Speakers

Product Strategy

Brian Snyder, CEO of Kaboomracks, will share his extensive expertise in cryptocurrency mining. Since 2014, Brian has been pivotal in designing and operating profitable mining facilities, focusing on innovative cooling solutions and efficient power management.

His discussion will cover facility design, operation management, and adapting to new technologies, including the shift to 3-phase power supplies and managing heat in advanced mining equipment. Learn about setting benchmarks for sustainability and profitability in the mining industry.

Austin Howey of Aerotech Innovations will share his expertise on optimizing system efficiencies and ensuring robust infrastructure through advanced engineering.

With a background in architecture, aerospace and thermodynamics, Austin has pioneered methods to enhance ROI and reduce risks in crypto mining systems across the U.S.

His presentation will cover the risks of substandard equipment, the importance of rigorous engineering practices, and strategies for increasing operational efficiency and long-term profitability in bitcoin mining.

Dan Blaine, an experienced Insurance Broker at Marsh McLennan, will be a key panelist bringing his extensive expertise in insurance to the table, Dan will engage in a comprehensive Panel Discussion alongside distinguished professionals including a lawyer and an accountant.

This session is dedicated to unraveling the multifaceted business aspects of running a mining operation. Attendees can look forward to a deep dive into the critical, often complex, interplay between legal, financial, and risk management considerations essential to the successful operation of a mining business.

Dan’s participation promises to offer valuable insights into navigating the insurance landscape, ensuring that entrepreneurs are well-equipped to protect and sustain their ventures in the dynamic field of mining.

Elly (Elvira) Pembroke, proprietor at Pembroke Creative, will present “How It’s Made: Bitcoin ASICs”. Holding a PhD in Nanotechnology from Rice University, Dr. Pembroke has extensive experience in fabricating graphene field effect transistors.

Apart from homeschooling her children and advancing Bitcoin adoption through various platforms, she will guide attendees through the fascinating journey of silicon, from the earth’s crust to its pivotal role in Bitcoin mining.

Her session will demystify the chip fabrication process, highlight the physics behind current limitations and advancements in miner capabilities, and explore the distinct characteristics that differentiate Bitcoin ASICs from general consumer electronics. Attendees can also look forward to insights on potential future innovations in mining technology.

Eric Martin, owner of Martin Mining and a devoted cryptocurrency enthusiast, will share his expertise and passion for mining that extends to the technical depths of repairing crypto miners and tackling complex mathematical challenges within the field.

His session will focus on miner repair techniques and the unique challenges they present. When not immersed in the crypto world, Eric stays abreast of the latest trends, ensuring his methods are at the cutting edge of technology.

JL Zoeckler, also known as “BeardMiner”, will take attendees through his riveting journey from home mining setups to directing 200MW mining sites. He’ll share invaluable lessons, practical tips, and underscore the significance of being the lowest cost producer in the competitive landscape of Bitcoin mining.

Drawing from his rich experience of staffing large operations and overcoming numerous challenges—including near-misses with fire hazards and complex negotiations with governments and power companies—JL will offer a candid look into the realities of scaling mining operations.

Attendees will leave with not only an understanding of JL’s unique approach to seizing stranded power opportunities but also a blueprint for avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing their mining endeavor’s success.

Jerad Clough, the CEO of Just For Krypto, will lend his extensive expertise to a riveting panel discussion. With a background deeply rooted in marketing and a relentless dedication to family businesses post-college, Jerad has emerged as a pioneering innovator and entrepreneur within the cryptocurrency mining sector.

Under his visionary leadership, Just For Krypto has evolved from a modest operation with just two Z15 Zcash miners to a formidable 25 megawatts of bitcoin mining powerhouse.

Jerad’s journey through the industry’s initial trials, such as underestimating the need for cooling miners, to navigating the volatile shifts from bull to bear markets, provides a wealth of knowledge on strategic investment timing, load shedding, and raising capital.

Attendees can anticipate a session filled with invaluable insights on overcoming the complexities of the mining industry, drawn from Jerad’s rich tapestry of experiences and achievements.

Mark Andersen and John Mazzarella, founders of Coastal Crypto Mining, will engage in a compelling panel discussion, titled “Build Back Better: Integrating America’s Existing Infrastructure to be Bitcoin/Crypto Compatible.”

This dynamic duo has carved a niche in the crypto mining industry since January 2021 by merging their backgrounds in welding, fabrication, and education with their passion for cryptocurrency. Their presentation will focus on revitalizing underused industrial buildings by retrofitting them into state-of-the-art mining facilities.

Known for their commitment to exceptional customer service and transparency, Mark and John’s company not only offers top-tier mining hardware but also provides server hosting spaces for efficient cryptocurrency mining.

