John J. Smith, CEO, is a computing and software technologist. His expertise is high performance architectures. While at Thinking Machines Corporation, Mr. Smith produced the first commercial disk array, and invented the “Scalable Disk Array”.  He then founded and led STONE+WIRE, developing super speed disk arrays and networks to support the burgeoning digital special effects industry.  After a profitable exit, (via acquisition by Discreet Logic, Inc. of Montreal, Canada), Mr. Smith began his consulting career in 1996 and has worked with several successful Internet and enterprise ventures, including Alexa Internet, (purchased by Amazon), BrightMail, (purchased by Symantec), Knowledge Stream Partners, (purchased by Amdocs), John’s recent work with Black Duck Software transformed this single product company into a SaaS provider by constructing a SOA platform and new website retooled to achieve the “Learn > Try > Buy > Share” ideal in attracting qualified traffic.  John holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and has completed several executive programs in communication, management and leadership.

Michael Grill, Manager of Geek Offices, is President of Fairlane Properties, Inc., a real estate investment and management company which he founded in 1997. Michael is also Manager of Fairlane Columbia, LLC, which is handling infrastructure requirements for Geek Offices.  Michael invests in, renovates and manages Boston area office and industrial buildings.

His current and former tenant rosters include numerous technology-driven companies, providing him with insights into the needs of growing firms.  These companies include Tippingpoint Labs (digital content creation shop), Blue Coda (web-strategy and design consulting company), TagSense (RFID technology and applications), Ambient Corporation (broadband over power lines),  HealthTalker (word-of-mouth marketing programs for the healthcare market), Quantia Communications (provider of interactive communications networks), and Musa Technology Partners (technology solutions for life sciences).  See www.fairlaneproperties.com.