This is the latest in a monthly series in which industry leaders describe the projects and products that give them the most joy and pride. This month, REP Interactive founder and CEO and VideoFort co-founder Steve Gatena looks back on how failure can lead the way to big success.
As I sat on a hospital bed inside the 10th Medical Group facility at the United States Air Force Academy, a breathing ventilator pumping oxygen into my lungs, failure was all I could think about. I sacrificed my teen years preparing to become an officer in the Air Force. I was going to lead global teams and explore the world. I even bought a giant Air Force photo album to capture all my inevitable adventures.
In 2005, my plans were upended when I ended up in the hospital with a collapsed lung, two dislocated shoulders, and a broken hand. My bags were packed and I was going back home. As a consolation prize, I received a freshly printed certificate that read: “Honorable Discharge.”
Flood-water rescue-aid helicopter footage by VideoFortWhen I left the Academy, however, I had the opportunity to accept a college football scholarship, as well as get my master’s degree at the University of Southern California. Whereas the Air Force Academy emphasized execution and mastery, USC emphasized fun and enjoyment in learning. My favorite class at the Marshall School of Business was “Introduction to Entrepreneurship.”
On the first day of class, my teacher said, “I want you to take five minutes and think of your dream job. Then, write it down on paper.” My classmates began to share their written responses aloud — “actor,” “doctor,” and “fashion designer” were popular responses. Did I misunderstand the assignment? I wrote: “Get paid to travel to new cities, fly around beautiful places, go on epic adventures, and work with great people.”
As I nervously shared my response, I noticed the smile on my professor’s face. The teacher finished the lesson by telling our class, “Being an entrepreneur means you can create any job you want – even your dream job. So dream big.” Since that class, I’ve always held on to the notion that the possibilities of imagination are infinite and have the power to create anything you desire. I spent the rest of my college days architecting my dream company.
Downtown Los Angeles time lapse footage by VideoFortFor the past five years, I have been the founder, chairman, and CEO of REP Interactive, helping companies plan, create, and distribute content that engages new clients, increases brand equity, and achieves corporate-communication goals. What is so exciting about this is that we’re at the tip of the iceberg that is a new media revolution.
In 2013, my partner Alan Purwin and I launched VideoFort, a subsidiary of REP Interactive that has become one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of HD and Ultra HD aerial stock footage, as well as an official partner of Shutterstock. To date, REP Interactive has won nearly 100 awards for its clients and produced over 1,000 videos worldwide.
Elephants marsh migration footage by VideoFortLooking back, this is something I never imagined I’d end up doing. Yes, my experiences at the Air Force Academy and USC uniquely shaped my outlook as a business leader, but I never thought that visual media would take me where it did.
I certainly never would have predicted that I would have the opportunity to film crocodiles in Costa Rica. As a football player at USC, I couldn’t have told you I would miss graduation day because REP Interactive would be shooting aerial footage aboard helicopters in the Colorado Rockies.
Hoover Dam Creek Canyon Mounatains footage by VideoFortEven five years ago, when I began to pursue visual media, I wouldn’t have predicted producing national TV commercial spots, creating hundreds of jobs, and helping global brands originate and execute their content strategies for the new millennium. But what I could have told you is, if you have the desire to achieve your dreams, you can do it.
Top image: On the set with the team from Red Bull
Steve is the founder and CEO of video and broadcast-media agency REP Interactive, a company with awards for work with brands including Coldwell Banker, the LA Dodgers, and Marriott Hotels. VideoFort, Hollywood’s largest stock-footage manufacturer, is a subsidiary of REP founded by Steve Gatena and Alan Purwin. Steve also played football for USC, where he won the 2009 Rose Bowl Championship and earned his master’s degree.