SPEAKER: Dan Sturges

Inventor of GEM Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)

Dan Sturges is a transport designer, entrepreneur, teacher, and visionary. He works to evolve urban mobility from its current auto-dependent, monolithic state to something much more dynamic, diverse and sustainable. Mr. Sturges commercialized the first Neighborhood Electric Vehicle early in his career - a new federally recognized class of personal transportation. Trained as an automotive designer at Art Center College of Design, he developed broad experience having worked for General Motors, frogdesign, the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC-Davis, Calstart, among others. He has lectured on sustainable mobility at John Hopkins University, the Museum of Modern Art, and TED.  His work has been reported on in publications such as Wired, Automobile, and GOOD magazine. Mr. Sturges currently serves on the National Transportation Research Board’s Committee on New Public Transportation Systems and Technology (AP020). Mr. Sturges works today as a consultant to companies and policy-makers alike from Boulder Colorado.

PANELIST: Dean Keyek-Franssen

Founder of Pete's Electric Bikes

Canadian by birth, an entrepreneur and engineer by predilection, Dean Keyek-Franssen is the founder of Pete's Electric Bikes, which promotes sustainable, environmental good through the sales of electric bikes and vehicles. After a childhood spent in the Middle East and Europe, Dean earned degrees in computer science, mechanical engineering, and business management. During nearly two decades in the engineering industry, which brought him to remote locations in North and South America and Asia, Dean honed his entrepreneurial skills in a number of start-up companies. One of those companies is his own Alberta Peaks, Inc., which designs, manufactures, and launches innovative products, including the successful BikerDog, a patented device that allows cyclists to safely take their dogs for a run. Pete's Electric Bikes is quickly becoming the premier distributor of electric bikes in the country, and the premier designer of innovative bikes and charging solutions for personal and corporate consumers.

PANELIST: Steve Meyer

Founder and CEO of Mainstreet Pedicab

Steve Meyer is the Founder and CEO of Mainstreet Pedicab in Broomfield and has worked most of his professional life self-employed, interspersed with periods of employment.

He attended the University of Colorado from 1972 trough 1979 getting both a BA in Environmental Biology and an MA in Economics.  He spent more than a year of this time traveling in S. America, Asia, Europe and Africa.

For many years, Meyer worked in the real estate industry doing economic and market research for real estate developers. His interest in the redevelopment of downtown areas and his experiences in Asia were key factors in his development of Main Street Pedicabs.  Main Street was founded in 1992 and is the largest manufacturer of this type of vehicle in N. America.

PANELIST: Susan Grafton

Economic Development Manager

With experience in both city planning and economic development, Susan Grafton initiated Westminster, Colorado’s Economic Development program in 1991. She has led the economic development staff toward diversifying the city’s economy and tax streams, strengthening the retail base, and developing a comprehensive business development and retention program.

Susan’s primary economic development focus is on long-term and strategic development efforts.

She currently is pursuing the development of the North I-25 corridor, looking at the development potential of infill properties, facilitating the redevelopment and occupancy of existing retail and office space, and assessing long-term redevelopment opportunities.

Previous work experience includes leading the planning and economic development efforts for Carbon County, Wyoming; and handling zoning and planning matters, business development, coastal zone and flood management, and development review in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana and communities in northeastern Mississippi.

HOST: Steve Baker

Senior Fellow, Business Advisor and Author

Steve Baker is a small business advocate with a passion for business and a drive for success. As a founder of successful companies, a corporate executive and business advisor, he has over 25 years of experience developing and launching new businesses. He has led companies in every phase of business cycle from startup to exit in both private and public sectors. He guided one of his startup companies through a successful public offering of stock (IPO) and achieved revenues of $500 million.

Steve directs business development and strategic marketing, and has taken companies from startup to millions of dollars in revenues in such diverse industries as international travel, financial software, franchising, manufacturing, ergonomics, medical devices, migraine headache treatment, and an international medical wellness resort.

As a small business advocate, Steve thrives on the challenge of solving problems that impede business growth and success. As a Senior Fellow at the DaVinci Institute, a futurist think-tank, he enjoys helping entrepreneurs succeed. He is the author of the award winning book Pushing Water Uphill With A Rake and is a frequent public speaker to business groups and university students, discussing entrepreneurship and ethics.