RBTC: What are some of the regional resources that have contributed to your success?
Adam: NuSpark, a startup space located in Blacksburg dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, was truly instrumental to our success at Follow My Vote. They gave us dedicated office space and a place to call home when we needed it most.

RBTC: What makes the Roanoke-Blacksburg region such a good fit for your company?
Adam: Upon graduating from Virginia Tech, it had always been my dream to return to Blacksburg and start a business, allowing me to recruit top talent from my alma mater and give back to the surrounding community in any way that I can.

RBTC: If you could give one piece of advice to a fellow entrepreneur, what would it be?
Adam: Be a visionary leader. Be passionate about what you do and surround yourself with people that share your passion and belief in your vision for the future of your business.

RBTC: What is one lesson you have learned over time that has made an impact on your business’ day-to-day operations?
Adam: A good manager should focus on what’s really important. I have found it best to focus less on what time your employees get to work in the morning and more on whether or not they get the job done before they leave the office for the night.

RBTC: How would you like to see the Roanoke-Blacksburg region develop over the next 5 years?
Adam: I think we all should strive to support local businesses, as opposed to large corporations, even if it is not always most cost effective to do so. What I would really like to see is for us to become much more of a self-sustaining community, especially when it comes to energy and food production.

We would like to thank the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council for setting up the interview!

About Follow My Vote: A company focused on providing honest elections, Follow My Vote develops end-2-end verifiable voting through the use of blockchain technology.

About the author: David Brock is a Marketing Intern at Follow My Vote.

The post Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council Interviews Adam Ernest, CEO of Follow My Vote appeared first on Follow My Vote.

Each Year the RBTC hosts and annual celebration of the communities’ flourishing tech sector called TechNite. The event is a key opportunity to network with upwards of 600 influential business and innovation leaders.

There is an awards ceremony included that recognizes regional leaders in six categories: Rising Star, Entrepreneur, Regional Leadership, Innovation, Educator and People’s Choice.

Follow My Vote has been nominated for three awards: The Rising Star, The Innovator, and The People’s Choice Award.

Rising Star Award: This award recognizes a local technology company whose “star is rising.” It may not be a household name yet, but it could soon be another local success story in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region.

Innovator Award: This award recognizes an individual, a group of individuals, company, or organization that sets the standard for thought-leadership and innovation in their respective field. Their innovation represents a significant technological breakthrough or addresses a great market opportunity or both.

People’s Choice Award: The People’s Choice Award gives the TechNite audience the opportunity to learn more about up and coming companies in the Roanoke – Blacksburg region and vote for their favorite. The highest votes receives the People’s Choice Award.

Event Schedule
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Networking Reception (Open Bar Included)

7:00 pm
Dinner, Program and Awards Ceremony

9:00 pm – 12:00 am
After Party at Center in the Square Atrium
and Roanoke Pinball Museum
(Includes Refreshments and Drink Tickets.)

About the author: Will Long is the Marketing Manager of Follow My Vote.

The post Follow My Vote Up For 3 Awards At This Year’s RBTC TechNite appeared first on Follow My Vote.