Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight Podcast

Episode 36: Grant Jackman, CEO & Co-Founder & Jessica Grant, President of Paragon IT Profesionals

Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. I’m Eric Miller, founder and co-owner of PADT, Inc., and today I’m sitting down with not one, but two guests from member company Paragon IT Professionals. Joining me today are Jessica Grant, President of Paragon IT Professionals and Paragon CEO and co-founder, Craig Jackman. Founded in 1997, Paragon is an IT staffing, project and leadership solutions firm. The company helps organizations build and strengthen their technology teams through contingent staffing, project-based solutions, and leadership development. I'm excited for a great conversation about the evolving IT staffing landscape and the opportunity to get to know Jessica and Craig a bit better along the way. Craig Jackman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-jackman-3606301/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-jackman-3606301/] Jessica Grant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesscgrant/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesscgrant/] Partagon IT Profesionals: https://www.paragonitpros.com/ [https://www.paragonitpros.com/]   You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil [https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil]         Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org [http://www.aztechcouncil.org]          Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com [http://www.padtinc.com]          And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: https://linkedin.com/in/emillerphx [https://linkedin.com/in/emillerphx]

Episode 35: Sonia Vohnout, President & CEO of OpsSpot, LLC

Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight,  the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. I’m Eric Miller, principal and co-owner of PADT, Inc., and today I’m sitting down with Sonia Vohnout, President & CEO of OppsSpot, LLC OppsSpot, LLC is a consulting and advisory firm dedicated to helping early-stage technology companies, startups, and small businesses successfully navigate non-dilutive funding opportunities and strategic growth pathways. Our core mission is to accelerate innovation that delivers real-world impact by bridging the gap between cutting-edge ideas and sustainable commercialization. Sonia Vohnout is the Founder and CEO of OppsSpot, LLC, with over 30 years of executive leadership and systems engineering experience in biomedical, life sciences, and deep-tech innovation. A nationally recognized expert in SBIR/STTR and other non-dilutive funding programs, she helps founders and research teams translate complex biomedical science into fundable, market-ready solutions while preserving long-term strategic control. She is deeply committed to advancing inclusive innovation and mentoring the next generation of leaders across science, technology, and healthcare. OppsSpot Website: https://www.oppsspot.com/ [https://www.oppsspot.com/] Sonia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svohnout/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/svohnout/] You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at:https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil [https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil]  Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org [http://www.aztechcouncil.org]  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com [http://www.padtinc.com]  And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emillerphx/]

Episode 34: Rick Heicksen, Head of Data Management at Chetu

Welcome to Arizona Technology Council’s TechFocus Member Spotlight, the Council’s podcast highlighting the innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders shaping Arizona’s thriving technology ecosystem. Our host, Eric Miller, principal and co-owner of PADT, Inc., is sitting down with Rick Heicksen of Shea Too. Founded in 2000, Chetu delivers digital transformation, AI, and software solutions globally. Serving startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies, its expert teams offer tailored services across the tech spectrum. Headquartered in Florida with 12 global offices, Chetu provides a one-stop-shop model across the software technology spectrum. Rick Heicksen leads data management at Chetu, guiding strategic initiatives that help organizations maximize the value of their data. With over 12 years in IT and background in sales leadership, he builds scalable practices using modern platforms, AI, and agentic technologies. Rick specializes in data governance, integration, and architecture, transforming fragmented data into trusted assets. His collaborative approach drives platform adoption, expands key accounts, and accelerates digital transformation. Passionate about data’s business impact, Rick focuses on go-to-market strategy, customer success, and strategic partnerships to unlock actionable insights. Rick Heicksen's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickheicksen/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickheicksen/]  Chetu: www.chetu.com [https://www.chetu.com/]   You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: youtube.com/@aztechcouncil [https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil]              Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org [http://www.aztechcouncil.org]                Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com [http://www.padtinc.com]                And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx  [https://linkedin.com/in/emillerphx]

Episode 33: Mark McLoud, EVP & Partner of FPT

Today, we sat down with Mark McLoud, EVP & Partner of FPT.  FPT Software is a global consulting and technology services company headquartered in Vietnam, with a strong international presence across 30 countries and territories and 86 offices worldwide, including the USA, Latin America, and Europe. With annual revenue of $2.4 billion, they are proud to serve a large number of Fortune 500 clients, delivering cost-effective, high-quality consulting and technology solutions. That is the company. A bit about the man… With over 20 years of consulting and outsourcing experience, Mark develops innovative solutions to clients' challenges. Mark is experienced in building and maintaining global teams that deliver financial benefits to clients in a variety of business models. Mark has served as Executive Vice President and Partner of Intertec since 2002, and through an acquisition, joined FPT Software. In his role, Mark participates in executive management and provides innovative solutions and account support to FPT Software clients across the globe.   You can learn more about FPT at: www.fpt.com [http://www.fpt.com] Mark is on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nearshoreapplicationdevelopment/\ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nearshoreapplicationdevelopment/%5C]   You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil [https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil]  Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org [http://www.aztechcouncil.org]  Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com [http://www.padtinc.com]  And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emillerphx/]

Episode 32: Manny Teran, CEO of IRLabs

In this episode, we sat down with Manny Teran,  CEO of IRLabs. IRLabs is a U.S.-based company that specializes in the design and manufacture of custom cryogenic systems, infrared detectors, and cryostats for use in scientific research, astronomy, and industrial applications. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, IRLabs provides highly specialized solutions such as bolometers, dewars, and turnkey detector instruments. They work closely with researchers and OEMs to deliver high-precision, low-temperature instrumentation that supports advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Manny Teran is an award-winning business leader, engineer, and entrepreneur with deep expertise in innovation, technology commercialization, sales, and marketing. Throughout his career, he has successfully launched hundreds of projects, supported the growth of established companies, and helped startups achieve sustainable revenue — including work with IRLabs. Also, As the founder of Profectory and host of The Profectory Podcast, Manny guides high-potential entrepreneurs and business leaders to master both the market and their mindset.   Links: IRLabs: irlabs.com [https://www.irlabs.com/] Profectory: profectory.com [https://profectory.com/] Manny Teran on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/teran [https://www.linkedin.com/in/teran/] You can view the video version of this episode and all previous episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil        Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at: www.aztechcouncil.org [http://www.aztechcouncil.org]          Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at: www.padtinc.com  [http://www.padtinc.com] And you can connect with our host, Eric Miller on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/emillerphx [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emillerphx/]