Sameer PENAKALAPATI

Founder & CEO Indotronix Avani Group

Sameer Penakalapati is an exceptional serial entrepreneur and visionary leader in the technology startup landscape. With a primary focus on HR Tech and AI, Sameer has founded and acquired over six companies in the past decade. His ventures include two major staffing firms, multiple SaaS platforms, and a digital marketing agency, all of which have served a vast global clientele.

Passionate about talent acquisition, engagement, and total talent management, Sameer has established himself as a thought leader in the industry. His thought-provoking contributions to HR publications and induction into the Forbes HR Council attest to his expertise and forwardthinking mindset.

Sameer’s remarkable achievements have garnered numerous awards and accolades, including recognition from esteemed institutions such as Inc 500/5000, Rochester Top 100, Deloitte Fast 500, Forbes Best Startup Employers, USPAACC, SIA Fastest Growing Companies, and SIA Largest Staffing Companies. These accolades underscore his exceptional entrepreneurial skills and the substantial impact of his ventures. Moreover, Sameer demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility by actively engaging in philanthropic endeavors focused on children’s education and youth development in the US and India.

Timothy Pope is the CEO of Terry Tree Service, LLC & Ironwood Heavy Highway, LLC; two Rochester based companies that provide services including residential and commercial tree clearing, civil construction, vegetation management, environmental matting, and storm disaster recovery. Tim has been in this role for 28 years, dating back to 1995 when he and his past partner, Thomas Terry III, started Terry Tree Service, LLC. Ironwood Heavy Highway, LLC was established in 2003, expanding those services offered to local and regional utility providers. Under Tim’s leadership, Terry Tree Service and Ironwood Heavy Highway have consistently grown, currently employing over 300 people from Rochester, NY headquarters. Tim is proud of the storm disaster relief efforts he has led to help restore communities across the nation after a natural disaster. Tim has overseen 500 crews in response to storms such as Hurricane Katrina, Super Storm Sandy, Hurricane Matthew, the Joplin Missouri Tornados, etc. Tim also takes pride in his community service, specifically with his involvement with Warrior Salute Veteran Services. In Tim’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Theresa, their four children and granddaughter. Tim is an avid outdoorsman and Miami Dolphins fan!

Timothy J. POPE CEO