Tom Snyder is the Executive Director of RIoT, a company that delivers programs, mentorship, and connections for Internet of Things (IoT) education for entrepreneurs and new business startups. Tom has two decades of experience in technological incubation and product development and has held leadership roles in companies such as ASSIST Center, a National Science Foundation that creates wearables for healthcare monitoring.  He is also a co-instructor at the Product Innovation Lab, which is a Forbes award-winning course on innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

Crystal Dreisbach is the Founder and Executive Director of Don't Waste Durham and Project Director for GreenToGo. Don’t Waste Durham is a non-profit organization with a mission to eliminate trash at its source. GreenToGo is a business that produces reusable containers for use in the restaurant and groceries industries. Crystal is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and has a Master’s in Public Health.

 

Tom joins me today to share how RIoT helps entrepreneurs and business startups learn about the Internet of Things and how it can be used within their business or startup. He defines IoT and how it is affecting the way we live, entertain and do business. He also shares how RIoT’s accelerator programs, education courses, pitch nights and meetup events help entrepreneurs build connections, find mentors, and accelerate their business growth. I also spoke with Crystal to learn more about her businesses, how she discovered the RIoT Accelerator Program, and how participating in the program impacted her business.

  

“RIoT brings people together to educate them about how emerging technologies are fundamentally changing business. The goal is to help people adapt to that.” - Tom Snyder

 

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

 

• How RIoT went from a meetup on the Internet of Things (IoT) to an economic development resource.
• What IoT is and how it is impacting the data economy.
• How IoT is affecting the way we live, do business, and consume entertainment.
• How RAP (RIoT Accelerator Program) helps entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, and corporate teams with coaching, networking, technology, and IoT education.
• How RIoT events showcase corporate partners and business startups to help entrepreneurs get the credibility and recognition they need to attract investors and customers.
• How RIoT is working with the City of Raleigh to offer the Impact Partner Grant and short-form classroom experiences to help businesses futureproof themselves for the IoT.
• How the Founders Round Table helps entrepreneurs build relationships and find support and mentorships with seasoned executives and local government leaders.
• Why Crystal started the non-profit Don't Waste Durham.
• How GreenToGo developed a reusable container service to tackle the use of single-use plastics.
• How IoT technologies have helped GreentoGo be more automated and made asset tracking easier.
• How RAP helped Crystal to expand her network with industry experts and mentors.
• Crystal’s advice to entrepreneurs that want to apply for the RIoT Accelerator Program.

  

“What we gained in the RIoT Accelerator Program cannot be measured. Although it was really intense and we heard lots of things that were hard to hear, we came out a lot stronger.” - Crystal Dreisbach

 

Free & Low-Cost Programs at RIoT:

 

• RAP (RIoT Accelerator Program)
• RIoT events
• RIoT Ed Courses
• RIoT Pitch Night

 

Connect with Tom Snyder:

 

• RIoT
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

  

Connect with Crystal Dreisbach:

 

• Don't Waste Durham
• GreenToGo
• LinkedIn