Kevin McQuown

I received my BS in Computer Science from IIT back in 1984 with a digital electronics focus. I have worked in the embedded world for over 15 years both at General Dynamics on the F-16 and with Rational Software (now part of IBM). During my tenure at both companies I was involved in training and mentoring of Fortune 500 companies on good software development practices.

In 2009, I took a quick detour into the wine business starting both Copain Wines and Punchdown Cellars. I built both companies from the ground up and both are still in business today. Unfortunately, while building those companies, I realized my real passion has always been in software development so I sold my shares in 2009 and went back to writing software full time.

When the first SDK for iPhone was release in 2008 I jumped head first into iOS development and have been developing for the iPhone and iPad ever since. I founded Deck5 software in 2010 to focus on mobile development and build apps for Fortune 500 companies.

Additionally, I have developed a curriculum at Mobile Makers Academy to teach iOS mobile development to high schoolers students. This curriculum is currently deployed in 9 high schools throughout the northern suburbs. I was also the Senior Lead Instructor and Director of Programs at Mobile Makers Academy in 2014.

Most recently I have co-founded Windy City Lab with Dave Krawczyk my good friend and business associate where we worked together for close to five years at Deck5 software. Windy City Lab is a company that focuses on building early stage IoT products. Windy City Lab is located at Catalyze Chicago and at 1871.