our Mentors
Heather Gregory - Director, Stoke Denton
Marshall Culpepper - Owner/Mentor
Marshall is the co-founder of both Kubos, a satellite software startup in downtown Denton, and Techmill, a nonprofit organization for Denton tech builders. As the original organizer of the Denton Jelly, LittleDOCC, and Bootstrap Denton, Culpepper is an active member of the Denton Community, mentoring students and local entrepreneurs about writing software and building startups.
Kyle Taylor - Mentor
I work as a web developer by day, specializing in Drupal and content management systems, website migrations, 3rd party integrations, custom modules, and theme development. I have been a community advocate and leader in the DFW startup community for the past 6 years, running events around customer development, learn startup, and technical education.
I'd like to mentor on ideation, lean startup, customer validation. My mentor sessions are by appointment only, so email heather@stokedenton.com to set up a session.
Michael Rondelli - Mentor
Michael Rondelli joined the University of North Texas in December, 2015 as the Associate Vice President of Innovation and Commercialization. In this role, he is responsible for managing the technology transfer function within UNT as well as other projects related to intellectual property negotiations, development of new research clusters, and developing entrepreneurial activities on campus. Prior to UNT, Michael with the Director of Licensing for the University of Southern California’s Stevens Center for Innovation where he was able to turn around the licensing function which was under-performing license goals for many years prior to his term. Prior to that, Michael built San Diego State University’s Technology Transfer Office into one of the most efficient university licensing operations. Prior to technology transfer, Michael worked in corporate finance and venture capital in New York City. He earned his BSBA with honors in Business from Washington University in St. Louis, his MBA in Finance from Texas Christian University and his JD from the University of San Diego School of Law.
Michael would like to mentor on innovation, lean startup, intellectual property and licensing. Michael's mentor sessions are by appointment only, so email heather@stokedenton.com to set up a session.
Isis Harris - Mentor
Ndaba Mdhlongwa is a man with a plan—to provide businesses with the planning and consulting strategies they need be successful! He firmly believes that most small businesses fail unnecessarily because of insufficient planning, and he has a solution. As a two-time Olympic competitor, this experienced consultant is excited about showing start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners how to compete—and win!
That’s why he founded his company, Business Plan Solutions in 1998, to provide business plan and management-consulting services with focus on small business development. Over the last 18 years, he has written numerous business plans for individuals, small companies, and major corporations in diverse industries throughout the U.S.—with experience across many sectors. These plans have helped build businesses, raise funds and develop successful executives. He has developed business plans and executed them from a COO capacity for several successful companies engaged in such areas as printing, staffing, furniture and even outdoor marketing.
Ndaba wants to mentor on business plans, business start up, business strategy and execution.
Savannah Kurka is the maker, designer, and owner of Savvie Studio, a small home goods and accessories brand based out of Denton, Texas. Savvie Studio also serves as a laser cutting service for local brands, companies, and designers. Savannah attended the University of North Texas where she obtained a BFA in Visual Art Studies. It was there that she found inspiration to invest into her first laser cutter and start what is now Savvie Studio.
Savannah would like to mentor on how to make money as an artist, pricing/growth strategies for makers, and sharing helpful resources/inspiration for new makers, artists, etc.
Prior to working at ReadyRosie, Kevin worked for nearly 20 years at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at UNT. He was also a three term city council member in Denton.
Kevin would like to mentor on business planning, business ideas, education, ed tech
Julie Glover - Mentor
Since 1989, Patrick Peters has worked at the nexus of technology, media and data, as a founder, first-five team member, executive and mentor.He is a repeat judge of the Pollie Awards for excellence in political advertising and has twice been a member of teams nominated for an Emmy Award in innovation and technology. Mr. Peters was a first generation board member of TechMill, and works in an advisory capacity with several local startups.
Patrick would like to mentor on business strategy, messaging for funding, sales, and marketing, and translating strategy and message into a feasible operational plan.
Daniel Abasolo - Mentor
