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What we’re about

https://www.meetup.com/entrepreneurs-and-innovators-council
The Entrepreneurs and Innovators Council's purpose is to help each other commercialize an innovative technological product, service or combo (solution). Our objective is to first learn together from successful area entrepreneurs, funders, various kinds of relevant professionals (recruiters, legal, banking, angels, VCs, benefits, payroll, DOD, minority certification program leaders etc.), educators and facilitators. We aim to help eachother to be able to work on ideas, projects and prototypes about to be launched. We also provide an ever-building network of supportive contacts in the area ready to help one another.

Bill Wallace, networking group builder industry leader from Dallas is working with us as of December 2024!

Our innovation, technology-innovation and entrepreneurial focused meetings are held at Improving Enterprises the First Monday of Every Month at 5:30pm CT at 5445 Legacy Drive, Suite 100, Plano, Texas 75024

We have booked area luminaries to our recent meetups including distinguished successful entrepreneurs (meaning they cashed out with incredible deals!), directors of entrepreneurship programs at area universities, and even a radio / podcast talk show host on entrepreneurship!

We are also making progress, ever modifying our program, to allow for increased focus on individual entrepreneurial initiatives (read "your idea"), and do breakouts to further explore how to get those initiatives off the ground! We welcome on-line cloud services, smart phone applications, and embedded systems products.

So join us for an evening of  professional networking, the opportunity to practice your "elevator pitch," and catch up on area happenings for entrepreneurs.

See you soon!
Owner (2019), Jeannie Lewis, Organizer and Host
Founder (2015), Tony Klinkert

Upcoming events

2

See all
  • Join Improving Exec on Beyond Vibes: Converting AI Hype into a Trust Dividend

    Join Improving Exec on Beyond Vibes: Converting AI Hype into a Trust Dividend

    5445 Legacy Dr suite 100, Plano, TX, US

    Join a talk and live Q&A on "Beyond Vibes: Converting AI Hype into a Trust Dividend" with Tim Rayburn, Executive from Improving Enterprises, industry-leading, global software development firm
    Sign up Now!
    5:30 PM In-Person Start - Lots of Pizza, beverages, and facility sponsored by Improving Enterprises.
    When: Monday, Feb. 2nd.
    Where: Improving Enterprises Global Headquarters, 5445 Legacy Dr. Suite #100, Plano, TX 75024
    RSVP Here

    Key Points of Tim Rayburn's Talk:
    The Problem: The "Vibe" Trap and the Trust Tax We are currently witnessing a massive influx of "Vibe Coding" and ad-hoc AI usage in the enterprise. While the demos look like magic, the reality often feels like chaos. Leaders are discovering that "vibes" do not scale. When we treat AI as a magic wand rather than a junior employee, we pay a heavy "Trust Tax"—manifesting as hallucinations, data drift, and a lack of accountability. The missing link isn't a better model; it is better leadership.

    The Solution: Context as Strategy To move from "playing with AI" to "productionizing AI," leaders must shift their focus from Prompt Engineering to Context Engineering.

    • In this session, we will explore how to apply the principles of the BMAD Framework (Breakthrough Method for Agile AI-Driven Development) to business strategy.
    • We will demonstrate that AI Agents are not replacements for humans, but rather distinct stakeholders that require the same "Clarification of Expectations" you would offer a new human hire.
    • We will break down the lifecycle of a Trustworthy AI Agent:
    • Defining the North Star: How to align Agents with your Higher Purpose to prevent "strategic drift."

    The "Contract" of Context: Why high-fidelity specs and documentation are the ultimate "Straight Talk" for AI.

    The Human-in-the-Loop: Moving from "Human-in-the-Loop" to "Human-at-the-Helm," ensuring that empathy and judgment remain strictly human domains.

    Key Takeaways

    The Trust Dividend: Learn how providing structured context reduces hallucinations and increases the reliability of your digital workforce.

    Operationalizing Agency: A framework for deploying "Analyst" and "Planner" agents that respect your organizational boundaries.

    Leadership in the Age of AI: Understanding that the primary job of the future leader is not managing tasks, but managing the context in which tasks are performed.

    Tim Rayburn's Bio:

    Tim Rayburn is a Vice President of Consulting with Improving, a full service IT consulting company in headquartered Plano, TX with offices throughout North America. He is a passionate advocate of apprenticeship and mentorship in corporate environments. He has been awarded the Microsoft MVP in recognition of his expertise and community leadership 11 times, with award areas spanning from BizTalk Server to Azure. He is an author, and can be found speaking across the nation on leadership, technology, trust, mentoring, and career management. He lives in the North Dallas area with his amazing wife Kate and their loyal dogs Radagast and Dresden.

    Come out to our special event meetup.
    5:30 PM Start
    When: Monday, Feb 2nd - Lots of Pizza, beverages, and facility sponsored by Improving Enterprises.
    Where: Improving Enterprises Global Headquarters, 5445 Legacy Dr., Suite #100, Plano, TX 75024
    RSVP Here
    In this meetup, you will also take advantage of:
    ELEVATOR PITCH. Take this opportunity to pitch to our friendly group! If you have a startup, startup idea, or growing company, use the 1-minute on the agenda to promote it to the informal group!
    NETWORKING. Prepare to network before and afterward (job seekers, service providers, and students welcome). Bring business cards!
    JOB SEEKER – HIRING MANAGER/RECRUITER? Be ready to give a short description of your background, target job, and targeted companies. If you are a recruiter or hiring, be prepared to describe what you are seeking.
    RAFFLE. We will have a raffle of a token of our appreciation. Bring a business card to drop into the participation hat!
    DONATION. Please donate to keep these meetings going! You can give before the meeting or during the session (donate here or bring the recommended at least $10 cash).
    SPONSORS:
    Improving Enterprises provides our location, pizza, equipment, and personal support to EIC. For IT Consulting, Agile Training and Software Development, see improving.com. Improving also offers training in SCRUM, AI, and other areas, with classes open to the public. Members of EIC receive 30% off Improving's industry-leading training, which includes certifications respected globally, if they attend the in-person meetup for the code. Here is the link to their courses.
    Myngly App is a free networking app for professionals and business leaders (of all levels) - here is a code to be pre-vetted for Entrepreneurs and Innovators Meetup members: E&ICOUNCIL . Download at mynglydotcom.
    Pro-Forma Inc. is a pre-revenue startup tool that is free in many parts and provides the most cost-effective best-in-class pre-revenue valuation for a fraction of the cost and with this code: EUOW7J7 a 20% discount - pro-formadotcom/valuation-analysis.
    See you there!
    Bring:

