Innovation FactoryExecutive director
Atrium, McMaster Innovation Park
Ron Neumann created Waterloo's hugely successful innovation park and now he is in charge of developing the Hamilton Innovation factory at McMaster Innovation Park. Photo: Barry Gray
1 Who is your business hero?
Richard Branson (Virgin). Someone that can deliver a unique global vision and deliver on it.
2 Other than your own, what is your favourite company?
I like the fact that Google was founded on the informal corporate motto (and higher truth): “Don’t be Evil”
3 What is your favourite television show?
I have four TVs, but I don’t watch any broadcast TV! Still getting caught up on Mad Men, Dexter and Big Bang Theory.
4 What business book would you most recommend?
My own … (Available 2013 … Stay tuned!)
5 What kind of car do you drive?
My fun car is an Intermeccanica 1959 Porsche Roadster
Find a way to follow your passion and the money will find you!
7 What is one of your guilty pleasures?
Anything chocolate and Facebook.
Getting Things Done — But I have not finished it … 
9 What is your favourite gadget?
magicJack — AKA free long distance.
10 Do you use a Blackberry, Apple, Android or other?
YES … I have all three!
11 What did you do on your last vacation?
Just back from Denver — What’s Next Integral conference — some of the top brains on the planet!
12 What was your worst investment?
Real estate deal in the U.S. (But at least I do have a new friend at the FBI …)
13 What was your best investment?
My education
14 What was the best piece of advice you ever got?
Do what you love
Under promise, over deliver — works every time!
16 What is your favourite local restaurant?
Quatrefoil in Dundas
17 What is your favourite spot in Hamilton?
Webster’s Falls and Dundas hiking trails
18 What was your first job?
Sweeping floors and delivering furniture
19 What was your worst job?
Selling desktop publishing systems
20 What was your best job?
Easy one … running Innovation Factory
21 What is your worst habit?
Forgetting people’s names
22 What is your favourite expression?
Let’s do it (Careful using that one in mixed company …)
23 What kind of coffee is your favourite?
Detour cappuccino (I had one just before typing this …)
24 What is your favourite hobby?
Playing the didgeridoo
25 What is your biggest pet peeve?
Listening to other people play the didgeridoo (I have a long way to go …)
