Welcome to The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast brought to you by Torch Technologies. In this podcast, you will learn all about all things Torch from its history to its culture, employee ownership, commitment to the warfighter, our community involvement, and so much more.
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The University of New England’s STEM Quarter (STEM Q) is a platform for regional partnerships. It seeks to become an engine of innovation by connecting industry & investment with research & education through mutually beneficial projects. By providing local industries and communities with a pathway to engage in research specifically focused on local challenges, the New England and North West region of New South Wales, Australia, is headed for incredible success. Focused on the four key pillar ...
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Episode 31: Freedom Real Estate Anniversary with Bill Roark
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In this episode we sit down with Bill Roark, CEO of Freedom Real Estate, to discuss the company's origins and its impact on Huntsville's growth. Initially created as a subsidiary of Torch to generate better returns than the company's cash reserves, Freedom Real Estate faced initial resistance from the board. However, after an article in the Wall St…
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Episode 30: Corporate Philanthropy with Clay Hagan
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By Torch Technologies
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Corey Chandler discusses the Technology Integration and Prototyping Center (TIPC) at Torch Technologies. TIPC is a unique capability that supports rapid prototyping and solutions development for the government. It was opened in 2019 and provides dedicated lab space for various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, o…
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Episode 28: Adoption Assistance Program with Cathy McDonald & John Watson
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In this podcast episode, Cathy McDonald and John Watson discuss Torch Technologies' Adoption Assistance Program, introduced during its shift to a public benefit corporation. They outline the program's straightforward structure and substantial reimbursement policies, noting its favorable reception from the board and employees alike. The discussion h…
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Episode 27: Built with Purpose with Bill Roark
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Bill Roark, co-founder of Torch Technologies, delves into his recent book, Built with Purpose. This work chronicles the formative years and history of Torch Technologies, a company with a two-decade legacy. Roark shares insights into the book's creation, detailing his collaboration with a ghostwriter and the extensive interviews conducted with curr…
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Episode 26: SIMVANA with Darryl Trousdale
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Darrell Trousdale, the project manager of the Advanced VIZLAB at Torch Technology, discusses the journey of SIMVANA and its impact in various fields. SIMVANA, a part of the Advanced VIZLAB, was initially developed for virtual training capabilities in the defense industry. However, it has expanded to other areas such as anesthesiology and nursing on…
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Episode 25: The IRAD Program with Bruce Peters
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In this episode, we interview Bruce Peters to talk about the company's Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program. Bruce shares his background and how he got involved in the program. He discusses the importance of linking innovative ideas with customer needs and the role of different disciplines in project management. Bruce highlights the adv…
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Episode 24: New Starfish CEO with Bill Roark
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Bill Roark about his transition as Starfish Holdings CEO. We also discuss the role he will now play as Chairman of the Board, his upcoming book release in May, and future travel plans across the country.By Torch Technologies
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Episode 23: Co-Founder of Torch Technologies with Don Holder
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In this episode, we talk with Don Holder Co-Founder of Torch. We discuss his educational background, the discussion with Bill Roark back in 2002 to join Torch, what it’s like now to see Torch continue to grow 20+ years later, and what advice he would give to new and current employee-owners of Torch Technologies.…
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Episode 22: Employee Spotlight with Mike O'Melia
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Mike O'Melia who has been at Torch Technologies for 19 years now, coming up on 20. We discussed his knowledge of ESOPs before joining Torch, the importance of the term employee-owner , and his challenge to the younger employees just beginning their career at Torch…
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Episode 21: Public Benefit Corporation with Bill Roark
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In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark to discuss Torch’s newest distinction of becoming a Public Benefit Corporation. We discuss the differences between a Public Benefit Corp and a B Corp, how this distinction pairs with being an Evergreen Company, and the commitment Torch has to grow and be profitable for more than 100 years.…
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Episode 20: Freedom Real Estate with Brenda Conville & Lee Holland
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Brenda Conville and Lee Holland of Freedom Real Estate & Capital a sister company to Torch Technologies. We discuss their backgrounds prior to joining Freedom, the exponential growth Freedom has had in a short few years, the ESOP structure that connects Freedom with Torch, and the future goals they both hav…
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Episode 19: CEO of Torch Technologies with John Watson
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19:26
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with John Watson who has been at Torch Technologies since 2009 and who was promoted to CEO in 2018. We discuss his educational background, how he met Bill Roark while at Nichols Research, the initial decision to join Torch, and the future goals he has for Torch moving into 2024 and beyond.…
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Episode 18: Torch Helps with Maureen Eversmeyer, LaJoy Johns, & Samantha Blumkin
17:24
17:24
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We sit down with the current Board Chair of Torch Helps, Samantha Blumkin, and the previous two Board Chairs, Maureen Eversmeyer and LaJoy Johns. We discuss their backgrounds at Torch, the mission of Torch Helps, and the future impact they hope Torch Helps has in the community.By Torch Technologies
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Episode 17: Internal Stock Exchange with Bill Roark
