Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Eischen
Chris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Chris Eischen’s journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of purpose. His early years were shaped by a passion for wrestling and theater, where he honed his skills in storytelling and connection. A love for flight took root during his senior year, influenced by his family’s time in Italy, which led him to work at a local airport. To fund his flying dreams, Chris spent time mastering the printing trade before a pivotal career shift in 2008 brought him to General Motors. Personal challenges, including a divorce, inspired him to launch a podcast that achieved global reach and opened doors to the tech world. As his digital marketing skills grew, he created a Podcast Mastermind that generated enough revenue, enabling him to leave GM and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. In the crowdfunding space, Chris’s leadership helped raised millions for several major projects, further solidifying his expertise in marketing and innovation. Returning his focus locally to Toledo, he became an active contributor to the local tech community, participating in initiatives like “Erie Hack” and co-founding the Toledo Tech Loft, a collaborative space for tech enthusiasts. It is in this role that he attracted a cybersecurity company to move to Toledo. This project will generate tens off millions of dollars in local wages while also growing the local tech community. Chris is also the driving force behind Velocity Trainings, where he combines his passion for tech and community-building to offer innovative learning solutions. With a focus on self care, this is a tool for any entrepreneur. Through every phase of his journey, Chris has remained committed to growth and making a positive impact on those around him, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, anything is possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an entrepreneur, the road to building and scaling a business is rarely a smooth one. Over the years, I’ve encountered a number of significant challenges that have tested my resilience and adaptability, each one presenting an opportunity for learning and growth. Early on, I experienced a betrayal from a business partner who falsely represented their skills and background, only to steal equipment purchased for the company. This was a hard lesson in the importance of vetting business partners and establishing clear, binding agreements upfront.
Then came the challenges of launching a brick-and-mortar business. The financial strain of hiring staff and investing thousands of dollars into their training, only to have them leave shortly after, was another eye-opening experience. It was a tough reality check: how can a business thrive without reliable, committed employees? The difficulty in retaining skilled staff made me realize that building a strong company culture and setting clear expectations is key to fostering loyalty and long-term growth.
Even when hiring seemed straightforward, I faced setbacks. One instance stands out where I brought in an employee I thought was a perfect fit—only to find they were spending far too much time on smoking breaks instead of working. This situation drove home the point that clear communication, well-defined roles, and accountability are critical in ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to work ethic and commitment.
Despite these challenges, each setback has served as a powerful learning opportunity. They’ve helped me understand that entrepreneurship requires not only a sharp business strategy, but also the ability to build and maintain a strong, reliable team. Growth is only possible when you have the right people around you, and I’ve learned that investing time in hiring the right staff, setting clear expectations, and fostering a positive work culture is essential to achieving long-term success. While adversity is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship, it’s these very obstacles that have shaped my approach to business, teaching me valuable lessons that I’ll carry forward into every new venture.
We’ve been impressed with Toledo Tech Loft, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Toledo Tech Loft: The Catalyst for Innovation, Collaboration, and Education Driving Toledo’s Tech Future
The launch of Impelix’s state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) in Toledo is a game-changer for the city, placing it at the forefront of the rapidly growing cybersecurity industry. But this exciting development owes much to the ecosystem of innovation and collaboration fostered by the Toledo Tech Loft, a hub that has become a central platform for local tech entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses.
It all began with a simple, yet powerful, connection. The Toledo Tech Loft hosted a cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) event in collaboration with Impelix, followed by the successful LOFTALKS event, where Thomas Whang, the CTO and Founder of Impelix, was invited to speak. It was during this event that Whang forged a direct connection with Chris Eischen, founder of the Toledo Tech Loft, who became a key supporter in making Toledo an attractive location for Impelix’s expansion. As a result, what started as a collaboration in tech education and community-building has now evolved into a project that will create hundreds of high-skilled, high-wage jobs and solidify Toledo as a cybersecurity hub.
The Toledo Tech Loft’s role extends far beyond being a co-working space. It serves as a thriving environment where innovation and collaboration naturally occur, supporting events, training, and networking that foster the local tech scene. By providing a venue for thought leaders, tech professionals, and startups to come together, the Loft plays a vital role in driving the city’s growth as a tech epicenter. Through regular meetups, workshops, and educational opportunities, it serves as a launchpad for the region’s tech talent, ensuring that Toledo’s workforce is prepared for the future of digital security and beyond.
