There’s a problem that we all deal with. We want to connect with all the smartest people in our area, but sometimes the smartest and most capable people aren’t very visible to us.
A couple weeks ago I met 3 people that I didn’t even know existed and yet they were all amazing. How is that possible?
I decided to ask some of the smartest and best connected people I know who they feel is flying below the radar. We all know people who are amazing, but not well known.
Below is the list – in no particular order, it’s just the order in which people got back to me. I’ve made the list as easy as possible for you to connect with them.
Do you know someone who missing from the list? Let me know in the comments.

Lizzy Hazeltine
Venture Associate at The Startup Factory and former internship and program director for UNC’s Minor in Entrepreneurship.

Neil Bagchi
Founder and Manager at Bagchi Law, a boutique law firm that serves as “virtual general counsel” to small and medium-sized emerging growth companies.

Brandon Houlihan
Interactive designer in Raleigh N.C. who likes to have fun with the internet and make things currently making magic happen at Reverb Nation.

Karl Sakas
Founder & President of Agency Firebox, Speaker, Business Coach, and Volunteer Bartender on a 1930s Railroad Car.

Mattie Harris
Founder/CEO of The MAHARRIS Group.
“By far the best boss I ever had. She really understood the essential role of what a managers role should be – to support, develop and advance your people. I’ll never forget her once saying “My job is to have you make as money as possible” and she practiced that philosophy by fighting for her people – and in return we fought for her. One other gem was when Roadway was going through layoffs and how a long-time employee was given 1 hour to collect his things and go, all while an HR Rep watched his every move. Mattie gathered us together and among other words of reassurance said “Once in a while, take a look around your office and ask yourself ‘Could I pack up everything important to me in 30 minutes?’ If not, change it so that you can.” Her point was to never get too comfortable. Needless to say, Mattie had a huge impression on me in my young career.”

Taylor Brockman
Chief Technology Officer, Causam Energy, Inc. SOA.
“I moved here from Cleveland as the 8th employee of Pinpoint Networks. It was a company founded by two School of Math & Science guys named Jud Bowman and Taylor Brockman. The former certainly has the higher profile and has been successful not only with Pinpoint (which became Motricity) but also his current venture Appia. But Taylor was the guy behind the scenes. The geek, if you will. Smart beyond his years and incredibly level-headed and thoughtful. I always said that I would take a bullet for Taylor. I’d tell Jud a bullet was coming his way. 😉 Taylor might be the smartest guy I know.”

Conner Burt
Head of Relationships at Lesson.ly.
“I’m a big fan of Conner Burt of Lesson.ly. He works out of HQ Raleigh and runs their Sales team. Killer dude.”

Carolyn Frazier
Project Manager at Smashing Boxes, perpetual note taker, keeper of details, maker of lists, scheduler of meetings, coordinator of the smart people.

Meghan Prichard
Philanthropy & Communications Liaison at The Nature Conservancy.
“Non-profit communications & award-winning cupcake baker!”

Tony Atti
Experienced Energy Technology Entrepreneur, President & CEO at Phononic.
“Brilliant CEO with an amazing company.”

Amber Frazier-Finkelstein
CEO & Founder of Retro M.
“Amber has a great up and coming content and communications company.”

Brian Jenkins
Founder at AnyCloud.
“A brilliant CEO who has a very interesting cloud based company. I think they’re well positioned to get some scale as they move out of their MVP.”

Kerri Patterson
Kerri is a technology enthusiast who strives in leveraging the best solutions to make life less complicated. She is currently kicking off Patterson Tech Solutions and My Family Cloud while a member of the founding team of Connected Women NC.

Brian Shampnois
Senior Optimization Analyst at Brooks Bell.
“He’s more than an analyst, he knows how to code, knows databases… a true tech jack of all trades.”

Scott Teschendorf
Optimization Engineer at Brooks Bell.
“One of the smarter front-end developers I’ve met in a while.”

