David Smith

As a noted futurist, technologist, and business leader, David brings more than 30 years of experience in digital convergence, strategic planning, and emerging technologies to the helm of HBMG. David has assisted in creating and implementing plans for Fortune 100 companies, emerging companies, universities, and government agencies, including Bank of America, Boeing, the CIA, Lockheed Martin, National Security Agency, Sun Microsystems, and the U.S. Department of Defense.As a leader in innovation, he has played an integral role at two of the nation's most successful consortia, SEMATECH and the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC), designing IN-Q-TEL for the United States intelligence agencies, the intelligence community’s research and development venture capital solution, and working as one of a three-person coordination committee and on the steering and implementation committees that developed the highly respected Semiconductor Industry Association National Technology Roadmap.As an invited keynote speaker, teacher, and presenter, David’s compelling orations have captivated a range of audiences. He is also quoted in many publications, classes, and books. In addition to being a senior research fellow at the University of Texas at Austin IC2 Institute, David was awarded the SEMATECH Eagle Award for a 1993 Strategic Plan and the Council of Consortia Award for Extraordinary contributions and Achievement in Technology Transfer.

John Salamone

John Salomone is the CEO and founder of Structured Finance International formed in 2001, continuing his successful career in asset-based financing. Since 2001, SFI’s capabilities have expanded from single asset and equipment financing transactions to corporate structured asset financings, project financings, corporate and subordinated debt placements, and establishment and funding of private-label, captive sales finance companies for equipment sellers.As an investment banker at Lazard and Citibank, he originated, structured, managed, and successfully closed large-ticket equity and debt financings in the utility, manufacturing and transportation industries representing the interests of “Fortune 250” companies and national governments.Mr. Salomone led teams at Lazard and Citibank that closed more than $10 billion in asset debt and equity financings. He specialized in bringing energy and infrastructure transactions to the U.S. institutional investor and lender market, many from Western European issuers (private and public sector).He was instrumental in the development of many asset finance industry innovations and is a recognized industry spokesman, having made many formal presentations at professional symposiums. He has had several articles published in the industry trade press. Mr. Salomone received a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green University (Ohio) with a finance and economics major, has held Series 7 and Series 63 certification in the securities industry, and was a major party candidate for the nomination to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Peter Strople

Peter is the CEO/ Founder of Zero2 Holdings, an Austin, Texas based business strategy and investment firm. He has been called one of the world’s “Great Rainmakers,” the “Most Connected Man in America,” and one of the “Top 10 Most Connected People in the World.” Considered one of the Top Business Strategists dealing with “Instant Change,” Peter has developed unique techniques to address and refocus a company’s strategy in a few hours versus a few months. He calls on a “Dream List” of Global business, organizational and political leaders to provide immediate feedback to validate business ideas, strategy, leadership and investments.Peter was the CEO and Founder of Zero2 Ventures, an Austin, Texas based business strategy and investment firm which he founded in 1996 and eventually sold to MacFarlane & Gordon in 2000.Mr. Strople is a former Director of Dell Computers (1993-96) where he played a key role in getting Dell back into the portable computer space. He was the key spokesperson in publicly describing Dell’s unique business model as well in helping to develop trust within Dell’s customer base around its portable computer strategy.From 1982 to 1993, Peter was an Executive with GRiD Systems Corporation (the Inventor of our modern Clamshell Laptop Computer). Through his private investment firm “Inside the Blueline Ventures,“ he has equity in companies such as USFR Media Group (Cowboys & Indians Magazine and America One TV), Salient Systems, Aruna Solutions, Crossroads, Advanced Power, PowerTube, Emscan, and Dominion Laser, to name a few.Mr. Strople is an advisor to Marsh USA, GMG Capital Partners and an Associate Partner with Blackhawk Partners in NYC.