Episode 278: Innovators Who Bring Us the Future

Episode 278 originally broadcast on October 02, 2010

This week, the BusinessMakers visit with Ron Farmer, founder and CEO of US LED, an innovator in lighting; and Dr Wade Adams, director of Rice University’s Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology.

School of Business 10/02/10

Russ and John present the show about the innovators and the entrepreneurs who are building companies and sending their stories to us. Includes: the BusinessMakers Quote of the Week—wisdom from entrepreneur and author Tom S. Gillis; This Week in Business History includes many “firsts,” like the first train robbery, the first Russian satellite and the Beatles’ first single; the Jargon Challenge Round—trendy technospeak that YOU should know; and Dumbest Moments in Business History—wildlife documentaries are not what they seem.

Dr. Wade Adams - the Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology

Russ is at Rice University with Dr. Wade Adams, director of the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. In October, the Smalley Institute is celebrating “The Year of the Nano” with a series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Dr. Smalley’s discovery of the buckyball, a new type of carbon atom.

Ron Farmer - US LED

Russ is at PKF Texas’ “Doing Business Over Coffee” for a repeat interview with Ron Farmer, founder and CEO of US LED. US LED uses Light Emitting Diodes to provide lighting for convenience store refrigeration areas, warehouses, parking lot security and office lighting. Farmer began developing LED signage in 2001 as a low-maintenance alternative to neon and was shocked to realize that LED uses nearly 80 percent less electricity and lasts up to 16 years with no maintenance. Over the years, he has refined and expanded products as his company has grown. It’s a wonderful story of innovation and growth.

PKF Texas: The Entrepreneur’s Playbook® - The Hire Act

Congress has enacted several pieces of legislation with hiring incentives that will affect your 2010 taxes. Greg Price offers details of the “Hire Act” that you should know about.