DIB Innovators

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks to Ryan Hartman, President and CEO of World View. The conversation explores Ryan’s military background, highlighting how his experiences in the Navy and Air Force shaped his leadership style. They also discuss the importance of effective communication and servant leadership in corporate success.  Ryan shares impactful stories that emphasize the significance of a purpose-driven mission and leadership style at World View. He explains how stratospheric balloons function and what their clients use them for, highlighting World View’s focus on enhancing customer missions and their engagement with the defense industrial base. Topics discussed: - Ryan Hartman’s military background in the Navy and Air Force and the influence of those experiences on Ryan’s leadership style. - The importance of effective communication and crew or team coordination. - What has shaped the purpose-driven leadership at World View, including stories illustrating the impact of purpose on company culture - World View’s focus on enhancing customer missions and their engagement with the defense industrial base - Technical challenges and operational efficiency in stratospheric ballooning. - The potential evolution of stratospheric ballooning in commercial and security applications

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Grant Anderson, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of Paragon Space Development Corporation. They discuss why Paragon Space Development Corporation does not use PowerPoint and how Paragon Space Development Corporation’s flagship products have contributed to the defense space.  Grant also shares his approach to leadership and some advice on building an innovative team. He also talks about how Paragon Space Development Corporation stays up to date with industry standards and continues to drive innovation. Topics discussed: - Grant’s journey from being the controller of an aviation company to working with Lockheed Martin to starting Paragon Space Development Corporation. - How Paragon refuses to use PowerPoint, which sets them apart from other organizations in the best way.  - Paragon’s flagship products and their contributions to the defense space. - Grant’s approach to leadership and his advice on building a team that makes innovation a regular process. - Why Paragon has avoided organizing itself based on team functions, instead opting for a process-based, collaborative approach. - How Paragon stays ahead with industry changes and continues to drive innovation in response.

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Bob Ferris, Founder and Executive Chairman of VirTra, about the journey from a team of one—himself—to becoming one of the field’s leading innovators and the critical role of strategic planning in VirTra’s expansion. Bob also outlines the hurdles involved in crafting virtual training programs for law enforcement and military personnel, showcasing VirTra’s adeptness in overcoming these challenges. Topics discussed: - How the field of virtual training technologies has evolved, and why Bob is the ”grandfather” of it all. - The strategic planning integral to VirTra’s growth and success in the industry. - VirTra’s groundbreaking initiatives and why the company has consistently remained ahead of its time. - Why it’s so challenging to create effective virtual training products. - How VirTra keeps track of the trends and new technologies in the defense sector - Embracing rejection as a catalyst for progress and innovation. How moving forward can sometimes mean saying—and hearing—”no.”

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Thomas Weidley, President and CEO of Capewell, a safety, tactical, parachute, and aerial delivery solutions manufacturer.  They discuss regrounding yourself in order to be a better leader. Tom also describes how supporting national security operations inspires Capewell employees to consistently deliver high-quality, reliable products.  Topics discussed: - How a ”warrior ethos” has guided Tom’s leadership both in the Marine Corps and as CEO of Capewell. - Lessons from combat that transfer to the corporate landscape. - Regrounding yourself and getting back to basics to stay connected to your team. - How supporting national security operations shapes the ethos of Capewell and its employees. - Challenges to staying innovative in delivering high-quality, reliable systems. - How Capewell has incorporated AI and other tech in their operations and manufacturing. - Balancing keeping an innovation mindset with keeping your ideas secure.

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Heather Bulk, President, CEO, & Co-founder at Special Aerospace Services (SAS), a tactical engineering and advanced manufacturing firm. They discuss how SAS grew from advisory services to providing tactical engineering in civil and DoD industries, and how they’ve seen the commercial space industry grow through increased interest, funding, and demand. They also talk about how to solve the challenges of workforce development in the DIB, efforts to get more women involved, and how they build diversity starting with how they recruit. Topics discussed: - How SAS got start-ed in advisory services for clients working with NASA and evolved to providing tactical engineering and advanced manufacturing services in both civil and DoD industries. - How the commercial space industry has grown through increased interest, funding, and demand for new engineering. - Why the biggest hurdle to overcome when working with the government is compliance, and why growing companies should look to outside experts to build their capabilities. - How SAS fosters a culture of autonomy and ”unintentional diversity” by being deliberate with its recruitment efforts. - The story of Deanna and how to get more women interested and involved in the space industry. - Why workforce development is the biggest challenge to the DIB today and the initiatives that can help solve it. - Why, when, and if a growing company should seek venture capital, and how SAS’s bootstrapping allowed them to take more risks.

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Gabe Dominocielo, Co-founder at Umbra, an Earth observation company. They discuss how Umbra uses synthetic aperture radar to observe the Earth, how they built the business for maximum IRR, and what they do to differentiate themselves from other satellite companies. They also talk about the long-term benefits of working with the US Government, how they foster a culture of security, and how Umbra seeks to continuously disrupt itself. Topics discussed: - What synthetic aperture radar is and how Gabe and his business partner saw its potential impact and profit. - What Umbra does to differentiate itself from the competition, including lower costs and redesigns based on customer feedback. - What it’s like working with the US Government and the benefit of having long contracts over time. - Their approach to data sharing and licensing, and how it allows for cost savings and more versatility. - How they foster a culture of security-mindedness to keep their IP safe. - What they look for in new talent, and how they use the ”reverse interview” with strong candidates. - The challenges of launching a satellite company and how Umbra works to constantly disrupt itself.

