It's Time To Change The Narrative
A new initiative aims to reposition the region through the renewed celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and startup activity.
Innovation is a popular word these days. Every community strives to be driven by an innovative spirit, but innovation is not a switch one can turn on and off. It is deeply rooted in who you are, what drives you and what your vision is for the future. Innovation sets Peoria apart, although that may not be obvious to the outside world—and is often not even recognized in our own backyard.
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Entrepreneur + Enthusiast = AUTIX
As founder of OneFire and co-founder of Startup Peoria (now Startup GP), Jake Hamann has some serious bona fides when it comes to entrepreneurship. He’s also a serious Jeep guy. His latest project brings the two worlds together—fusing his role as serial entrepreneur with that of specialty vehicle enthusiast.
It all started in the fall of 2016 when Hamann picked up a custom Jeep from a specialty dealership. Having modified the vehicle to taste, he requested a build list of its components and accessories. “Much to my surprise, the ‘list’ came back as a simple copy-and-paste from the dealership website,” he explains, “missing all of the factory specs, along with several of the modifications, such as gear ratio, axles, engine output, etc.”
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Tarter Source podcast: Entrepreneur Jake Hamann of OneFire innovation agency
CEO, President and founder of OneFire Jake Hamann joins the Journal Star’s Steve Tarter to chat about business development and the potential he sees in Peoria’s future.
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40 Under 40 - Jake Hamann
Jake Hamann is the founder, president and CEO of OneFire, a Peoria-based innovation agency and digital technology company, and cofounder of Startup Peoria, an organization that works to develop and promote the entrepreneurial startup community in Greater Peoria.
At OneFire, Hamann is responsible for leading the company’s overall strategy and direction. In just three years, he has built a team of more than 30 talented “ideators” who deliver innovative experiences that inspire, impact and transform. Meanwhile, his efforts at Startup Peoria have been critical in helping more than a dozen entrepreneurs launch new businesses over the past two years.
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Q&A with Jake Hamann, OneFire
Jake Hamann is the founder, president and CEO of OneFire, responsible for leading the company’s overall strategy and direction. The cofounder and board president of Startup Peoria, he also serves on the boards of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and the Downtown Development Corporation of Peoria.
Tell us about the beginnings of OneFire. How did you enter the tech world?
I started as a freelance graphic designer. I picked up my first Mac on September 10, 2001—I remember it well because of the day after, of course. That’s how I got started. It’s not what I went to school for—I went to ISU on a scholarship for music education.
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OneFireMedia CEO Jake Hamann a guiding force in entrepreneurial initiatives for Peoria
PEORIA — Jake Hamann is running out of room on his business card.
Along with being the president and CEO of OneFireMedia, Hamann is the co-founder of Startup Peoria, the organizer of the Startup Weekend and the 1 Million Cups program.
He’s also a board member of the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois and the Peoria Downtown Development Corp. as well as a contributor to the Whiskey City Collaborative.
That business card also reads: husband, father, serial entrepreneur.
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