Our Team

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Jake Sigal

Ceo

A proud graduate of Ohio University, Jake invented the original USB turntable at Numark before he went to work on satellite radio products at Delphi. He founded his first startup, Livio, in 2008 and spent five years developing Internet radios and a language that lets mobile apps and hardware systems communicate. Ford bought Livio in 2013 and Jake founded Tome to explore the Internet of Things tech space.
Download Full Bio & Headshot (zip)
SKILLS
TECH

BUSINESS

MOUNTAIN BIKING

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Massimo Baldini

President

Massimo spent 15 years working in brand management and product development for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Delphi, 3M and Procter & Gamble before he joined Jake at Livio in 2008. His experience was essential to the startup’s growth to become established software innovators, and he brought that same skillset to Tome as its co-founder and president.
Download Full Bio & Headshot (zip)
SKILLS
Business/Ops

Product/Brand MKT

Bouncing in 1st row at weird music events

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Phil Danne

Sr. Director of Engineering

Writing code and making music are the things that drive Phil, who went from punching a clock to doing something he loved when he joined Livio in 2011. He later left for Tome where he leads a team of engineers soaring to new heights and infinite possibilities.
SKILLS
Making Music

Distance Running


Bouncing in 1st row at weird music events

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Tom Hoag

Sr. Advisor, Strategy

Tom spent 20 years at Sun Microsystems, where he co-founded the Java Factory, before he started developing iPhone apps on his own. He later led the development team for mobile and cloud-based software at Valassis before he joined Tome’s team in 2014.
SKILLS

Purveyor of Advanced Magic


Regularly learns & plays new sports


Connoisseur of all things Pi[e]

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Angela Fessler

Director, Safety Team

Angela received her degree in computer science from Arizona State University and led a software engineering team in the “Valley of the Sun” before returning to her native Michigan to raise her family and join Tome.  She's happy engineering solutions that improve health, support mobility and bring people together.
SKILLS

Leaf Sommelier


Latte Art


Mountain Biking

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Nick Dedenbach

Manager - Automotive AOSP Team

Nick studied computer engineering at the University of Michigan. His desire for autonomy on solving interesting tech problems then brought him to Detroit's own Hacker Fellows program, where he was matched with Tome. After working in Bluetooth, Android, and web projects, he now tackles the latest in Android-powered infotainment by heading up the Automotive AOSP team at Tome. In his spare time, he's either on a skateboard, lacing up some running shoes, or relaxing with some video games.

SKILLS

Ollieing curbs


Running for way too long


Marking out for wrestling


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Shreejesh Patel

Product Manager

Shreejesh studied a mix of electrical, mechanical and software engineering at the University of Ontario along a course that would eventually lead him to Tome. He graduated with a degree in software engineering in 2014 and worked for a few other companies before he was hired by Down to Ride as a product owner. As a product manager for Tome, Shree said he loves working on the technology of the future and continually pushing its limits. As if those limits aren’t enough, he also drives high-speed go-karts in competitive races in the Toronto area.
SKILLS
Everything Tech

Soccer Fanatic

Binge Watching

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Mike Bush

Software Engineering Manager

Mike grew up tinkering home electronics, taking things apart just to fix them and building his own “smart devices” before they became real-world products. A 2015 graduate of Lawrence Tech with degrees in both computer science and engineering, he worked at a startup and spent a few years at an auto supplier before he signed on to lead Tome’s engineering team. You’ll find Mike packing a minimal amount of tech when he’s away from work — camping, hunting and fishing in the great outdoors.
SKILLS
Embedded C

Archery

Agile Methodology

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Dave Mitchell

Software Engineering Manager

Dave started creating web pages in sixth grade. By high school, he was building PCs for money. He continued writing software for fun in college and after graduating from Michigan Tech with a degree in Management Information Systems, he found a career doing what he loves. Dave said the opportunity to join Tome, where he leads a smaller team with more autonomy, was too good to pass up. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him playing disc golf or tackling home improvement projects. 

