Joe Thiel is well known as a supervisor, sales executive, management executive, board member, serial entrepreneur, consultant, trainer, public speaker, coach, and mentor. While working on small and large scale national and international projects, Joe obtained macro and micro perspectives of nearly all aspects of small and big business. Joe has managed/reviewed/evaluated large corporate budgets and acquired significant capital funds for numerous projects. Joe has procured tens of millions of dollars in grants and/or public funding domestically and internationally. He has successfully coached countless employees, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and students. Throughout his career, Joe wrote, collaborated on, and was named in numerous US and international patents. He received top awards in innovation, was recognized/requested to speak/coach/consult/create, as an expert, in energy technologies, advanced battery technologies, advanced sound technologies, complex mobile applications, complex wireless RF systems and platforms, advanced large scale thermal transfer technologies, advanced security and encryption technology, capital management, grant writing, legislative and permit process, advanced certification process, business/financial documentation, business advisement, product marketing, manufacturing and production design and processing, mechanical design, SEO services, and capital acquisition at all levels. Today Joe serves as CEO of Innovate Marquette SmartZone and Executive Director of Invent@NMU, a Northern Michigan University idea incubator whose mission is to position Marquette as a premier city for innovation and business development through their process to identify, nurture, and cultivate the growth and success of technology-based innovators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups throughout their community. By adopting these leadership roles that enable accessibility, sustainability, and creativity within our region, Joe is positioned to act as a resource with our partners to build opportunities for the careers of the future, while honoring the roots and natural wonders signature to Marquette