Mountain Xpress spotlights diverse set of innovators in Asheville area
The Mountain Xpress in Asheville has published profiles on several entrepreneurs and teams under the overall theme of “Asheville innovators create what’s next.” There are some interesting initiatives underway in the community 100 miles east of Knoxville.
- Matthew Johnson and Stan Cross who are behind Brightfield Transportation Solutions that is focused on delivering solar-driven charging solutions for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle marketplace.
- Ron Larsen, Owner and General Manager of Shoebox Tasks, a start-up focused on beginning-level educational activities, designed primarily for children on the autism spectrum.
- Luis Carlos Serapio, Creative Director for Descubre Asheville, a bilingual online platform that highlights Asheville’s attractions while creating opportunity for all.
- Michael Murphy and Ted Stump, Workforce Development Director and Volunteer respectively with ESTA, a 24-month education, career pathway and independent living program that provides youths with multiple barriers to employment the appropriate support and resources to achieve their personal and professional goals.
- Three farmers who collectively represent Patch Work Urban Farms, a cooperative, multi-plot farm in the city that grows and produces eggs, herbs, flowers and perennial food crops.
- A team behind the University of North Carolina – Asheville’s STEAM Studio @ the RAMP, a state-of-the-art fabrication/making space combining the curricular forces of engineering and art. STEAM Studio is an 11,647-square-foot space that acts as a hands-on classroom, fabrication facility and incubator for these collaborative partners and ideas.
