Judges

Judges for this Summer Startup Weekend are some of the best entrepreneurial minds in Columbus:

Jason Ross, JackThreads

Founder of Jackthreads.com, an e-commerce leader in the private shopping club space. Jackthreads sells better streetwear and contemporary fashion for an audience of 18 to 35 year old guys. We hold 48 to 72 hour flash sales with brands in this niche and offer them a more discreet solution to move their previous season merchandise, with massive promotional value. Built company from an idea in 2006 to our acquisition in May 2010 by Thrillist.com.

Lance White, USB

Lance is an angel investor & startup mentor / advisor.

Pam Springer, Manta

Growing early stage companies, while working with exceptionally talented people has been a consistent theme in my professional career. The ability to convert innovation into real results and profit is key. Staying unbiased to historical business models, taking risks, raising the bar as it pertains to performance expectations, knowing which metrics count, promoting high trust, ego maturity and follow through are all necessary components to create an environment that allow great people to do great things… sustainably and in a time is of the essence mode.

As President and CEO of Manta Media, Inc., my responsibility is for the overall strategic direction, growth, profitability and management of the company. Working with a talented team that moves very fast, Manta is the world’s largest online community for promoting and connecting small business. Business owners and professionals use Manta to promote their company, connect with others and “be found” online by customers and prospects.

The ongoing worldwide adoption of Manta.com, combined with transferring world-class innovation into profitable monetization strategies, continues to be the primary driver behind the exceptional growth of our exciting company.

For the second consecutive year, Manta was recognized as one of the top 100 most valuable digital media start ups by Business Insider.

In 2011 I was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Technology category for the Central Ohio Region. I am a board member for JobsOhio, an initiative by Gov. John Kasich to pursue job creation and capital investment opportunities for Ohio. I am also a Board Trustee at Franklin University.

I have been involved in raising capital, acquisitions and an IPO and have held leadership positions with a number of companies before joining Manta. I have a BS in business administration from Franklin University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude.