Page 10 - So-What-Who-Cares-Why-You

Every growing company also hopes to build lasting relationships with
customers that extend beyond revenue. In May 2005, as part of the first book
launch activities, I attended my first of many NBIA Conferences. It was here
that I met Tim Peoples from the Purdue Research Park. From this initial meeting
has blossomed a wonderful 10-year relationship. The team at Purdue has
been a great partner to create and collaborate with. I am grateful to Tim, John
Hanak, Greg Deason, Juliana Casavan, and Paul Moses for their continuing
commitment and creativity.

Working with the European Space Agency (ESA) has been a highlight for me

personally and professionally. From the beginning, I had envisioned an online

toolkit product, and ESA provided the opportunity to develop a

Every founder web-hosted platform for innovators throughout Europe. Thank
hopes to find you to ESA and to Michèle Le Saux, Dietmar Schmitt, Francesco
a committed Feliciani, Domenico Margolo and their teams for championing
lead customer the success of this initiative.
- someone
who will shape Also, I wish to acknowledge the Coastal Bend Innovation Center,
their idea into and MTEC SmartZone for their commitment to the methodology
a complete and their support in providing examples for this new edition.
product.
I am fortunate to spend my days working with smart,
enthusiastic and creative people. Thankfully, the core team
of people who were there ten years ago are still working with

me today. Peter de Gannes has worked tirelessly to design and

illustrate this new edition. His patience and persistence to achieve the

design we were striving for is greatly appreciated. Thank you also to

Maria Ford, for her role as copy editor and advisor on several aspects of

the book design and flow. Thank you to Todd Coopee and his team for

their expertise to architect the ToolShed and our online toolkits.

VIII Acknowledgements