A native of Chicago, Robert Stephens left a scholarship at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1990 to pursue a degree in computer science at the University of Minnesota . In April 1994, after three years at the University, he formed The Geek Squad with $200. In 2002, The Geek Squad was acquired by Best Buy and opened Geek Squad precincts in all Best Buy US and Canadian stores. With over 6000 Agents , The Geek Squad is now North America’s largest technology support company offering phone, in-store, and in-home support.

To date, The Geek Squad has serviced over 150,000 computer problems for clients such as 3M, Cargill, General Mills, The Rolling Stones, U2, and The Oscar Mayer Weinermobile. The Geek Squad story has been featured in numerous national media including CNN, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, People, Rolling Stones, and InStyle Magazine.

South African-born Neal Petersen is an adventurer, author, solo around-the-world racing yachtsman, entrepreneur andinternational speaker. PBS airs a popular documentary about his life, "No Barriers, the Story of Neal Petersen," and he wrote the award-winning Journey of a Hope Merchant. Neal Petersen has faced many challenges in life - poverty, discrimination and other obstacles - and he always responded by looking for opportunities and solutions. His experience shows that imagination coupled with determination to achieve can break through the roughest challenges - including a serious lack of funding.

A dynamic and inspirational speaker, Neal received the NASCIO's (National Association of State CIOs) first-ever standing ovation for his keynote address at last fall’s Annual Conference.