| Brian Rider | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1987 Youngstown, Ohio |
| Occupation | Computer Scientist and Information Architect |
| Known for | Internet Entrepreneur |
Brian Rider (born June 26, 1987 in Youngstown, Ohio) is an American computer scientist, information architect and businessman. He is the founder of Digital Wingman located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rider started Digital Wingman from his freshman dorm room at Grand Valley State University in 2006.[1][2]. Rider founded Techtivity.org as a means to help provide technology resources and creative education to underserved youth.[3][4]
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Rider attended Grand Valley State University. While at Grand Valley, Rider formed the idea of what would later become a data visualization company called Digital Wingman. The company, Digital Wingman, provides colleges, universities, and off-campus housing companies with professional renderings of room and apartment layouts, animation services, and dynamic web applications.[5][6] Digital Wingman introduced photo-realistic 3D floorplans to the College and University market, most prominent example is Boston College's Department of Housing.[7] Rider was selected as a winner for the StartupNation 2008 Dorm Based 20 which was featured on MSN and The Wall Street Journal.[8] As a computer science major, he modeled the tables and chairs in his room, using the same modeling software that Pixar uses for its films, such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.[4] Rider taught himself how to use the program and eventually modeled all of the Hills Living Center.[9]. Rider credits his success in learning beyond the classroom to his mentor Jeff Bennett for his business advice and guidance.[10]
In early 2007, Rider created a foundation called Techtivity.org.[6] This foundation provides technology resources and creative education for underserved youth in a effort to reduce the digital divide.[11] Techtivity provides technology services to programs in Burundi and hosts camps in the summer at the Steil Boys & Girls Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan.[11]