Leadership

Steve Blackmon – Founder & CEO With more than 20 years of experience in the technology arena, Steve Blackmon is recognized as a visionary leader who firmly believes that “the secret to success is teamwork.” Steve founded Transparent Technologies, Inc. (TTI) in 1999, where he recruited the top resources and contributors to offer a wide array of expertise in network operations, hardware integration & repair and video technology deployment. As CEO of TTI, one of Steve’s notable accomplishments was his success establishing the company as a Cisco certified channel partner, selling Cisco’s Video Technology Group of products and services. Privately owned and operated, TTI continues to expand and has maintained profitability since its inception ten years ago. Centered on the telecommunications, cable, data and wireless industries, TTI has current agreements with companies like The Weather Channel and TV Guide. Prior to starting his own business, Steve developed his expertise for software development working on various projects for MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Raytheon Range Systems Engineering and Scientific-Atlanta. As part of the VSAT division at Scientific-Atlanta, he managed the software development environment and designed a number of installation and management tools for various VSAT related product lines. Later, Steve led the platform development team for their Digital Network Control System (DNCS) contributing to the successful launch of the digital cable product line. Though Steve appreciates being an entrepreneur, he credits much of his success to the hard work of his colleagues and keeping an honest foundation. “I am able to lead a successful company by engaging talented people and always striving to do the right thing for customers, employees and vendors.”   Richard Linn – VP Business Development & Sales Richard Linn, Vice president of Business Development and Sales, joined Transparent Technologies, Inc. (TTI) in 2008 to lead the national sales team and focus on expanding business through strategic partnerships, growing reseller programs, and further developing the voice, video and data integration businesses. Richard’s talent for increasing revenue and developing new opportunities became evident while working in Operations for Tandberg Television (formerly N2 Broadband). He grew the support contract revenue to more than $17M in seven years, making “support” the company’s third highest grossing product. Early in his career Richard gained invaluable experience while holding various positions at QoS Networks, NetEffect Corporation and Worldport Communications. His long term goals for TTI include sustaining growth, enhancing the competitive edge, and consistently delivering innovative products and services to customers. Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Emory University (Atlanta, GA).   Terry Barden – VP Engineering Terry Barden is the Vice President of Engineering for Transparent Technologies, Inc. where he provides leadership for the technical strategy of the company. Well versed in the products sold and supported by TTI, he provides input on system designs and facilitates the process of matching customer needs. Terry was brought on to the TTI management team in 2006, and leverages his expertise of the software lifecycle including design, project management and implementation. As an analytical problem solver, his technical engineering background and hands-on management style allow him to focus on building a division that provides the best products and services to TTI customers. Prior to joining TTI, Terry refined his engineering skills while working for Bigband Networks, where he designed and quoted Simulcast and Switched Digital solutions. Prior to BigBand, he was instrumental in leveraging N2 Broadband’s BMS for the Motorola environment. In earlier years, Terry established his career while working at Scientific Atlanta and BellSouth Entertainment. An outstanding reputation within the industry has landed Terry honors such as the Switched Digital Pioneer Award from both Time Warner Cable and Bigband Networks and is a member of the SCTE. Terry earned a Bachelor degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC.   Craig Ibold – VP Operations Craig Ibold became Vice President of Operations for Transparent Technologies, Inc. in 2008, following almost a decade of service with the company. As an operations expert, he has led the successful launch of the Hardware Integration practice and development of the 7x24x365 Network Operations Center (NOC). Craig joined TTI in 2000 as a Recruiting Manager and has since progressed through a series of roles of increasing responsibility. His experience includes extensive work in consumer hardware technology, customer support and information systems technology. Early in his career, Craig held various positions in the staff augmentation field working for companies such as Elite Technical Services (NY) and Acsys IT (ATL). Additionally, he co-founded Sage Solutions Group, a professional services company.

We thrive on establishing long-term partnerships with our customers. These relationships are directly responsible not only for our growth but also for the success of our customers.