Our Featured Guest for February 1, 2026 is Kevin Surace
Kevin Surace is a Silicon Valley innovator, inventor with 95 patents, CEO of Appvance, keynote speaker, futurist, and one of the earliest pioneers in artificial intelligence. Widely known as the “father of the Virtual Assistant,” he led the development of the first human-like AI virtual assistant, Portico—a direct precursor to today’s AI assistants such as Siri and Alexa. For decades, his work has focused on applying AI, automation, and generative technologies to solve complex real-world problems, from software quality and cybersecurity to sustainability and energy efficiency.
He is an Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year, a CNBC Innovator of the Decade, a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, former Chair of the Silicon Valley Forum, and an inductee into RIT’s Innovation Hall of Fame. A top-rated keynote speaker and media personality, Kevin has delivered over 400 keynote speeches, given more than 15 TED and TEDx talks, and has been featured across BusinessWeek, Fortune, Forbes, Time, CNBC, CNN, ABC, MSNBC, FOX News, and the Wall Street Journal.
Kevin holds 95 worldwide patents and has built multiple startups from the ground up to billion-dollar valuations. His pioneering work spans some of the most influential technologies of the last several decades, including the first cellular data smartphone (AirCommunicator), the first human-like AI virtual assistant (Portico, a precursor to Siri and Alexa), soundproof drywall, high R-value windows, AI-driven building management systems, generative AI for software quality assurance, supply-chain multivariate auctions, and large-scale energy retrofit projects such as the Empire State Building and the New York Stock Exchange.
Kevin’s work focuses on AI, automation, and sustainability—helping organizations stay ahead of disruption while proving that “Joy = Success” is not just a mindset, but a long-term growth strategy. He is currently writing a book, The Joy Success Cycle, which explores how finding joy in everyday work drives peak performance without burnout and offers a practical blueprint for leaders and teams.
Kevin currently serves as CEO & CTO of Appvance.ai and Chair of Token Ring, leading advancements in AI-driven software testing and next-generation cybersecurity. Appvance.ai has been a leader in generative AI for software quality since 2017. Its flagship platform, AIQ, is the only AI-native software quality solution designed to mimic real user behavior and autonomously discover bugs with no human intervention. Using generative AI and machine learning, AIQ validates all possible user journeys to achieve complete application coverage™. Read more at: https://kevinsurace.com/
Our Entrepreneur Presenters:
Tyler Dunagin is the founder and CEO of Turnserv, a market-leading platform transforming the multifamily housing industry by streamlining apartment turnover and occupancy operations. Turnserv delivers integrated products, services, and technology that help property managers reduce vacancy loss, simplify asset management, and execute complex, execution-heavy work more predictably at scale. Under Tyler’s leadership, Turnserv has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list and achieving nearly 100% client retention with top national operators including Greystar, Village Green, RAM Partners, and Harbor Bay Ventures.
A multifaceted entrepreneur, operator, inventor, and creative leader, Tyler builds platforms, products, and outcomes for execution-heavy businesses. His work centers on designing operating systems that connect field execution to financial performance, making complex work more predictable across markets. His journey—from collegiate athletics to founding and scaling multiple seven-figure companies—is defined by first-principle thinking and a deep commitment to community, culture, purpose, and impact. In every venture, his core values—Driven, Accountable, Innovative, and Collaborative—are embedded into the foundation of the organization. His mission is simple yet powerful: to foster well-being by beautifying spaces and creating environments that inspire connection and opportunity.
Tyler began his career in single-family real estate, owning the full lifecycle from acquisition through renovation and stabilization. He later moved into multifamily operations, where he held direct responsibility for large portfolios representing approximately $250 million in assets under management. These roles gave him both a field-level understanding of execution and a portfolio-level view of performance—how daily operational decisions translate into financial outcomes for owners and investors.
Through Turnserv and its portfolio of brands—including ApartmentPainters.com, LiquidLiner.com, and ApartmentFlooring.com—Tyler has built scalable, systematic solutions that address critical operational challenges in single-family and multifamily housing. These ventures are powered by proprietary intellectual property and enterprise value, including the development and patenting of Liquid Liner Surface Refinishing Technology, a #1-ranked, best-in-class product independently tested by third parties.
As Founder & CEO, Tyler designs and operates platforms for high-volume, execution-heavy work by combining standardized workflows, field intelligence, and productized services. His focus is on building operating systems, scaling multi-market teams, and aligning investors, operators, and frontline staff around clear, repeatable ways of working. He has secured private equity backing, built a scalable portfolio strategy across B2B services, technology platforms, and proprietary products, and enhanced operational efficiency while maintaining profitability.
Turnserv operates through TurnConnect™, an AI-powered platform that integrates directly with property management systems to streamline requests, track progress in real time, forecast demand, and suggest operational optimizations before they’re needed. Read more at: https://dunagincollective.com/ and https://turnserv.com/
Jen Millard is the CEO of mainelove™, an emerging Maine-based brand offering a line of seltzer waters and purified water that celebrates community, sustainability, and the simple joy of sharing what you love with those you love. Mainelove features refreshing flavors like Wild Blueberry Lemon, Blackberry Grapefruit, and Raspberry Lime, along with branded merchandise such as t-shirts, tote bags, hats, and stickers. But beyond the products, mainelove represents a movement—a celebration of Maine’s pristine natural resources and a mission to share them responsibly with the world.
A 12th-generation Mainer, Jen created mainelove to bring together her deep roots in Maine with her passion for innovation and growth. The brand’s water is sourced from Sebago Lake, surrounded by deep forest that acts as a natural filter, and packaged in 100% recyclable cans through partnerships with Maine brewers. The goal is to build a sustainable water co-op that allows brewers to participate in the water economy while continuing to make great beer. At its core, mainelove is about more than water—it’s about community, sustainability, and spreading a little love from Maine to everyone.
Jen brings over 25 years of experience successfully building consumer, retail, and technology-enabled marketplace businesses. Passionate about helping fintech and commerce startups achieve their full potential, she has applied her intensity for revenue growth and strategic vision to companies such as Mastercard, ZoomSystems, Lifefactory Inc., Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bed Bath & Beyond. She has also held executive roles at Manatt, Phelps and Phillips LLP, Sutter Hill Ventures, K2 Ventures, and Function Ventures, where she focused on creating go-to-market strategies, driving revenue, guiding M&A, and fostering innovation.
Her leadership has contributed to numerous successful partnerships and exits, including Dosh, Chowbotics, Nomadic VR, Liquid Death, and Truaxis. Beyond business, Jen is an active trustee on the board of her alma mater, Colby College, where she has helped shape the entrepreneurship effort and supported the start-up ecosystem in Maine. Read more at: https://mainelove.com/