OEN Member Spotlight – Jonathan Mann, Sublime Learning Inc.

Sublime Learning delivers professional development focused on empowering teachers to use technology more effectively to meet K‐12 instructional goals. Integrating best practices of professional learning and effective teaching strategies, they offer just‐in‐time eTeachables, in‐depth seminar bundles, and a portal to manage teacher‐learning resources.

Q: What problem does it solve?
A: Significant technology investments (including visual learning software, Whiteboards, etc.) haven’t necessarily improved student performance nor been used effectively in the classroom. Teachers need more than “click here” tutorials; they require guidance on incorporating technology effectively into their instruction. We offer professional development tools that do just that for truly transformational teaching that reaches every learner.

Q: How did you come up with this business idea?
A: My business partner and I have the same passion for education but from very different backgrounds. She’s built a career around special education, library sciences and the use of technology in the classroom, while I struggled in school until I found that technology could really transform my learning. We knew combining our viewpoints would benefit teachers and students alike.
 
Q: What are your biggest challenges?
A: Time, money and resources. I’m a good juggler but need to better determine which balls to keep in the air and which can be dropped.

Q: What are your goals for the company?
A: Financially, we want to be the market leader in next three years, create 25 jobs in the next year to help stimulate Oregon’s economy and reach $30M+ revenues by year five.  Educationally, we want to help struggling students become successful learners and realize they can indeed learn well and also help propel the US K-12 education system to the number one spot in the world.

Q: Are you looking for funding?
A: Yes.

Q: What would funding enable you to do?
A: Not work 23 hours per day…? Be more available to my wife, kids and beagles? Honestly, it would allow us to hire experts to help move us to that market leader position while helping a ton of kids.

Q: Have you been an entrepreneur before?
A: Yes.

Q: What brought you to OEN? What do you hope to gain from membership?
A: I’ve been friends with Sarena for years, and she’s always encouraged me to join. In and around building Sublime Learning, I hope to share ideas and get feedback from experienced business leaders.

Q: What has been the biggest surprise in your entrepreneurial experience to date?
A: How amazingly kind people can be with their time.