If there’s a theme to my career, it’s helping people turn what if? into look what we built!
As Program Coordinator for Old Dominion University’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, I worked with dreamers and doers—students, founders, and the occasional caffeine-fueled inventor—helping launch startups that generated over $3 million in new revenue and attracted $5.3 million in investment. Not bad for a guy from rural Virginia who now calls himself “semi-retired,” which really just means I only take on projects that make me grin.
Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of nameplates: Fortune 500 sales manager, Chamber of Commerce exec, government relations wrangler, tech council board member, and community college director. I’m also a retired military veteran, which means I’ve learned that success takes equal parts discipline, patience, and a sense of humor about all the things that don’t go according to plan.
Today, I live in Elkton, Virginia with my wife, Sondra—a retired nurse turned potter and painter. She creates art; I build things (usually startups, and now, AI guides). Together, we’ve proven that retirement is more of a suggestion than a rule.
When I’m not mentoring entrepreneurs, you’ll find me behind a camera, editing video, or running My AI Robot Friend—a project designed to make artificial intelligence approachable for anyone curious enough to give it a try. No jargon. No hype. Just clear, honest explanations of what these tools can actually do for you. Along with a few LinkedIn newsletters where I explore AI developments and opportunities.
Think of me as your friendly translator between tech speak and plain English—preferably over a strong cup of coffee.
If you like ideas, results, or a good conversation about how AI can turn your next “what if” into something real, connect with me on LinkedIn.
— Steve Goad