Erie Entrepreneur graduates From Erie Technology Incubator

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Erie Entrepreneur graduates From Erie Technology Incubator

Monday Jan 20th, 2014

The Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University (ETI) is pleased to announce the graduation of Green Lighting LED and its upcoming move to a new manufacturing, fulfillment, and administrative office location at 1856-B East 10th Street, here in Erie.

Incorporated as JCR Sales & Mfg, in 2007, Green Lighting LED was launched by Joel Gehly after starting out with a partner in an 8×12 closet. The company joined ETI in March, 2009, and has grown significantly throughout the incubation process. From lighting up the Erie Playhouse marquee, to contracts with the U.S. government and the endorsement of a leading national restaurant chain (Applebee’s), Green Lighting LED is now positioned for additional growth.

According to Gehly, “ETI and their mentors helped shape our business positively. For me, it was like receiving a real-time MBA in a high stakes environment. We had a team committed to our long term success in a first-rate facility that made us look like a million.”

“The ability to quickly ask questions and receive feedback that was grounded in experience is a tremendous asset,” added Vice President of Sales and co-partner Josh Gehly. “As one example of the guidance that their team provided, we were advised to secure signatures and down payments on multiple purchase orders. If we had not received that security, we would no longer be in business, and that’s only one example of how we have benefited from this experience.”

Jeff Parnell,ETI’s Executive Director, noted that Green Lighting provides an excellent example of how business incubation and mentoring can provide significant business value, but he is also quick to credit the Gehlys and Green Lighting’s entire team. “This group works tirelessly and has embraced our mentoring process. They are true professionals, so it easy to see why theirETI mentor team and our staff enjoy supporting their growth. In addition, the team at Ben Franklin Technology Partners has been incredibly supportive of Green Lighting and its interest in creating jobs here in Northwest Pennsylvania.”

http://www.goerie.com/article/20140420/BUSINESS05/304209967/The-buzz

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"One of our secrets to success is being part of the ETI community of aspiring entrepreneurs. With the leadership, training, mentor support and the resources of Gannon University, ETI is one of the hottest accelerators to build a startup. ETI fosters a culture of innovation and hard work. Both play a huge role in the success of Evident Financial. Our business is mostly conducted face-to-face, so it is important we have an office environment that makes our clients feel welcomed and comfortable. The beautiful lobby and office space of the CBI building is fresh and vibrant, the perfect complement to our brand. As Founder of Evident Financial, I could not overstate how important ETI is to the growth of Evident Financial. We are fortunate to be part of the ETI family." 

David Cullen, CFA

Founder and CEO - Evident Financial

It is said 90% of startups fail. The ETI gives entrepreneurs the resources to beat the odds through world-class mentorship, a collaborative professional environment, and an invaluable network of industry connections.

Nate Carlin, Co-Founder

Olympia Technologies