Todd Edwards
Automation Engineer at McClatchy Interactive.
“I always like the kind of tech stuff he posts. He knows a lot about a lot.”

Josh Friend
Principal Software Engineer at Portfolio Decisions, LLC.
“Unbelievable talent in software development and all around nice guy!”

Wendy Gates Corbett
President at Refresher Training, LLC.
“Active in the community, entrepreneur, and genuine person.”

Bonni L. Baird
Manager – Training and Organizational Development at The LCMS.
“The ultimate connector, animal activist, unknown talent in the training industry”

Derrick Minor
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager for the City of Raleigh.
“He is one of the big contributors towards Raleigh’s startup boom.”

Tom Lipsky
President of Loud & Proud Records.
“Tom is one of the most successful people in the music industry and a surprise to many, he lives and runs his new label out of Raleigh!”

Matt Lemke
IT Director at Atlantic Business Technologies.
“He is buried in ABT, but Matt knows his stuff in networking.”

Michael Marchetta
Director Marketing Operations at Jerry’s Artarama.
“I thought the Jerry’s job might be too big for MM, but he proved me wrong by ROCKING it.”

Monique Simpson
Marketing Strategist at Centerline Digital.
“She’s smart, she’s creative and has a strong understanding of audience, technology and business goals.”

Kristen Collosso
Interactive Designer at Centerline Digital.
“She’s a super talented content-minded designer….meaning she makes things that aren’t just beautiful, but she’s focused on the message and what users are trying to achieve.”

Ashley Wentz
Content Strategist at Centerline Digital.
“She thinks through how audiences experience content across platforms. She’s also a superb party planner.”

Frank Pollock
President at the Pioneer Group and former Director of the MBA Program at NC Central University.

Gary Kayye
Founder of rAVe Publications and teaches two marketing courses at the University of North Carolina School of Media and Journalism.

Emily Sexton
Founded Em Grey Photography on the truth that every woman is extraordinary.
“She is a photographer, small business consultant, and just generally freaking awesome person.”

Dani Swords
“Co-owner of King BMX Action Sports Stunt Show – she’s been in marketing for years, is super smart, really savvy, hard working, lives in Durham, is generally awesome.”

Kate Bryan
“Writer of The Small Things Blog, really well known blogger, lives in Cary. She’s awesome!”

John Paul “JP” Sherman
Enterprise Search & Findability Expert at Red Hat and former Archaeological Dig Team Leader.

Kyle Buchanan
Senior Web Developer at BCBSNC
“Organizer of Triangle JavaScript. JavaScript is arguably the most most important programming language out there and to be leading the Triangle’s best meetup on the subject gives Kyle a lot of clout.”

Brittain Peck
Art Director & Designer.
“One of those people who makes you believe that design can change the world. He’s extremely skilled, but his talents become awe inspiring when he describes that reasons and thoughts that go into his work. He is also very active in AIGA and other social causes.”

Mike Rundle
Owner of Design Then Code and Flyosity, LLC as well as Principal Interaction Designer at Intuit.
“Hugely influential on Twitter when it comes to design, ux and iOS development. His observations are sharp and his opinions are spot on. If I could only follow one person on Twitter, it would be him.”

Lisa Braziel
VP, Strategy and Special Programs at Ignite Social Media.
“She’s worked on more social media programs for giant brands than almost anyone alive. But she’s not well known.”

Ferol Vernon
COO at Freebooksy & Bargainbooksy.
“Played a huge role in the growth of Reverb Nation.”

Lee Kennedy
Search Director at Coalmarch Productions.
“I hired Lee as an intern at Zencos and have watched him learn SEO/SEM, analytics and online marketing at an amazing clip while at El Torro Interactive and he just landed at Coalmarch where he should continue to do great work.”

