Entrepreneur Council
Member Group

Entrepreneur Council

The Entrepreneur Council of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® supports the growth and success of entrepreneurs through education, collaboration and mentoring.

Mission

To empower tech entrepreneurs with resources, networking opportunities, mentoring, advocacy and connections to help their businesses thrive, while fostering a vital sense of community.

Vision

To be a catalyst for success, growth and shared best practices for technology entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Council Virtual Roundtables

Join the Entrepreneur Council’s Virtual Roundtables for expert insights, practical strategies, and networking opportunities to grow your business. Open to all CTA members, these sessions focus on the latest trends and tools to drive success.

January

CES 2025 – Trends & Takeaways: Explore the biggest trends from CES 2025 and what they mean for entrepreneurs.

February

Fundamentals of Selling on Amazon: Learn proven strategies for maximizing Amazon’s platform for your business growth.

April

Launching and Optimizing Your Brand: Practical advice for building a strong, memorable brand.

June

2025 Investor Economy – A Fireside Chat: Gain insights into navigating the investment landscape in 2025.

Entrepreneur Member Spotlight

Stefan Menia, Head of Business Development, EVYTRA

Tell us about EVYTRA.

EVYTRA manufactures customized HMIs, glass input systems and trades in printed circuit boards, first class since 1969.

As a manufacturer of Glas HMI, our company oversees the entire production process, from printing the glass to mechanical processing the glass into the desired shapes, and finally, assembling the finished product into the customer's specified packaging.

Working with Pierre Lohrber, founder of EVYTRA, is a wholly novel experience. He is a forward-thinking individual who consistently strives to drive innovation. Moreover, he encourages the company's employees to take initiative and explore new possibilities

EVYTRA is a relatively new CTA member….what prompted you to join?

Our primary objective is to expand our presence in the United States, therefore the establishment of a reliable network is of paramount importance. So, for us, it was clear that the CTA was a perfect match for us, providing the networking to build up strong relationships and get inside our target market.

What do you value most about your CTA membership experience so far?

The various councils to participate in, and the CTA Mentor program, which provided us guidance on navigating the complexities of entering a new market.

Tell us about your experience in the tech industry.

I have been interested in the technology industry since my teenage years. It was evident from an early stage that I wished to pursue a career in this sector. In Austria, I took part in an apprenticeship, which marked my first step towards specializing in bus and process control technology for building automation. I subsequently assumed the role of product manager for access control, which involved managing the challenges associated with hardware, software and cloud services. Today, the focus is on excellent usability of HMIs. Advanced technologies are always the key to success.

What do you appreciate most about the tech industry?

In this Industry there are no boundaries regarding finding solutions. There is no one who tells you something is impossible. Additionally, it is typically a group of individuals with an open mind and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all.

How has networking contributed to your business’ success?

Networking is an essential aspect of developing a thriving business. I firmly believe that with a robust network, you can gain invaluable market insights and feedback. Furthermore, a strong network opens the opportunity to forge alliances with other companies. This is a fantastic way for companies to make their product portfolios more cost-effective, and to open up new services and business models!

What’s a personal habit or routine that helps you succeed in business?

Having a clear vision for the future and exercising regularly are both key habits in my opinion.

A clear vision provides direction and purpose, enabling informed decision-making and maintaining focus on long-term goals. It functions as a roadmap, guiding actions and motivating the overcoming of challenges.

Regular exercise has been proven to boost energy levels, enhance focus and improve problem-solving abilities, all of which are crucial for success in the business world.

These habits can reinforce one another. A clear vision can encourage continued activity, while regular exercise can enhance strategic and creative thinking, enabling the refinement of the vision.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Believe in yourself, keep focused on your dreams, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.

What are you most looking forward to at CES 2025?

Our intention is to identify novel trends and solutions in order to enhance the quality of our products and services.

What’s a fun fact about you?

1. I have a big weakness for sweets.

2. I try to go for a run at every place I visit to create a personal heatmap of sports activities all over the world

deb kassoffHow You Can Participate

Participation is open to all CTA members. Contact Deb Kassoff to learn how you can get involved.