• With Meteor Education I have been lucky to work alongside some of the most brilliant and futuristic thinkers with several collaborative book projects (Humanizing the Education Machine, The Healthy Workplace Nudge, and WHOLE: What Teachers Need to Help Students Thrive).
• I helped to found the wellness initiative at Meteor Education, and have served as the Chair of the Wellness Advisory Team for several years. I am so excited to be able to support my colleagues in this way — doing great work together to help change the future of education, while also supporting one another to have balanced and fulfilling work experiences.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

I really think at the heart of it, what we are working to solve is about rekindling and supporting the human element of education. Supporting the students, teachers, and leaders to have Pro-social and human experiences in education. I firmly believe that connecting with others at this human level is the key to building a kinder and more inspired world.

Working with smaller, emerging organizations to get the word out about amazing products. There are so many resources out there, and it's challenging for educators to research and know about everything that's out there. I work with organizations that have amazing products, are mission-driven, and partner with teachers to continually improve their products. I get to focus on finding ways to get the word out without the budget or breadth of brand awareness that the 'bigger guys' have!

• I was the inaugural Director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership at Swarthmore College. There, I was able to build a center from the ground up to support leadership development, creativity and design, and innovation and entrepreneurship for the entire campus community. I worked diligently with students, faculty, and campus partners to fill in the gaps in the student experience of highly motivated liberal arts students at Swarthmore. It was extraordinary to see how the center developed and changed over time under my direction and partnerships on and off campus and to see the impact it had on the overall student experience.
• There are a number of individual student stories I could share where I was fortunate enough to be part of supporting a student's personal development - building confidence, overcoming deep challenges, and taking great next steps into their future. I am extremely proud of being a part of their lives as students while on campus, particularly seeing them grow over 4 short years. Students often see their lives as linear, one step leading to the next, but with the twists and turns of life, they often needed a little extra support and encouragement which I was honored to be able to provide.
• The COVID-19 pandemic pushed my colleagues and I to reimagine higher education almost overnight. I was part of 10+ continuity committees on my last campus that worked to re-tool, rebuild, and re-imagine a virtual world on a 100% residential campus. It gave me an opportunity to deeply appreciate the in-person physical campus including the campus facilities and in-person relationship building. I am proud of my ability to continuously be creative in a period of great strain. It also helped me to find the world of contract furniture and better understand the world of interior design, capital planning, and facilities.
• I am also proud of my new role within KI. I am the inaugural KI Higher Education Market Manager focusing specifically on the impact of furniture design at colleges and universities across the country. I enjoy being in these kinds of roles where I can build from the ground up — assessing the gaps within an organization and finding the best way to support the current need.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

Right now, I am spending a lot of time thinking about how we use physical space on campuses across the country to positively impact student belonging, persistence, and retention. My goal is to help KI define and refine how a college campus can enhance the lives of its students to feel like they belong there, so they are able to reach their personal and academic goals while being fully supported by their community. If we are going to find pathways for all students to reach their educational goals, we need to create physical spaces where they are comfortable, engaged, and grounded in their work and personal development.

List three things you are most proud of so far in your professional career.

• Leading re-branding communication efforts for Frank Cooney Company, a 55-year-old family-owned furniture dealer: While still in the beginning phases of our efforts externally, this re-branding process started early in 2022. My first year at the company was focused on gaining a deep understanding of the niche market; how we work with industry partners across verticals like manufacturers, architects, designers, and researchers to name a few; what the needs of our clients were; what set the company apart from the competition, and overall, how we wanted the company positioned in the market for the next 55+ years.
• Being a champion of employee satisfaction: When I joined our family business, I knew its success was because of the employees’ being so great at what they do. Almost immediately, it became apparent to me that feedback from employees could be better utilized to help our growing company. I developed an employee engagement plan that consisted of qualitative and quantitative feedback methods which in turn gave me the insights to produce a new company internal newsletter, host monthly all-company meetings, create a cross-functional, team-based social program, and a new employee recognition program among other efforts. I take great pride in engaging, listening, and taking actionable steps that directly & positively impacted our company culture in every department, from sales and design to our installation team. As much as external relationships matter in this industry, so do the relationship between each employee.
• Taking Risks: Leaving my corporate tech job to support my family’s small business was one of the hardest & riskiest things I’ve ever done. I don’t regret it.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

The value a furniture dealer provides schools, and the A&D community is critical, acting as product & planning experts, the access point to manufacturer knowledge and research, and oftentimes the one most familiar with end users’ real needs. These services have been transforming, becoming more complex as architects and designers create more innovative, agile, flexible, student-centered, and well-being-supportive learning spaces. While this evolution is extremely welcomed, not all dealers possess the skill or interest to progress. In addition, there is a lack of the younger generations' interest in our field. This poses the problem of who will capture the leaders’ knowledge in the field of education and use their decades-long experience to keep up with the future demands of the educational design landscape.