Geoff Dunkak
VP Creative Services at BtB Marketing Communications.
“I first worked for Geoff 18 years ago and have kept in touch over the years. I’ve learned more from Geoff than any other professional in my career. Funny, intelligent and always honest, I cherish my conversations with him and appreciate the respect he’s shown me as well.”

Audra Gaiziunas
Owner of Brewed For Her Ledger, LLC; Fractional CFO & Controller, Financial, AIS & Marketing Strategist, Writer, Speaker.
“I first met Audra when I joined the board of Triangle AMA. She was the treasurer and did a fantastic job of getting the financial situation of the chapter in top shape. To my surprise she was more than a typical accountant. Audra is one of the most creative people I’ve ever met and she constantly surprises me with what’s next.”

Brian McDonald
Digital Marketing Manager at Parata Systems and former President of the Triangle AMA.

Julia Elman
Designer + Front End Developer also Chapter Leader for Girl Develop It RDU and the Raleigh-Durham chapter of PyLadies.

Kate Williamson
Strategy Director at Centerline Digital.
“A brilliant UX Designer and Content Strategist who’s flying under the radar. Very intuitive. Very positive.”

Emily Adams
Project Manager at Centerline Digital.
“A project manager who seems to know what the clients are thinking before they think it. A pure doer&hellips; so focused on getting things done both to greater result and more efficiently than expected.”

Dante Passera
Director of User Experience at Smashing Boxes.
“His talent is only matched by his quick-witted personality. Really smart and motivated and giving.”

Rachel Healy
Freelance Web Writer/Editor.
“One of the deepest thinkers in the Triangle. Always looking to up her game and help people achieve their goals. It doesn’t matter what your project is, it will be better with Rachel involved.”

Jarrod Swart
CTO at Curagami.
“Philosopher trapped in a developers body. One of the few developers that focuses on solving the problem simply rather than with an earth-shattering function call.”

Bill Briggs
VP Marketing at PrecisionLender.com and formerly engineered hybrid cars before they were cool and jumped out of airplanes.

Molly McKinley
SEO Specialist at IBM with a Public Relations background and Yoga Instructor.
“She wants to bring the cool, hip San Francisco vibe to the Triangle.”
Want to follow all of them on Twitter? Melissa Breau made this Twitter List: https://twitter.com/MelissaBreau/lists/triangle-people-to-know
I’d like to thank all of the people who took the time to send me the names, and sometimes a lot more, of people in the area who should get a little bit more of the spotlight on them for their particular brand of awesomeness.

