Our Team

Our team members have worked on state-of-the-art projects and products throughout their careers. From software to hardware to documentation to test equipment/procedures to production to postproduction support. Some have worked in the factory, worked as purchasing agents, and represented their companies on national standards groups.​

Some of the products we have had the privilege of developing include the first smoke detector whose design is still used today, tools and procedures to find short circuits in NASA’s manned aircraft, flight control computers and associated levels of test equipment for the B-52/C-130/C-135 Aircraft, Remote Terminal units (think edge computers) for the HH-60 Helicopter, the first 65nm Flash technology and the first 180nm Analog Flash technology, and the first military drone. That is just the beginning.​

Today the team has developed a multi-faceted system, the Advanced Infrastructure System (AIS), to allow utilities to provided high-speed communications to the home and business, monitor power usage at the circuit breaker level (main meter/submetering), control power at the circuit breaker level, provide multi-media (video & audio), provide cell phone access, provide the next generation smart home capability.

Our Leadership Team

Our founders have a combined 80+ years of experience leading successful technology teams and businesses in many different industries.

They are working leaders involved in the process of product development. Helping team members succeed.

Stephen Williams, CEO / Founder – Stephen is a Native American Disabled Veteran (U.S. Navy special forces). During his career, he worked in banking, insurance, oil construction (on and off shore), and President of Marathon Oil Refining Division. He started multiple successful businesses, is an accredited mediator, and has consulted with NASA on the shuttle and space station programs. His expertise includes safety, product development, strategic planning, crisis control, budget preparation, labor relations, contract negotiation, raising capital, patents & IP, and team building.

He is a member of the President’s Forum, Houston Technology Center, and the International Association of Financial Mediators. He is a Guest Member of the Baker Institute who has led teams larger than 1,500 people.

Jim Beals, COO/Founder – Jim started his engineering career working with on his family farm and the family Bee business (apiary). After becoming the engineer, he was destined to be, he designed and developed state of the art voting systems for state legislatures, and message boards for college arenas. As a Software Engineer that could speak the language of most Engineering disciplines, he and his teams developed Data Acquisition Systems for Air Force

helicopters, Flight Control Computers for the Air Force B-52, C-130, and C-135 aircraft (plus all levels of test equipment for these systems) and developed the next generation control trailer for the first Air Force remotely piloted vehicles (RPV, aka Drones). Looking for new challenges he then managed the latest valve controllers and field instruments introducing communication buses to the industry.

Edison‘s Core Team

  • Our management team continues the culture of the leadership team.
  • They worked on state-of-the-art projects and products throughout their careers
  • Products developed include:
    • The first smoke detector whose design is still used today
    • Tools and procedures to find short circuits in NASA’s manned aircraft, flight control computers
    • Autopilot and test equipment for the B-52/C-130/C-135 Aircraft autopilot
    • Remote Terminal units (think edge computers) for the HH-60 Helicopter
    • The first 65nm Flash technology
    • The first 180nm Analog Flash technology
    • The first military drone
    • And that is just a start

Shankar Panchavati, Director Engineering – Shankar started his career at Texas Instruments (TI) interfacing with major automotive customers like Robert Bosch, Ford, Delco, and General Motors. He led the complex process qualification and characterization of TI’s first 65nm Flash technology and TI’s first 180nm Analog Flash technology devices. He then went to Petron Gulf as the Corporate Head of their Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Division. He developed Petron’s long-term strategy, managed their E&I works contract for the Oman Government’s Sohar Refinery Improvement Project and led the successful construction efforts for Shell-PDO’s Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Pilot Plant. He comes with a

strong expertise in technology, process, product development, quality, reliability, and project and production management with demonstrated experience in multiple industries, including Construction, Oil & Gas, Semiconductors, IT and Marine.

Jeff Franks, Chief Architect / Founder – Jeff guided engineering for the Mexico version of the AIS power distribution panel, metering, and gateway from concept through successful field-testing. Jeff has an extensive background in real-time embedded programming in multiple programming languages using various operating systems. Jeff developed user interfaces and embedded real-time software for vacuums and pressure equipment used in the automotive and medical industries. He helped develop real-time embedded software for geophysical survey equipment;

led a team of software and hardware architects that developed the first automotive compass; and developed the first smoke detector based on an LED light source that received UL certification. He is currently working on the next generation security for software and hardware.

Michael Terry, Director External Affairs – Michael started his career with the American Red Cross before joining United Way both at the local level and ultimately with the Texas state association serving United Way organization. He completed his tenure as the Executive Vice President having worked on financial stability, advocacy initiatives, crisis  response and recovery, member services and training. He started a

consultancy focused upon legislative analysis and strategy. Michael joined the Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Division as the Deputy Assistant Director for Policy and Business Improvement. Michael then joined GSLP Texas, a private/public ventures consultancy which he ultimately acquired.

Edison Advisors

Joe Moore, Sr. VP Berkshire-Hathaway (retired) – Joe worked for Berkshire-Hathaway Energy in Information Technology operations, enterprise systems replacement and security, operational technology security, supply chain  operations, process improvement center of excellence, asset management center of excellence, project management center of excellence, business performance and analytics, business planning, emergency operations leadership.

Glenn Reitman, Partner, , Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP – For more than 20 years, Glenn Reitman has been representing U.S. and international lenders and borrowers in structuring, negotiating and documenting finance transactions, with a focus on commercial, real estate, and energy projects and structured financing, including investments and M&A in the commodities, health care, insurance and energy sectors.

Graham Perry, Market Executive, JP Morgan Chase – Graham has been named a Houston Market Executive for Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries at JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. A Texas native, Graham is responsible for leading a team focused on business development in the greater Houston area and providing comprehensive financial solutions and strategic guidance for local businesses. Graham has spent more than 9 years in Commercial Banking at JPMorgan Chase. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Deanna Reitman, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP – Deanna Reitman provides clients with legal, regulatory and business advice on commodities. She has more than 25 years’ experience in commodity markets and more than 18 years of senior management experience, with a particular focus on energy, metals, agriculture, carbon and other sustainable commodities. Deanna draws upon her experience as in-house counsel for commodity marketing and trading firms to advise on the structuring of transactions,

developing carbon and sustainable asset platforms/exchanges, and providing business-forward regulatory and commercial advice to clients.

Deanna is a skilled communicator and team manager with a record of success in achieving complicated objectives for clients. Feedback elicited from clients by The Legal 500 includes, “Deanna Reitman — dedicated and pragmatic lawyer with valuable in-house experience, prepared to go the extra mile.”