          Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com          And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: https://linkedin.com/in/emillerphx

    39 min

  2. Mar 13

    Episode 35: Sonia Vohnout, President & CEO of OpsSpot, LLC

    Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight,  the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. I’m Eric Miller, principal and co-owner of PADT, Inc., and today I’m sitting down with Sonia Vohnout, President & CEO of OppsSpot, LLC OppsSpot, LLC is a consulting and advisory firm dedicated to helping early-stage technology companies, startups, and small businesses successfully navigate non-dilutive funding opportunities and strategic growth pathways. Our core mission is to accelerate innovation that delivers real-world impact by bridging the gap between cutting-edge ideas and sustainable commercialization. Sonia Vohnout is the Founder and CEO of OppsSpot, LLC, with over 30 years of executive leadership and systems engineering experience in biomedical, life sciences, and deep-tech innovation. A nationally recognized expert in SBIR/STTR and other non-dilutive funding programs, she helps founders and research teams translate complex biomedical science into fundable, market-ready solutions while preserving long-term strategic control. She is deeply committed to advancing inclusive innovation and mentoring the next generation of leaders across science, technology, and healthcare. OppsSpot Website: https://www.oppsspot.com/ Sonia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svohnout/ You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at:https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil  Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com  And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx

    29 min

  3. 10/03/2025

    Episode 34: Rick Heicksen, Head of Data Management at Chetu

    Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. Our host, Eric Miller, principal and co-owner of PADT, Inc., is sitting down with Rick Heicksen of Shea Too. Founded in 2000, Chetu delivers digital transformation, AI, and software solutions globally. Serving startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies, its expert teams offer tailored services across the tech spectrum. Headquartered in Florida with 12 global offices, Chetu provides a one-stop-shop model across the software technology spectrum. Rick Heicksen leads data management at Chetu, guiding strategic initiatives that help organizations maximize the value of their data. With over 12 years in IT and background in sales leadership, he builds scalable practices using modern platforms, AI, and agentic technologies. Rick specializes in data governance, integration, and architecture, transforming fragmented data into trusted assets. His collaborative approach drives platform adoption, expands key accounts, and accelerates digital transformation. Passionate about data’s business impact, Rick focuses on go-to-market strategy, customer success, and strategic partnerships to unlock actionable insights. Rick Heicksen's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickheicksen/  Chetu: www.chetu.com   You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: youtube.com/@aztechcouncil              Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org                Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com                And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx

    19 min

  4. 09/08/2025

    Episode 33: Mark McLoud, EVP & Partner of FPT

    Today, we sat down with Mark McLoud, EVP & Partner of FPT.  FPT Software is a global consulting and technology services company headquartered in Vietnam, with a strong international presence across 30 countries and territories and 86 offices worldwide, including the USA, Latin America, and Europe. With annual revenue of $2.4 billion, they are proud to serve a large number of Fortune 500 clients, delivering cost-effective, high-quality consulting and technology solutions. That is the company. A bit about the man… With over 20 years of consulting and outsourcing experience, Mark develops innovative solutions to clients' challenges. Mark is experienced in building and maintaining global teams that deliver financial benefits to clients in a variety of business models. Mark has served as Executive Vice President and Partner of Intertec since 2002, and through an acquisition, joined FPT Software. In his role, Mark participates in executive management and provides innovative solutions and account support to FPT Software clients across the globe.   You can learn more about FPT at: www.fpt.com Mark is on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nearshoreapplicationdevelopment/\   You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil  Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com  And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx

    21 min

  5. 07/12/2025

    Episode 32: Manny Teran, CEO of IRLabs

    In this episode, we sat down with Manny Teran,  CEO of IRLabs. IRLabs is a U.S.-based company that specializes in the design and manufacture of custom cryogenic systems, infrared detectors, and cryostats for use in scientific research, astronomy, and industrial applications. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, IRLabs provides highly specialized solutions such as bolometers, dewars, and turnkey detector instruments. They work closely with researchers and OEMs to deliver high-precision, low-temperature instrumentation that supports advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Manny Teran is an award-winning business leader, engineer, and entrepreneur with deep expertise in innovation, technology commercialization, sales, and marketing. Throughout his career, he has successfully launched hundreds of projects, supported the growth of established companies, and helped startups achieve sustainable revenue — including work with IRLabs. Also, As the founder of Profectory and host of The Profectory Podcast, Manny guides high-potential entrepreneurs and business leaders to master both the market and their mindset.   Links: IRLabs: irlabs.com Profectory: profectory.com Manny Teran on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/teran You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil        Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org          Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com  And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx

    26 min

  6. 05/07/2025

    Episode 31: Vernon Bridges, Director of Enterprise, Managed Solutions, Comcast Business

    Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. In this episode, we sit down with Vernon Bridges, Director of Enterprise - Managed Solutions at Comcast Business. Comcast Business offers leading global businesses the technology solutions and forward-thinking partnership they need with a full suite of solutions, including secure networking solutions, advanced cybersecurity, and a range of managed service options. Join us for this insightful conversation to learn more about current trends in enterprise IT while we get to know Vernon a bit more. You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil  Comcast Business: https://business.comcast.com/  Vernon Bridges on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernonbridges/ Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com

    33 min

  7. 03/07/2025

    Episode 30: Mary Darling, CEO of Darling Geomatics

    Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. I’m Eric Miller, founder and co-owner of PADT, Inc., and today I’m sitting down with Mary Darling, CEO of Darling Geomatics, a Tucson-based leader in high-tech surveying and geospatial data solutions. From 3D scanning and digital twins to environmental surveys and AI-powered analytics, Mary and her team are revolutionizing how industries collect and utilize engineering-grade data. I’m excited for an insightful conversation about the future of geospatial technology and its impact across multiple sectors while we get to know Mary a bit more. Learn more about Darling Geomatics at: www.DarlingLtd.com View the video about what Darling Geomatics does at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20VBwnw8mnY View the video version of this episode and other AZ Tech Council videos on our YouTube Channel Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org         Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com

    28 min

  8. 03/11/2024

    TechFocus Episode 29: Susan Dumon SVP of Strategy, Sun Corridor

    Susan Dumon - As Senior Vice President of Strategy, Susan is responsible for leading strategic initiatives around competitiveness that align with Sun Corridor Inc.’s mission to drive transformative economic development in the Tucson and Southern Arizona region. Susan has nearly 20 years of experience in economic development in Arizona, working at the state, regional, and local levels. Susan has extensive experience in all aspects of economic development, including, business attraction and marketing, business retention and expansion, workforce development, and redevelopment and reuse. Susan has provided site selection assistance and market analysis for companies considering expansion or relocation opportunities in metro Tucson and Southern Arizona. She has also worked with existing companies to help them grow their presence in the region. Prior to moving to Tucson, Susan spent ten years leading economic development programs and projects at the City of Phoenix. She has assisted companies that have created more than 25,000 jobs and invested nearly $2 billion in capital in Arizona. Susan is a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and she holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, City University of New York. She is an alumna of the National Urban Fellows Program, a national public-sector leadership program. Currently, Susan serves on the Pima Community College Foundation board and the Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Advisory Council. She lives in Tucson with her husband, Dave, daughter, Maryn, and dogs, Indy and Kaboom.  Sun Corridor Inc. is a transformative economic development organization in Southern Arizona that represents one of the most dynamic and growing regions in North America. Located in Tucson, Sun Corridor Inc. is a CEO-driven regional alliance whose members aggressively champion mega-regional issues that impact economic competitiveness and quality of life. The organization has helped to drive significant business investment into the Tucson and Southern Arizona region through working with companies that have created thousands of jobs and billions in capital investment that have resulted in an economic impact of more than $36 billion in the last 20 years.  https://suncorridorinc.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/suncorridorinc/ https://www.facebook.com/SunCorridorInc/ https://twitter.com/suncorridorinc

    32 min
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About

Welcome to the Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight. The TechFocus Member Spotlight Podcast highlights Arizona’s growing prominence as a world-class tech hub. Each podcast episode features innovative entrepreneurs, transformative leaders, tech disrupters, and change agents who are reshaping the state’s evolving tech ecosystem in existing and emerging sectors. Please join your host, Eric Miller, as we get to know another interesting member of your tech community. Interested in spotlighting your company or being a sponsor? Contact info@aztechcouncil.org.

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