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In this episode, we sit down with Bill Roark Co-Founder of Torch Technologies to discuss the Internal Stock Exchange. We discuss the employee benefit, the importance of having it, and the impact it will have on employee-owners for years to come.By Torch Technologies
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Episode 16: President of Torch Technologies with Brad Walker
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Brad Walker who has been at Torch Technologies since 2006 and who recently got promoted to President of the company in January 2023. We discuss his educational background, how he met Bill Roark while at Nichols Research, the initial decision to join Torch in 2006, and how his day to day has changed since be…
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Episode 15: Employee Spotlight with Jim Moore
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Jim Moore who has been at Torch Technologies for 19 years now, coming up on 20. He currently works in the Shalimar, Florida office at Eglin Air Force Base. We discuss his knowledge of ESOPs prior to joining Torch, the discussion 10 years ago to move to Shalimar Florida to help open that office, and how the …
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Episode 14: Employee Spotlight with Samantha Blumkin
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In this episode, we talk with the lead program control analyst Samantha Blumkin. She helps lead all the program control analysts that support our ACE group here at Torch. During this episode, we discuss what it was like joining Torch back in 2013, her decision to leave Torch for a few months back in 2020 and her passion to educate the younger emplo…
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Episode 13: Employee Spotlight with Jim Diehl
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25:49
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Jim Diehl, who recently retired but was the corporate chief of staff working directly for the president and the program manager for the MDA programs here at Torch Technologies. During this episode, we discuss what it was like joining Torch back in 2009 after almost 30 years of working at Teledyne Brown. We …
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Episode 12: Employee Spotlight with Adam Sampley
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Adam Sampley who helps lead the aircraft survivability team under the tactical systems business unit here at Torch Technologies. During this episode, we discuss what it was like to join Torch 19 years ago directly out of college, the value of the ESOP program to him, what advice he would give to someone fir…
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Episode 11: Employee Spotlight with Clayton Newkirk
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In this episode, we sit down to talk with Clayton Newkirk Senior Director here at Torch Technologies. During this episode, we discuss what it was like joining Torch 20 years ago, the value of the ESOP program to him, what advice he would give to someone first beginning their career here, and what milestones/achievements he would love to see Torch r…
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Episode 10: Principle of Pragmatic Innovation
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In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark, Co-Founder of Torch Technologies, to talk a little bit about the Tugboat Institute and their Principle of Pragmatic Innovation. We discuss the mindset he has had over the last 20 years when taking calculated risks and what the biggest calculated risk he has had to make for Torch over the last 20 years and h…
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In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark, Co-Founder of Torch Technologies, to talk a little bit about the Tugboat Institute and their Principle of Profit. We discuss the importance of profit to the survival of Torch specifically in the early years, how Bill was able to balance the desire to increase profits without making it the purpose of Torch, …
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In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark, Co-Founder of Torch Technologies, to talk a little bit about the Tugboat Institute and its Principle of Paced Growth. We discuss some of the long-term strategies put in place for Torch back in 2002, how Bill was able to balance short-term performance with Torch’s long-term goals, how Torch has been so consi…
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In this episode, we talk with Bill Roark CoFounder of Torch Technologies to talk a little bit about 2022 and some of the goals and milestones that Torch, Freedom Real Estate, & Simvana have been able to achieve across this year, as well as some of the goals we have for the podcast moving forward into 2023. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast wherev…
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In this episode we sit down with Bill Roark to discuss the Tugboat Institute and their Principle of Private which they define as taking advantage of the ability of closely-held private companies to have a longer-term view, greater confidentiality around strategies, and more operating flexibility than public or exit-oriented businesses. We discuss B…
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Anna Barwick is an award-winning pharmacist and entrepreneur. Her innovative new business PharmOnline was brought to life at the beginning of the COVID lockdowns to help people remotely access the advice and services of pharmacists. As well as running the business, she is also conducting research into how telehealth services such as PharmOnline are…
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How much children are exposed to technology, and in particular how long they spend looking at screens and devices, is a heated topic. Dr. Jo Bird from the University of New England studies how young children interact with technology and how imaginative play can incorporate technology just as any other object in their environment. By working with ea…
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In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast, we talk with Bill Roark, CoFounder of Torch Technologies and Brady Porter, a current employee of Torch. We discuss the general structuring of the ESOP, the impact that the ESOP has had on Brady's life over his 18 years of service and how the overall atmosphere of Torch has been impacted based …
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Omelia is a new digital story-telling tool being developed by entertainment industry experts that is being developed right here in Armidale. In this interview we chat with Kate Armstrong-Smith, one of the co-founders of Omelia, to hear about how this new story-telling technology works. With a background in science and the entertainment industry, th…
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In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast, we talk with Bill Roark CoFounder of Torch Technologies and reminisce over the last 20 years. We discuss the history of Torch, lessons he has learned along the way, & what the future looks like for Torch.By Torch Technologies
