Creating Companies That Last: Dave Batcheller at TEDxGrandForks

Dave Batcheller discusses the importance of privately held business in creating an environment in which real and substantial innovation is possible. Batcheller discusses some of the negative affects of merger and acquisition activity on industry's capacity to innovate, the way in which closely held business can combat these issues, and some of the challenges in innovating in publicly held business.

Throughout Appareo System's rapid growth and commercial success as a provider of custom design electronics and software applications, Dave has worked to fill gaps in the company's roster (wearing a number of different "hats"), having roles in everything from purchasing, sales, marketing, and development until the commencement of his current stint in operations. In his current role as President & COO, Dave oversees the operation of the company's Fargo, Phoenix, and Paris locations, with responsibilities for Finance, Administration, Engineering, and Production.

Since 2005, Appareo has grown from two college kids in an office to 125 people across its three locations, with the majority of its staff at its headquarters in Fargo, ND. Appareo is privately held, with no investors and no commercial debt.

Dave is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and resides in Fargo with his wife and daughters.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)