Entrepreneurship

Steve has over 40 years of experience in community and economic development. He founded and managed his enterprises in various sectors, including retail, wholesale, development, and distribution in the clothing, food, energy, and telecommunications industries. His recent achievements include leading the startup, growth, and eventual sale of a 16-year LLC specializing in energy and telecommunications solutions for rural utilities and their consumers. This company was acquired by the New York-based private equity firm Kohlberg and Company and subsequently integrated into the industry-leading AM Conservation Group. Following a successful transition phase post-sale, Steve dedicated his efforts to supporting the entrepreneurial community.

His recent endeavors include transforming the Indiana University seeded SOURCE Entrepreneurship Center into a neighborhood-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Additionally, he joined Ivy Tech Community College as an adjunct instructor in the School of Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain, focusing on business and entrepreneurship. In 2022, Steve was selected to spearhead the development of the Indianapolis region's Ivy Tech Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (GSEI), where he currently serves as the GSEI Program Chair, Network Developer, and a full-time faculty member specializing in entrepreneurship. A graduate of Indiana University School of Business with additional certificates from Ball State University and Harvard Business Online, Steve celebrates 42 years of marriage. He takes pride in his two children pursuing mental health and psychology research careers.

Sueann Graham stands out as a distinguished leader in education and entrepreneurship, currently excelling as the Program Chair for the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington. Her illustrious career spans several decades, marked by a deep commitment to the educational and business spheres. Starting in education, Sueann quickly established herself as a specialist in administration, design thinking, and educational technology. Her expertise isn't limited to the academic field alone; she also boasts over fifteen years of experience in the business sector, skillfully managing operations across various company sizes, from nimble startups to large corporations.

Sueann's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly in the early 2000s when she embraced the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising her two children. Her ventures were diverse and successful, including ownership of three businesses and the achievement of securing a patent, showcasing her innovative mindset. Her academic journey, comprising a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Teaching from Purdue University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Marian University, underpins her professional achievements. As Program Chair, Sueann is not just an administrator but a mentor and inspiration, passionately supporting students in their pursuit of dreams. She is unwavering in her commitment to creating a nurturing environment at Ivy Tech that cultivates the next generation's entrepreneurial and innovative spirits.

Mark Lowe is a dynamic and dedicated entrepreneur whose journey since 2003 has encompassed the successful launch of six distinctive restaurants, a forward-thinking professional development firm, and an imaginative board game design company. His ventures reflect his eclectic skills and relentless pursuit of growth and embody his commitment to cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial culture. Mark's impact extended into the heart of his community when he embraced the role of a business consultant for Greater Lafayette Commerce in 2016. He was the driving force behind innovative programs that shaped and uplifted numerous aspiring entrepreneurs for six years. His unique initiatives garnered local admiration and national recognition, earning the "Top Innovative Idea" accolade from the Indiana Chamber Executives Association in 2019.

Elevating his commitment to nurturing future business leaders, Mark assumed the prestigious position of program chair at the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Ivy Tech Community College in 2020. His educational background, including an MA in Experimental Psychology and an MS in Human Resources Development from Indiana State University, equips him with a profound understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This knowledge and real-world experience position Mark as a multifaceted mentor and an invaluable asset to the business and community. His approach is not just about fostering business understanding; it's about igniting the entrepreneurial spirit and guiding the next generation toward innovative success.

Laura Montgomery is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse and extensive career spanning over three decades in business ownership, management, and consulting. She embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by founding a Technology Consulting Firm, reflecting her early interest in innovation. Over time, Laura expanded her business portfolio to include varied industries. She owned and managed a mortgage company, showcasing her adaptability and financial acumen. Furthermore, she ventured into real estate, handling both commercial and residential properties, where she demonstrated an acute understanding of market trends and investment opportunities. Laura's business acumen also shone in the hospitality industry, evidenced by her successful launch of two restaurants featured on the Food Channel.

Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Laura is dedicated to supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurship. She has worked with the Indiana Small Business Development Center and volunteered as a SCORE Mentor. Presently, she serves as the Program Chair for The Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Ivy Tech Community College. Her commitment to her community is evident through her previous role as an elected official on the Bartholomew County Council and her involvement with the Columbus Economic Development Corporation. Laura holds an Accredited Business Intermediary title and was affiliated with the BEI Network of Exit Planning Advisors™, highlighting her professional excellence. She is an active member of the Columbus Rotary and holds a bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the University of Cincinnati. As a Certified Business Coach, she is dedicated to continual learning and professional development. Currently, Laura manages a diverse real estate portfolio that accommodates 20 small business tenants, cementing her status as a respected and influential leader in entrepreneurship and business.