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Daniel Faber, CEO and Co-founder at Orbit Fab, a satellite refueling service provider. They discuss the problem of ”sitting duck” satellites and how Orbit Fab is solving that problem with ”gas stations in space” to supply fuel to spacecraft in orbit, launching in 2025. They also talk about the challenges of building a business in a market that hasn’t previously existed, how they tested a proof of concept on the ISS, what working with NASA is like, and the cybersecurity steps they’re taking to protect products and customers. Topics discussed: - How Orbit Fab evolved its concept of ”gas stations in space,” how it’s working up to its launch in 2025, and the future possibilities of being the in-orbit chemical supplier of choice. - Solving the problem of ”sitting duck” satellites with in-orbit refueling to protect national security assets. - How Orbit Fab is increasing its cybersecurity, including CMMC compliance, to protect itself and deliver safer products to customers. - The details behind Orbit Fab’s proof of concept test on the International Space Station. - How working with NASA and their requirements was a more straightforward process than expected. - The biggest challenges of building a business in a market that hasn’t previously existed, and how investors are taking a big bet on becoming first movers. - Balancing the tension of moving fast while also needing to produce reliable products.

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Sam Thevanayagam, President and CEO at Parts Life, Inc. and DeVal Lifecycle Support, a leader in life cycle sustainment. They discuss the challenges of end-of-life asset management in the defense industry, and how Parts Life is working to solve those problems with their R.O.P.E. process. They also talk about how to protect IP and the supply chain, being a good steward in the DIB, and advice for young entrepreneurs. Topics discussed: How Sam started Parts Life to solve the problem of obsolescence in the defense industry. How the R.O.P.E. process (Rapid Obsolescence Planning and Execution) is a ”Tylenol for the headache” of DMSMS. The technology Parts Life uses in their processes, like precision cameras and additive manufacturing. Why Sam is focused on being a good steward in the DIB by creating solutions and training individuals for new careers. The challenge of managing end-of-life processes in the defense industry and how Sam is working to solve it. How Parts Life protects its IP by staying vigilant to bad actors and securing their supply chain. Advice to young entrepreneurs that includes putting creativity before capital.

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Jeromy Grimmett, Founder & CEO at Rogue Space Systems Corporation, a provider of sustainable in-space services. They discuss how the company was created and went from idea to an "orbot" in space in four years, what satellite projects they're working on, and the process for getting a craft onto a rocket and launched. They also discuss team leadership, how to drive innovation in the space arena, and what opportunities lay ahead for space economies and communications. Topics discussed: How Rogue Space Systems Corp. got off the ground by "brute force," and how they went from an idea to a satellite in space in four years. An overview of the "orbots" that Rogue is creating, what's up in space now, and what the plan is for future launches. The biggest challenges to getting a spacecraft launched, including regulatory and licensing. The process of getting their “orbot” into space, including all the things that could go wrong and all the things that went right, and what it's like to see a rocket launch with your product on board. How they drive innovation through having a great team, problem-solving, creativity, and embracing failure. Where Rogue stands on their cybersecurity initiatives, and how they're taking proactive steps to protect their IP. The biggest advancements for the future of space and the massive opportunities for innovation there.

On this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with John Williams, Chief Executive Officer at ATLAS Space Operations, the leading provider of ground software as a service in the space communications industry. They discuss John's extensive career both in the Air Force and various defense companies, how innovation and business models in the DIB are evolving, and how the space community is becoming its own entity. They also talk about the importance of cybersecurity, what tech investments ATLAS is making to better manage terabytes of data, and advice for entrepreneurs. Topics discussed: How John's background in the Air Force and various defense companies has allowed him to lead change in the DIB. The differences between "old space" and "new space" in terms of speed of innovation and different business models. How the space community is "coming into its own" in the DIB, how it's updating old business models, and the challenges it still faces.  What ATLAS Space is doing to improve satellite communications and moving content from space to ground. Where tech investments like machine learning, data management, and better hardware are supporting innovation. How ATLAS approaches cybersecurity, including a talented team and third-party support. Advice to entrepreneurs to learn more about the commercial world, especially if they're coming from a military background.

On this week’s episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David talks with Charles McCarrick, Founder, President, and Chief Scientist at Micro-Ant, a company that develops and manufactures custom antennas. They discuss what it’s like to work in the Defense Industrial Base, including the excitement around innovation and the challenges of red tape. They also talk about how Micro-Ant thinks about security and IP protection, advice for entrepreneurs on how to create better processes, and what the future holds for defense tech. Topics discussed: - The exciting aspects of working in the DIB, like innovation and partnerships. What Charles learned about business from growing up with older brothers, and how he wrote about it in the book Lessons My Brothers Taught Me. - The challenges to working in the DIB, especially the friction caused by red tape. - How Micro-Ant thinks about security and how it goes about protecting its intellectual property. - Advice for entrepreneurs who are just starting out with their innovations and how they can build their businesses through consistent processes and planning. - How Micro-Ant won a competition at the Artic Circle by being the only one to close a link to a satellite. - What the future holds for defense tech innovation, especially around resiliency.