Expert Panel: Hiring Right - When and How to Hire Your Team and Advisors

Showcase Presentation

Elliot Smith, Founder and CEO of Motmot. Motmot is a pioneering technology company specializing in the development of Autonomous Underwater Robotic (AUR) systems designed to inspect and maintain drinking water infrastructure. Motmot leverages advanced robotics, data analytics, and AI to provide municipalities and utilities with precise, actionable insights, helping to identify leaks, weak points, and other critical issues in water pipes. With a background in Civil Engineering, Elliot has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that address the challenges of aging water systems.

Expert Panel: Hiring Right - When and How to Hire Your Team and Advisors

A strong team is the key to any successful business, and start-ups are no exception. A strong team is equipped to lead, learn, pivot, listen, and make tough decisions that drive a business forward, regardless of the business offering. So how do you ensure you build a strong team as a start-up? How do you know when you need a new person on your team? Or a new advisor? And how do you do it right?

 Join us for this expert panel discussion for insights on when to hire, how to hire, who you’re looking for, and what things to avoid as you look to grow your team!

Moderator

Jen Laidlaw, owner of TeamWerks Talent Development and Consulting, where she helps small businesses improve team and leadership effectiveness with a focus on values, positive company culture, and practical outcomes. With 20+ years of experience in manufacturing and digital marketing, Jen creates honest, fun, and effective learning experiences to address talent development challenges. 

Panelists

Kurt Baumgarten, Partner, GM Ventures. Kurt is a founding member of the Pointe Angels investment club and served as the group’s Lead for over three years. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, and is an Advisory Board Member of the Global Corporate Venturing Global Mobility Council. Kurt holds a BA in Public Policy from the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, a JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and is a practicing attorney in multiple jurisdictions.   

David Behen is the co-founder and chief client success officer of SensCy, an Ann Arbor based cybersecurity startup focused on small and medium-sized organizations. He has held executive leadership roles in the private and public sector for over 20 years, including six years as a cabinet member for Governor Rick Snyder as the Director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, and CIO for the State of Michigan. David has been named in the CIO 100 five times, both in the public and private sectors.

After eighteen years in various C-Suite roles, Michael Kloc formed Forest Harbor Ventures, which advises early and growth stage companies.  In 2021, he was named CFO of Digested Organics, ushering them through their sale in 2023, and then brought back by the acquiring company in 2024 to assist them in their billion dollar sale. Michael has been an EIR with SPARK and Spartan Innovations, assisting founders with early stage company formation and strategy. He created and taught a class on startups for the Michigan Association of CPAs, been a Mentor at Ross, and was Host of the BELL Insight Series on financing tech focused ventures.

Networking

Come join us in person to enjoy food and drink and conversation with members of the local startup community.

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