Their session will delve into the potential of integrating and enhancing America’s existing infrastructures to support and advance the crypto mining sector, promising insights into sustainable and innovative mining solutions.

Jonathan Yagoobian, the IT Manager at “My First Bitcoin,” will speak on “Accelerating Bitcoin Adoption and Financial Empowerment in El Salvador and Beyond.”

Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit’s challenging environment, Jonathan saw parallels in El Salvador’s transformation, sparking his passion for leveraging Bitcoin as a tool for global change. At My First Bitcoin, he leads the development of innovative educational programs in mining. My First Bitcoin created the world’s first Bitcoin Diploma, which has already educated over 25,000 students in El Salvador and trained hundreds of teachers in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

Jonathan Yuan, known as @coinheated on Twitter, will lead an engaging workshop on the innovative reuse of ASIC mining waste heat, specifically focusing on immersion-cooled Bitcoin mining.

Enthusiasts can look forward to a live demonstration featuring an ASIC miner in a transparent tank, showcasing the practical application of this technology.

Jonathan aims to explore the possibilities of integrating a micro-bathroom or a hot water loop into the setup, depending on the facilities available at the conference site in the Northwoods of Minnesota.

His session promises to offer a hands-on experience and big ideas for harnessing waste heat in environmentally and economically beneficial ways.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from Kurt Wuckert Jr, the “Head of Banana Acquisition” at GorillaPool.

A seasoned veteran in the Bitcoin mining space since 2013, Kurt has been at the forefront of big block bitcoin mining endeavors. In his controversial talk on “Big Block Mining Economics,” he will explore the critical shift that he feels mining must undergo to sustain the future of proof-of-work chains.

Leading one of the largest pools on the BSV blockchain, Kurt brings a wealth of practical knowledge, managing extensive hashing infrastructure across North America. This session promises to offer invaluable insights for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of bitcoin mining.

Juergen Nittner, the CTO of LFG Mining and a renowned specialist in ASIC Miner Repair, is affectionately known in the community as “Mæstro”, or “MinerMEDIC”.

From igniting his first MOSFET at six to assembling his first computer at 17, Juergen’s journey into electronics, culminating in a degree from Purdue, has led him to his ultimate passion: Bitcoin and ASIC mining hardware maintenance.

Juergen will lead both a workshop and a panel, focusing on component-level ASIC repair and general ASIC care, areas he deeply cherishes teaching about.

Attendees can look forward to gaining invaluable insights from Juergen’s rich background and lifelong dedication to electronics and mining hardware, empowering them to enhance their mining operations through better hardware maintenance and care.

Margot Paez, a distinguished Fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and a PhD Candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will be delivering an enlightening presentation on “Improving The Bitcoin Mining Narrative With Data.”

Her expertise lies in the intersection of bitcoin mining’s energy use and its environmental implications. During her session, Margot will address the misconceptions and fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) commonly associated with bitcoin mining, which often stem from flawed academic studies.

Margot will illustrate how accurate, data-driven insights from the mining industry itself can effectively counteract these narratives, aiming to reshape public and policy perspectives on the environmental impact of bitcoin mining.

This presentation will be essential for attendees interested in how empirical evidence can be leveraged to enhance the industry’s image and influence policy positively.

Mark Andersen and John Mazzarella, founders of Coastal Crypto Mining, will engage in a compelling panel discussion, titled “Build Back Better: Integrating America’s Existing Infrastructure to be Bitcoin/Crypto Compatible.”

This dynamic duo has carved a niche in the crypto mining industry since January 2021 by merging their backgrounds in welding, fabrication, and education with their passion for cryptocurrency. Their presentation will focus on revitalizing underused industrial buildings by retrofitting them into state-of-the-art mining facilities.

Known for their commitment to exceptional customer service and transparency, Mark and John’s company not only offers top-tier mining hardware but also provides server hosting spaces for efficient cryptocurrency mining.

Their session will delve into the potential of integrating and enhancing America’s existing infrastructures to support and advance the crypto mining sector, promising insights into sustainable and innovative mining solutions.

Matthew Hopkins, otherwise known as “Son of a Tech” on YouTube will discuss ‘How To Get Profitable in GPU Mining’.

Son of a Tech is a well-known cryptocurrency mining YouTuber who has coached many people on the technical details of mining. His tutorials are regarded as some of the best in the industry and has resulted in over 700 documented mining success stories.

In Matthew’s session, you’ll receive strategies to find, configure and mine cryptocurrencies before they are listed on exchanges to maximize GPU mining profits!

Founder of Mini Mines, Nathan Poole, will discuss the construction of mining facilities.

Nathan is a certified general contractor in Florida and has been involved in 1/2 a million square feet of commercial and residential construction. He has built out five mining facilities across two states, with three more currently in progress!

