Greenville Business Magazine 2010 March issue : Page 32
THE INVENTOR BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW E ven the not-so-technically-minded have used the word “innovation” at least once or twice in their vocabulary. After all, it’s a popular buzz word, appearing frequently in the verbiage of our daily newspapers, blogs and magazines. To ask the general population what “innovation” means might garner responses like “something new”or “hi-tech.” Ask anyone truly involved in the practice of innovation and they’ll tell you it’s much more than that. Where would we be today if early man only dreamed of mobilization but never chiseled the first wheel? What if Alexander Graham Bell only imagined an easier form of communication but never moved the plans past the confines of his own head? There are numerous businesses and organizations throughout the Upstate today who realize that innovation extends beyond the finite borders of a new product or idea. They realize it’s a state of mind, a pulse, an undercur- rent running within us all, spontaneously erupting with “Aha!” moments and visions of true genius that, when put into motion, produce positive tangible and intangible progress to the world. Following are just three examples of innovation at its best – fresh ideas and cool conceptu- alization in action, blowing past the established borders of what we consider the standard. THE MONEY THE SPIN ARTIST 32 GREENVILLEBUSINESSMAG.COM | MARCH 2010
Innovation: Inspiration in Action
Brandy Woods Snow
Even the not-so-technically-minded have used the word “innovation” at least once or twice in their vocabulary. After all, it’s a popular buzz word, appearing frequently in the verbiage of our daily newspapers, blogs and magazines. To ask the general population what “innovation” means might garner responses like “something new” or “hi-tech.” Ask anyone truly involved in the practice of innovation and they’ll tell you it’s much more than that.
Where would we be today if early man only dreamed of mobilization but never chiseled the first wheel? What if Alexander Graham Bell only imagined an easier form of communication but never moved the plans past the confines of his own head?
There are numerous businesses and organizations throughout the Upstate today who realize that innovation extends beyond the finite borders of a new product or idea. They realize it’s a state of mind, a pulse, an undercurrent running within us all, spontaneously erupting with “Aha!” moments and visions of true genius that, when put into motion, produce positive tangible and intangible progress to the world. Following are just three examples of innovation at its best – fresh ideas and cool conceptualization in action, blowing past the established borders of what we consider the standard.
The NEXT Innovation Center
Just walking into the front doors of the NEXT Innovation Center leaves you feeling alert and motivated. And if you think just the building is inspired, wait until you see the way these guys do their jobs on a daily basis. Here, it’s anything but business as usual.
In fact, the facility and all it embodies was masterminded and built to facilitate innovation, offering a versatile space where a varied community of brains can easily collaborate and bounce ideas back and forth. The product of collaboration from its earliest moments, the idea for the NEXT Innovation Center initially came from a local group of entrepreneurs who were member of NEXT, a regional organization founded by the Greenville Chamber that supports the startup, relocation and growth of high impact knowledge-based companies.
The entrepreneurs enlisted the assistance of Brenda Laakso, Vice President of NEXT who brought them together with city officials for preliminary discussions and then facilitated developer meetings. Discussions began in the summer of 2007 regarding the need for a smart space where hi-tech companies could have ample room to grow and expand while increasing their work potential as well as the quality of life for the Greenville community. When the three entrepreneurs who agreed to co-lead this NEXT project, Peter Waldschmidt, Peter Barth and Andrew Kurtz, presented the idea to Bob Hughes of Hughes Development Corporation, together they outlined development and devised a wish list of amenities. The list included location in/near Greenville city center, close proximity to the Reedy River, an environment primed for collaborative discussion, convenient access to more space, and green construction. DP3 Architects, Ltd. was brought in to design what would become the NEXT Innovation Center.
“The vision for the NEXT Innovation Center was based on the innovators and entrepreneurs themselves,” says Hughes. “It had to be a place where young, exciting companies and their people could feel comfortable while interacting regularly and freely with others to share ideas and aspirations.”
After locating a vacant 60,000 sq. ft. structure off University Ridge, they knew it would be home. Together NEXT, the chamber, Hughes Development, DP3 and the city – along with a conglomerate of entrepreneurs, designers, architects and governmental and non-governmental institutions – worked together to create the Innovation Center. “It’s always exciting to see something as unique and original as the NEXT Innovation Center come into being,” says Hughes. “We all had a stake in the outcome because we all had an integral part in its creation.”
The facility offers the flexibility needed for entrepreneurs and start-ups to redefine how their businesses are built in order to achieve faster growth to the next level. A variety of leasing options speak to every level of business with virtual offices that provide a Greenville presence to super cubes and executive offices just right for forward mobility. The conference rooms are even customizable with push-button convenience that with a touch can roll up a garage-style door, turning a conference room for 10 into one accommodating 40 or more. Even the walls are built for collaboration. Entrepreneurial minds are known for working on the spur of creative genius and this concept is built right into the facility. The walls throughout act as dry-erase boards where impromptu brainstorming sessions can commence when inspiration strikes.
