Jack Wade is the Founder and CEO of Z Microsystems. Jack started Z Micro, then known as “the world’s smallest Sun Systems Integrator,” in 1987 in his dining room. Since then, it has grown to become a major supplier of ruggedized computing and display solutions to the US Armed Forces. Before founding Z Micro, Jack helped Electronic Data Systems develop its Medicare software and worked on several projects for SAIC. Jack's long and successful career began during his attendance at Indiana State University, where he automated the university’s class registration, grade reporting, cost accounting systems, and supported faculty research.
As the Vice President of Operations, John Howell brings over 20 years of specialized Manufacturing Operations Management experience to the management team at Z Microsystems, Inc. John takes an active role in developing and overseeing operations from Material Control, Purchasing, Production, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Customer Service. Born and raised in San Diego County, John attended San Diego State University (SDSU) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. It was at SDSU where he was first introduced to manufacturing while completing course work in production control systems.
In his efforts to synchronize departments and institute the best manufacturing techniques, John embraced the practices and principles developed by Toyota and its production system commonly known as ‘Lean Manufacturing.’ John has played a central role in the growth of Z Microsystems, adhering to his ambitious pursuit of knowledge, skills, and support from such organizations as Tech America and Supplier Excellence Alliance. John’s endeavors as VP of Operations, have led to stream lined process flows, shorten production cycle times, reduced costs, and improved quality.
Jason Wade is the Vice President of Product Marketing and Sales at Z Microsystems. He began his career with Tumbleweed Communications, now Axway, in Silicon Valley as an Engineer. During his tenure with Tumbleweed he developed a broad range of skills serving in engineering, quality assurance, and system administrator roles as the company grew.
After receiving his MBA Jason joined Z Microsystems in 2004 as a Sales Manager. He has applied and executed his expertise in sales and marketing tactics, business development, engineering. In 2008 he became Z Microsystems’ Director of Engineering, where he served for three years before assuming his current role in Marketing and Sales. Jason is an indispensible player in senior management and possesses extensive knowledge and experience in systems administration, software and hardware development, technology management, and systems integration. He works closely with Z Micro customers to provide technical solutions to unique challenges and create custom platform solutions ISR operations. Jason’s academic exploits include a Bachelor's of Science in Applied Mathematics as well as a Bachelor's of Science in Physics. He later went on to acquire his MBA in Technology Management at UC Davis.
As the Vice President of Quality Assurance, Rick Elliott has served as a vital asset in the growth and development of Z Microsystems’ manufacturing and quality processes since 1995. Prior to his tenure at Z Microsystems, Rick employed his entrepreneurial prowess building his own private firm. After 23 years of self-employment, 12 of which involved in private Quality Systems Consulting, Rick joined the Z Micro team. He has a comprehensive skillset in Quality Assurance and is credited with having built and retooled quality systems for Z Micro and numerous other companies. Rick’s exploits have been called upon by a long list of companies that include: Huck International, PW Pipe, Encad, Heat & Control, Browning USA, Hydrabrush, and more.
For the past 13 years, Rick’s skills and primary focus have been dedicated to Z Microsystems’ Quality Assurance department. He is an integral member of senior management specializing in manufacturing troubleshooting, quality training, quality certifications & implementation, as well as auditing. He is also an expert in security and clearance protocol. In addition to his other accolades and achievements at Z Microsystems, Rick is a certified Lead Assessor for ISO 9001. He also maintains a Six Sigma Black Belt.
Richard Schmidt is CFO at Z Microsystems and is responsible for management and review of all financial, accounting and human resource functions for the company. Schmidt has twenty-five years of diverse financial and tax management experience, including nine years in a "Big 4" public accounting firm environment. He has consistently implemented successful strategies for financial growth and effectively managed teams of professionals as well recruiting and training of personnel. Previously, he has served as CFO for Volvo Construction Equipment and Services, Cybertel Communications Corporation, and Iseki, Inc. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gonzaga University.
Randall Millar is Vice President of Engineering at Z Microsystems and oversees all facets of product development from conceptual design through delivery to the customer. Randy brings more than ten years of executive experience having served as Vice President of Engineering and COO at DigiVision. He has extensive technical experience in the design of video processing systems and has been granted a number of patents for his work on real-time enhancement algorithms for medical, military, and consumer markets. Randy earned his degree in electrical engineering at UCSD.
Bob Kopas is the Vice President of Military Programs for Z Microsystems. He coordinates with other members of our management team on activities relating to production, sales, engineering and customer service for our Military customers. As a US Navy Surface Warfare Officer with over 28 years of military experience, Bob has served in numerous positions, most notably as the first Commanding Officer of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Other tours include Commanding Officer of USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49) and two tours on the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces as Assistant Chief of Staff for Computers, Communications, Command & Control, Combat Systems and Intelligence Systems (C5I) and Assistant Chief of Staff for Training.
Bob earned a Master’s of Science degree in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School; a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College; and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Science from Purdue University. He has also completed Joint Professional Military Education at the Joint Forces Staff College.
