Hi, I’m Tommy

Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.

Steve Jobs

Partner, Chief Product Officer @ EmergeNET  /  March 2024 to Present

• Drive product strategy and innovation for cutting-edge workforce development solutions.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of mobile and web applications.
• Secure and manage multi-million dollar funding for product development and expansion.
• Spearhead the integration of VR/AR technologies in educational and workforce development contexts.
• Led the strategic redevelopment of Emerge Skilled Platform, resulting in improved scalability and performance.

Partner, President @ Great Lakes Reality Labs  /  August 2017 to March 2024

• Directed company operations and strategic initiatives for educational technology solutions.
• Led multi-disciplinary teams in developing and deploying VR simulations for various sectors.
• Secured over $10 million in state funding for developing educational content.
• Spearheaded the Virtual Reality Learning Initiative (VIRLI), implementing VR technology across 94 intermediate school districts in Michigan.
• Led the development of Michigan Transition to Independence (MITTIN) project, creating simulations for special education.

Adjunct Professor @ Davenport University  /  January 2023 to June 2024

• Taught game design, incorporating emerging technologies into curriculum.
• Developed and iterated on educational approaches for technology instruction.
• Utilized Unity’s LMS to teach students the basics of game engines and game creation.
• Structured a collaborative program with Unity to create game development courses in schools.
• Implemented Unity certification program at Grand Ledge High School, attracting over 50 students within a month.

Chief Executive Officer @ Haptix Studio  /  August 2020 to March 2024

• Oversaw operations and strategic planning for XR projects.
• Fostered partnerships and led collaborative initiatives in the XR industry.
• Drove business analysis and requirements gathering for diverse client needs.

Business Analyst @ Kunz, Leigh, and Associates  /  January 2017 to August 2019

• Led development of accessible digital solutions for government agencies.
• Balanced technical requirements with user needs and regulatory compliance.
• Designed and implemented web applications to modernize analog systems.
• Developed the Land Ownership Tracking System (LOTS) for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
• Designed and developed “Here”, a digital attendance incentivization app for the Ohio Department of Education.

Bachelor of Arts, Experience Architecture @ Michigan State University  /  June 2017

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