The Team
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Scott Wurtele, CEO
In 1997 Scott Wurtele founded WorldBid.com, an international trade website that has handled a million trade leads, and in 2000, LawyersandSettlements.com, a company that helps hundreds of thousands of people connect with the legal resources they need.
Mr. Wurtele, along with a knowledgeable team of experts, is now developing IdeaConnection.com, whose core service is its ThinkSpace® where corporations and companies can have problems solved by collaborative teams of experts and innovators that are chosen from its database of the world's best minds.
IdeaConnection's vast collection of experts can work for you in a variety of ways: from R&D Problem Solving, to Technology Scouting, to Prior Art Citation Search, Idea Rallies and Ideation Contests.
IdeaConnection.com also offers posting of Technologies for sale or wanted, Inventions for sale, Solutions for the Common Good, and weekly updates to its New Inventions, Conventions and Contests pages, as well as a weekly Innovation Newsletter.
[EMAIL SCOTT]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 101 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Paul Wagorn, VP Business Development
Paul Wagorn has more than 18 years of experience in the information technology industry, including more than 11 years of Internet and e-commerce experience. Previously, Mr. Wagorn served as the chief operating officer of Worldbid Corporation, where he was instrumental in developing the patent-applied-for technology. He is also the founder of MerchantSense Consulting, where he created a software solution to the massive issue of online credit card fraud. In addition, Mr. Wagorn worked as a marketing and search engine consultant at Online Legal Marketing.
Mr. Wagorn was previously employed as a corporate sales manager at JD Micro Devices, Inc., where he co-developed the point-of-sale software and experienced a 300% sales increase under his leadership. He gained additional experience working for Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada, where he led a team that updated the data retrieval system for Canadian patents and developed a quality assurance system for patent examiners.
Mr. Wagorn received a scholarship to attend the University of Waterloo, where he completed courses toward his Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering. Mr. Wagorn also completed business administration courses.
[EMAIL PAUL]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 105 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Jim Beaumont, VP Business Development
Jim comes to IdeaConnection from a long career in consumer media & software sales, most recently as Vice President, Sales at SpectraCal, growing CalMAN calibration software to become the industry leader in video calibration of high definition displays.
Prior to that, he was Vice President, Sales at First Look Studios, a major independent film and DVD producer, where he managed the team for Wal-Mart, Netflix, and many others.
Jim spent 22 years with a world class team at The Walt Disney Company, managing national accounts and helping scale one of the world’s leading brands to well over $3B in sales.
[EMAIL JIM]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 102 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Gregar Saxby, Business Development
Gregar has spent his whole life problem solving and innovating. His back ground is diverse. It ranges from captaining a commercial fishing boat with novel fishing techniques to designing industrial processes, including authoring two international patents. His family started the first integrated aquaculture Company in Canada in 1980 which was listed on the TSE.
Gregar is extremely passionate about global green issues which are paramount to all his business decisions. While focusing on marine biotechnology he brought several products from concept to market including being responsible for all aspects of product development and quality assurance.
Gregar also has many years experience in the financial service industry including; stock research, equity, option and FX trading. Recently, his passion has been in business development. His ability to understand a broad range of topics, positions him perfectly to develop IdeaConnection.
[EMAIL GREGAR]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 107 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Sue Adams, Business Development
Sue Adams has a business background that stretches from banking to public administration; from small business administration to yacht brokerage to new technology launches. Before taking on this role in business development, Sue was a facilitator on many IdeaConnection challenges, which gave her a unique insight into how the company works.
Her education focused on public administration and financial management, and she finalized a number of courses in sales and marketing. Sue is dedicated to establishing business-to-business relationships that create positive changes and growth for leading edge companies, and believes her commitment with IdeaConnection fulfills her passion for exploring uncharted territory. She is also actively involved with a start-up company and recently acquired the Canadian distribution rights for a new technology in biological decontamination.
[EMAIL SUE]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 103 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Vern Burkhardt, VP Business Development
Vern Burkhardt has extensive leadership experience, as well as executive-level experience. His previous positions include serving as chief executive officer in a number of major organizations, as well as commodore at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Mr. Burkhardt received the Gold Award for Leadership in 2001, recognizing his efforts in establishing one of the best-performing organizations. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for his contributions to his community and to Canada.
Mr. Burkhardt earned his Bachelor of Education degree, as well as his Master of Arts degree in sociology from the University of Alberta.
[READ VERN'S ARTICLES]
[CONTACT VERN]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 150 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Sherrill Collins, Global Director of NonProfits
Sherrill Collins has an extensive background in sales/event planning. She has a degree in Communications and Marketing from Jacksonville University and has held positions including: Global Director of non-profits at InnoCentive, Inc., Presentations Director of Sessions Modeling Studio, Jacksonville, FL, Account Executive for radio stations WNZS and WEJZ in Jacksonville and WNNX in Atlanta, as well as Director of Events and Public Relations at Lady Sportslife in Atlanta.
