relatable business stories
overwatch imaging
Join me on a captivating journey to Hood River, where Overwatch Imaging is pioneering life-saving technology at the intersection of natural beauty and cutting-edge innovation.
Overwatch Imaging: Hood River’s Tech Innovators on the Frontlines of Lifesaving Missions
Nestled at the confluence of the Hood River and the mighty Columbia River, Hood River, Oregon, is a town known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant tech scene. Just 60 miles east of Portland, this small town is often celebrated as the windsurfing capital of the world and boasts an array of scenic hiking trails, craft breweries, and a burgeoning tech industry.
Learning about Overwatch Imaging
I had heard whispers that Hood River, OR was a hotbed for tech businesses, especially in the aerospace and drone industry. This was about a year ago, and it wasn’t until I recently did a search for ‘tech businesses near me that were using ai’ that I got introduced to Overwatch Imaging.
Then, I did something that I never do — sent a cold email to the business and ask if I could come by to learn more.
In full transparency, I did not expect a response.
Little did I know, my email landed in the spam filter. But fate had other plans. Adam La Pierre, their marketing manager rescued my email from wherever spam goes, and reached out.
And after an initial Zoom call, Adam agreed that I was legit and invited me to visit their headquarters.
There was even a teaser of a potential ride in a plane, so how could I resist?
Touring Overwatch Imaging
Driving into Hood River, the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge was breathtaking. The town itself, with a population of around 8,000, has a charming small-town vibe but with a surprising buzz of activity. I was particularly excited to explore the local tech scene, which I had heard so much about. So it was fitting that my visit began with a tour of one of the town's leading tech companies, situated conveniently close to the water.
The office, with its sleek design and panoramic views of the river, perfectly encapsulated the harmony between nature and technology that Hood River is known for.
Adam began my tour with a comprehensive overview of their cutting-edge technology. “Imagine you’re an aircraft flying overhead and you want to map this section of land,” Adam explained. “Our system flies straight over an area, looking straight down, and stitches all that imagery together into a single, very large image.”
The precision and efficiency of their technology were truly awe-inspiring, and I was transfixed watching one of the sensors which was on the conference room table move around.
Adam's insights
As we delved deeper into the workings of their advanced sensors and AI-enabled software solutions, Adam shared fascinating insights into the company's mission and operations. He explained how their technology is pivotal for critical missions, including wildfire intelligence and maritime rescue.
I couldn't help but ask, what drives them to push the limits of AI and sensor technology?
Adam responded with a thoughtful smile, "It’s knowing that our innovations can save lives. Every member of our team is deeply committed to making a real-world impact."
Greg Davis: Entrepreneurial Journey
Next, I had the opportunity to sit down with Greg Davis, the CEO and founder. And I must say, Greg was excited to talk about his entrepreneurial journey with me.
"We're building a new product with new technology for a new market, and we're doing it as a new company that's building its own processes and team. It's like we're tackling four things simultaneously," he said.
I asked him how he manages to juggle all these challenges.
Greg replied, "It's the excitement of the entrepreneurial journey for me. The idea that we're building something transformative keeps me going."
Greg’s path to entrepreneurship was not a straightforward one.
"I never thought I would start a company. Even when I was starting Overwatch, I didn't envision it as a new venture in the making," he admitted.
The importance of support systems when building a company.
"I've always had great support from my family. They're a core element to me. But yeah, quitting my good job right after my third child was born and moving to a new house was a big risk. It takes self-confidence and an unfailing belief that we’re going to get through this," he shared.
I wondered how his family felt about this significant risk.
Greg reflected, "They've always been supportive. That mental commitment—that belief that we're going to succeed no matter what—is essential."
Greg also spoke about the pivotal moments in the company’s history, including their first customer sale.
"I remember sitting at a local place here over a beer with our first customer. At the end of the conversation, we shook hands on the framework of our first contract. That was a key moment," he reminisced.
