John Thode

John Thode is an accomplished entrepreneur and innovator with extensive knowledge in mobility, computing, security and imaging. Having founded and successfully managed multiple technology businesses, he brings hands-on experience and visionary leadership to any endeavor. John currently serves as Clinical Professor of Innovation, Leadership, and Engineering Entrepreneurship at the Technology Entrepreneur Center of the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign. Alongside his academic career, John also leads Thode Residential Rental Properties, LLC, a multi-million-dollar start-up focused on monetizing distressed properties using big data and proprietary modeling. He is widely respected for his ability to lead strategic turnarounds and commercialize disruptive products, with notable successes in companies like DOC, Dell, ISCO, and Motorola. John is also an active investor and serves on several advisory and nonprofit boards.