Our Leadership
Click on the links below to view professional profiles of our leaders.
Michael Byrnes, President & CEO
Michael Byrnes
704.837.7758
Michael Byrnes is a successful entrepreneur and business leader specializing in building high-growth businesses, forming strategic direction, raising funds, as well as mergers and acquisitions.
In 2009 Michael founded NxGen Power, LLC, a renewable energy service provider dedicated to developing large utility class solar energy power projects. In addition to founding the company, he works closely with NxGen's portfolio companies and prospects, strategic investors, systems integrators, and outside consultants, cultivating relationships and evaluating opportunities for mutual growth.
In 2001 Michael founded and was President and CEO of M3 Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of managed infrastructure services that focused on the implementation, optimization, and operation of complex email and messaging platforms. This specialized focus allowed M3 Technology Group to grow profitably while garnering an impressive array of institutional clients. In five years he built the company from $0 to $12 Million in revenue and 120 employees. He also led all the investment capital and investor-related efforts. The company was sold to Azaleos in 2009.
In 1998, Michael founded NetLever, an Application Service Provider in Charlotte, NC, where he raised $55 Million in start-up capital. He oversaw initiatives that allowed NetLever to launch web design and application hosting services within six months from conception. He also led the effort to build management and functional teams. The business was sold to Choice One Communications in New York.
Prior to NetLever, he served as Sr. Business Development Manager for International Network Services (INS), a publicly traded company that provided security and internetworking consulting worldwide. Michael started the Charlotte, NC consulting operations, growing it from 0$ to $22 Million per year in consulting services revenue. He also led efforts to create an expanded portfolio of professional services and grew the practice to 57 consultants. His clients include some of the largest Fortune 500 companies in the southeast: First Union, Bank of America, Duke Power, SCANA, MCI, and Cisco among others.
Michael earned a BS degree in Finance from St. John's University, NY and lives in Charlotte with his wife and five children.
Jim Eckstein
704.837.7759
Jim is a visionary entrepreneur and proven leader. His record of developing strong highly profitable businesses spans the past two decades. Jim's role at Nxgen is to insure Nxgen has adequate funding to meet the capital requirements of its growing portfolio of power production assets.
In 2009, Jim became a partner in NxGen Power when he recognized the tremendous growth potential in the renewable energy market.
In 1999, Jim and two limited partners founded MCAP Partners LLC, a Private Equity Partnership. MCAP's intent is to invest in a diversified portfolio of small businesses which are able to leverage the financial, strategic, and operational resources of MCAP.
In 1996 Jim founded Visionary Systems, Inc. (VSI), an applications service provider, which grew to number 15 on the INC 500© Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies list for 2002. In 2004 Jim sold VSI to TransUnion, LLC, a leading credit reporting agency.
In 1996 Jim secured a long term contract for VSI with the founders of CompuCredit Corporation (NASDAQ:CCRT), a leading credit issuer specializing in the under-served marketplace. Jim advised CCRT as its acting CTO and chief technology strategist through early 1999, an explosive growth period for CCRT.
In 1998 Jim founded WorthKnowing.com, the first web-based provider of free credit reports to consumers and a customer acquisition tool for credit card issuers. After proving the business model, Jim sold WorthKnowing's assets in 2003 to a top twenty credit card issuer, which used the technology to support its internet-based customer acquisition strategies.
In 1997 Jim founded VSx, a data warehousing company specializing in enterprise information systems targeted at the consumer credit marketing industry. In 2002 Jim sold the assets of VSx to a top twenty credit card issuer which used the proprietary technology to augment its CRM strategies.
Prior to 1996 Jim held leadership roles in technology for several Fortune 500 Companies.Jim received his BBA from the University of Cincinnati in 1985 with a double major in Information Systems and Finance.
Jim is married and lives in Atlanta Georgia with his wife Tammy and their four sons. He is actively involved in fund raising activities for Catholic Schools.