• As a third-generation family member supporting Educational Environments, I have been working closely with the current dealer owners and the entire staff to develop a deep understanding of the business, its values, and its operations. This knowledge is invaluable in preserving institutional knowledge and transferring this knowledge to younger employees and new hires.
• I also bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and modern skill sets to the table. As we have seen in the past, the industry may require adaptation to new technologies, changing market dynamics, or evolving customer demands. My unique viewpoint can help the family dealer role stay relevant and competitive by implementing new strategies, exploring emerging markets, or leveraging cutting-edge technologies.
• I am committed to collaboration and partnerships with other organizations in the industry. By actively engaging in industry associations, conferences, and events, I am working to sustain our network and foster new relationships. These collaborative efforts can sustain the key partnerships dealers have had for decades and can bring about new initiatives like mentoring programs or knowledge-sharing platforms to engage new professionals in the industry.
• There is a strong demand for generational knowledge sharing and a need for fast-paced progressive thinking in the dealer role. By actively participating in the business with my unique skill set, I am determined to continue showcasing the importance of modern dealers, driving transformation along with the A&D community, collaborating across the industry, and contributing to attracting and retaining skilled professionals to help design the future of education.

• Highlighting the limitations of standardized testing and memorization: By drawing attention to the overemphasis on standardized testing and rote memorization in the current model, my goal is to shed light on how these practices can hinder collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. This awareness can lead to a reevaluation of assessment methods and the adoption of more comprehensive measures of student achievement.
• Encouraging innovative teaching methods: By promoting the need for collaborative, innovative, and effective teaching methods, I hope to inspire educators to explore alternative approaches that engage students, foster critical thinking, and develop problem-solving skills. This can result in a more dynamic and engaging learning experience for students and teachers alike.
• nforming decision-makers: By sharing insights with decision-makers in education, I hope the knowledge and better understanding influence policy discussions and encourage the implementation of reforms that prioritize collaboration and individualized learning. These efforts can contribute to creating a more inclusive and empowering educational system that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world.
• We have created ELO (Education Leaders' Organization), to provide a peer-to-peer network for our leaders to be able to reach their full potential in their career and personal life through life-enhancing connections, shared experiences and collaborative learning.
• We have created the Second Class Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness for the needed changes in our educational communities across the country through the use of storytelling and media.
• We are continually building out our Better Learning Podcast to provide a platform for changemakers to voice how they are positively impacting physical space, leadership, and community/culture.

List three things you are most proud of so far in your professional career.

• Coming from a long line of educators, I am most proud to be able to give back, contribute and dedicate my career to the positive changes we are witnessing in our education system.
• I also take great pride in being on the leadership team of a company whose core values include Be The Change. Being allowed to lead and develop a team of immensely talented individuals dedicated and passionate about positively impacting learners' environments will be my career highlight.
• I love that my professional career has also developed, and continues to develop me, on a personal level, especially my communication skills (always a work in progress, but always getting better). My wife loves that too.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

The problem I am solving is raising awareness of our country's outdated factory model of the education system, which has been in place since the 1800s. Bringing a focus to the fact that there is no such thing as an average student and the need to foster collaboration in our educational communities. My goal is by highlighting the issues with the current model, such as its emphasis on standardized testing and memorization, which undermines collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. By raising awareness about these problems, I hope to encourage a shift towards more collaborative, innovative, and effective teaching methods that can better prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. I aim to inform decision-makers on how to create a more inclusive and empowering learning environment by fostering collaboration in every aspect of teaching.

The problem that I am passionate about solving is the need for space to change, but also the need for educators to understand why and to feel empowered in their new spaces. The pandemic really took a toll on learners and educators. Mental health issues are at an overwhelming high in adolescents. Schools need to change. The way we teach needs to change. Just adding "fun" furniture doesn't address the problem if educators aren't trained on the why and the how to use it correctly. The professional development, the empathy, and the ability to talk through the why is where I aim to make a difference.