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In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast we sit down with Bill Roark Co-Founder of Torch Technologies to continue our conversation and discuss The Tugboat Institute and their Third P of People First.By Torch Technologies
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Welcome to Season 2 of Stories of STEM Q! James has put together a fantastic show for the first episode of the brand new season - Tamara Miller is a Moree local who left her hometown to study and build a career in biotechnology in the pharmaceutical industry. She has recently returned to Moree where she continues to work remotely for Actinogen Medi…
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In this episode of The Keeping the Dream Alive Podcast we sit down with Bill Roark Co-Founder of Torch Technologies to continue our conversation and discuss The Tugboat Institute and their second P of Perseverance.By Torch Technologies
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In this episode, we sit down with Bill Roark Co-founder of Torch Technologies to learn more about their history and one of their newest accomplishments of being recognized as a Certified Evergreen Company. We discuss what it means to be an evergreen company, the principle of purpose within the Tugboat Group, and how it applies to Torch. The Tugboat…
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Professor Linda Agnew's April 2022 Graduation Address
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Professor Linda Agnew is the Head of the School of Science and Technology at the University of New England. This special bonus episode of Stories of STEM Q is a recording of her speech given as the occasional address to students during the Autumn graduation ceremonies in 2022. As one of the first round of graduation ceremonies to be held on back on…
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Episode 10: The Poultry Hub with Dr Tamsyn Crowley
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25:22
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The Poultry Hub, situated on campus here at the University of New England, is a world renowned research centre working to improve practices in the livestock industry. Dr Tamsyn Crowley is the Director of the Poultry Hub, and a researcher at UNE with a focus on improving animal wellbeing by using molecular markers to quantify stress levels in livest…
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Episode 9: The University Experience with Aurora Howland
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Aurora Howland is the Schools Liaison Officer for the University of New England. She works with local schools and communities to introduce high school students to university life. This can include introducing them to the courses and career pathways available, but also looks at what kind of lifestyle awaits students on a university campus. In this i…
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Episode 8: Archaeology at the University of New England with Melanie Fillios
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Associate Professor Melanie Fillios is an archaeologist that specialises in human-animal interactions throughout history, and is currently the Director of Place Based Education and Research at the University of New England. In this interview we chat about the changing role of universities and the expectations that students and society place on univ…
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Episode 7: Moss Environmental with Shonelle Gleeson-Willey
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Shonelle Gleeson-Willey is the founder and CEO of Moss Environmental, an environmental consultancy based in Tamworth, NSW. She is also the President of the International Erosion Control Association and hosts her own STEM podcast ‘Beyond the Green Line’. In this interview we chat about how she made the decision to move from being an employee of othe…
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Episode 6: The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration with Andrew McConville
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Andrew McConville came from an agricultural background, having originally studied at the University of New England, to go on to become the CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration (APPEA). As an advocacy organisation APPEA represents the interests of oil and gas producers in Australia. In this interview we chat about the enormous …
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Episode 5: Agronomy in Practice with Casey Budd
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Casey Budd is a graduate of the University of New England who was named Agronomist of the year at the Australian Summer Grains Conference in 2019. She was previously a Young Farming Champions youth ambassador and now works as an agronomist at B&W Rural in Moree. As an agronomist she works with farmers and growers to manage their businesses, with a …
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Episode 4: The Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit with Dr Steve Miller
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41:57
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Dr Steve Miller is the Director of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) at the University of New England. AGBU works to understand how to breed better animals and plants using information on the genetics of individuals and animal populations. This can include everything from breeding desirable traits to managing disease susceptibility withi…
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Episode 3: The New England Virtual Health Network with Leanne Nisbet
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The New England Virtual Health Network (NEViHN) was an emerging idea from the University of New England that was spurred into action at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The need for remotely delivered medical services has always been an issue for remote and regional towns, now the world has been faced with the need for such services and it is…
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Episode 2: The UNE SMART Region Incubator with Dr Lou Conway
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27:43
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On this episode of Stories of STEM Q Dr. Lou Conway introduces us to the University of New England SMART Region Incubator (SRI) and its mission to grow local start-ups and small businesses. Spanning the North West New England Region the SRI and its partners aim to create an ideas network where locals can find support and collaboration to help them …
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Episode 1: The vision and the economic, environmental and social transformation of the New England North West
24:23
24:23
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The University of New England’s STEM Quarter (STEM Q) is a platform for regional partnerships. It seeks to become an engine of innovation by connecting industry & investment with research & education through mutually beneficial projects. By providing local industries and communities with a pathway to engage in research specifically focused on local…
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continue reading