“Innovation without execution is daydreaming,” says Dan Waldschmidt of gnoso, a company that creates software experiences that empower clients to achieve their goals, and a member of the Innovation Center. “This facility is a technology accelerator – its multi-dimensional structure and basis on working knowledge quickens the process toward achieving operation and generating revenue.”
Colin Martin of PromoPipeline, an online resource for VARs, system builders and solution providers, and tenant of the NEXT Innovation Center says innovation is comprised of four main ingredients – knowledge, creativity, experience and execution – and the facility brings this all together in one package. “The NEXT Innovation Center has created that unique environment where these four things can be intertwined to create true innovation,” says Martin. “Here we have the perfect setup to share ideas and strategies for growth as well as showcase Greenville’s technology as a prominent player in our new Upstate economy. Social proof of this interaction is that Peter Barth, Daniel Waldschmidt, and I are working on a start-up together that we are passionate about and think could be huge. Stay tuned!”
A variety of gathering places throughout, including Wii rooms, a community café, and numerous casual meeting areas, promote robust conversation. An established technology infrastructure with phone and hi-speed internet access enables tenants to easily establish operations.
According to Peter Barth of SinglePoint, Inc., a workforce management solutions and services company, “In the NEXT Innovation Center, you gain advantage because you are always in the midst of thinkers and creators. Their gears are always turning on entrepreneurial endeavors and what better audience to discuss ideas and solicit advice.”
Even the construction is inspired and forward-thinking, relying on the guidance of LEED principles and green aspects reflected in materials, energy, water and lifestyle considerations. Environmentally conscious design elements include occupancy sensors, LED parking lot and wall lights, daylight harvesting, low-emissivity carpet and paint, low flow showers and sinks, bike storage and walking-distance proximity to many downtown amenities.
It is clear to tenants and visitors alike that the NEXT Innovation Center is an inspired design for an inspired group of people who are successfully imprinting their cool, innovative style on the Greenville scene.
“There’s no reason why Greenville and the Upstate can’t lead the world. We did it in textiles, and we can do it again. It takes creative, energetic, educated and empowered people, and this facility was designed to attract and empower just those folks,” says Hughes.
What’s NEXT for Greenville?
A Brief History of the Initiative That’s Changing the Upstate Technology Landscape
When a small entourage of entrepreneurs, civic leaders and visionaries from the Upstate began to discuss their common desire for a comprehensive business portal to entice innovative technology and entrepreneurial firms to relocate to the region, they knew their idea was truly inspired.
Coming together as NEXT in 2006, the collaborative effort between Brenda Laakso and the Greenville Chamber along with city officials and partner organizations developed a “one-stop-shop” where potential newcomer businesses could receive access to a comprehensive portfolio of concierge-style services, business license fee abatement programs, access to capital, recruiting assistance, peer networking outlets, and more. The collaborative serves fast-growth technology companies throughout the Upstate and includes support from partners like the Greenville Chamber, Anderson Chamber, the City of Greenville, Upstate Carolina Angel Network, SCLaunch, Clemson University Research Foundation, the Clemson University Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and the Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Center.
The collaborative’s goal is to attract and support high-impact entrepreneurs and their ventures to the Upstate by offering single-point access to support organizations and additionally, fostering the development of the regional infrastructure critical to their success – like funding the launch of the Upstate Carolina Angel Network, facilitating the development of the NEXT Innovation Center, initiating the creation of incentives like the Greenville business license abatement fee, and organizing peer mentoring networks where like-minded groups can come together, discuss, and bounce ideas off one another. This exchange of ideas and strategies is key support in the facilitation of continued entrepreneurial growth.
Since its inception, NEXT has seen more than 20 innovative and entrepreneurial companies relocate to the Upstate region. Going forward, NEXT plans to continue growth of core programs and entrepreneurial membership as well as increase public knowledge and awareness of available services.
Michelin
For Michelin, an innovative spirit has always run strong, and as the economic, environmental and societal requirements of the automotive industry continue to evolve, they are right there to answer the call and offer cutting-edge solutions with forward-looking perspective.
“The lesson learned from the past decade and more critically the last 15 months is that together, we as an industry must commit to a new, more sustainable road mobility,” says Dr. Patrick Oliva, global vice president for Sustainable Development for the Michelin Group.
This commitment is based on three realities:
››The need to increase fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions
››The new demands and expectations associated with projected growth markets in highly urbanized areas
››The improvement of road safety
“We must offer mobility that is affordable, safe, reliable and sustainable,” says Oliva. “The choices of yesterday are not the good choices of tomorrow. This means using diversified energy sources, more efficient power trains, and lighter, more compact vehicles.”
“Beyond tire innovations for current vehicles, Michelin is also making advances in equipping new technology vehicles. At Michelin, we believe that electric power trains will develop,” says Oliva.
