Built in Jackson
About us
Removing common barriers to innovation so Michigan businesses can launch, scale, and thrive.
Our Mission
Lean Rocket Lab removes common barriers to innovation by providing a collaborative workspace full of high energy entrepreneurs, advanced educational programming, helpful business resources, and access to various stages of capital so businesses or products can launch and thrive.
Our story: built on Jackson's manufacturing legacy
Lean Rocket Lab sits in the heart of downtown Jackson, in a building that carries the city's industrial story forward. We take our guiding words from Peter F. Hurst, founder of Aeroquip, whose Jackson plant helped define a generation of Michigan manufacturing:
"Call it the pioneering spirit, or free enterprise system if you'd like. It motivates those in our society who are prepared to give up the quest for security, and pursue a course of action requiring initiative, vision, and boldness."
In 2018, we signed a lease on the old Swan Creek Candle building and got to work, starting by tearing up the green carpet. Lean Rocket Lab opened its doors in January 2019 with the help of partners, investors, and friends. From there we expanded fast: ManuTech and the Industry 4.0 Accelerator, then Lean Rocket LOCAL in partnership with American 1 Credit Union, fully sponsored demo days with Ford and GM, and an expansion across multiple counties.
Initiative. Vision. Boldness. These are not just words on a wall. They are the standard we hold for ourselves and the founders we serve.
Letter from our founders
To our Lean Rocket Lab family and friends,
When we started Lean Rocket Lab, we believed something simple but powerful: that great businesses can be built right here, and that no one should have to leave our community to chase a bold idea. Years in, that belief has only grown stronger. No one builds a great business in isolation.
What drives us is the power of a shared ecosystem. We have watched the Lab grow into far more than a workspace. It is an engine for economic opportunity, a place where founders find resources, mentorship, and momentum, and where a cup of coffee at Cafe Fuel turns into the connection that changes everything.
With gratitude,
Brandon Marken & Ken Seneff
Founders, Lean Rocket Lab
The People
Lean Rocket Lab team
The staff who run our programs, our space, and our day-to-day work with founders.
Brandon is the visionary founder of Lean Rocket Lab, driven by a passion for nurturing and empowering startup companies. With a relentless commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial success, Brandon has created a thriving ecosystem within Lean Rocket Lab.
Ken has a passion for growth. Throughout his journey as an entrepreneur, he has had some pretty cool successes and fantastic failures. Learning a lot about the lean startup method and is passionate about helping other companies and startups through the lean startup methodology.
Alex is passionate about the Jackson community. Her mission? To make Jackson a destination where people WANT to work, live, and play! Alex is also the co-leader of Michigan Tribe in Jackson, a female entrepreneur nonprofit. Alex also has a creative passion -- photography!
Zach Kraabel is Director of Operations at Lean Rocket Lab in Jackson, Michigan. He specializes in go-to-market strategy for manufacturing startups, technology vetting and market research, and connecting Michigan manufacturers with contract-manufacturing partners. He has helped vet 400+ startups and build partnerships with small manufacturers and Fortune 500 OEMs.
Aiden Brunin
Program Coordinator
Aiden is Lean Rocket Lab's Program Coordinator, keeping our programs running smoothly behind the scenes. He supports logistics, administration, events, marketing, and storytelling across all of LRL's programs, and helps manage the coworking space day to day. Aiden joined Lean Rocket Lab right after graduating from Spring Arbor University.
Lauren is the owner of Lyons Financial, based in Jackson, MI, where she helps small businesses succeed financially by staying organized and understanding their numbers. With a background in financial analysis across supply chain and procurement, Lauren made the switch to self-employment after repeatedly hearing how much small businesses needed dedicated financial support. She brings a strong work ethic and an eagerness to learn at every opportunity.
Experts in Residence
Our EIRs
Seasoned operators and specialists who coach founders through our programs and collectives.
