Meet Loudoun’s IT Industry Leaders
Loudoun Chamber’s Technology Coalition’s “Loudoun: A Center for IT Innovation” event is Tuesday, March 15th. Learn more here!
Loudoun County is emerging as a new hub for technology-oriented accelerators, incubators and shared work spaces, a trend that is leading to the County’s growing reputation as a hotbed for technology innovation and entrepreneurship.
Join your fellow Loudoun County Chamber members for a fascinating discussion of this trend and how Loudoun County, and your business, can best take advantage of it. Speakers at our event include:
Rick Gordon, Managing Partner at Mach37 Cyber Accelerator
Nick Bagg, Chief of Staff, AOL Core + Managing Director, Fishbowl Labs
Ann Orem, Co-Founder of Brickyard-Ashburn
Moderated by veteran Loudoun IT guru Brian Chavis
This conversation will focus on the reasons behind this trend tech-focused accelerators, incubators and shared work space and what it means for the future of entrepreneurial growth in Loudoun.
Today we get to hear from Nick Bagg & Ann Orem, two of the speakers at this upcoming event. Thanks for answering a few questions! First up, is Nick Bagg —
1. How did you get to where you are today in your career?
I grew up in New Hampshire, and worked on a farm. I went to college in Baltimore. I got my first job at AOL in advertising and worked in the Baltimore office for several years. I first got involved with startups and Fishbowl Labs during frequent trips to Ashburn. I moved to Connecticut to get my MBA at Yale, where I then relocated to Northern Virginia upon graduation and joined the AOL Core team as the Chief of Staff. I later on took over Fishbowl Labs as Managing Director.
2. What is your favorite part about the IT industry in Loudoun right now?
I love that it’s a small community feel, but backed with lots of resources.
3. Where do you see the tech industry growing in the next 5-10 years in Loudoun?
The tech industry in Loudoun County is very well-positioned and we have all of the right building blocks: established companies; lots of entrepreneurs and technical folks; numerous investors in and around Northern Virginia; reasonably priced housing; and supportive government.
4. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?
Spending time outside with my wife and dog and visiting wineries.
5. What is your favorite app right now?
Kanvas, an app for creators. AOL acquired the company in August 2015.
Ann Orem is the Co-Founder of Brickyard Ashburn is another one of the speakers at this upcoming event. Thanks for answering a few questions, Ann!
1. How did you get to where you are today in your career?
Other than my 4 years at Villanova University, I have lived my whole life in Northern Virginia so I am passionate about the area and its growth. After 6 years in elementary education, I made the decision to shift into commercial real estate which (in turn) has led me to this point in my career of creating Brickyard.
2. What is your favorite part about the IT industry in Loudoun right now?
I love the growing entrepreneur/small business/start-up community in Loudoun. Because of technology, people are able to work from anywhere at any time. This is allowing people to grow their businesses in a place they love to live.
3. Where do you see the tech industry growing in the next 5-10 years in Loudoun?
It is so important to foster the growth of the local entrepreneurs and early stage companies, especially by creating spaces for the community to work and gather. I see the Loudoun tech industry continuing to grow as we adapt to the changing nature of work.
4. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?
Spending afternoons with my husband and children at any of the local vineyards.
5. What is your favorite app right now?
Thanks Nick & Ann! Be sure to click here to register for the event, Loudoun: A Center for IT Innovation.