ABERDEEN, S.D.— The Northern Innovation and Startup Center, in collaboration with the Aberdeen Development Corporation, is thrilled to unveil the keynote speaker for the eagerly anticipated second edition of the Technology & Entrepreneurship Summit.

Get ready to be inspired as Tom Patterson, a proud South Dakotan entrepreneur and co-founder of Tommy John, takes the stage as the keynote speaker for this year's dynamic summit. Scheduled for Sep. 18 at 9 a.m., the event will bring together leaders and innovators from various industries, exploring the connections between technology and entrepreneurship.

"Our mission is to cultivate the entrepreneurial tech startup culture in Northeastern South Dakota. We strive to inspire innovation, creativity, and embrace technology,” emphasized Bea Smith, Director of Northern Innovation and Startup Center. "This event is an opportunity to bring the latest trends and strategies to empower our communities to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape."

“Having a speaker the caliber of Tom Patterson is a phenomenal opportunity to listen and learn from a successful entrepreneur, who just happens to be a native South Dakotan! You will not want to miss this tremendous opportunity to attend the Summit this year, I guarantee you Tom’s message will be of value in countless ways," stated Mike Bockorny, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

Tom Patterson will share his story on how he embarked on a revolutionary journey with Erin Fujimoto to redefine comfort and functionality in men’s and women’s underwear. Originating amidst the economic challenges of 2008, their humble startup, fueled by personal savings and sheer determination, blossomed into a disruptive force challenging the industry's status quo.

With the world’s first patented undershirt, ensuring a stay-tucked guarantee, Tommy John has gained significant attention, counting among its supporters, notable figures like Kevin Hart and Howard Stern. Over the span of 16 years, the brand has sold over 20 million pairs of underwear.

Now with a presence in over 3,000 wholesale locations and a growing retail chain, Tom Patterson shares the secrets of scaling Tommy John from a modest venture to a global sensation, emphasizing the power of starting small to achieve monumental success.

"Building an entrepreneurial mindset is fundamental in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Embracing innovation and adaptability not only ensures success in overcoming challenges, but also drives transformative growth and long-term competitiveness," emphasized President Neal Schnoor of Northern State University. “The Technology & Entrepreneurship Summit nurtures this mindset and enables individuals and communities to harness innovation for a brighter future.”

Tickets for the summit are priced at $50 for in-person participation. Secure your spot by purchasing tickets online at www.northernstartupcenter.com/summit.