Inventor and Founder – John R. Mickowski

Active Angel investor since 1995, with an investment focus on enterprises which can improve the environment, save energy, biotechnology, and/or improve the quality of life for humanity.

25+ years as founder/CEO in high tech manufacturing enterprises.

B.S.M.E.with high honors, M.S.E.E. from Stevens Institute of Technology,

Three years of PhD. level mechanical engineering studies while Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Author of numerous technical papers.  Presentations at Domestic and International technical and management congresses.

Career Highlights:

Engineering Manager of Computer Controlled Instruments at Hewlett Packard. Invented the Multiprogrammer, making it possible for Mini’s to collect data and control large scale production and test systems for the first time.  It was the most profitable product in the division’s history.

Co-founded Cartek Communications Corp., where he designed, manufactured and brought to market three novel telecommunications diagnostic test instruments, merged with Porta Systems Corp. and issued an IPO, all within 12 months.

Founded Tymac Controls Corp. to manufacture electronic and computer based industrial instruments and control systems.  Later, expanded into the world’s first industrial plant wide networks and complete computer controlled automotive parts manufacturing cells, marketed worldwide.  Presented over 100 management and technical papers domestically and internationally, including Spain, Austria, China, and India.

Holds Numerous Patents:  

Manufactured and licensed his invention of the world’s first computer graphic analyzer to GM, Ford, Honda, and several other domestic and international corporations.  The TCC-3000 was the precursor to today’s ECG’s, industrial monitors, and numerous other graphic display instruments.  Marketed worldwide.  In 1999, was honored with a New Jersey Inventor of the Year Award by the New Jersey Inventors’ Hall of Fame, nominated by Dr. Edward David, past president of Exxon R&D and former White House Science advisor.

Experienced in patent drafting, prosecution and enforcement.  Successfully won patent enforcement suits through the U.S. Court of Appeals, Washington, D.C.  Retained by the Department of Justice as an expert in a $110 million case involving conversion of defense plants in the former Soviet Union to commercial production.  The Department of Justice, defendant in the case, prevailed.

Has designed and built his own passive solar, heat pump based house with the first use of high efficiency cement tile roofing, and foam insulated stucco siding in the Northeast region.  Heating and A/C costs are a fraction of normal.  Recently installed a 8.6 kW photovoltaic generation system with backup diesel generator to achieve energy independence. 

Provides engineering consulting services, pro bono and for compensation, to homeowners wishing to convert to alternative energy sources and energy saving construction.  Provides management consulting, strategic planning, corporate governance, and/or IP protection advisory services to start-ups and early stage companies.

Community Involvement:

Recipient of Rotary International’s Paul Harris Medal. Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

Sits on the boards of directors of several high tech companies in the Northeast.

Member of Rotary International.  Recipient of Paul Harris Medal.

Volunteers carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and engineering services to Habitat for Humanity.

Awarded New Jersey Inventor of the Year by the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame.

Recipient of Alpha Sigma Phi’s Distinguished Merit Award

The Fraternity’s second oldest award for individual alumni. It may be presented to a brother in recognition of exceptional achievement and distinction in the brother’s profession or vocation. The award was established by the Grand Council in 1950. Past winners include Ratan Tata, Willard Scott, Warren Buffett, John Kasich (69th Governor of Ohio), C. Everett Koop, and Ralph Burns.  

Motorcycle Background:

John’s first bike was a Honda 90, followed soon by a Honda 450.

As a hobby he restores vintage Honda 350’s and 450’s.

Bikes owned:  numerous Hondas, Norton Commando, 1964 Harley Panhead with sidecar, Road King, Road Glide, Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield, and more.