Last year I started the new year with a plan to block out all negativity and social divide and focus on helping people and companies in any small way possible.
https://www.alphawolftrading.com/blog/posts/something-to-ponder-and-my-challenge-to-you-for-2022
I do not desire to be a Debbie Downer or a Fear-Monger. Instead, I would like to ask you a question. Please give this some serious thought. As you look at the United States or the world, what are the top ten significant threats to our society and humanity that you see over the next five, ten, and fifteen years? I placed my focus on the United States and the things I see as an opportunity to put us and the entire world on a better path than we are on right now. You may provide a more global perspective.
As I did my research and due diligence, I looked for problems and potential solutions.
It led me here.
1 WATER
Water: Infrastructure, Agriculture: Shortage, Contamination, Logistics
When you live in Las Vegas and see the evaporation in the rapid fashion of Lake Mead, it has a sobering effect. I can assure you it has more than the wise guys from the mob concerned. When I read about forever chemicals in drinking water and the potential harm that exists, I realize how valuable fresh drinking water is and how if we stay at the pace we are on, it will become a massive problem. We have heard about desalinization for years, and it is still cost-prohibitive. PFAS also referred to as the "Forever chemical," is in our water system and soil. Humans created these chemicals to protect our carpets (Scotch Gaurd) and (Teflon) non-stick coatings on pots and pans.
https://www.biolargo.com/
** BLGO Biolargo Inc and the CEO Dennis Calvert**, where I learned much more about PFAS and its threats to our health. I also learned about the solution to this multi-billion-dollar problem that Dennis and his team have proven removes 98 percent of the "forever chemicals" without stripping out all the essential nutrients typically found in our drinking water. https://www.hydroviv.com/blogs/water-smarts/health-effects-of-pfas-current-update
Infrastructure: Water utilities are buried deepest in the ground, with many systems in place for sixty to one hundred years. Above those water lines, we have laid millions of miles of other utilities. It seems necessary to highlight that there are two point six million miles of paved road in the United States. There are thirty-five million miles of buried utilities. On average, there are over five hundred thousand accidental utility strikes annually. Our underground utility assets include gas, electric, water, sewer, oil, cable, and fiber. We have used the same antiquated systems to identify utilities for the last fifty years. A company has filmed the accidents that caused sewer and oil to leak into our food supply and water systems. There is footage of buildings blown to smithereens. People have been left without power or drinking water, businesses with no internet, and there have been tragic instances where lives were lost.
https://diggingdangers.vhx.tv/products
Estimated costs of damages from the five hundred thousand plus accidental utility strikes are estimated to be between thirty and sixty billion annually. What could this country do with an additional thirty to sixty billion a year? How many more years will we allow these senseless tragedies to occur? There is a system proven to reduce strikes by over 90 percent.
https://www.prostarcorp.com/
Page Tucker, the CEO of Prostar Corporation ,MAPPF recognized the problem. He started working on a solution ten years ago. He and his team designed a software system that can identify, capture, record, and upload on any mobile device an underground utility's precise location within one centimeter of accuracy in real-time. Why doesn't every insurance and surety company that bonds jobs and every general contracting Company that oversees them MANDATE that Pointman is the software used on every job? The state of Colorado and CDOT made it law that Prostar's, Pointman system must be used by anyone working on a right-of-way project in the form of Colorado. They did this because it is a NEED!
2 ENERGY
When you think about energy and becoming an all-electric vehicle society, it should scare you to know that China controls 85 to 90 percent of the global supply of materials that make up batteries. We should have a panel of the most brilliant minds in all forms of energy, including oil and gas, wind, solar, Hydrogen, nuclear, coal, and fusion. We should be working with them all as a team. There should be a plan that involves using oil, gas, and coal as a bridge to get to one hundred percent renewable. It will take all forms of energy to meet our needs. We should not demonize any industry and work with them to transition to alternative energy sources. The world is becoming more reliant on batteries for drones, cell phones, IOT devices, scooters, electric cars, trucks, boats, semi-trucks, and energy storage. Not having an infrastructure plan to deploy a rollout of this magnitude efficiently is frightening. Another statistic that should shock and worry you is that it takes an average of seventeen years to get a mine up and running in the United States. We need to act now. We need to establish a plan for the materials with our friends and allies and develop our supply chain, including mining the materials we need right here in the USA. The concerns for our energy infrastructure led me to several businesses that help solve a need.
https://beamforall.com/
Beam Global Inc Desmond Wheatley, CEO, BEEM when the oil pipeline was held for ransom a while back, I immediately thought about our electric grid and the threat of hacking it. It is one of the reasons that BEEM is such a compelling company to me. Their products serve multiple needs for our infrastructure and our national security. If you want to be enlightened by how much of a need BEEM represents, I encourage you to read Desmond's article about our grid. https://beamforall.com/the-grid-pandemic-will-make-covid-19-look-like-a-side-show-authored-by-desmond-wheatley-ceo-envision-solar/
https://jerichoenergyventures.com/
Jericho Energy Ventures, JROOF, CEO Brian Williamson educated me on Hydrogen and the innovative technology Jericho and their partners developed that provides nearly no discharge of any waste into the atmosphere. Their Hydrogen boiler technology is something to monitor closely. Brian taught me much more about the oil and gas industry and the challenges their company faced. How the entire company pulled together and made sacrifices to survive. He also let me know that the experience they have from the oil and gas industry has prepared them for what is to come, The complexities of building out a logistics and infrastructure plan for an entirely new energy source.
