Julie Gustafson
Executive Director, Macomb-OU INCubator

Q & A with Julie Gustafson
Executive Director, Macomb-OU INCubator

 

Q:  You recently relocated to our great state from New Hampshire.  What do you think so far? 

A: It is an exciting time to be in Michigan. There are so many initiatives taking place and being created to help emerging businesses. I am really looking forward to using my thirteen years of business incubation experience to add to the innovative climate here and to support business growth in Macomb County and in the state.    

 

Q:  You are credited as the founding director of the Amoskeag Business Incubator (abi) now known as the abi innovation hub, a business incubator in Manchester, New Hampshire.  What was the motivation for developing the incubator? 

A: In 1997, the abi was created as a joint initiative between the City of Manchester, New Hampshire and the University of Southern New Hampshire.  The motivation for developing the abi was, and continues to be, to provide a collaborative, innovative environment for entrepreneurs with the ultimate goal of stimulating the state’s economy and enhancing job creation.

 

Q:  Over the years, we are sure there were many companies that experienced great growth and success under your tutelage.  Can you tell us a little about one that you are particularly proud of? 

A: We had an 87% percent graduation success rate. I witnessed the amazing stamina, guts, creativity and tenacity that it took for many companies to become graduates.  I am proud of all of them.  There is nothing easy about starting your own company. 

Some of the honors that businesses in the abi have received include the following:  Inc. 5,000 list, Top 100 Fastest Growing Inter-City Business (nation-wide), Software Association of NH Rookie of the Year Award, Runner-up NH High Tech Council Product of the Year, NH Innovation Rocks Award, Boston Business Journal Pacesetter, Top 100 Private Company in NH, Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 List, and Semi-Finalist Last Gadget Standing Award at National Consumer Electronic Show.  In addition, one of the graduate companies is now the largest distributor in the country in their energy-related industry.    

 

Q:  The mission of the Macomb-OU INC is to advance the development of technology based businesses with special focus on defense, homeland security and advanced manufacturing sectors.  Aside from current tenants, what type of business is the ideal client for the services provided? 

A: Any type of growth oriented technology based company is an excellent fit for the Macomb OU Incubator.  Specifically, Macomb County has excellent resources in place to assist businesses in the defense, homeland security and advanced manufacturing businesses.  It is our job to assist these types of businesses in obtaining capital and with commercializing their products.  We can also hook the businesses up with interns and resources from Oakland University.

 

Q:  It has barely been a month since you have been on the job.  What do you see as your first priority as you settle into your new position? 

A: My first priority is to educate myself about the many business and industry-specific resources available in the state of Michigan.  I plan to leverage Macomb OU Incubator’s current resources and programs and develop new programs to best meet the needs of emerging companies in the state of Michigan.