• The second thing I am proud of is my work on an outdoor learning center project for Rockwall ISD. While this project has not yet come to fruition, it showed me just how impactful sharing research and connecting that research to thoughtful design can be for decision-making, client relationships, and positively influencing district standards. I was able to integrate research on the benefits of engaging with nature and insight from my permaculture design certificate program, pursued online training on the Miyawaki Method of forest-building, and spear-headed the design of an immersive, naturalistic, exploratory, and education-focused outdoor learning environment that brought the district’s science director to tears and converted the district CFO from an outdoor learning skeptic to an enthusiastic supporter of this project and outdoor learning spaces at all of the schools our team is designing with Rockwall ISD. This project felt like a true expression of my passion for research-based design.
• Third, I am proud of myself for the confidence I have developed in speaking and presenting. In school, I was afraid to speak up in class, and when I started my career, I felt too timid to say something during a meeting. I have grown from quite literally shaking while presenting in front of my team to leading presentations at conferences and speaking in front of clients. This was a particularly challenging competency for me to gain, and I've seen myself transform into a much more confident and self-actualized version of myself through these experiences. Do I still struggle with imposter syndrome? Yes, but I’m feeling increasingly secure sharing myself and what I’m passionate about with others, and that is something I’m proud of.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

My goal is to forward intentional design that is rooted in research-based insight and focused on providing responsive, high-quality learning environments that meaningfully support the people we are designing for. I am working to address gaps in understanding that exist between researchers, educators, school communities, and designers by communicating ‘why’ and establishing a shared language focused on promoting outcomes we all care about- learning, growth, and well-being. I believe this focus has really resonated with the district leaders our team works with and has helped us to develop more thoughtful and forward-thinking design work with a more holistic focus to provide the best possible learning environments for students and teachers.

List three things you are most proud of so far in your professional career.

• My thesis from grad school. It was on How Architecture can Combat Obesity and Food Deserts in Educational Environments. It won the AIAS National Graduate Research Honor Award. As a child who struggled with not understanding why some children went to the ‘good school’ and others went to the ‘bad school’, the thesis focused on the integral nuances of how poverty, obesity, food deserts, educational obtainment, and systemic racism all unjustly impact a child just because the happenstances of their skin, family, and community were bestowed on them when they were born. The school that was designed challenged the school's place in the community by putting it back at the center and by integrating mental and physical health and wellness principles and strategies throughout. The result included pairing the passive and active built environment experiences with a curriculum developed on growing enough healthy food to support the students and their families on their journey to reverse inequitable access to healthy food, increase educational obtainment, and counter the systemic need for change.
• Spreading the word about radical empathy, mentally and physically supportive spaces, child agency, and cognitive psychology both through speaking engagements and publications. I have been loud and proud for years. I have spoken about these topics at conferences such as Dialogues by Learning by Design Magazine, Chicago Build Expo, NCARB Advisor Summit, A4LE LearningScapes, AIA St. Louis, and Creative Mornings STL. I was also invited to speak at 2022 EDspaces and had designed Legat Architects’ Classroom on the Multiple Intelligence Theory, but I got COVID a day before the conference. Publications I have had the honor of writing and being a part of include AIA YAF Connection and AIAS CRIT. My favorite publications would be writing about Sandy Hook regarding designing for healthy hearts and minds and writing about educational design history and pedagogy.
• Obtaining my architectural license in both Illinois and Missouri. I also have enough hours of experience to sit for my interior design NCIDQ, however, I am starting the ALEP class this fall instead. I also have my WELL AP and Fitwel certifications so I can understand what we need to do through the design process to encompass mentally and physically strong environments, as well as I have my Green Classroom Professional Certification, so I know what teachers need supplemented if they want to integrate sustainable practices in their curriculum. My experience on the path to obtain my architecture license and certifications has led me to work on a plethora of educational projects ranging from Kindergarten to Higher Education, minor pro bono work to $100 million worth of work on one high school campus, and in rural community schools to urban neighborhood schools. I am proud of each project but am more attracted to projects with high community engagement as they seem to have a greater impact.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

