Julie Jacobson is co-founder of EH Publishing Inc., publisher of Electronic House, CE Pro, TechLiving and TecHome Builder. She has edited and contributed to all of these publications over the past 10 years, and currently serves as editor-at-large for CE Pro (Custom Electronics Professional), the leading magazine for home systems integrators.

Jacobson regularly reports on networking, automation, digital convergence, and the business of home systems integration.

She earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan, and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas.

About EH Publishing

Founded in 1994, EH Publishing is the leading media company for the home technology industry. The organization's hallmark publication Electronic House, launched in 1986, was the foundation of EH Publishing, and has spawned several magazines, trade shows, research and other business units since the book's acquisition in 1994.

Electronic House readership today exceeds 100,000 (audited). Other EH publications include CE Pro, which serves 35,000 professionals in the home technology industry; TecHome Builder, the magazine for builders and developers; Home Electronic Ideas, a quarterly coffee-table book; TechLiving, the magazine for technology enthusiasts; and Church Production, catering to technology decision-makers for houses of worship.

In addition, EH is the producer of the Electronic House Expos (EHX), held twice yearly on the East and West Coasts. EHX will attract some 20,000 electronic-house professionals in 2005. EH this year will produce the inaugural TecHome Builder Expo (TBX) and Worship Facilities Expo (WFX).

For more information visit www.ehpub.com



Brian Schoenborn is a principal and shareholder at Leonard, Street and Deinard, a legal firm with offices in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, St. Cloud as well as Washington D.C. Brian Schoenborn has substantial experience providing general counsel representation to closely held and family businesses, with a specific focus on sports, recreation and entertainment, high technology, and manufacturing industries. This experience includes business consulting and development, business acquisitions and sales, intellectual property protection, and estate planning. Brian is a member of the U.S. Hockey League Board of Governors. He is also a co-owner of the Sioux Falls Stampede of the U.S. Hockey League. He is a member of the business law section of the Minnesota State Bar Association and a member of the sports and entertainment, business and estate planning sections of the American Bar Association. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at St. Cloud State University teaching courses in law and entrepreneurship. Brian graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1995. He is the managing partner of Leonard, Street and Deinard's St. Cloud, Minnesota, Office. Brian is admitted to practice in Minnesota, as well as before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Brian graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1995.



Steve Palmer is an owner, President, visionary, and sales and marketing leader at Palmer Printing Company. Palmer Printing is a St. Cloud based sheet fed printer with 42 employees and $8.3 million in sales. Palmer Printing serves clients in local, regional and national markets. Palmer Printing utilizes a balance of technology and human resources to exceed industry standards in productivity and profit.

In 2004 Palmer Printing received the Small Business of the Year award from the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, Palmer Printing received an international quality award from the International Association of Printing House Craftsman, and Steve was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Central Minnesota Advertising Federation.



Steve is the Director of Operations at Culver's Franchising system, working with the Franchise Business Consultants to oversee the operations of our franchise restaurants. Steve brings over 20 years of Restaurant experience. Steve has played a vital role in the aggressive expansion of the Culver's brand. Steve works with 5 Franchise Business Partners to serve 94 restaurants in 12 states; is Culvers Instructor of Building Team Leaders, Overcoming Obstacles, and Managing and Minimizing Your Risks classes at the Culver Franchising Learning Center; Serves on the Franchise Advisory Counsel for Culver Franchising; and Serves on the Marketing and Finance sub-committees for Culver Franchising.

He began his food service career starting with McDonald's in 1972. He has worked within the Taco Bell organizations of franchise and Chesapeake Bagel Bakery. Prior to joining Culver's in 2000, he was a business consultant with Taco John's. Steve currently resides in Blaine, Minnesota with his wife Connie and two children.

Phil Keiser, Chief Operating Officer of Culver's Franchising System, Inc. stated “Steve has lead the charge in our successful development of the Minnesota market with his leadership, dedication and hard work, making Twin Cities market one of the shining stars with in our Culver's system.”

Culver's Frozen Custard and ButterBurgers, is one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the United States. The once small Wisconsin chain has grown to over 190 restaurants in 12 states. George and Ruth Culver, their son, Craig, and his wife, Lea founded Culver's in 1984. For additional information, see Culvers' web page at www.culvers.com or call (608)644-2113



Tom co-founded Cybermation with his wife, Susie, in 1996. In addition, Tom is the President of RT Enterprises, a software services firm he founded in 1986.

His experience began with 4 years in the Intelligence and Security Command of the U.S. Army, from 1979-1983, working with various high tech projects as an electronics technician. Upon discharge, Tom joined Sanders Associates, a leading defense contractor based in Nashua, New Hampshire spending 3 years working on classified projects in an R&D environment, primarily specialized airborne platforms that were deployed for special projects throughout the world.

Returning to Minnesota, Tom completed a Bachelors in Engineering Technology from 1985-1988 at St. Cloud State University while simultaneously founding RT Enterprises in July of 1986. Tom continued working on an MBA at SCSU, graduating in 1993. Due to lack of any available custom installers, Tom and Susie founded Cybermation in 1996 when building their home.

Spending the next 5 years gaining education and experience in custom electronics and home systems, Tom and Susie continue to participate in the strategic planning of both firms, and some active daily participation as required to foster each firms' growth.



In 1996 Susie co-founded Cybermation with her husband Tom. She is also Vice-President of RT Enterprises, a software service business Tom started in 1986. In 1990 Tom and Susie were married and that is when life changed considerably for Susie. Being a business owner was very different from the life of waitressing and bartending. In the early 1980s she worked at Fingerhut.

After graduation from St Cloud State University with a degree in Anthropology she plunged in the small business world learning at every step along the way. RT Enterprises became our livelihood.

In 1996 the decision to build a new home was made. Tom's fervor for a computer automated home was the focal point for Cybermation. After a few lamp and appliance models were plugged into the wall Tom's fascination escalated and Cybermation was born. Susie is dedicated to Cybermation by participating the strategic planning and doing the necessary day to day operations it takes to make the business run.



As the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jim as been tasked with growing the business and bringing awareness of the Custom Integration Market to Central Minnesota. Jim has admirably embraced the home technology market, rapidly building the volume of audio and video sales at Cybermation. Jim has significantly increased the average dollars per Cybermation sale. Jim has also firmly established they Cybermation brand in central Minnesota, proven by the high level of name-recognition by builders and architects.

Prior to coming aboard Jim was the Vice President / Partner of Brain Magnet, LLC progressive print and digital advertising agency. Jim oversaw Brain Magnet's largest national accounts as he grew the business from the ground up before his sale of the company in 2003.

Jim earned his B.S. in Speech Communication with an Emphasis in Business from St. Cloud State University in 2001.