about / leadership

Interactive Technologies employs a talented and diverse team of technology, business and design experts. Our principals, Jeffrey Helman and Nancy Riess, work one-on-one with every client and then collaborate closely with our knowledgeable and educated team to bring concepts to reality.

Jeffrey Helman, President

When he founded Interactive Technologies in 1995, Jeff was looking for a way to blend his passion for technology and extensive business experience to benefit forward-thinking companies. Over the past 13 years, Jeff has proven himself to be an intuitive marketer as well as technologist. He has produced technology-based marketing solutions for clients all around the world such as Honeywell, Home Depot, RTKL, Shaw Industries and Sears.

Jeff brings proven expertise to the table. Even clients that retain their own internal IT team recognize Jeff's unique combination of marketing insight and technology acumen. He has a keen ability to envision and execute web-based marketing programs on behalf of his clients be they small local firms or multi-national brands.

Exceeding client expectations is Jeff's objective on every project that Interactive Technologies completes. Clients can be assured, when hiring Interactive Technologies, that they will get only the best from Jeff and his team. He drives towards excellence and has been known to re-do a web site design or content rather than submit anything less than satisfactory to his clients.

Before Interactive Technologies, Jeff honed his brand management expertise at Clorox and Avery Dennison, and subsequently was CEO of a 30-door regional retail chain. Jeff received his MBA from U.C. Berkeley's Haas School of Business and his B.A. from Emory University.

Nancy Riess, Vice President

Nancy brings valuable experience in marketing, technology and product development to Interactive Technologies. She has a proven ability to analyze the marketplace, build insights and understand trends, transforming her client's business objectives to tangible results.

As the Director of New Business at 180s, manufacturer of branded performance apparel, Nancy successfully launched its private label business, partnering with high profile brands including Gap, Banana Republic, Land's End, Joseph A Bank and Chico's. As part of the business development effort, Nancy managed all creative marketing communications for this effort, including print, web design and development.

She built a $4M award winning glove business including Fortune's 2003 "Best Outdoor Products of the Year" and Runner's World "Top 15 Products for Winter Running" (Feb 2005). Additionally she designed and won a $40 million apparel contract for the US Marine Corps. She brings this experience to her client engagements to better understand their lifecycle issues and help eliminate hurdles and facilitate efficiencies.

Nancy earned her MBA from U.C. Berkeley's Haas School of Business and holds a B.S. from M.I.T. in materials engineering.