How did you feel in that moment?
Greg said, "It was a mix of relief and excitement. That first customer sale was super important because otherwise, there kind of was no business. There was no money, you know."
Throughout our conversation, Greg emphasized the importance of humility and continuous learning.
"I've learned a lot of humility and respect for all the different elements it takes to make a business work. I'm super thankful for the relationships and support we've had, especially during the pandemic. It's during tough times that you see who your real friends are," he reflected.
How did these experiences shape his leadership style and what advice does he have for aspiring entrepreneurs.
"I think this has been a process of developing humility and respect for all the different elements that it takes to make a business work. I continue to learn more and respect more about all the things required for those situations to work."
AI and Machine Learning
After speaking with Greg, I had the chance to sit down with Matt Nugent, the VP of Product Management. Matt's role involves overseeing the development and implementation of AI and machine learning technologies that drive their products. I was eager to understand how AI is revolutionizing their operations.
I asked Matt about the specific challenges they face with AI.
"When we look at the water and the sun's at a certain angle, it glints on the water," he explained. "Or when the wind is particularly high, the water is chopping and it creates all these peaks or waves that look a lot like boats. It's also really hard to see anything in the glint."
I was curious about the complexities of their AI models.
"The models have to work at different altitudes and angles. Finding thousands of examples of a person is easy, but finding that at all different angles and elevations is much harder."
I asked him about the future of AI in their field.
"We keep working on more sophisticated examples of how we can apply our technology. The goal is to enable more data collection while delivering the key insights more efficiently," Matt said.
Source: Overwatch Imaging (YouTube)
The Test Flight
The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the test flight. Adam and the team had arranged for me to join John, a Senior Test & Systems Specialist, on a flight to test their advanced camera system. This was only my second time in a small plane, and the experience was exhilarating.
The plane was a four-seater, and I found myself in the backseat next to a network router, a tangle of cables, and a battery system powering the sensor and computer equipment.
Despite the winds, the takeoff was incredibly smooth. As we ascended to 5,000 feet, I felt truly grateful for the whole experience. Every once in a while John would pop on over the intercom system to point out a point of interest, or show me mapped key points of interest on his laptop in real-time.
The view from above was breathtaking. Hood River and The Dalles spread out below us like a living map. It was fascinating to see how the technology worked, with real-time data processing and mapping happening right before my eyes. John's skill and the advanced capabilities of the equipment were impressive. The smoothness of the flight, even in windy conditions, was a testament to the quality of their technology and John's expertise.
During the flight, I also got to hear stories about the life of sensor analysts and operators before Overwatch’s solution. The ability to analyze large image sets in real-time using machine learning has revolutionized their work, making it more efficient and impactful.
Like so many things where AI is concerned, I wondered how analysts felt about the transition to this new technology. What were the biggest changes they experienced? Matt’s earlier comments echoed in my mind, highlighting the significant impact of AI in their mission.
Reflections and Closing Thoughts
My visit to Hood River was a journey of discovery and inspiration. From the warm welcome and insightful conversations to a thrilling test flight, every moment was filled with learning and excitement.
Greg Davis’s entrepreneurial journey, marked by resilience, adaptability, and unwavering belief, is a story that resonates deeply with me. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when you combine passion with cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team.
Overwatch Imaging is making significant strides in the tech world, particularly in AI and sensor technology. Their work in wildfire intelligence and maritime rescue is not only innovative but also critical for saving lives and protecting our environment.
For those interested in technology and AI, or anyone living in the Columbia River Gorge, Overwatch Imaging is a name worth knowing.
I encourage you to learn more about Overwatch Imaging and follow their journey. This relatable business story is a shining example of how innovation, when driven by passion and purpose, can make a profound impact.
You can find more about their work on their website and stay updated on their latest projects and initiatives. And, of course, don’t forget to tune in to the full podcast episode for an even deeper dive into this fascinating company.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay curious and keep learning!