SKILLS

Technical Communication


Do more with less


Disc golf


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Alexa Uljaj

Software Engineering Manager

Alexa majored in electrical and computer engineering at Oakland University before she went to work as a software developer for Ford Motor Co. Her career path led to the University of Michigan-Dearborn for an MBA, and then to Tome, where she manages a portfolio of projects that are constantly changing, evolving and pushing tech boundaries. That’s part of what she likes about life at a smaller, more agile company that moves fast.
SKILLS
Speed Reading

Actual Reading Speed

Personal Online Shopper

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Ryan Cherian

Technical Project Manager

While attending Wayne State and interning at EDS, Ryan learned about Microsoft certification. He landed a government IT job at TACOM but switched gears when the tech market softened to become a top seller at Quicken Loans.  He later used those skills and his IT background to strengthen membership for the Michigan Association of CPAs. He became a certified project manager, and a job doing that at Ford put him on Tome’s radar. In his spare time Ryan likes to volunteer at his kids’ school events, collect Monster Energy drinks, and play guitar, poker, video games or anything football related.

SKILLS

Microsoft certification collector


Football coach


Voice Impressions


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Pete Brown

Sr. Software ARCHITECT

Pete started writing code at the age of 12 and has been designing software systems since the mid-’90s. He has experience in the design of web-based applications, GENIVI (IVI) platform development, and many embedded (RTOS) systems applications. He was the chief architect of Wind River Systems’ automotive business unit and led their team developing Honda and Acura’s next generation IVI platform. In later years, he focused more on functional safety architectures for autonomous and ADAS vehicle systems. Pete hails from the U.K. and is a proud granddad who enjoys life, live music and his hometown Leicester City F.C.

SKILLS

Technology & Architecture


Premier League, Red Wings


Loves Cars


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Mark Furland

Sr. Software Engineer

Mark grew up with computer games: playing, modding and eventually hosting. The experience sent him down a path of  exploration into tech’s nitty-gritty and advanced details. He studied computers at the University of Vermont, and later at Michigan Tech. The Hacker Fellows program channeled him toward Tome, where he currently works on the Advanced Projects Team. Off the clock, he enjoys sci-fi and mountain biking.
SKILLS
Perl

Mad Science

Embedded-ish C

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Praveen Ramesh Sai

Sr. Software Engineer

Praveen hails from South India and got his start in the world of software development at Freshworks after he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering. He got his master’s at Western Michigan University and was picked by Tome to work on multiple Android and web app development projects. When he’s not tackling emerging tech challenges, Praveen enjoys playing cricket, travel and watching movies.
SKILLS
Sachinist

Filter-Caffeineaholic

Binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S

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Rich Rarey

Sr. Software Engineer

Rich got his start in tech working in radio. He joined NPR as a sound engineer after Ohio University, explored broadcast systems and automation, and eventually entered the lab with a small team researching broadcast technology. Fortune dealt him a fresh start and new research challenges at Tome. A private pilot, Rich lives outside Washington, DC and loves traveling to the faraway places he once visited by shortwave radio.
SKILLS
Johnson & Johnson soft' landings

Good coffee ambassador

Quoting Reader's Digest

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Oleg Romadan

Sr. Software Engineer

Oleg went to university in Krasnodar, Russia and graduated in 1980 with a degree in applied mathematics and a concentration in data visualization. As his career path unfolded alongside the evolution of computer tech, he worked as a software engineer and information technology specialist at various levels. He was part of a team developing a robot taxi for a U.S. automaker prior to coming to Tome, where he’ll work on automotive infotainment systems. Oleg enjoys outdoor activities in his free time, from skiing to sail boating — anything Michigan and its seasons have to offer.

SKILLS

Application Development (Web apps, Windows Standalone apps, Android, iPhone)


Lottery data Analysis, Forecast, Prediction


Bluetooth Sensors


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Chandrakumar Venkatesan

Sr. Software Engineer

Chandra started programming computers in high school and got hooked on working with embedded systems — and instantly witnessing the effects of software programming on hardware — while pursuing his undergraduate degree. He earned his master’s at Wayne State University and worked in the auto industry for five years as an embedded software engineer prior to joining Tome’s engineering team. When he’s not working on ways to advance the leading edge of embedded tech, Chandra plays cricket and tennis, and likes to try different flavors of tea.