Brian McDonald
Caitlin Vlastakis Smith
Cara Rousseau
Chris Heivly
Chris Moody
Cord Silverstein
Corey Harris
Dean Shaw
Donny Rhoades
Frank Pollock
Heather Kilcrease
Henry Copeland
Jake Finkelstein
Janet Kennedy
Jenny Halasz
Jeremy Jordan
Jim Tobin
John Lane
Karl Sakas
Kieran Wilson
Laura Paramoure
Mark Traphagen
Martin Smith
Meg Crawford
Melissa Breau
Mike Williams
Molly Stillman
Russ Jones
Scott Bornkessel
Shannon Mølhave
Wilson Owens
Thanks for including me, Phil! I feel honored to be listed with so many awesome folks!
All I did is curate the list Melissa. You need to thank the person who added your name… which I will not divulge.
Awe thanks, Phil!
No need for an “Awe” when you’re as awesome as you Molly!
What an awesome surprise, Phil–thanks putting together such an excellent list and including me! You get a high five, and you get a high five, and you get a high five…
High five right back atchya! Check under you chair too, you might have keys to a NEW CAR! Oh, wait, nevermind.
Phil – thanks for putting this list together. What an amazing group of “wicked smart” people – I love that this represents just a tiny portion of the talent we have in the Triangle. Huge thanks to those who nominated me.
Agreed Antonia! This area is stunningly rich with smart, talented people who could thrive anywhere – we’re lucky to walk among people like you.
I need to figure out what I do to deserve such “worthyness”. Doing it frequently could be a really good thing.
Apparently you already have it figured out 🙂
Well, it certainly isn’t spelling. 🙁
Thanks, Phil! Two people I would add are Ryan Boyles (@theRab) and Chuck Hester.
Well, they are a little too visible and well known to make this list. The ask was for people flying below the radar. With that said, if it was just “who is awesome?” they would both be charter members!
Honestly, I’m humbled just to be on the same page as some of these amazing people…. and yes, I’m blushing. For a bald person to blush, it looks like I’m standing behind a red balloon.
Nevertheless, cheers to everyone on this list, there are so many of you I know or know of and yes, you are all wicked smaht.
It’s a good list of great people, and there is no doubt you belong on it JP!
Fabulous to see our daughter, Julia Elman, included in such a prestigious, select group.
Now THAT’s a good dad!
Thanks to whomever hooked me up with an include. Great list to be on with so many talented people!
You were a double Mike! Two totally unrelated people both picked you… well done!
I’m honored and humbled to be included among such awesome people. I’m sure it wouldn’t take me long to name 100 people far more deserving.
Don’t be so sure Joe!
Don’t be so sure they’re more deserving, or sure of my ability to make a list? 🙂
What no one’s pointed out yet, is that there are so many awesome people who did not make this list. Saying that, I think it’s safe to say that the Triangle is in safe hands for the foreseeable future.
I agree that there is a lot of “unknown soldiers” that should be asked to take a bow, with that said, I think this list is a good start and now we can start to think about refreshing it on some sort of regular basis.
I’m also honored to be on this list ! I do have a pic I can add to the site so I’m not such as mystery. Let me know how to pass it along. Thanks! – Bonni Baird
That would be great Bonni – just email me at phil@1918.com and I’ll get it added!
I’m flattered to be unknown by so many and honored to have received multiple votes. This is an awesome list! Hope my fellow listers all wore their AWESOME sashes today. If not, definitely tomorrow.
Any day is a good day to wear your awesome sash!
Phil-
Great to see many deserving people recognized here. I must point out that Mr. Peck’s name is spelled “Brittain,” like the country but with an extra T because you know how they are about their tea.
Cheers!
Yikes, totally missed that Tom – thanks for the eagle eye. #fixed
Great list! Molly Mckinley rocks!!
Thanks Wendy, and yes she does. 🙂
Honored to be on the list, Phil. This is the list of Top 100 people to take out for a drink, right? 🙂
Two names that I’d add to the last are “The Phil’s” (Zucchino & Rubin), owners of The Wine Feed on Glenwood Ave. They made Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s ’40 Under 40 Tastemakers of America’ in June 2013.
That’s another list – one I hadn’t thought of but it’s a great idea!
Completely honored! Thanks for the inclusion!
A little more BMX in any list helps right?
I’ll assume I made this list solely on my rakish good looks :/
Luckily for you there were other things on the table 😉
Phil, thanks for including me and congrats on the social success of your post! You’ve started a fun conversation. Honored to be part of it!
Glad to have you as part of the #Triangle100 Chaz!
I recommend Christine Seib.
I am also a huge fan of Christine and agree with Martin’s assessment of her in that LinkedIn article.
Great list! Too bad I’m not on it!
Of all the people in the Triangle I could say “fly below the radar”, I don’t think I would ever think of you Jake 🙂
Phil, Great list. I know several on the list, but now there is a whole new group for me to want to connect with!
That’s the whole idea! Connect with more people you didn’t even know were doing great work right under our noses.
Yes, why isn’t Jake on this list? 😉
Thank you for including me and asking for my 3 peeps! Great idea!
It may have to become an annual thing prior to Internet Summit so we’ll all know who to connect with IRL
A few have been overlooked, but I believe a young lady by the name of Danielle Henderson (Danielle Goode is her maiden name) would have also been a wonderful person to place on this list.