About Us
Virtual Rebels was founded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in April 2020, A group of business owners, deprived of their pre-pandemic opportunities to network and enjoy the community of their fellow peers, decided to step rebelliously into the virtual space and find a new way to connect. This is not a group for which virtual meetings are “the new normal” or a way to engage until things return to normal. We don’t reminisce about previous in-person meetings being better, and we’re not longing for things to be normal again.
Unlike other communities or networking groups, Virtual Rebels has shown tremendous and consistent growth during the pandemic. The virtual space is what our community has always been about. If you are committed to make your virtual presence a part of your professional life – and you actually want to enjoy it – Virtual Rebels might be for you.
Our Chief Rebel Officers are
Josef Martens PhD
In a past life, Josef was a scientist. While working on his PhD in physics, he worked in the research team that discovered the OLED displays. He has the earliest patents on making these displays show any color (instead of just their original green).
Since existing an early start-up on this technology, he has advised tech executives on building cultures of high performance and stepping up in their leadership role. Josef has has authored several books on innovation and performance. He has spoken in person to tech executives and teams in over 30 countries on six continents - and in numerous virtual sessions in even more locations.
When Josef is not working, you can find him spend time with his two awesome sons, sailing the Chesapeake Bay or hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail.
Jim Ries
As Director of Business Development, Jim Ries drives revenue growth for Offit Kurman, one of the fastest-growing full-service law firms in the United States. He helps business leaders and families of wealth address some their most difficult challenges.
Jim has access to a deep network of over 250 attorneys, and he is able to connect his clients to the right attorney who can resolve their legal disputes and protect their assets. Jim is a master networker, and his high-level connections call him for solutions when they don't know who to call. Let Jim be your Google.