September 2010

Kevin Lasser and his partner Ramie Phillips started Pure Entropy Technologies and its sister company Encryption Security Solutions in 2006 to provide state of the art cyber security solutions to the government, specifically the military, and commercial entities.  Their technology provides the highest possible security level for real time encryption of all sorts of data including high definition streaming video. Since that time, the company has expanded its focus by developing a user friendly commercial software product that secures information for businesses and consumers by encrypting any form of digital data whether ‘at rest’ or ‘in transit’.  They are also working with other Michigan companies that are doing business with the Department of Defense.  “Our commercial product is a cutting edge technology that has enormous potential for the medical industry as well as for first responders in the homeland security and safety arena,” says CEO Lasser. “We’re also helping other companies who want to work with the government’s military operations.” According to Lasser, “Companies that are dealing with products or technologies that are on the United States Munitions List must meet standards set by the federal government (called ITAR requirements) and we provide manuals and training to ensure these businesses are compliant.”

Recently, Pure Entropy Technologies received a government contract to provide encryption software for robotic vehicles that shoot video; making sure the information the military knows about the enemy is secure and doesn’t get into enemy hands.   Lasser relates, “Basically, we put up a cyber fence that prohibits the bad guys from seeing what the good guys are seeing.  Our job is to secure the data transfer from unmanned ground vehicles to the base.”

Lasser readily admits that the success Pure Entropy Technologies and Encryption Security Solutions have achieved to date can be attributed in no small part to the help and support of public sector organizations.  “One of the smartest things we did was to join Automation Alley,” acknowledges Lasser.  “Automation Alley is a world class organization and I don’t think there is a better value for a company than a membership in that organization.  We simply would not have been successful without them.”  Through his involvement in Automation Alley, Lasser connected with the Michigan Procurement Technical Assistance Center network (PTAC), a state/federal partnership aimed at helping small companies do business with the federal government.  “The PTAC network staff was a tremendous resource for us.  They opened doors that we didn’t even know existed and helped us build a customer base for our compliance work with companies,” says Lasser.

Another business resource Lasser lauds as central to the success of Pure Entropy Technologies is the Michigan Small Business Technology Development Center network (Mi-SBTDC).  “The SBTDC is such a rich resource for businesses that want to grow.  It’s an accessible network with viable, business savvy consultants. In fact, they provide services for free that other private consultants wanted to charge us up to $50,000 for,” relates Lasser.  “I’ve been working with the SBTDC’s business consultant Tom Kelly for several years.  He’s helped us develop and perfect our business plan, put together forecasting and financial projections and, generally, become my go-to person for a million things.”

His companies have grown to 7 full-time employees and more than 20 subcontractors and he sees growth in employees and revenues continuing to build.  While currently a subcontractor to government prime contractors, Lasser envisions Pure Entropy to become a direct vendor to the military in the near future.

Pure Entropy Technologies was designated one of Michigan’s “50 Companies to Watch” in 2010; an award given to second-stage companies which have persevered through challenging economic times and experienced significant growth in employees and revenues. “I am proud to be recognized as one of a group of Michigan companies that are forming the backbone of Michigan’s new economy,” says Lasser.  Lasser is also Chairman of the Michigan Homeland Security Consortium, a statewide organization whose mission is to drive development and growth of the homeland security industry in Michigan.  “Without taking advantage of the opportunities provided by Automation Alley, the SBTDC and the PTAC networks, it’s doubtful that any of the awards and recognitions we’ve received would have come to us so soon in our growth.  You could say that we are a poster child for promoting the public services Michigan has to offer its businesses,” relates Lasser.

Contact the SBTDC.