SKILLS

C Programmer


Tea Connoisseur


PC Gamer


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Ben Willshire

Sr. Software Engineer

Ben fell in love with computers in high school and eventually became the lead programmer on the robotics team. He later left the family nest to study computer science at the University of Michigan. Ben knew that he wanted to work in software development when he graduated but wasn’t sure where until he found Tome and was inspired by the forward-thinking vibe.
SKILLS
Wearing Plaid

Enjoy Playing Video Games

Being Good At Those Video Games

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Jeff Yeung

Sr. Software Engineer

Jeff started writing software in high school but his life took a little detour while he earned undergraduate degrees in applied physics and biomedical engineering at Cornell, and a master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Michigan. After that, he spent six years at Ford Motor Co. prior to joining Tome in early 2023, where he’s looking forward to leading projects and growing his skills. Jeff developed a sci-fi board game with his brother in his off hours and planned a Kickstarter campaign for his inaugural title.

SKILLS

Software Generalist


Board Game Developer


Yelp Elite


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Will Brake

Sr. Systems Analyst

A self-proclaimed maker at heart, Will trained to tinker with modern technology in the United States Air Force. He studied electrical engineering after that, got a job maintaining pro audio equipment, started his own business and worked with Grammy award-winning clients. Industry changes channeled his path to corporate automotive, where he developed a controller that secured a GM contract. Side work at Tome led to a full-time gig with the team. Spending time with family, traveling and playing guitar in a rockin’ blues band are what Will enjoys in his off-work hours.
SKILLS
Guitar Slinging

Seeing Glass Half Full

Burning Fingers with Soldering Iron

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Eric Horlocker

Software Engineer

When Eric was young, his aunt had him around computers a lot. He began his journey toward a tech career by modifying video game consoles. He studied computer science at Wayne State University and hired into Tome after graduation, where he began working on Android and iOS development for automotive projects. With so much to learn, Tome’s rhythm appeals to Eric, who didn’t want to settle into a humdrum, monotonous career existence. Working on cars, playing indie rock drums and guitar, and producing electronic music keep him busy outside of work.

SKILLS

Coffee Elitism


Binging Video Games


Bouncing in 1st Row at Weird Music Events


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Jeremiah James

Software Engineer

Jeremiah studied piano performance after high school, before his chosen career path took a turn away from music and into the world of home automation. His work doing pre-Internet-of-Things integrations for high-end residential customers long before Google or Alexa, gave him the hands-on experience as a generalist that will serve him well as an engineer at Tome. When his hands aren’t on the bleeding edge tech tools now at his disposal, they’re often on the piano, where Franz Schubert’s Impromptus continue to inspire Jeremiah’s creativity.

SKILLS

Chocolate taste testing


Tickling the ivories


Waking up before 8:00


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Joe Maples

Software Engineer

Joe got his start learning Java from a free eBook at the age of 12. When he got a tablet in seventh grade, he moved on to messing with Android and Linux, making his own firmware and improving the built-in apps. He studied computer science and cybersecurity at Kettering University, where he met Tome through their co-op program and joined full time after graduation. Outside of the office, you'll find him cooking or contributing to open source software.

SKILLS
Cracking Phone Screens

Advanced Googling

Native Android Development

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Orlando Murrell

Software Engineer

Orlando was 16 when programming sparked his interest, and he taught himself to do it in Java. He spent the next five years as a hobbyist programmer before he started working on personal projects with Kotlin. After graduating from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Orlando used the work he’d done as a springboard to a job as an Android developer and software engineer at Tome. In his past life, he was a competitive gamer and managed to win an Evo medal.
SKILLS
Android Development

Mythology Trivia

Making People Mad at Video Games

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Harsh Shah

Software Engineer

Harsh spent 14 months working as a software engineer in Mumbai before he moved his career to the other side of the world, where he joined Tome’s team exploring Android and web development. A graduate of Northeastern University, where he majored in information systems, you’ll find him watching soccer matches, UFC bouts or Tennis in his free time, when he’s not flipping things he finds on Marketplace.
SKILLS
Web Developer

Sports Aficionado

Drag Racing

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Dale Sharp

Software Engineer

Dale’s journey toward a career in software engineering began in high school with game development and scripting in Unity using C#. He parlayed that hands-on experience into specialized work and web development for a small tech startup. Serendipity and a search for new challenges brought him to Tome, where he’s looking forward to furthering his experience in an environment that champions professional growth. Outside of coding, Dale loves the outdoors. He’s an avid backpacker with plans to trek all over the great state of Michigan.