- Product Management
- ERP / MES & Ops Software
- Business Model Design
Leland is one of our EIR's at Lean Rocket Lab. Leland has a diverse skill set spanning business analytics, software development, manufacturing, and technology. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in these pivotal areas, Leland is a valuable asset to the Lean Rocket Lab community, providing invaluable insights and guidance to fellow members and entrepreneurs.
- Sales & Business Development
- Go-to-Market Strategy
Brandon Bartel is a sales and revenue-growth professional currently at SWYFT Solutions, where the focus is on guiding innovative startups and growing manufacturing teams. He specializes in sales coaching and strategy, a client testimonial credits him with helping develop a sales playbook that nearly doubled the business year-over-year. He's also active in the Jackson, Michigan community, having served on the Drive Jackson Key Leadership Committee, which fits with the local focus of your funders project.
- Marketing & Brand
- Go-to-Market Strategy
Devon is the owner of Epic Blue Marketing, a full-service creative agency serving clients across Mid-Michigan and the U.S. with branding, press and communication plans, social media management, web development, and video storytelling campaigns. Devon is also the owner of Belle Row Boutique, a women's online and traveling clothing boutique. Before launching Epic Blue, Devon held senior leadership roles as Director of Public Relations at Lansing Community College and Marketing Director at TiiCKER, building deep experience in media relations, event management, public affairs, and advertising. She's passionate about mentoring young professionals and giving back to her community, having volunteered with organizations including Junior Achievement USA, the MI-ACE Women's Network, the Children's Trust Fund, and Michigan Tribe.
- Systems Engineering
- Workforce Training
Joe is an automotive engineer turned entrepreneur, mayor, and leadership guide. Over his career in the tech and automotive sector, he earned promotions, a patent, and industry recognition for his engineering work. After navigating an industry downturn, Joe took the same tools, training, and strategies that made him successful in engineering and applied them to leadership in a new arena—founding HomeGrown Leadership, where he helps people lead with the same rigor, communication, and goal-setting they use at work. Today, as a small-city mayor and entrepreneur, Joe brings an engineer's mindset to building strong teams, clear systems, and resilient communities.
- Business Model Design
- Financial Modeling
- Marketing & Brand
Retired-Associate Regional Director guiding entrepreneurs and small businesses to start and stay in business. Formerly, an entrepreneur with over 9 years experience in business management, event planning, marketing, communications, accounting, and kitchen management.
- Marketing & Brand
Jake is a creative storyteller and video production specialist who helps businesses and organizations bring their brand to life on screen. Through his company, Uncharted Film Co., based in Jackson, MI, Jake partners with clients to produce compelling brand films, promotional videos, and visual content that connect with audiences and drive results. As a local entrepreneur, he understands what it takes to grow a business and brings that same passion and hustle to every project he takes on. Jake holds a degree from Huntington University and combines technical skill behind the camera with a genuine eye for the stories that make a company stand out. He's driven by helping clients turn their vision into visuals that leave a lasting impression.
- Financial Modeling
- Bookkeeping & Accounting
Bradley is a board member at Lean Rocket Lab and a shareholder at Lally Group, where he serves as a trusted advisor to clients across the non-profit, telecommunications, and family-owned business sectors. Active in the Jackson community, he serves as treasurer for the Jackson Downtown Development Authority and was named to Jackson Magazine's 30 and Under in 2017. Bradley and his wife, Stephanie, live in Brooklyn and enjoy traveling and cheering on Michigan football, the Detroit Tigers, and NASCAR.
- Product Management
- Prototyping
- Lean & Continuous Improvement
Dezarai Shepherd is a product development engineer at STANLEY Engineered Fastening, where she leads cross-functional projects from concept through design. She specializes in interpreting customer needs, defining product requirements, and creating innovative solutions, often going beyond her role to design prototype tooling and lead continuous improvement efforts. Based in Jackson, MI, and a Central Michigan University graduate, Dezarai is known by colleagues for her drive, organization, and strong leadership on product and engineering teams.
Governance
Board of directors
Community and industry leaders who guide Lean Rocket Lab's mission.