Sherrill is the recipient of the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking and Human Relations Awards, "Best Personal Service Award," Woman of Substance Award from the Connecticut Post newspaper, XXVI Mother Mary Augustine Claven Award, Presidential Point of Light Honoree, L'Oreal Woman of Worth Finalist, News 12 Hometown Hero and Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund Finalist.
In addition to her duties as the Executive Director of the Bob Cooke Skin Cancer Foundation, Inc., she serves on the Steering Commitee of the Claven Award, is a pet therapy volunteer with the Connecticut Humane Society and serves on the State Animal Response Team.
[EMAIL SHERRILL]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 104 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Dr. Jürgen Quandt, Technology Transfer Officer
Dr. Quandt has 20 years of scientific and business expertise related to the Ag-Biotech and Bio-Products industry. Working for some major players like the Plant Biotechnology Institute of the National Research Council Canada and Aventis CropScience, he was involved with developing some of the first "Plants with Novel Traits" specifically herbicide tolerant Canola and Wheat. At the Alberta Research Council he and his group contracted with clients to develop novel crops and Bio-Products for the bio-based economy.
Dr. Quandt’s experience spans the entire chain of technology development and commercialization from applied research and IP development, assessment of patentability and market potential, identification and engagement of customers, to technology transfer and negotiation of agreements with a variety of institutions and industry partners.
Dr. Quandt received his Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology at the University of Bielefeld in Germany. He is excited to combine his scientific and business experience in his role with IdeaConnection.
[EMAIL DR QUANDT]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 125 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Jessica Letour, Technology Transfer Officer
A graduate from the University of Victoria, Jessica studied both science and psychology completing her BSc in 2009. She comes to us with a broad educational background. Her coursework ranges from biochemistry to neuropsychology. She spent the last two years as an information analyst and front line representative in public health but her background also includes management and education. Jessica is dedicated to finding solutions and she is excited to bring her enthusiasm to her role at IdeaConnection.
[EMAIL JESSICA]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 123 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Nicole Simair, Team Management
Nicole graduated from the University of Victoria with a BSc. in biology in 2006 where she realized her passion for discovering new ideas by studying the imaginative and innovative thinkers of our past. She then went on to spend 3 years learning about the inner workings of small to medium sized businesses as a trusted advertising representative. Nicole is excited to combine her scientific interests with her business knowledge in her role with IdeaConnection. Nicole loves to problem solve, and commits herself thoroughly to all challenges.
[EMAIL NICOLE]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 120 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Wendy Wurtele, Content Management, Newsletter Editor
Wendy Wurtele comes from a background of graphic design. She studied typesetting at George Brown College and developed her design skills under the tutelage of Robert Eby & Associates. She also studied programming at Niagara Collage. After moving to Whistler, BC, in 1988 she opened her own design company and embraced the new technology of personal computers and “desk top publishing”. She successfully ran her company, On Line Design Ltd., designing brochures and rack cards, supervising photo shoots, creating corporate identities, and producing a quarterly Newspaper, until she sold the company to concentrate on co-developing internet businesses with her husband. She incorporated website design into her skill set and has subsequently been involved in developing four successful internet startups.
[EMAIL WENDY]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 152 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Jonathan Knopp, VP Programming
Jonathan Knopp completed his BASc in Electrical/Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia in 1999. His main expertise lies in designing programs and systems, and programming in Perl and PHP. He also has a strong understanding of HTML, Unix, and Apache, plus basic knowledge of C++ and Cold Fusion. Mr. Knopp has written or rewritten a large portion of the Worldbid.com website, including administration utilities, mailers for sending out Electronic Trade Notifications, and scripts for dynamic pages on the website itself.
[EMAIL JONATHAN]
1-877-525-6671 Ext 122 (In North America)
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Max Prince, Technology Scout
Max Prince is a natural fit for the role of Technology Scout due to his 10 years of supply chain management experience, with a focus on finding new suppliers, new products and methods of production. His experience comes from a diverse group of industries ranging from Health and Beauty Care, Restaurants and Software/Hardware.
Max believes in providing "World Class Customer Service." To him that means asking the extra questions, answering the extra questions, always having a calm pleasant demeanor and above all else being accountable with each interaction. This belief and these skills were fine tuned over Max's 3 years as a Resolution Specialist for a contractor of AT&T wireless.
Max also has a love for technology, data and lists. He grew up using spreadsheets and doing data entry for a family member who was a CGA. This makes him an excellent resource when you need a list, report or a reporting tool.
[EMAIL MAX]
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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Paul Arnold, Writer
During his time at the BBC, Paul Arnold produced hundreds of programs in science, news, light entertainment and magazine features. He travelled the world and interviewed celebrated people in many fields - Nobel Prize winners, politicians, film stars and musicians. It was his great fortune and privilege to work on some fantastic shows with some brilliant and highly talented people. This included his time at the world's premier source of science programs - the BBC Radio Science Unit and on one of the BBC's most popular programs, the multi-award winning Newsround.
As much as Paul loved the BBC, he was hankering for new challenges and decided to fulfill his dream of becoming a full-time freelance writer. Paul now makes his home in Spain - from where he writes science, lifestyle, political and business articles for magazines and websites.
[EMAIL MAX]
1-604-608-3435 (International)
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