About Aztek

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Aztek Networks is the leading supplier of telecommunications products that allow service providers to consolidate the number of legacy voice switches in their network while providing a migration path to IP broadband networks. Aztek’s 5000-series products allow service providers, through switch consolidation, to reduce operating costs associated with their older switches while maintaining reliable voice connectivity. Aztek Networks draws on its 25-year heritage as Aztek Engineering to bring patented ESA switch and migration products to the telecommunications industry. Aztek’s mission is to provide solutions to telecommunications service providers that address the balance between declining wireline subscribers and the costs of maintaining and operating reliable legacy voice networks.

Management

Steven M. Bruny

Steven M. Bruny, Chief Executive Officer
Steven Bruny joined Aztek Networks in June 2006. Steven was previously President/Americas for Azure Solutions, the world leader in revenue assurance and fraud software for the telecom industry. Azure was acquired by Subex Systems, Ltd., in June of 2006. Steven was the Founder and COO of Connexn Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of revenue assurance software to the telecom industry which was acquired by Azure in 2004. Prior to Connexn, he was CEO of IGS, a telecom network facilities inventory company funded by Warburg Pincus. Steven was also founder and CEO of Information + Graphics Systems, a telecom and utilities software provider that was acquired by Hitachi Software Engineering in 1993, and President of Optical Computer, a division of American Laser Corporation. Steven holds a B.S. degree in physics from Colorado State University and a M.B.A. from the University of Colorado.

J. Mark Elder

J. Mark Elder, Founder and Chief Technical Officer
Mark Elder co-founded Aztek Networks (as Aztek Engineering) and served as the company's CEO until 2006. Over this period, Aztek was a leading provider of software and consulting services to the telecom equipment industry and became the world's premier vendor of software signaling protocol stacks to access equipment companies. Prior to founding Aztek, Mark was a switching system designer with AT&T Bell Labs. Mark holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Florida and a M.D. from the University of Colorado.

Daryl Overholt

Daryl Overholt, Chief Financial Officer
Daryl Overholt joined Aztek Networks in May 2008. As CFO, Daryl brings more than 16 years of financial experience with venture-backed companies to Aztek. Before joining Aztek, Daryl spent five years with Sequel Venture Partners, an early stage venture capital firm specializing in technology and healthcare businesses. Prior to that, he spent 11 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers serving a variety of venture-backed hardware and software companies. Daryl received his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Notre Dame.

Robert W. Picker

Robert W. Picker, VP Global Sales and Marketing
Rob Picker joined Aztek Networks in November 2006. As V.P. of Global Sales, Rob leads all sales activities, including direct and inside sales, and channel distribution. Previously, Rob was Senior VP of Worldwide Sales for World Wide Packets, a leading provider of carrier Ethernet solutions. Before World Wide Packets, Rob was with Carrier Access Corporation, where he developed the company's distribution sales team and channel marketing processes, advancing to Vice President of Distribution and OEM Sales. Prior to Carrier Access, Rob was Director of National Sales at Sync Research in Irvine, CA and a manager of large accounts at IBM Corporation. Rob holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado.

Pete Ruether

Pete Ruether, VP Engineering
Pete Ruether is a co-founder of Aztek Networks (as Aztek Engineering) as well as two other communications companies. He has more than 30 years experience in communications and has managed the development of advanced communications systems for more than 25 years. Pete holds nine patents and leads Aztek's new product developments. Prior to Aztek, Pete was with AT&T where he was responsible for introducing DIMENSION Custom Telephone Service to the Bell Operating Companies. Pete holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University and a M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado.