CEO Performance Raises Firm Value: Thriving Through Business Stages

Firm performance is often closely tied to the performance of its CEO—a principle that also applies to non-profits. Similarly, the overall quality of the management team significantly influences decision-making and ultimately shapes organizational outcomes. Firms are essentially bundles of efficient activities; when they create value in a way that generates profit, they tend to grow. If they fail to do so, decline is inevitable. To remain competitive, organizations must adapt at a pace that is neither too fast nor too slow—finding the optimal rate of change is key.

Most businesses experience a life cycle that spans from inception to eventual decline. The five stages of the business life cycle illustrate this progression. The 5 Stages of a Business Life Cycle Extending a business's vitality requires strong leadership—people capable of rejuvenating the organization. This includes introducing fresh ideas, embracing new perspectives, applying sound financial judgment, and making strategic, evidence-based decisions.

The study referenced below reinforces the idea that CEO performance—and likely might be expanded to the performance of other executives—directly impacts organizational success. Sometimes, maintaining or improving firm performance may require leadership changes. It is ultimately the responsibility of the board and organizational leadership to assess capabilities and make decisions that ensure the highest quality individuals are in place.

CEO Skill and Firm Performance

Understanding How Deep Fears in Hate and Corruption Become Systemic (Philosophical Discussion on Hate and Corruption)

Treating others fairly requires real effort. Those who are mentally lazy often rely on shortcuts that lead to dangerously false conclusions. Hate and corruption often follow similar paths and intertwine, exploiting others through inappropriate uses of power. Much of our thinking and behavior is unconscious. If we’ve been conditioned to hate or have normalized abusive behavior, we often repeat those patterns without reflection. This creates a kind of “better-than-thou” mindset—reinforced through official roles—that serves to preserve misperceptions.

When such behaviors are embedded within groups—especially those in positions of authority—where intent and influence converge, the potential for harm becomes significant. In our learning example, we explored a deeply embedded clan where some individuals had engaged in longstanding misconduct. Collusion to harm and enrich themselves seemed apparent, given the number of actors involved and the rumors circulated to justify group oriented aggression.

Despite numerous concerns raised by victims and citizens, the system—seemingly designed to appease the clan—responded not with accountability, but with a “wink and nod,” shielding and even rewarding the perpetrators. This allowed the capacity for future harm to remain intact and arguably increased the likelihood of continued abuse. That’s a serious concern if we expect our systems to serve society as a whole and avoid descending into the dysfunction seen in many failed or corrupt conceptual orders.

In closed, clan-based systems, accountability is often the first casualty. Corruption thrives when hate and self-enrichment take precedence, eroding the rule of law and ethical norms. The unconscious motivations driving such groups are often rooted in their identity, political or religious ideologies, and a perceived entitlement to dominate local institutions.

The article below offers insight into how hate can become neurologically embedded, tied to survival instincts. However, when misperceptions evolve into deliberate targeting of others—especially through organized means—justifications are few. That’s why they are often fabricated as part of the dehumanization process. In our example, the so-called clan elites who perpetuated this hate frequently manipulate the insecurities of others, using tactics like scapegoating and “flying monkeys.”

Institutions have a responsibility to confront open corruption and hate. To preserve public trust and fulfill their intended mission—rather than serving a narrow set of interests—they must continuously evolve and improve. This responsibility falls especially on those in positions of authority. There is a modern kind of honor in doing the right thing. Some matters are more important than appearances or loyalty to friends, cronies, or clan-based social networks. Let us be thankfull for those who continue to support our Constitution, human/civil rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and fulfill their oaths because without them we may see an an alternative that would have turned our forefathers/mothers in their graves. A sacred rite from generation to generation. No matter how much harm comes to them they continue to believe and support liberty and justice for all. 

Read more: How Our Brains Learn to Hate – Chief Learning Officer

Note: This is a hypothetical, philosophical, and theoretical thought experiment designed to help us explore how hate and corruption form, function, and affect systems. It is offered for learning purposes and will conclude with a constructive outcome. Take with a grain of salt and don't be so quick to judge (see above). 

Gladstone's Lighthouse in the Summer Months (Art Piece)

Art is a hobby I engage in regularly, and every now and then, I’m lucky enough to sell a piece or two. Since I travel often, I don’t have the ability—or the financial justification—to maintain a physical gallery. It just wouldn’t make sense unless I were fully devoted and exceptionally skilled (neither are true. 😊).

Occasionally, by chance, I manage to capture a good photo or create something that turns out well. The Walking Path Gallery is more of a fun side project than anything serious. Most of what I make, I end up donating to various causes, charities and events. A little here and there can make a difference.

Making a living off art is tough! My advice: go into a business that provides something people crave—and keep your art as a hobby unless you are going to fully devote yourself to the Art World (Its a very cool world to be in and I'm hoping to get back into it on a casual non-committed basis.). 

Gladstone Lighthouse Picture

Industry Cluster Formation Through Collaboration

 

Industry Cluster Formation Through Collaboration

Murad Abel, DBA
 June 12, 2025

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Keywords: Economics, Clusters, Innovation, Industry

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Abstract

Technological innovation is transforming economies at unprecedented speeds, reshaping industries, and redefining national growth trajectories. Central to this transformation are economic clusters—geographic concentrations of interconnected businesses, institutions, and networks—which serve as engines of innovation, productivity, and regional development. These clusters enable collaboration among academia, government, and private industry, fostering environments conducive to the rapid development of next-generation products and services. Drawing on theories such as Schumpeter’s Creative Destruction, this paper explores how innovation-driven clusters support economic resilience, quality of life enhancements, and human capital development. It emphasizes the importance of infrastructure, data networks, and inclusive strategies in sustaining global leadership in innovation. Despite persistent barriers—such as resource limitations and technological adoption gaps—clusters offer scalable solutions through coordinated stakeholder efforts, startup integration, and cross-sector collaboration. The paper concludes that a hybrid approach to cluster formation, blending intentional design with organic growth, holds the greatest promise for advancing regional economies and addressing 21st-century challenges through shared innovation ecosystems.

  Industry Cluster Innovation Through Collaboration

 Technological change is accelerating at a pace unimaginable to our grandparents and great-grandparents. Advances in computing power and emerging technologies have reshaped our environment, making rapid innovation a critical driver of national growth. The development of new products and services not only influences economic health but also renews interest in expanding research and knowledge. This, in turn, encourages companies to bring cutting-edge offerings to market.

Economic clusters—regions where businesses, research institutions, and networks converge—play a vital role in fostering innovation. By enhancing connectivity and collaboration, these clusters create enriched environments that support the development of next-generation products and services. While improved GDP at local, state, national, and regional levels is one key benefit, such clusters also offer significant opportunities to enhance Quality of Life (QOL) and support long-term human capital development.

Technology Innovations

Technological innovation often drives broad economic growth within industries and regions (Thi & Do, 2024). When tied to infrastructure—such as railroads or the Internet—these advancements can deliver widespread benefits, especially for those who leverage resources effectively. For instance, the strength of data networks and fiber infrastructure, combined with advancements in artificial intelligence, significantly influence national growth prospects. As of this writing, the U.S. ranks among the top three countries on the Advanced Innovation Index 2024 (Dutta et al., 2024). However, maintaining this position requires intentional efforts to foster innovation through a more inclusive and networked approach.

Creating innovative environments accelerates the development of new products and services. In some cases, paradigm-shifting discoveries—such as breakthroughs in energy, AI, infrastructure, or materials—can rapidly transform multiple industries. With the right conditions, innovation clusters can give rise to entirely new sectors.

Joseph Schumpeter described this phenomenon as Creative Destruction—a natural economic process where old structures are continuously dismantled and replaced by new ones. As he wrote in Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy (1942):

“The opening up of new markets, foreign or domestic, and the organizational development from the craft shop to such concerns as U.S. Steel illustrate the same process of industrial mutation—if I may use that biological term—that incessantly revolutionizes the economic structure from within, incessantly destroying the old one, incessantly creating a new one. This process of Creative Destruction is the essential fact about capitalism.” (p. 83)

Economic clusters offer governments a practical way to support innovation, economic development, and quality of life improvements. These clusters—often formed through partnerships among industry, academia, government, and communities—serve as microcosms of economic progress, enabling stakeholders to collaborate and mutually benefit.

Fostering clusters of related industries helps catalyze these natural processes. According to Porter (1998), such clusters are inherently innovative and contribute to economic resilience. They do so by forming networks of complementary businesses that boost efficiency and competitiveness—advantages that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Economic Growth Environments

Economies are complex systems that, when functioning effectively, generate value for both industries and the communities in which they operate. Technological advancement has long served as a catalyst for economic growth and has improved the quality of everyday life. The development of new technologies depends on a region's physical assets combined with human capital, which together create innovative advantages.

Industry clusters—geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, suppliers, and institutions—have been shown to foster innovation, improve efficiency, and increase productivity, enabling firms to compete at both national and global levels (Porter, 1998). Due to their significant financial and supply chain impacts, fostering innovation through clusters is increasingly viewed as a strategic avenue for economic development. For economies aiming to compete globally, the ability to produce cutting-edge technologies and engage in advanced manufacturing is essential to enhancing value and resource attraction.

More than fifteen years of research into industrial clusters suggests that rapid innovation arises from the interaction of multiple interrelated factors. These factors can be isolated, studied, and optimized to further accelerate cluster formation and effectiveness. Ideally, clusters should be purposefully developed to strengthen community resilience, address critical industry challenges, or advance sector-specific research. Centering cluster development around clear objectives can improve coordination and collective impact.

Collaboration among key stakeholders—including industry, academia, government, and local communities—can create robust economic ecosystems. These systems harness unique regional advantages, such as data assets, coordinated resource use, branding, process innovation, and management infrastructure, to foster scientific progress and address market or societal challenges (Tanaka & Lopez, 2024).

However, barriers frequently impede the adoption of new technologies within manufacturing sectors (Rached et al., 2022). Removing these obstacles is critical for promoting innovation and enhancing industrial competitiveness through technological advancement (Zou, 2024). Common barriers include lack of technical knowledge, high labor and installation costs, inadequate government support, limited resources, and insufficient infrastructure (Rashed, Bagum, & Haque, 2022).

Well-designed economic clusters aim to minimize these barriers by fostering environments that support industrial growth. Such environments ensure access to necessary infrastructure, promote skilled labor development, facilitate research and development initiatives, offer tax incentives, strengthen digital connectivity, and enhance overall quality of life. These factors collectively create fertile ground for industry development, resulting in mutual growth and problem-solving capacity within targeted sectors.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Collaboration is essential to building strong economic clusters due to the significant investment of time and resources required to develop their foundational elements. In some cases, clusters form organically, while in others, they emerge from strategic efforts to fill industry gaps or stimulate innovation. When key stakeholders identify critical bottlenecks to industry development, they often come together to address these challenges, aiming to drive regional economic growth by advancing business innovation (Pulido-Gomez, de Jong & Rivkin, 2025).

Clusters operate as interconnected systems, linking labor, education, firms, and networks to form viable, dynamic ecosystems (Konig, 2023). These connections enhance resource efficiency and add depth to the local business environment. Companies that effectively leverage cluster resources tend to adapt and grow more rapidly within competitive markets (Handoyo et al., 2023). This accelerated growth contributes to regional gross domestic product, strengthening the broader economy (Pyo & Choi, 2025).

Start-ups play a critical role in these ecosystems by acting as sources of innovative capital for larger firms (Giglio et al., 2025). Clusters create fertile ground for the launch and scaling of start-ups, providing the support and conditions needed to foster radical innovation. Such innovation often arises under specific environmental pressures that trigger a reordering of industries. For instance, the development of AI followed a Schumpeterian model of Creative Destruction, where new technologies replaced outdated ones and reshaped entire sectors (Ramazan, Tuluce & Aykac, 2024).

The potential to spur innovation across multiple industries is one of the most transformative outcomes of successful clusters. A single invention can influence several sectors through ripple effects across the supply chain. Cross-industry collaboration, particularly where inter-industry networks overlap, can amplify innovation (Shi & Xiao, 2024). Ultimately, building clusters is about cultivating environments that are not only capable of inventing new products and technologies but also of generating entirely new technological trajectories that were previously unimaginable.

 Conclusion

 The development of clusters can be driven by local and regional stakeholders to promote both social and economic growth. Clusters support higher levels of industry innovation by fostering shared goals, collaboration in research and development, resource sharing, and knowledge spillovers. When designed for industry advancement, they leverage common infrastructure and expertise to drive innovation. Alternatively, organically formed clusters can enhance economic resilience by connecting diverse industries around shared competencies and resources. A hybrid approach—combining elements of both intentional and organic development—may offer the greatest potential, maximizing local assets across social and economic dimensions.

References

Bedru, H., et al. (2020). Big networks: A survey. Computer Science Review, 37.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S157401371930282

Dutta, S., et al. (2024). Global Innovation Index 2024. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/

Giglio, V., et al. (2025). Cooperation between large companies and start-ups: An overview of the current state of research. European Management Journal, 43(1). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0263237323000919

Handoyo, S., et al. (2023). A business strategy, operational efficiency, ownership structure, and manufacturing performance: The moderating role of market uncertainty and competition intensity and its implication on open innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 9(2), 100039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100039

Hua, L., Yang, Z., & Shao, J. (2022). Impact of network density on the efficiency of innovation networks: An agent-based simulation study. PLoS One, 17(6), e0270087. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270087

Kadlec, Ž., Josip, H., & Bedeković, M. (2018). Attracting investment in entrepreneurial zones of small cities by creating preconditions for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. Interdisciplinary Management Research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368881896

Katz, B., & Wagner, J. (2014). The rise of innovation districts. Brookings Institution. https://c24215cec6c97b637db6-9c0895f07c3474f6636f95b6bf3db172.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/content/metroinnovation-districts/~/media/programs/metro/images/innovation/innovationdistricts1.pdf

König, T. (2023). Between collaboration and competition: Co-located clusters of different industries in one region—the context of Tuttlingen’s medical engineering and metal processing industries. Regional Science Policy & Practice, 15(2), 288-326. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1757780223002639

My Thi Thi, D., & Tran Phu Do, T. (2024). The interrelationships between economic growth and innovation: international evidence. Journal of Applied Economics, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15140326.2024.2332975

Porter, M. (1998). Clusters and the New Economics of Competition. Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/1998/11/clusters-and-the-new-economics-of-competition [Accessed 6 Dec. 2017].

Pulido-Gómez, S., de Jong, J., & Rivkin, J. W. (2025). Cross-sector collaboration in cities: Learning journey or blame game? Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, muae026. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/muae026

Pyo, S., & Choi, S. O. (2025). Regional innovation and economic growth: Empirical insights from FGLS, FE-DKSE, and XGBoost-SHAP approach. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100524

Ramazan, U., Tuluce, N., & Aykac, M. (2024). Creative destruction and artificial intelligence: The transformation of industries during the sixth wave. Journal of Economy and Technology, 2, 296-309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ject.2024.09.004

Rashed, C. A., Bagum, M. N., & Haque, E. (2022). Adoption of technology and innovation in manufacturing sector: Current scenario. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359732230_Adoption_of_Technology_and_Innovation_in_Manufacturing_Sector-_Current_Scenario

Schumpeter, J. A. (1950). Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy (3rd ed.). Harper and Brothers.

Shi, J., & Xiao, Z. (2024). Research on the impact of inter-industry innovation networks on collaborative innovation performance: A case study of strategic emerging industries. Systems, 12(6), 211. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12060211

Tanaka, M. L., & Lopez, O. (2024). Outlook on industry-academia-government collaborations impacting medical device innovation. J Eng Sci Med Diagn Ther, 7(2), 025001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4063464

Thi Thi, D., & Do, T. P. (2024). The interrelationships between economic growth and innovation: International evidence. Journal of Applied Economics, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15140326.2024.2332975

Zou, T. (2024). Technological innovation promotes industrial upgrading: An analytical framework. Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, 70, 150-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strueco.2024.01.012

Working on the Classic Car: Hunker Junker Still Runs! (Repainting and Landau)

Removed damaged landau

You can buy a new car, finance it, and if you spend enough money, you're bound to turn some heads. I have a friend who bought a new luxury car—they definitely get attention, but they’re a hefty price for it. I decided to forego any new high interest debt and simplify my life down to as close to a flip flop wearing casual beach lounger as much as possible (Live your freely and then dress in a tux every once in a while if something important is going on). 

Nearly every day someone comments on my work-in-progress: a 1985 Buick Riviera. In some ways, I think a few people enjoy watching the evolution of the car as I drive it around town. Small but noticeable differences.

I’m just experimenting with minimal tools and equipment, so yes—there are mistakes (I laugh at them, too). But hey, you can’t buy style!

For those who love old cars, you already know—it’s a labor of love. Every repair or upgrade requires research and hunting down hard-to-find parts. You spend hours watching YouTube tutorials, tinkering, and testing out possible fixes before making a final diagnosis.

In continuing this journey with my “hunker junker,” I’ve sanded down most of the rust, applied rust converter, filled in damaged areas, and put on a coat of primer. I bought the car for $1,000 and have put about $700 into it so far, not counting my own labor. With a total budget of around $3,000, I’m aiming to turn it into a solid runner that looks good enough for local car events—not a full restoration, but something respectable.

Removed hood rust

What’s Been Done So Far:

• Windshield washer pump replaced

• High-mileage oil change

• Landau top (looks better than before, but it’s a rough job—some sections need redoing)

• Greased carriage and joints

• HVAC control module replaced

• Window repairs

• New speakers

• Door handle fix

• Temporary exhaust fix (Can and chicken wire method. It is quiet but want to quote out a custom replacement. Need some time.) 

What’s Still on the To-Do List:

• Diagnose slow fluid leak

• Fix door linkage

• Redo landau top properly

• Repair or replace dashboard

• Long-term muffler solution

• Recharge or fix A/C

• Finish primer and paint

• Continue smoothing the hood

• Deep-clean carpets and upholstery

This article was interesting,

Collectible cars have inspired generations of enthusiasts and collectors. Their growing appeal translates into new opportunities along the entire automotive value chain.

The Power of Perception and Truth (Hypothetical Thought Experiment on Hate and Corruption)

What We See Isn’t Always What Is

The way we view the world—and interpret information—is often a reflection of who we are and the backgrounds we come from. Our perspectives act as mirrors. One person may see one reality, while another sees something entirely different. This divergence becomes dangerous when good people are mistaken for bad, and bad people are celebrated as good. These misjudgments are often the result of perceptual filters clouded by inappropriate beliefs—many of which stem from social group exclusion or a lack of exposure to broader societal norms that promote shared understanding.

When groups become too insular, like isolated tribes or clans, their perception of the world can shift so dramatically that justice and laws become warped to serve narrow interests. A classic example is the story of a tribe encountering a glass bottle for the first time—an event that fundamentally reshaped their worldview. Over time, isolation can give rise to fundamentally different assumptions and social behaviors.

A thriving society relies on its people and their shared commitment to fundamental principles. These principles are often learned implicitly, through lived experience, socialization, and cultural norms (Implicit Learning and Implicit Bias 👆). But what happens when that learning breaks down?

Consider an example where the legal system fails—where harm is knowingly inflicted on some, while others are unjustly rewarded. In this scenario, a group of corrupt officials—closely tied to wrongdoers—apply pressure on victims to protect and benefit their associates. Their actions include damaging reputations, manipulating children, abusing official positions, coaching others to violate civil rights, and even deceiving the elderly for profit. Veterans and intellectuals similary mistreated. These behaviors aren’t random; they reflect a pattern of goal-directed collusion, historically useful and now repurposed for modern use.

These aren't mere missteps but coordinated actions influenced by individuals with high levels of dark triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy), surrounded by enablers—“blind monkeys,” as in The Wizard of Oz. They dehumanize victims, distort the truth, and weaponize the law. They disrepected the sanctity of life and the innocence of others because of their desires. Just about everyone knew they were doing it, were immunized to do again, and rewarded. Without effective checks, the system becomes a closed loop serving insiders rather than the public good.

In such environments, even those aware of wrongdoing may stay silent, fearing exclusion from the clan or social circle. The system becomes an extension of their social lives and identity—not a mechanism for justice. While the system may be functioning, it struggles to consistently serve its intended purpose.

"Your vision will become clear only
when you can look into your own heart.
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside,
awakes." Carl Young
The deeper meaning of
these social contracts and their
value to society.

Entrenched networks like these erode institutional trust, exploiting systems meant to protect for personal gain. In these complex cases, judges may find it easier and more tempting to side with aggressors and place burdens on victims, perpetuating injustice.  A type of its best we don't deal with what we created perspective. Whistleblowers are often met with retaliation, and the law becomes a tool of suppression rather than a vehicle for justice.

This doesn’t reflect the many principled officials who believe deeply in the law’s purpose. The vast majority serve honorably and care about their communities. However, a minority abuse the system without sufficient oversight or consequence. We can talk all day about justice and doing the right thing but if the end result is the same and bad actors can continue their patterned behaviors over and over then it is what it is!

Honor and integrity should outweigh hate and corruption. Unfortunately, in some settings, they have been replaced by self-interest, ego, and indifference to foundational values. When corrupted networks are silently enabled by judges or officials, public trust in institutional founding values written in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other social contracts begins to unravel.

Unchecked hate in these environments becomes blatant and unapologetic. Unwritten rules replace constitutional ones, and “clan justice” begins to resemble the dysfunction often seen during times of transition. Once again, implicit learning plays a powerful role. The example of a worst case scenario helps us learn how to avoid by build models and limiting the infection of such "better than thou" wider groups with collective disdain for the philosophical purpose of justice.

Still, many good people and officials continue to fight for functional justice. But when those in power manipulate legal processes and conceal conflicts of interest, the justice system—because of its reach and power—is the first casualty. We can hope these injustices are eventually corrected, but it often takes years for the truth to be recognized and addressed. Examples can show us how hate and corruption works and what some of the solutions for correcting those unpatriotic values may be. It will also tell you how these clan based networks continue to be a risk when the perpetrators are left in their positions and illegal and secretive rulings of enrichment stand.

When hate and corruption take hold, the Constitution is reduced to a relic, scorned by those who reject the very ideals of liberty and justice for all—unless we hold the line and enforce those values, even against powerful insiders. We all must stand as a single people, a shared purpose, with a shared future benefit. There are those who are doing this and there are those who should have stood for something greater cowered (The proof in pudding to character and commitment to oaths.). While in some social networks it may be "cool" to engage in hate and corruption the truth is anything but. We can learn the peaceful, kind, encouraging, and persistence on values that will win at the end of the day no matter how many laws the clan breaks.

*This is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment in which we will write a very positive ending. We must first explore what needs work and then discuss the abilty to improve. Take with a grian of salt and feel free to leave a message if you desire. 

Learning to Relay Pump and Draft with Fire Trucks

Firefighting is a demanding profession that requires both book knowledge and hands-on practical skills to ensure effectiveness and successful outcomes. A critical aspect of firefighting is knowing how to properly use the equipment to maximize efficiency. For example, flowing large volumes of water is often necessary to extinguish fires, so understanding fire trucks inside and out is essential.

The video below provides insight into water drafting and the process involved. You’ll notice the fire truck must be set to a specific gear with the pump engaged, and operators must monitor various dials to control the flow of water. Mastering this takes time—and even then, learning never truly ends.

Personally, I serve as a part-time firefighter when I can, and I enjoy being able to help out. Over the years, I’ve become familiar with most of the equipment and picked up a number of tactics along the way. It is a continuous learning process.

If you're interested in supporting a community-based fire department through a tax-deductible donation, feel free to message me. I’ll gladly connect you with the right people. Corporate donations for equipment are especially appreciated. Further, you should consider joining your local departments as most rural departments need good men and women. 

*This is part of a different project I'm working on.