Mike Weissenfluh, the esteemed Director of ASICs at Just For Krypto, will lead a thought-provoking Panel Discussion on the intricacies of building a mining farm from scratch. With a rich background spanning sales, marketing, and IT, Mike ventured into the crypto world in 2021, initially building Ethereum GPU rigs. His journey rapidly progressed to orchestrating a 2MW immersion farm deployment within an apparel customization facility.

Over the last two and a half years, Mike has been instrumental in constructing a 25 MW farm and establishing an off-grid natural gas container farm, showcasing his versatility and expertise in machine sales, customer service, and equipment repair. Mike identifies as a jack of all trades, perfectly poised to share invaluable insights and lessons learned in the complex process of farm development.

Owen Davis of Just For Krypto will share groundbreaking insights. As the Energy and Infrastructure Development Manager, Owen combines his civil engineering acumen with an unwavering commitment to sustainable bitcoin mining.

At the young age of 22, after transitioning to an online academic program, Owen fully embraced the bitcoin mining sector, propelled by a transformative experience during his internship with Just For Krypto. Now, at the forefront of energy and infrastructure innovation, he is a driving force behind projects aimed at boosting mining site efficiency and sustainability.

Owen’s presentation, titled ‘Energy is Prosperity, Bitcoin is Energy,’ promises to illuminate the significant, often overlooked benefits of Bitcoin mining. He will delve into its role in mitigating wasted energy, aiding rural energy initiatives in developing countries, and ensuring grid stability—areas where Just For Krypto is actively making a difference.

Rich Zhou, CEO of ‘Aquifer CFO’, will bring his extensive experience in corporate finance. Transitioning from an investment banker and head of FP&A for a fintech startup, Rich now dedicates his expertise to assisting startups in streamlining their financial operations. His presentation, Accounting for Bitcoin Mining, will address the crucial, often overlooked aspects of financial management within the mining sector.

Rich will delve into best practices and strategies to ensure that mining operations handle accounting and cost line items correctly, thus avoiding complications with regulatory bodies like the IRS and reducing unnecessary financial expenditures.

This workshop is essential for miners seeking to optimize their financial practices and safeguard their operations from common fiscal pitfalls.

Tech Engineer, partner at Nakamoto Heating Solutions, will share his innovative approach to Bitcoin mining.

Since 2021, he has harnessed the excess heat from Bitcoin miners for practical applications like heating his home and pool. His method not only enhances the efficiency of small-scale mining operations by significantly reducing energy costs but also addresses the critical issue of centralization in Bitcoin mining. By repurposing the heat byproduct, he believes small miners can remain competitive against large-scale operations, thus supporting the decentralization crucial to Bitcoin’s ethos.

His talk will focus on incentivizing decentralization through innovative heat recapture techniques, promoting a sustainable and equitable mining landscape.

Trevor Bello, a dynamic speaker hailing from the rugged terrains of Alaska and Oregon. Trevor’s presentation titled “Pleb Mining: How Bitcoin Mining Will Save the Middle Class” focuses on the transformative power of Bitcoin mining for everyday people.

Having graduated in 2016 and plunged into the workforce, Trevor encountered despair and uncertainty about his future until he discovered Bitcoin, which he views as a beacon of hope and a tool for empowerment. His session will explore the role of small-scale mining in domestic settings, discussing how repurposing the heat generated from mining can lead to significant cost savings and a variety of practical applications.

From drying tea and hemp to heating workshops and homes, Trevor aims to demonstrate how Bitcoin mining can rejuvenate the middle class by turning a cost into a multipurpose resource.

Fredrick Barber, founder of Echo Solar Systems and an analyst at the Miami-based Dargent Group, will present “Prepping for Decentralization Beyond 2032”.

An educator on Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology, Mr. Barber has enriched audiences nationwide, including his participation in a 43-city cryptocurrency tour and notable conferences. An early Bitcoin adopter and a featured voice on the KBLA Talk 1580 radio show “Ahead of the Crypto Curve,” he brings a wealth of knowledge from his studies in the Economics of Blockchain and Digital Assets and a DeFi Certificate from the University of Nicosia.

His presentation will explore strategies for leveraging blockchain and digital assets to ensure robust, decentralized financial systems as we look towards 2032 and beyond.

Alex Schoephoerster, a distinguished attorney at Moss & Barnett, will illuminate the legal intricacies of Bitcoin mining. With a practice rooted in business growth and estate planning, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in entity formation and partnerships, contracts, business sales and acquisitions, and wealth preservation.

As President and co-founder of the MN Crypto Council, he is deeply embedded in the bitcoin and cryptocurrency community.  Alex provides tailored legal advice to enhance operational compliance and secure asset legacy planning.

Join Alex to explore legal strategies that safeguard your investments and ensure your crypto assets can survive the transfer to future generations.

Dan Lawrence is from Foreman, a mine management software company.