I am working on helping people to understand the intricate lens that is needed when designing a space that sets the tone for so many lives. Through community engagement exercises, speaking, and publications I have a common theme of passion for empathy, health, and agency. These to me seem like they are an intertwined component of pedagogy, the built environment, and an overall understanding of what cause is meaningful to others to tell their story. For example, recently I was honored to speak in front of professionals at the Dialogues Conference in Arizona. We were there to share our research-based design approach for the AERO Therapeutic Center, which is a school designed specifically for behavioral and neurodiverse students. We started this conversation with an empathy exercise I use to simulate similar feelings to everyday occurrences for AERO students. While we can never know exactly what it is like to walk in someone else's shoes, we can look through the lens of radical empathy by trying to play JENGA with oven mitts on (impossible frustration over a simple task), playing cornhole blindfolded (dependency on others) and looking through a seek and find timed with noise all around while using unfocused glasses (sensory overload). These games humanize a situation and, due to their hands-on approach, stick with educators and designers to better understand what lens a neurodiverse student could have. This exercise can be understood by students as well as I have taught it to as young as 6th graders at Hawthorn in the setting of understanding social-emotional needs. At LitShop, we used this to understand how to design for equitable justice in the built environment by identifying a problem and then thinking about it in various ways applicable to the community and end users. I would also like to think that I am challenging the status quo by thinking differently about space and making others feel comfortable with ideas that may have once been uncomfortable. This includes pushing facility and staff to think critically about spaces so that they can do what they know best and engage lifelong learners for the betterment of all.

• Working on a master plan for the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John) to reimagine teaching and learning for an entire territory after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Not only has this work afforded an opportunity to bring alignment with the design of environments that will be rebuilt in coming years, but it impacted a community that sees significantly less funding for education than we do in the mainland United States. With a focus on resiliency, community, and workforce development, the master plan and subsequent facilities that come out of it will impact every learner, educator, and community member engaged in the public school system of the Virgin Islands.
• Leading the design of a MacConnell Award finalist - the replacement Capps Middle School set in a park setting that bridges over a natural creek. First and foremost, this project was such an opportunity to take an existing culture, curriculum, and community through our change management process (BOLDTM) and create what would become a catalyst for change throughout Putnam City Schools. This facility was afforded an incredible park setting to truly integrate within its natural setting, but also leverage outdoor learning in ways we had not yet done at DLR Group. The most gratifying moment by far was hearing a science teacher describe how she launches her entire year with a bioblitz, leveraging the creek as the ultimate science classroom that money could not buy. The design of the building afforded that opportunity, and I will always be proud of that.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

My hope is that I will continue to solve the problem of creating equitable access to education. Whether it’s through supporting increased early education opportunities, CTE facilities for learners who may find higher education too expensive or not for them, or even master planning for districts through an equity-based lens. Public education is one of the greatest gifts that we as humans are afforded, and in my opinion a basic human right. Our communities across the country continue to struggle to ensure that every learner is set up for success, regardless of race, ethnicity, class, religion, sex, gender, etc. The facilities that I have had a hand in designing were done so with careful consideration to create a space that every learner, educator, and administrator identifies with and in. We are making great strides, but we are not there yet.

• Connecting administrators who are working on passing high-stakes school tax elections as well as crafting procurement requests through a networking platform.
• Providing the earliest, actionable lead database on Districts seeking capital improvement funds to qualified solution providers.
• Educating Administrators, Solution Providers, and Stakeholders on the school tax election process and best practices.

List three things you are most proud of so far in your professional career.

