Vince Thompson

Current

• Project Manager at SomeoneKnows
• Developer/Programmer at Independent Contractor

Past

• Programmer/Analyst at Geometric Technology

Education

• Multiple Universities

Connections

17 connections

Industry

Computer Software

Websites

• My Blog

Vince Thompson’s Summary

I have always been interested in designing, inventing, and creating things. That’s one of the reasons I started programming computers. I liked art and drawing but thought trying to make a living as an artist would be too risky. Instead, I started working as a drafter and enjoyed the creativity while working with engineers. Eventually I got to bring my interests together by writing programs for Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CAD) systems. My CAD niche market lasted over twenty years until clients began going out of business due to market changes and other potential clients turned toward outsourcing overseas.

On-line communities are a vital lifeline I’ve used for research and re-inventing my career to expand into robotics and automation. Publishing ideas, inventions, and creations has never been easier and getting attention is becoming easier through the use of social media techniques. Local communities also play an important role. I’m a member and support the efforts of the CCCKC hacker space in Kansas City. As we move into our location it will help to enable creativity and provide a place to physically build prototypes and inventions. Our greatest resource for the future comes from our ability to innovate so we can take some mickey mouse idea then jump start or restart our careers.

Vince Thompson’s Specialties:

Developing computer software for engineering applications. Currently involved with microcontroller project development.

Vince Thompson’s Experience

• Project Manager

  SomeoneKnows

  (Computer Software industry)

  January 2009 — Present (1 year )

  Using social media to organize, design, build, and deliver a large scale Arduino driven, WiiFit controlled Robotic Labyrinth game platform for Science City in Kansas City

• Developer/Programmer

  Independent Contractor

  (Information Technology and Services industry)

  January 2008 — Present (2 years )

  Working on prototypes and workshops for educational robotics topics.

• Programmer/Analyst

  Geometric Technology

  (Information Technology and Services industry)

  January 1985 — December 2006 (22 years )

  Development of Computer Aided Design applications for MicroStation

Vince Thompson’s Education

• Multiple Universities

Additional Information

Vince Thompson’s Websites:

• My Blog

Vince Thompson’s Interests:

Long time Geek, Programmer, Inventor, Fabricator, Conduct Workshops, Mentor FIRST robotics teams, exploring science, alternate energy & Arduino

Vince Thompson’s Groups:

Kansas City Robotics Society - http://www.kansascityrobotics.org

CCCKC Hacker Space - http://cowtowncomputercongress.org

•    Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio
•    Cowtown Computer Congress of Kansas City
•    Kansas City Robotics Society
•    Machine Shop Trade Secrets

Vince Thompson’s Honors:

Accepted to attend Materials Science Summer Camp for Teachers, June 2008

Vince Thompson’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
• consulting offers
• new ventures
• job inquiries
• expertise requests
• reference requests
• getting back in touch