SKILLS

Taking care of my chameleon "Simon"


Understanding the philosophy I read


Breaking games with too many mods


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Noah Stanford

Software Engineer

Noah has been tinkering with technology since he was a kid. He learned JAVA and wrenched on robots in middle school, and eventually moved into Android development while a student at Monroe High. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Michigan and worked at Livio prior to joining the team at Tome, where he’ll be deployed on various Android Automotive and AOSP projects. Away from the lab, he takes his own amateur comedy seriously, with deadpan humor that’s no joke.

SKILLS

Android app development


Cold resistance


Psychic damage bonus


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C8H10N4O2

Director of Motivation

A stalwart of the Tome team, C8H10N4O2 provides additional support to fuel our bits of creativity and brainstorming. Seen at all hours of the day, in meetings, and by the side of several workstations, C8H10N4O2 is an indispensable part of the Tome crew.
SKILLS
Tastemaker

Energy Elixir

Viscosity

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Tome Owl

Inspirational Firebrand

Blessed with intuition and wise beyond his years, Tome makes decisions based on solid foundations. As a spirit guide, he continually is on the cutting edge, exploring the unknown and leading the charge into exciting areas of innovation.
SKILLS
Wisdom

Hooting Ability

Night Vision

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Jeanne Beau

Software Engineer

Jeanne grew up in metro Detroit, studied computer engineering at Oakland University and was an embedded systems researcher prior to coming to Tome. She’s now part of a team of software engineers dedicated to making breakthrough innovations that matter. Her work on Tome projects combines her interests in various connected device technologies and allows her to explore new and exciting spaces while solving interesting problems.
SKILLS
Being a night owl

Occasional cliff diving

Singing between D2 and G5

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Eric G. Kratz

SR. Software Engineer

Eric was studying for his Ph.D. in computational chemistry when he started writing scientific software for simulating physical processes and chemical reactions. He fell in love with programming during his post-doctoral fellowship and eventually took a job in the auto industry. That leap from academia to the world of industry led him to Tome, where he’ll get a chance to put his experience with algorithms, sensors, and computer vision to work with the bicycle-to-vehicle project team. Outside of the lab, you’ll find Eric in the kitchen baking bread and creating his own recipes.

SKILLS

Quantum chemistry


Baking bread


Arguing about programming paradigms


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Maher Rabah-Nasr

Software Project Manager

Maher studied software engineering and game design at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. After graduation, he set out to amass work experience by day, while teaching night and weekend classes as an adjunct professor at several colleges. Joining the laser-focused team at Tome offered Maher a chance to deploy his project management skills. He spends any free time designing Android and iOS games for his own company, and is eyeing a career down the road as a full-time professor with real-world experience.
SKILLS
Space Travel

Hunting Bigfoot

Sarcasm

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Tony Lawrence

SR. Software Engineer

Tony got into computer programming to make games but music is what drives him now. He interned at Livio and later left for the Tome nest, where his ability to take tech from zero to something real with the quickness makes him a valuable team player.
SKILLS
Musical Elitism

Voting

Fighting the Power

Careers At Tome

Tome Jobs Barn

We’re looking for more than hired hands at Tome. If you excel when you tinker, invent and innovate and are a bird of a different feather in search of a different kind of workplace, come join us on our journey. There will be hard work, but it’ll be coolest job you’ll ever have.

For our current openings:

VISIT THE JOBS BARN

Hacker Fellows

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Tome is proud to be part of the Hacker Fellows program. Through the fellowship program, Tome has been able to provide exciting tech opportunities for talented coders in the Detroit-area. We offer a hands-on experience on innovative projects in the internet-of-things space with a specialized focus on enterprise mobility: mobility software and connected office.

Hacker Fellows and Alumni at Tome:
Nick Dedenbach
Mark Furland
Peter Shutt
Andrew Steffes
Mike Swierenga
Ben Willshire