• My journey with Kay-Twelve began as an intern during my time at the Ohio State University in 2019. At that point, our impact on learning environments reached approximately 10,000 students. Fueled by dedication and unwavering passion, I have actively contributed to expanding the reach of Kay-Twelve's mission. Today, the organization has made a remarkable leap, positively influencing the educational experiences of over 600,000 students. The impact I have made for our team in transforming learning environments has been recognized and celebrated by Kay-Twelve. In both 2021 and 2022, I was honored to receive the prestigious Core Values Employee of the Year award, which serves as a testament to the exceptional work I have accomplished. This recognition underscores the significant strides I have taken in reshaping educational landscapes and fostering environments conducive to transformative learning experiences.
• Being named and currently serving as the lead Producer for the Better Learning Podcast is a significant achievement that I am incredibly proud of. Through this platform, I have curated engaging and informative content that brings together the concepts of physical space, leadership, and culture in education. By conducting interviews with various stakeholders, including change-makers, school leaders, designers, and industry experts, I have facilitated meaningful discussions and shared valuable insights with a wide audience. I am particularly proud of the impact the Better Learning Podcast has had within the Education Leaders' Organization. Some of the conversations I have put together on the podcast have been highlighted events, providing school leaders with an opportunity to gain personal and professional insights by participating in these thought-provoking discussions. It's rewarding to know that my work has directly contributed to fostering collaborative and enlightening experiences for fellow education leaders. In addition to the podcast's success, my role as the communications manager extends beyond its production. I have leveraged my storytelling abilities to showcase innovative concepts from other industries that are relevant to education. For instance, our interview with Emily Cole, co-owner of the Savannah Bananas, on the Better Learning Podcast shed light on how their disruptive approach to the game of baseball could inspire new ideas in education. This conversation led to the creation of an article titled "Peeling Back the Layers: What Education Can Learn from the Savannah Bananas Baseball Team," which was featured in EDmarket's Essentials Magazine. Through the Better Learning Podcast, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to synthesize complex ideas, promote collaboration, and push the boundaries of traditional educational practices. I am proud to have contributed to the advancement of the education industry by inspiring positive change, broadening perspectives, and showcasing innovative approaches.
• And my favorite accomplishment to talk about and share was working closely with Gary Schools in Indiana and playing a pivotal role in the transformation of their learning environments. The district was in dire need of updates, and it was incredibly rewarding to witness the impact of our efforts on the students. I vividly remember the expressions on the children's faces when they were presented with brand-new furniture that they had never even imagined existed. It was a truly remarkable experience to witness their joy and excitement as they stepped into these upgraded learning spaces. In addition to the tangible transformations, I was instrumental in promoting the project and creating awareness about the positive changes taking place in Gary Schools. Through strategic communication efforts, the project received significant attention and was highlighted by numerous local and national media outlets. This recognition not only shed light on the remarkable progress made in Gary Schools but also served as inspiration for other educational institutions undergoing similar transformations. Witnessing the impact of our work in Gary Schools and seeing the children's reactions firsthand reaffirmed my dedication to making a difference in the education industry. It reinforced the importance of creating modern, engaging learning environments that truly empower students and foster their academic growth. https://www.kay-twelve.com/pages/gary-community-school-corporation.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

Through my contributions in the field of education, I am actively addressing several critical problems and working toward their resolution.

• Outdated Learning Environments — by focusing on the improvement of physical learning spaces, I am tackling the problem of outdated and ineffective environments that hinder student engagement and academic progress. By advocating for and implementing 21st-century, innovative spaces, I am addressing the need for learning environments that align with the needs and expectations of modern students.
• Lack of Awareness and Education — as the communications manager at Kay-Twelve, I play a vital role in educating various stakeholders about the importance of innovative learning spaces. Many school leaders, educators, parents, and community members may not be aware of the significant impact that physical environments can have on student success. By raising awareness and providing educational resources, I am addressing the problem of limited understanding and knowledge regarding the relationship between space and learning outcomes.
• Leadership Inefficiencies — through my involvement with the Education Leaders' Organization, I am actively contributing to the improvement of leadership practices within educational institutions. Effective leadership is crucial for driving positive change, fostering a supportive culture, and implementing innovative strategies. By collaborating with other professionals and sharing insights and best practices, I am addressing the problem of leadership inefficiencies and working towards more effective and impactful leadership in education.
• Lack of Collaboration and Integration - through the Better Learning Podcast, I facilitate discussions and interviews that bring together the concepts of physical space, leadership, and culture. By exploring the integration of these elements, I am addressing the problem of fragmented approaches to educational improvement. By highlighting the interconnectedness of these factors, I promote collaboration and encourage a holistic approach to solving educational challenges.

Through these endeavors, I am actively contributing to the education industry by fostering innovation, facilitating access to high-quality resources, and empowering educators to deliver impactful instruction.

List three things you are most proud of so far in your professional career.

