Brainpark Leadership

Who is leading Brainpark?

Mark Dowds

CEO

Mark combines communication expertise with over 10 years in the software industry. His Irish heritage complements his aptitude for successful team development and leadership. Mark’s background in organizational development led to coaching executive teams at several of North America’s largest corporations including American Express, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Royal Bank of Canada, and CIBC. His experience with executive instruction enables him to facilitate an educational and productive environment for the team within Brainpark. He believes in the wisdom of crowds and endeavors to keep the company in the hands of the people. He enjoys seeing other people succeed and spends a significant amount of his time connecting people to make the world a better place.

Mark is an investor and contributor within the technology community in North America. He is a certified NLP trainer (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), carries a degree in Divinity and is currently completing his Masters in Industrial Psychology. Mark sits on the Board of Directors for Jiffle and on the Board of Advisors for Worldblu and TravelFli . He currently resides with his wife and two kids in the San Francisco Bay Area. On most Sundays, you can find Mark on his dirt bike enjoying the California sunshine.

Bobby John

CTO

Bobby brings over 15 years of outstanding leadership in business. Bobby tasted success at an early age, founding Personus Inc. (Caught in The Web), a highly capitalized boutique software development firm while still studying at university. He led Personus Inc. to its eventual acquisition. Bobby went on to become CTO of Trade Settlement Inc., Wall Street’s leader in post trade loan settlement processing serving the $3.0 trillion Global Primary and Secondary Syndicated Loan markets. The technology he built is used by more than 1,000 traders at the world’s largest financial institutions. Internationally recognized for his achievements, Bobby has received numerous accolades including Canada’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ as well as Canada’s ‘Top 40 Leaders under the Age of 40 Award’. Bobby John is keenly focused on deliverables and has a passion for building technology that helps people connect with ideas.

Bobby holds a BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto. His greatest joy is derived from time spent with his family. Bobby currently resides in Atlanta, GA with his wife and three children.

Brydon Gilliss

Product Manager

Armed with over 12 years in software development and product management, Brydon is a proven and dynamic leader at Brainpark. Formerly a software developer with MKS, Brydon set himself apart through his contribution to the bottom line through tactful design and development of product customizations. Brydon’s extensive experience is complimented by his ability to effectively motivate and manage a team.

Brydon carries a BS in Engineering Systems and Computing from the University of Guelph. He is a passionate hockey player and a devoted father.

George Boedecker Jr.

Director

George Boedecker Jr. is an entrepreneur and humanitarian, as well as the principal founder and creative force behind Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX). At one point considered the world’s fastest growing footwear company, George served as a member of the Board of Directors from June 2002, and as their Chief Executive Officer from July 2002 through December 2004. During this time, Crocs grew from an eight-employee company into a multi-billion dollar industry giant culminating in the largest IPO in the history of the shoe industry.

George is also the founder and chairman of the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation, which he created in honor of Kruse, his long time friend and business partner who passed away suddenly in 2006. The Foundation provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, which in turn provide critical youth development skills training in areas related to entrepreneurship, humanities, health and wellness, and family and community development.

In addition to his other endeavors, George has long been engaged in numerous philanthropic efforts around the globe. He is one of the primary visionaries for the community centers and youth sports fields for impoverished children throughout La Paz, Mexico. He also served as board member and is a driving force for The “Q” Fund, a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to implementing sustainable solutions to eradicate poverty among millions of children left orphaned by AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Living his passion for children, George continues to serve as a mentor for the Boulder-based Family Learning Center’s “Ignite Your Potential” Youth Development Program, and has directed funds to help children from Hurricane Katrina, the Colorado Juvenile Council and Y-Build. In honor of his outstanding humanitarian work, George recently received the Family Learning Center’s inaugural Phoenix Award given to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to improving the quality of life for children and their families.

A maverick to the highest degree, and renowned for his big thinking and off-the-charts enthusiasm, George exudes success and inspiration wherever he lands – creating opportunity, value, and long-lasting friendships at every turn.