Callpod

Callpod is a Chicago-based technology company that produces software and electronic power products. This includes backup software, battery chargers and adaptors, Bluetooth enabled devices for the consumer, business and government markets. United States Patent and Trademark Office

Callpod was co-founded in 2001 by Darren Guccione and Craig Lurey to pursue patents in mobile conferencing. After receiving its first U.S. Utility patent in Oct 2004, Callpod formalized its business plan and launched operations in 2006. Callpod's first product, made in 2007, is a six-way mobile device charger called the Chargepod.

Bios

Darren Guccione
President & CEO, Co-Founder

Darren is the co-inventor of Callpod technology and started the Company with over 10 years experience in product design, engineering and development. Darren was formerly the Chief Financial Officer and a primary shareholder of Apollo Solutions, Inc., which he and his partners sold to CNET Networks, Inc. in June 2000. In the early 90's, Darren served Arthur Andersen LLP as a management consultant for publicly owned manufacturing-based companies. Prior to this, Darren lived in China and Taiwan for several years where he coordinated product development for Bell Sports, a world leader in the bicycle accessories market.

Darren holds a Masters of Science in Accountancy with Distinction from the Kellstadt School of Business at DePaul University of Chicago and has a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was the Recipient of the Morton Thiokol Excellence in Engineering Design Award co-sponsored by the University of Illinois Engineering Program. Darren is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.

Craig Lurey
CTO, Co-Founder

Craig leads Callpod's technology roadmap and technology infrastructure. Craig and Darren have been ACTIVE business partners in a series of successful ventures for over ten years.

Prior to Callpod, Craig was the CTO of JiWire, the leading media and technology service provider to the WiFi industry. Craig led development of JiWire's technology from the ground up to deliver web services and security applications to millions of users worldwide. In 1998, Craig created a software platform for what would become CNET [www.channelonline.com ChannelOnline™], a turnkey sales-cycle automation solution for the computer industry. Craig's company Apollo Solutions was acquired by CNET Networks Inc. in June 2000. ChannelOnline currently manages the e-commerce and daily operations of thousands of computer resellers throughout the U.S, managing billions in transactions. Prior to starting Apollo Solutions, Craig served Motorola, Inc as a software engineer for four years writing firmware for base station infrastructure. Craig holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University.

Awards and Accolades