• Cultivating a Positive Work Environment: One of my greatest achievements is creating a workplace culture where employees genuinely look forward to coming to work. By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, I have been able to cultivate a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among my team members, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
• Expanding Product Reach to Thousands of Schools: I am proud of the success I achieved in developing and launching products that have been adopted by numerous schools across the country. Knowing that my creations are making a positive impact on the educational experience of thousands of students brings me a sense of fulfillment and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.
• Continuous Business Improvement: A significant accomplishment in my professional journey has been the commitment to continuous improvement in our business operations. By consistently seeking opportunities to refine our processes and enhance our strategies, we have been able to achieve incremental growth and success. The dedication to improving our business by even just 1% every day has led to significant advancements and has positively impacted our overall performance.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

In the field of education, I strive to establish a reliable online store and resource center that serves as a trusted place for teachers, educators, and parents. My aim is to provide comprehensive solutions that contribute to the improvement of educational settings and resources. Here are the key areas I focus on:

• Curating Trusted Resources: I am dedicated to curating and offering a wide range of trusted educational resources. By ensuring the quality and reliability of these resources, I aim to support educators in finding valuable materials and saving them precious time.
• Enhancing Educational Settings: My focus revolves around providing and developing innovative solutions that elevate the learning environment for students. I am dedicated to creating tools and resources that enhance the teaching and learning experience.
• Promoting Collaborative Partnerships: Effective collaboration among teachers, educators, and parents plays a pivotal role in ensuring students' success. We engage with all stakeholders to foster a collaborative environment and provide the most relevant and comprehensive resources for the classroom. We are committed to working closely with educators to identify their specific needs and continuously innovate to address any gaps in existing educational resources. By seeking input and feedback from teachers, educators, and parents, we strive to develop new resources and solutions that meet the evolving demands of the modern classroom. Our goal is to facilitate collaboration and co-creation, even pushing the boundaries of what educational resources are currently available, to empower educators and maximize student learning outcomes.
• Promoting Accessibility and Inclusion: Education should be accessible to all, regardless of geographical location, physical abilities, or socio-economic background. I focus on developing inclusive educational resources and ensuring affordability and availability in underserved communities. By bridging the accessibility gap, I aim to create equal opportunities for all learners.

By addressing these areas, I aim to make a positive impact in education by providing a trusted store for teachers, educators, and parents while offering solutions that lead to better educational settings and resources.

• Completing our first location for B&GC, on time, on an extremely tight budget, during the pandemic, and having a satisfied client. Because of our strong efforts in all of those categories, we were able to be asked to design and renovate a second location in the city. There was amazing problem-solving and collaboration between all parties that were responsible for this project. Every dollar saved on construction and fit-out was a dollar that could go to the children.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

Creating spaces that can adapt to change quickly with ever-changing curriculums by using furniture, equipment, and technology. Using the proper space planning and providing layouts for different styles of learning, whether a full classroom, one-on-one or small groups. As well as providing comfortable and safe spaces where the student's well-being is of the utmost importance.

• Working closely with raw material suppliers and school districts to release a student desk shield at the height of the pandemic that became the least expensive, fully American-made, fully clear desk shield in the industry that led to tens of thousands of children being able to get back into school.
• Working closely with small American manufacturers to scale their growth in tandem with the WB Mason sales force, helping these manufacturers to grow.
• The work we did during the pandemic, where based on manufacturer supply chain innovation and collaboration, WB Mason was able to get over 50,000 desks into the hands of schools that desperately needed them in order to separate children and remain open. At a time when nobody could get products out to school districts, I worked closely with a collection of suppliers to think outside of the normal sourcing mechanisms, and it led to our ability to service our education customers when they needed us most.

What problem are you solving in the field of education?

Right now, the biggest problem we are seeing in the marketplace is the disconnect between product pricing, public school budgets, and labor rates. We are finding that the manufacturers that have the products that can truly change these environments for the better are too small to have the economies of scale required to be at the price points needed to fit inside of these public-school budgets in many areas. So right now, I am working with a handful of manufacturers to help create the demand and velocity for their product so that we can help to drive down their costs; in turn, allowing us to get their product into the hands of more schools that desperately need it. One example of this is a company called ProtectED which makes an incredible cabinet that will prevent a shooter from gaining access to any room that has one of these pieces. However, as a startup company, their costs of goods sold are simply astronomical and after watching their product get value-engineered out of a half dozen projects, I have begun to work with them on a marketing plan tied to more affluent districts which will allow them to increase their raw material usage, in turn lowering their overall costs, making their product more accessible to the average school district's budgets.