The Launchpad Innovators Podcast with Bill Kalivas

Mark Norton: Connecting the I-90 Innovation Corridor

In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, Bill Kalivas sits down with Mark Norton, Executive Director of the Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance (NIMA)—an organization helping connect and strengthen one of the most important manufacturing and innovation corridors in the Northwest. Mark shares how the region spanning Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and into Montana has quietly become a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and medical device innovation. The conversation dives into workforce development, the role of universities and community colleges, and why collaboration across industries is critical to the region’s continued growth. If you’re interested in the future of manufacturing and innovation in the Inland Northwest, this is one to tune into. 📍 The I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference returns May 26–27, 2026 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Wayne Williams on Grabbing Another Gear and Embracing Change

Welcome to this special edition of the LaunchPad Innovators Podcast. Today, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Wayne Williams—a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, innovator, and outdoor enthusiast whose journey spans everything from tech start-up to restorative work on a ranch in Montana. Wayne’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership. We’ll discuss his early days in business, lessons from the dot-com era, building a culture of innovation, and what it means to live your legacy every day. We’ll also dive into how Wayne is helping prepare our region for the future—especially as AI and emerging technologies reshape the economic landscape. Want a sneak peek of Wayne’s book? Text GEAR to 33777 to get the introduction and first two chapters of 'Grab Another Gear.'

From Downtown Spokane to STCU: Marty Dickinson’s Blueprint for Collaboration

Marty Dickinson is one of Spokane’s most trusted voices when it comes to community building, civic leadership, and collaboration that drives real change. From her early days working in telecom to becoming CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership—and now leading community and marketing efforts at STCU—Marty has spent her career at the intersection of business, government, and grassroots impact. In this episode of the Launchpad Innovators Podcast, Marty shares how her family’s move from British Columbia to Spokane shaped her path, and how she’s remained focused on creating opportunities for others ever since. We talk about building coalitions, addressing complex issues like homelessness, supporting innovation through strategic partnerships, and the role women are playing in shaping Spokane’s economic future.  Her insights are a masterclass in leadership rooted in empathy, resilience, and results.

Pete Chase on Building, Scaling, and Starting Again

Today’s guest is Pete Chase — a veteran entrepreneur whose name is synonymous with innovation and impact in the Inland Northwest. Pete is best known for founding Purcell Systems, a company he scaled from a scrappy Spokane startup into a global telecom force, serving major clients like T-Mobile. Now, he’s back at it with Easy Street — his latest venture focused on deploying telecom towers faster and more efficiently to meet the skyrocketing demands of modern connectivity. In this conversation, Pete opens up about his entrepreneurial journey — from his early days growing up in Kellogg, Idaho, to weathering industry downturns, navigating investor relationships, and ultimately exiting Purcell Systems. He shares what he’s learned about leading through uncertainty, aligning teams around a clear mission, and staying adaptable in a market that’s constantly shifting. Whether you’re a founder, startup operator, or C-suite leader, Pete’s story is packed with actionable wisdom, real talk about entrepreneurship, and insights you can apply to your own journey.

The Path of Brand Strategy: Insights from Kevin Keohane

On this episode of the LaunchPad Innovators Podcast, host Bill Kalivas sits down with global brand strategist Kevin Keohane, Managing Partner at Brandpie. Kevin shares his journey from the U.S. to Australia and London, where he worked with top-tier firms such as WPP, Capgemini, and Coca-Cola, before landing in Spokane. With wisdom shaped by decades of international experience, Kevin unpacks what startups often get wrong about branding, how established companies should evolve, and why Spokane has untapped potential as a creative and business hub. From narrowing your target to aligning internal culture with brand promise, this episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs, CMOs, and anyone building something new.