Origin: I’m a cinematographer who works in narrative filmmaking and with NFL Films. I’m also a licensed drone pilot. The NFL has an off-season of about six months, and the narrative film scene has yet to recover from multiple strikes. I have done some side gigs using industrial drones, like the Mavic 3 Enterprise and Thermal. For context, I own both of these drones. I don’t want to fully rely on film, given that it has been so slow recently. Desired Future State: I’ve enjoyed these industrial jobs and believe they could be a potential side hustle or supplemental income. My idea is to create a company that creates hurricane preparation documents for Louisiana homeowners. After a hurricane many homeowners find themselves in a constant fight with the insurance company to prove whether or not certain damage was done from a storm, or was already there before hand. This process becomes a lengthy one with insurance adjusters coming to houses multiple times, etc. It also becomes a game of whether or not you have the money to wait out an insurance company while they send over their first two low ball offers. Many people have to accept these because they do not have the funds to wait them out. My idea would be to provide homeowners these “Hurricane prep” documents of their homes, in their current state, using drone imaging along with thermal if they opted for that service too. These documents would include photos of the roof, the home, the surrounding area, like sheds and fences. There would be orbits of the house at different altitudes, both photo and video to give a view of the house from every angle. These images and videos would be timestamped and offer irrefutable evidence as to what the house looked like on a certain date. My thought is that this service could speed up any insurance claims process for not only a homeowner but also the insurance companies. This service could also cater to roofing companies who want to protect themselves from any liability with proof of their work.

Origin: I separated from employment with JNJ after 27 years (35 years in medical devices), after a career in R&D, Business Development, Pipeline development. Current State: Happy with no longer being dependent on a dysfunctional employer, but thankful for the experiences, benefits, and financial freedom that employer enabled. I didn't realize what a burden that employment had become to me until it was removed - I truly believe retiring now will add 10 years to my life. Desired Future State: Full freedom to do what I want with consulting (doing some of that already in places I have interest), pursuing improved health, and being a fully-present support to my kids, my parents, and others. Why: This is what I pursued a planned path for so many years - to be able to make my own way.