Session 2: Technology That Grows Your Business

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Masterclass 2, October 22 | Technology That Grows Your Business

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Technology continues to reshape every industry.

This Masterclass helps business owners identify and implement practical technology solutions that increase efficiency, improve customer experiences, and support business growth.

  • Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026

  • Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Location: Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd, Muncie, IN 47303

  • Format: Four sessions, working lunch, peer panel

  • Session 1: Technology in Business Today and Tomorrow

    Technology in Business Today and Tomorrow

    Presenter: John Wechsler, Founder of Launch Fishers and Fishers IoT Lab, and Founder, President & CEO of Spokenote, Fishers, IN. John is a leading voice in the use of technology in Indiana.

    Explore how technology is reshaping the way businesses operate, compete, and connect with customers. This session will examine today’s key technology trends and what business owners should consider now to prepare for what’s next.

  • Session 2: Technology Tools – The Role of AI

    Technology Tools – The Role of AI

    Presenter: David Colgan, Founder of Colgan Technology Services. David is an independent AI & Technology Specialist serving a broad range of industries. Ryan Hunter, Technology & Education Director for the Innovation Connector and an area leader in the practical application of all things technology and STEM.

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a practical business tool, not just a technology trend. Learn how businesses can use AI to save time, boost productivity, enhance customer experiences, support decision-making, and create new growth opportunities.

  • Session 3: IT & Business Systems Security and Protection

    IT & Business Systems Security and Protection

    Presenter: Sara Turner, Chief Technology Officer, First Merchants Bank. Sara is an experienced leader in security and fraud protection.

    Your technology is only as valuable as your ability to protect it. This session will explore practical steps businesses can take to safeguard their data, systems, customers, and operations against cybersecurity threats, technology failures, and other risks.

  • Session 4 - Peer Perspective Panel Discussion

    Peer Perspective Panel Discussion

    Panelists:
    • Dr. Huseyin Ergin, Computer Science Professor, Ball State University
    • Remal Salim – Independent AI Specialist
    • Brian Bunner, Retired Indiana State Police, Forensics Investigation Division

    Hear directly from fellow business owners and leaders about the technologies they use, the lessons they have learned, and the challenges they have faced along the way. This candid conversation will offer practical insights into what has worked, what hasn’t, and what they wish they had known before making technology investments.

  • Session 5: Building Your Business Technology Stack: What Should I Buy & What Should I Skip?

    Building Your Business Technology Stack: What Should I Buy & What Should I Skip?

    Presenter: John McDonald, President & CEO, Northeast Indiana Innovation Community, Fort Wayne, IN. John is another leading voice in Indiana’s technology ecosystem.

    With thousands of technology products competing for your attention and budget, how do you determine what your business truly needs? This session will help you think strategically about building a technology stack that fits your business, integrates well, supports growth, and avoids unnecessary costs and complexity.

Click Here to Register

Registration Includes:

$49 / person
  • Masterclass materials, tools & templates
  • Lunch
  • Certificate of Completion

Sign Up Early! 

First 15 Secure a Spot for Just $29!

Click Here to Register

Title Partner

Meet Our Speakers

David Colgan is the founder of Colgan Technology Services LLC and has been identified as an influential leader in exploring artificial intelligence and its role in business. David’s technical academic background includes developing linguistics research software, assisting in a software engineering course, and building a working MIPS CPU simulation. He was also honored with receiving Taylor University’s Senior Computer Science Student Award. 

David has participated in several educational programs at the Innovation Connector, including Responsible and secure use of generative AI, Claude Code for software developers, and Microsoft 365 Copilot for business writing. His sessions have included covering data protection, AI-generated errors, organizational policies, software development productivity, and practical business applications.

The Innovation Connector currently contracts with David to develop a CRM platform, develop practical AI solutions, and implement them. 

Ryan is a technology entrepreneur, software developer, educator, and nonprofit leader who plays an important role in Muncie’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He combines hands-on experience building technology companies with a commitment to developing technology talent and helping businesses adopt artificial intelligence. Ryan currently serves as the Technology & Education Director for the Innovation Connector. He is increasingly visible in East Central Indiana’s AI education and business adoption efforts, leading the Innovation Connector’s efforts to provide AI resources for business growth. 

Ryan is the founder of Apax Software and co-founder of TechWise Academy (now part of the Innovation Connector). He has developed software for the U.S. Department of Defense, Ball State University, the University of Kentucky, Lexmark, and other organizations.

His documented accomplishments are particularly strong in practical software development, educational programming, and community leadership. His experience in venture capital, institutional fundraising, and managing large-scale technology organizations is less clearly established by the public sources reviewed. For someone assessing entrepreneurial leadership in Muncie, Ryan Hunter is worth knowing because he has experience both creating technology businesses and helping others develop the skills to do so.

In 2023, Ryan was awarded the Fisher Governance Award by the Ball Brothers Foundation for his leadership as board president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie. The recognition highlighted his collaborative board leadership, community involvement, and commitment to making coding and robotics accessible to young people.

Sara Turner is a technology executive whose career combines IT operations, infrastructure management, organizational leadership, and cybersecurity. She is particularly relevant to organizations seeking to connect business technology, risk management, and entrepreneurial growth.

Sara currently serves as Chief Technology Officer, First Merchants Bank. Prior to this position, she held technology leadership positions at Finvi, including Director of Information Technology and Manager of IT Service Operations.  Sara’s background includes infrastructure management, system rollouts, technology migrations, and IT service delivery.  

First Merchants Bank is the title partner for the Business Impact Masterclasses, creating an existing institutional connection between the bank and regional entrepreneurial education. 

John is an Entrepreneur, Technology Executive, and Innovation Ecosystem Leader

Currently, he serves as the President and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Community (NIIC) in Fort Wayne, Indiana. John has more than 30 years of experience in technology, entrepreneurship, venture development, and economic development. He is particularly recognized for building technology companies and helping strengthen Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

His other credits include: Founder and CEO of ClearObject (formerly CloudOne), Technology executive at IBM, Co-founder of NEXT Studios in Indianapolis, Founder and board member of the Indiana Technology & Innovation Association, Educator and entrepreneurship mentor, and thought leader and published commentator.

Another significant part of his career includes his initiative, From Problems to Prosperity, which focuses on identifying real problems faced by established companies and connecting those problems with entrepreneurs, universities, and emerging technologies to create scalable new businesses and jobs. This concept is especially relevant to Delaware County’s efforts to attract new employers and diversify its economy.