Tyler, TX -- Phil Burks, CEO and founder of global software company The Genesis Group, as well as a few other Tyler-based companies, spoke to a group of UT Tyler students, particularly freshmen business majors, faculty, staff and alumni at an event held at the Soules College of Business on Friday. The inaugural event was hosted by the UT Tyler student chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA).
Burks spoke to the group on a variety of subjects, beginning with an introduction to Scrum, a framework for managing complex work as a team. The technique was initially developed for software development, but has since been adopted by other fields, including non-profits. The Genesis Group currently employs thirteen Certified Scrum Masters and two Product Owners.
“About three years ago, we facilitated a small group training with the IT department of my alma mater, LeTourneau University, led by Genesis developer and Certified Scrum Master, James Wansley. It helped them complete an 18-month project in just four months. We also introduced the Scrum concept to All Saints Episcopal School. All Saints has adopted Scrum principals into most all areas of their administration and into some of their curriculum. That’s exciting.” said Burks.
Phil also told the group about his beginnings, growing up as an “inquisitive” child, deconstructing tube radios and televisions. He mentioned it inspired a recent “De-Con” event held by Innovation Pipeline, a local non-profit organization where Burks serves as board chair.
Burks finished out the talk discussing his latest business venture, FIRST iZ, a drone system programmed to autonomously fly to incidents at 60+ mph, send live video and detect hazardous gases, offering first responders and commanders an assessment of the area before they arrive. He spoke about the challenges that unmanned aerial system (UAS) companies face when technology and innovation outpaces the “comfort level” of the market, as well as navigating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Nonetheless, he is driven by the life saving mission of the company.
“According to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), shaving just one minute off emergency response time correlates with 10,000 lives saved annually,” said Burks, “We’ve consulted and worked with countless fire chiefs, emergency personnel, dispatchers and first responders. We know we can help save lives with this technology.”
Faculty advisor, Dr. Kevin James reflected on the event.
“We are thrilled Mr. Burks would serve as presenter for our inaugural professional development speaker series,” said James, “His business background and professional story certainly resonated with the students and alumni in attendance.”
AMA student chapter president Morgan Erickson added, “What caught my attention was how Mr. Burks was so enthusiastic about his company and how it impacts everyone else on a large scale, while still being so humble about it. His story is an inspiration to students that with hard work and passion, you can achieve beyond what you thought you could.”
