Archived Meeting

Turning Passion Into Business:
A Shining Example

Main Speaker

Conant Custom Brass Steve Conant Steve has been working to satisfy his passion for decorative metalwork since 1979 when he chose to make a living working with metal and founded Conant Custom Brass. Over the years, Steve has proven capable of more than growing a business. He’s a community leader who has served on several local non-profit boards and currently chairs the board of ReCycle North. An avid craftsman comfortable with most mediums, Steve believes in doing things right the first time and never tires of improving upon what he and his company have already done. He’s made a life’s work of meeting the challenges a small business has to offer in a changing world. Come hear about some of the changes that take place as a man evolves from artist to start-up to thriving business. Steve will discuss some of the challenges that led to change in his company and the organizational development solutions that Conant Custom Brass has employed over the years, including those brought about through his recent experience with the Peer to Peer Collaborative.

Growth Company Showcase

Draker Solar Designs AJ Rossman In addition to promoting sustainable technologies through its products and services, Draker Solar Design is putting theory into practice at the green office building it has renovated in Burlington’s Old North End. Already home to a number of local organizations and to the host’s solar technology business, the energy-efficient solar-assisted office building is becoming a showcase for new sustainable technologies and an incubator for start-up companies. It will also function as a laboratory for innovative solar monitoring equipment, and will be a demonstration site for renewable energy systems performance. AJ Rossman will update VVN on Draker Solar's plan for growing the company/ management team and is looking forward to feed and direction from the audience.