Meet the team.
Valqari has assembled an impressive team of leaders, comprised of industry experts and thought leaders in logistics, drone technology, and business development. This team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help guide Valqari’s strategic growth and accelerate the companies mission.
Ryan Walsh
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Ryan Walsh
FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Chris Okapal
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
Chris Okapal
Chief Revenue officer
Chris is a sales driven executive with demonstrated success delivering results and executing sales strategies to gain market share, create new business opportunities and increase revenue within the consumer product goods industry.
He spent over 22 years at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company where he developed and expanded the independently owned accounts led by Chicago native companies Ace Hardware and True Value. Chris is known for leading successful sales teams, building and maintaining relationships both internally and externally as well as for his short and long term strategic planning. He also founded and helps operate a not-for-profit charity that raises funds to support families who have a child dealing with the struggles of cancer.
He joined Valqari in late 2022 to help implement a sales focused team to deliver results and to meet set expectations.
JASON SELLNOW
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
JASON SELLNOW
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Jason has worked over 25 years for small & mid-sized family-owned businesses. He has an MBA with finance emphasis from Pepperdine University, BA in Business Administration from the University of Laverne.
He also a number of certifications including Certified Management Accountant, CMA, from the Institute of Management Accountants, certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis, CSCA, from the Institute of Management Accountants, and is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Exit Planning Institute.
Jerry quAndt
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Jerry Quandt
Chief Marketing Officer
Jerry Quandt is a world-class global strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in transforming business operations and implementing innovative strategies. He excels in building strong client relationships and leading multidisciplinary teams, as demonstrated by his successful execution of global programs.
In his personal life, Jerry is driven by a passion for competitive sailing, golf, politics, history, faith, and being an active and involved parent to his two teenage children. He understands the importance of a balanced life and how it can positively impact his perspective.
Jerry’s extensive experience in team building, strategic communications, solutions-based sales, innovative business development, and technology integration makes him a valuable asset to any organization. He is renowned for his passion for collaboration, which has led to the successful establishment of a thriving ecosystem for Smart Mobility in Illinois, the creation of customized SaaS solutions for four of the top US alcohol beverage companies, and the development of a new corporate strategy and go-to-market plan for a Fortune 500 company. With his proven ability to bring people together for increased productivity, Jerry is a natural collaborator who will drive growth and success for our start-up.
Kurt NUsbauM
VP of Special Projects
KURT NUSBAUM
VP of Special Projects
Kurt has built leading edge manufacturing focused e-business solutions over the past 25 years. Kurt’s background includes hardware, software and e-commerce product development for AT&T, and manufacturing information systems development with Lucent Technologies.
His experience includes working with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and its suppliers on a collaborative web based supply chain quality management system that continues to save Goodyear millions annually.
Kurt brings extensive software and hardware commercialization experience. His responsibilities le includes translating market needs into solutions that can be brought to the key markets Valqari serves.
Sean Jenkins
Director of Government and MIlitary APplications
Sean Jenkins
Director of Government and Military Applications
Sean’s extensive experience spans government and military applications. Sean leads Valqari’s engagement in these markets.
Sean is a 33-year veteran of the U.S. Army. he served in multiple tours with the 75th Ranger Regiment and Infantry units, as well as Deputy Commander of the Army’s Installation Management Command, a tour as the Senior Defence Official (Iraq), and concluding as the Commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, providing mission tailored, short notice planning and communications to the Combatant Commands and Joint Staff.
He most recently returned from a year as the Senior Advisor to the newly forming Saudi Joint Forces Command, as a member of Jones Group International, Middle East. Major General Jenkins earned a bachelor’s degree of science from West Point, a master’s degree in business administration from Embry Riddle University, a master’s degree in military art and science (Homeland Security) from the Command and General Staff College and served as a National Security Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. He holds multiple certificates in Artificial Intelligence / AI Implications on Business Strategy and is pursuing a professional certificate in Cyber Security.
Michael MIller
Director of Sports and Entertainment Solutions
Michael Miller
Director of Hospitality Solutions
Michael Miller served the PGA of America for more than 37 years through an extensive and impressive career in the golf industry. Miller began his PGA career as Tournament Director for the Illinois Section PGA (IPGA), headquartered in suburban Chicago. In 1995 Miller was named Chief Executive Officer for the IPGA, and over the following 20 years lead the organization through significant growth and prosperity. He led the efforts to create the Illinois PGA Foundation, the 501c3 charitable arm of the Illinois PGA, which served as the platform for the creation of many community programs to grow the game and give back to the community.
Miller served the Illinois Section PGA for more than 27 years, before moving on in 2015 to become CEO for the Southwest Section PGA, based in Scottsdale, AZ. The Southwest Section serves the state of Arizona and southern Nevada. With more than 1300 PGA professionals, the Southwest PGA is the fifth largest of the 41 PGA Sections across the county. While with the Southwest Section, Miller led an extensive restructuring of the organization, including the creation of a comprehensive 10-year strategic development plan. Miller’s leadership brought financial stability through increased sponsorships and community partnerships and programs.
In addition to his role with the PGA, Michael has volunteered his time to serve several community organizations in both Chicago and Phoenix, including Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Chicago & Northwest Indiana, as well as the RMHC Chapter for Central & Northern Arizona. While in Arizona Michael was also involved with Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, and Fiesta Bowl charities.
Miller was bestowed Honorary Membership into the Illinois PGA in 2005, and into the Southwest PGA in 2022. Throughout his career Michael has served on numerous Committees at the National level for the PGA of America. He also has sat on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Alliance for Golf, a coalition of allied organizations within the golf industry focused on creating a strong voice and advocacy for the game with state and regional legislative offices.
Dylan Wagner
Director of Engineering
Dylan Wagner
Software Engineer Manager
Dylan is a highly experienced engineer with a deep understanding of the full product development cycle from prototype to commercialization. His diverse background of working in medical, food safety and security industries for companies of all sizes has given him a comprehensive knowledge base. Dylan is an expert in the software development process,
architecture and design, and specializes in the programming languages of Python, C, C++, Java, and JavaScript. He has a strong background in electronics and PCB design, as well as embedded firmware.
At Valqari, Dylan has been leading the software department and has been integral in the development of the Drone Delivery Station. He has architected the cloud software, improved the embedded firmware, and spearheaded the Drone Program. His technical expertise, combined with his drive and ambition, make him a valuable asset to the
company.
Dylan has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is close to finishing his MS in Computer Science from Georgia Tech with a concentration in Computing Systems.