With its focus on community-building, the Toledo Tech Loft is not just supporting existing talent but actively shaping the future of the local tech ecosystem. It is a place where the next generation of cybersecurity experts, network engineers, and digital innovators can learn, collaborate, and grow. And with the arrival of Impelix, the Loft will continue to serve as the platform that helps connect education with real-world opportunities, creating a pipeline of skilled workers for the ever-expanding tech sector.
The growth of Toledo’s tech economy is a direct result of the community-driven initiatives led by the Toledo Tech Loft, and it’s clear that the future of innovation in the Glass City is brighter than ever. Through partnerships like those with Impelix, Toledo is poised to become a leader in cybersecurity, offering new career paths and a wealth of opportunities for local workers. As the city evolves, the Toledo Tech Loft will remain at the heart of this transformation, empowering individuals and companies to thrive in a connected and secure digital future.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In five years, I envision Toledo standing as a recognized hub for cybersecurity and technology innovation, with the Toledo Tech Loft and Impelix at the center of this transformation. The successful launch and continued growth of Impelix’s state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) will have solidified the city’s status as a key player in the cybersecurity industry. Here’s how I see the landscape evolving:
1. Cybersecurity Hub of the Midwest
Toledo will be regarded as one of the top cybersecurity destinations in the United States, attracting talent, investment, and attention from major players in the tech industry. The influx of skilled professionals from around the country—and even internationally—will create a diverse and competitive workforce, and the city will be home to several leading cybersecurity firms and startups. Impelix will be a significant anchor, but the local ecosystem will have expanded, with more companies choosing Toledo for its talent pool, infrastructure, and commitment to workforce development.
2. Flourishing Local Tech Ecosystem
The Toledo Tech Loft will be at the heart of a thriving local tech ecosystem. By offering coworking spaces, events, and educational resources, the Loft will continue to foster innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. New startups and tech companies will emerge from this collaborative environment, supported by a steady stream of talent trained in cybersecurity, software development, and other high-demand tech fields. The city’s growing reputation as a tech hub will attract more investors, incubators, and accelerators, further fueling growth.
3. Educational Pipeline and Workforce Development
By 2028, Toledo’s workforce will have undergone a transformation, with a robust pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity and tech professionals coming out of local universities, training programs, and partnerships with industry leaders like Impelix. The Toledo Tech Loft’s educational initiatives will play a major role in bridging the skills gap, offering everything from certifications to hands-on cybersecurity training and mentorship. Local colleges, like the University of Toledo and Owens Community College, will be closely aligned with the needs of the tech industry, ensuring that students are prepared for the high-demand roles emerging in cybersecurity and related fields.
4. Community and Collaboration as a Competitive Edge
The Toledo Tech Loft will have evolved into a dynamic innovation hub, not just for tech professionals, but for the broader community. The city’s infrastructure for collaboration—across businesses, nonprofits, educators, and local government—will create an environment where innovation thrives. The Loft will host conferences, hackathons, and events that draw national and international attention, positioning Toledo as a leader in community-driven innovation. As a result, Toledo will have a reputation for not only being a place for high-tech business but also for fostering a collaborative culture that encourages the sharing of ideas, resources, and talent.
5. Economic Diversification and High-Wage Job Growth
The growth of the cybersecurity and tech sectors will have a profound impact on Toledo’s economy. By 2028, the city will have created thousands of high-wage jobs, reducing the region’s dependence on traditional industries. With a wide array of roles—from technical positions like cybersecurity analysts and network engineers to administrative, operations, and support roles—Toledo’s workforce will be more diverse and resilient. Local job seekers, many of whom may have faced economic challenges in the past, will have access to exciting new opportunities in cutting-edge industries.
6. Global Recognition and Investment
Toledo’s emergence as a cybersecurity and tech hub will attract national and international attention. With companies like Impelix calling Toledo home, more global firms will look to the city as a model for tech-driven urban transformation. Local and regional governments will recognize the economic and social impact of these industries and will continue to invest in infrastructure, research, and development. This will lead to new partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, additional cybersecurity firms setting up shop in the area, and continued investment from venture capital firms interested in the growing local tech ecosystem.
Pricing:
- Basic Community Membership is $50/month when paid annually
- Basic Community Membership is $75/month when paid month to month
- Collaborative Memberships give you 24/7 access for only $200/month
- Certifications Course is $7000 for the full course
- You can take them individually but we charge more. Its $8000 if you pay for each seperately. You get $250 off for each bundle you add.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toledotechloft.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toledotechloft/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOLEDOTECHLOFT
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toledo-tech-loft/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC65yoj1cFz8AbfeGESbO9hw