    1. Something to take notes on
    2. Business cards for networking and the raffle
    3. Cash for the donation in person or donate here
    4. Your elevator pitch for the group (if you wish)
    5. Events information you know about of interest to Entrepreneurs

    RSVP Here
    Look forward to seeing you there!
    Jeannie Lewis, JD, MBA
    Host and Organizer
    Tony Klinkert, DE, PE, CMA
    Founder
    Doctor of Engineering, Professional Engineer
    Certified Master Architect
    Collin College Instructor

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    32 attendees
  • The Importance of Identifying Your Purpose with NFL Vet, Entrepreneur Tony Hills

    The Importance of Identifying Your Purpose with NFL Vet, Entrepreneur Tony Hills

    5445 Legacy Dr suite 100, Plano, TX, US

    Join a talk and live Q&A on "The Importance of Identifying Your Purpose" with Tony "The Tycoon" Hills, NFL Vet and Super Bowl Champion, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Speaker and Wealth Builder, President of Insure Legacy, Teaching High Performance Principles for Life, Business, and Transition

    Sign up Now!
    5:30 PM In-Person Start - Lots of Pizza, beverages, and facility sponsored by Improving Enterprises.
    When: Monday, March 2nd.
    Where: Improving Enterprises Global Headquarters, 5445 Legacy Dr. Suite #100, Plano, TX 75024
    RSVP Here

    Key Points of Tony Hill's Talk:

    1. What is Purpose?
    2. What is the Importance of Identifying Your Purpose?
    3. How can you identify your purpose?
    4. Stories and experience around purpose from Tony.
    5. Q and A

    Tony Hill's Bio:
    I’m Tony “The Tycoon” Hills — NFL Veteran, Super Bowl Champion, Speaker, and President of Insure Legacy.

    I teach high performance principles that help people win in life, business, and transition.

    My journey from the NFL to entrepreneurship taught me discipline, perseverance, and the power of purpose driven decision making. Today, I use those principles to empower individuals, insurance agents, athletes, and organizations to build purpose centered wealth and long term legacy.

    At Insure Legacy, I lead a mission focused on protection, purpose, and generational impact. We help families and professionals understand the value of strategic life insurance and annuity solutions so they can build lives aligned with purpose rather than pressure.

    My work includes:
    • Speaking for companies, teams, and leadership groups
    • Training agents on performance, confidence, and business clarity
    • Guiding individuals through purpose driven financial protection
    • Teaching the One Lead Away philosophy for clarity, consistency, and momentum

    If you’re seeking leadership development, purpose aligned performance, or protection based wealth strategies, let’s connect. Your next level begins with alignment.

    One Lead Away.

    https://insurelegacy.org/

    Come out to our special event meetup.
    5:30 PM Start
    When: Monday, March 2nd. - Lots of Pizza, beverages, and facility sponsored by Improving Enterprises.
    Where: Improving Enterprises Global Headquarters, 5445 Legacy Dr., Suite #100, Plano, TX 75024
    RSVP Here
    In this meetup, you will also take advantage of:
    ELEVATOR PITCH. Take this opportunity to pitch to our friendly group! If you have a startup, startup idea, or growing company, use the 1-minute on the agenda to promote it to the informal group!
    NETWORKING. Prepare to network before and afterward (job seekers, service providers, and students welcome). Bring business cards!
    JOB SEEKER – HIRING MANAGER/RECRUITER? Be ready to give a short description of your background, target job, and targeted companies. If you are a recruiter or hiring, be prepared to describe what you are seeking.
    RAFFLE. We will have a raffle of a token of our appreciation. Bring a business card to drop into the participation hat!
    DONATION. Please donate to keep these meetings going! You can give before the meeting or during the session (donate here or bring the recommended at least $10 cash).

    SPONSORS:

    Improving Enterprises provides our location, pizza, equipment, and personal support to EIC. For IT Consulting, Agile Training and Software Development, see improving.com. Improving also offers training in SCRUM, AI, and other areas, with classes open to the public. Members of EIC receive 30% off Improving's industry-leading training, which includes certifications respected globally, if they attend the in-person meetup for the code. Here is the link to their courses.

    Myngly App is a free networking app for professionals and business leaders (of all levels) - here is a code to be pre-vetted for Entrepreneurs and Innovators Meetup members: E&ICOUNCIL . Download at mynglydotcom.

    See you there!
    Bring:

    1. Something to take notes on
    2. Business cards for networking and the raffle
    3. Cash for the donation in person or donate here
    4. Your elevator pitch for the group (if you wish)
    5. Events information you know about of interest to Entrepreneurs

    RSVP Here
    Look forward to seeing you there!
    Jeannie Lewis, JD, MBA
    Host and Organizer
    Tony Klinkert, DE, PE, CMA
    Founder
    Doctor of Engineering, Professional Engineer
    Certified Master Architect
    Collin College Instructor

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    4 attendees

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