LOVELAND — The Warehouse, a Loveland-based business accelerator, has hired Bryan Pederson as its new executive director.
The 4-year-old economic development nonprofit specializes in helping Stage II companies grow beyond the startup phase.
Pederson grew up in Fort Collins but spent the past six years in the San Francisco Bay Area, he said in an interview Wednesday.
The Bay Area, famous for its high-tech companies and entrepreneurial culture, bears some resemblance to Northern Colorado, Pederson said.
“A big similarity is the technology here in Northern Colorado and manufacturing — some of those industries are really starting to explode and boom here,” he said.
“Northern Colorado consistently has been on the radar for top 10 tech startups and tech climate and potential for growth,” he said.
As director of The Warehouse, he will be focused on helping local companies achieve that growth, he said.
“The goal would be to find these second-stage companies, get them on board and find really great mentors and business coaches to take them to the next level,” he said.
In a press release from The Warehouse, founder Jay Dokter said Pederson’s passion is “driving business development and community engagement.”
“His servant leadership, networking capabilities and positive attitude make him ideal for the position,” Dokter said.
Pederson spent 3 ½ years as a community engagement leader for Thrivent Financial in the Bay Area.
The Warehouse’s first director, Kelly Jones, was hired in April 2015, and she left the position in January to become the city of Loveland’s economic development director.
Pederson, a Loveland resident, started at The Warehouse on July 10.
Craig Young: 970-635-3634, cyoung@reporter-herald.com, www.twitter.com/CraigYoungRH.