They plan to be prepared. Michelin anticipates that electric vehicles will become popular in a variety of forms for a variety of markets, realizing these vehicles place unique demands on tire performance that they must address. Among their plans is to reduce tire mass to offset a heavier battery as well as allowing for the smoothest and most quiet ride possible.
In January, Michelin unveiled its first prototype tire for electric vehicles. The EV prototype offers a ton of advantages including maximum energy efficiency, longevity, superior traction for changing road conditions and quiet ride. Michelin engineers have incorporated innovative technology to significantly reduce rolling resistance, thereby maximizing the electric vehicle’s range and fuel economy. The prototype wheel features a longer diameter with lower profile, reducing energy consumption and a unique tread pattern that promotes incredible grip with a smooth ride.
Likewise, Michelin is looking beyond tire technology for electric vehicles to also consider the potential of the wheel itself.
The Michelin Active Wheel is indeed a technological innovation acting as a self-contained electric drive motor with an in-wheel active suspension and disc brakes. Each wheel incorporates two electric motors – one for suspension and one for drive – where all of the components are miniaturized and incorporated directly into the wheel design. Having these elements removed from under-hood and placed within the wheel itself allows for close adaptation and adherence to changing road condition and creates unmatched control, comfort and acceleration capabilities. According to Dr. Oliva at a press conference in January at the North American International Auto Show, the Chief Technical Officer of Nissan stated that in-wheel motor technology is the condition required for electric vehicles to really take off. Michelin is ahead of the curve and setting the pace for innovation in the market with these new tire concepts.
Collaborating with Venturi Automobiles, Michelin incorporated its Active Wheel Technology into the Volage, which was displayed for the first time at the Paris Motor Show, the “Mondial 2008.” The Volage presents some of the latest innovation in auto technology and Michelin’s Active Wheel in its design has earned notable interest and notoriety within the industry. Michelin has active development programs with Peugeot, Renault, Heuliez as well as Venturi to develop motorized wheels for the latest cutting-edge vehicles.
“By producing the most technically advanced tires for today’s vehicles, partnering with vehicle manufacturers on motorized wheel systems for tomorrow’s vehicles, and encouraging legislative and technological progress toward a truly sustainable future, we are leading our industry as part of the solution for the future of road transportation,” says Oliva.
Global Oil Consumption and the Tire
In an effort to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy, Michelin is constantly working to build upon its green energy-saving tires to reduce the amount of oil used worldwide in road transport. These are a few of the facts:
››45 percent of oil extracted worldwide is used for road transport
››Of fuel used in passenger automobiles, around 20 percent is related to tire rolling resistance
››For trucks, this number increases to 30 percent related to rolling resistance
››Approximately 9 percent of global oil consumption can be directly related to tires
››9 pecent is equal to 8 million barrels of oil every day
Statistics provided by Michelin
Abstract Pools
Mutual acquaintances and conversation facilitated Aabstract Pools’ latest breakthrough in improving high-end product offering and quality.
With more than 26 years experience in the pool business, Owner and President Billy Cribb began Aabstract Pools in 1993 as a building and renovation company for residential gunite pools with a small concentration on vinyl work, including service and repairs.
After entertaining fruitful discussion with a few employees of KTP Coatings, Inc. Cribb learned more about a revolutionary KTP-distributed 3M™ product, Lexzar HD®, a high performance protective coating based on proprietary polyurea technology. The material has been utilized for numerous construction uses including roofing, balconies and flooring but, upon learning more about its properties, Cribb pondered the potential of the material at work in pool-based applications.
Consequently, he began working with KTP Coatings to utilize Lexzar HD® to produce an alternative finish for the gunite pools he installs. The heavy duty spray-on material becomes rubberized after application, with an unmatched level of strength and durability.
“Lexzar HD® has passed all criteria established by the Miami Dade Wind and Water Test, as well as the projectile test,” says Cribb. “There is nothing exactly like this application in our market segment. It has great potential to revolutionize the pool industry as it is three times as tear resistant as your typical vinyl liner.”
The new finish will replace the traditional vinyl liner with its average shelf life of up to 10 years, as well as lend itself to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The finish will be available in white, gray, green and black and will have the look of a more upscale finished gunite pool. Best of all, the Lexzar-based pool application is anticipated, because of its extreme durability, to come with at least a 20-year warranty.
Also of particular interest is that the Lexzar HD® pool-based application is environmentally efficient, regarded as cradle-to-cradle green approved. According to Wikipedia, C2C certification is defined as “holistic economic, industrial, and social framework that seeks to create systems that are not just efficient but essentially waste-free.”
“The product is created in totality to be environmentally conscious with a C2C designation as well as being 100 percent waterproof and having no volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” says Cribb. “This same material has been selected for its strength and green properties for use in many eco-friendly (LEED Platinum) buildings, including the Brad Pitt 'Make It Right Project' of 150 homes currently being constructed in New Orleans.”
Once approved, Aabstract hopes to bring the innovative product into a much larger territory, establishing nationwide distribution channels and setting the new standard for high-end custom pool technology. GBM
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