https://visionmarinetechnologies.com/
Vision Marine Technologies VMAR, where CEO Alexandre Mongeon and Chairman of the board Alan Gaines educated me on the battery supply issues. They also shared their vision for the marine industry as the clear leader with their innovative E-MOTION electric outboard motors, helping keep our waterways clean and free of pollution.
https://www.arianne-inc.com/
Arianne Phosphate Inc DRSSF CEO Brian Ostroff, where I learned about the benefits of Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries and the potential benefits of using phosphate in batteries. The safety aspects and duration of use. The shovel-ready Phosphate mining operation that Arianne represents.
https://www.idealpower.com/
Ideal Power Inc CEO Dan Brdar IPWR where I learned about their B-Tran solution, a patented "Bidirectional, Bipolar Junction Transistor (B-TRAN™) semiconductor technology. B-TRAN™ is a unique double-sided bidirectional AC switch able to deliver substantial performance improvements over today's conventional power semiconductors. Ideal Power believes B-TRAN™ modules will reduce conduction and switching losses, the complexity of thermal management, and operating cost in medium voltage AC power switching and control circuitry." Source IPWR website
https://electrabmc.com
Electra Battery Materials Corporation Trent Mell, CEO ELBM
Electra is a processor of low-carbon, ethically-sourced battery materials. Currently commissioning North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra is executing a multi-pronged strategy focused on onshoring the electric vehicle supply chain. ELBM's approach integrates black mass recycling, nickel sulfate production at Electra's refinery north of Toronto, advancing Iron Creek, its cobalt-copper exploration-stage project, and expanding cobalt sulfate processing into Bécancour, Quebec.
https://www.ayro.com/
AYRO INC. Tom Wittenschlaeger CEO AYRO
"We designed the AYRO Vanish according to our SchlägerNull™ philosophy, a trademark that means that these zero-emissions vehicles go far beyond being environmentally friendly. The first in the new product roadmap, the AYRO Vanish, is designed to have a longer life, reusable components and parts, and less unnecessary scrap.AYRO designs and produces zero-emissions vehicles and systems that redefine the very nature of sustainability. Our goal is to craft solutions that leave minimal impact on carbon emissions and the space itself. From tire tread, fuel cells, sound, and even discordant visuals, we apply engineering and artistry to every element of our product mix. Driven by insight from partners, customers, and research, AYRO delivers a profitable and highly adaptable solution that empowers organizations to enable sustainable fleets. These purpose-built innovative, highly customizable low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) support a plurality of last-mile delivery, micro-distribution, and campus/facility mobility needs." source AYRO Website
After speaking with Tom, I recognized the massive opportunity and the need for the solution Ayro provides.
3 Technology
Why would technology be a threat or concern? Disruption to our workforce. What would you say if I told you that five to ten years from now, robots would be doing most of the repetitive manual labor jobs? There is a robot that can do every repetitive motion job you can think of, from picking tomatoes to flipping burgers. We hear about autonomous vehicles nearly every day. Is there any doubt that someday they will be a reality? What happens to all the limo, cab, uber, Lyft, semi tractor-trailer drivers when that day arrives? Robots do not complain. They work 24/7
never take a vacation or get sick. They don't get pregnant or file lawsuits. They don't show up late or make demands. I am talking about a massive change where jobs are removed from the market permanently because of the advancement of robotics and artificial intelligence. Where do all the unemployed humans find work? Technology is a double edged sword, it can be our savior in one aspect, and it can also be the cause of a painful disruption where there are winners and losers. We can not stop innovation, and we shouldn't. We need to recognize the changes that exist on the horizon, the impact that they will have, and how to adjust and strategically plan for solutions. If technology provides a safer, cheaper, more profitable, and consistent solution and replaces the jobs of hundreds of thousands of people, maybe millions! What will we do to help those people survive and thrive?
https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/mcdonalds-unveils-first-automated-location-social-media-worried-will-cut-millions-jobs Another example for me is, and I wonder if this has happened at every Walmart, but the Walmart near me no longer has checkout lines. It is nearly all self-checkout. Now with artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT, what other industries or jobs could be in jeopardy?
https://skyplug.com/
SKYX Platforms Corp. Rani Kohen, Founder SKYX I do not generally come across companies with a product that is such a blatantly obvious game changer for an entire industry. SKYX is an exception. Rani Kohen saw a NEED, and he developed a solution. That makes installation a thousand times safer and six thousand percent faster! SKYX is positioned to be the only product in its category with ample opportunity for expansion. The possibilities are nearly limitless, and I envision many products and services being created on the heels of the SKYX Skyplug weight-supporting ceiling receptacle or the WSCR. Rani had one driving force for this product development. SAFETY Rani and his team have created a proven product that can reduce the risk of injury and save lives. That in itself should tell you everything you need to know. Safety trumps everything. There is a high probability that his product will be mandated as a standard on all future residential and commercial building projects for years, potentially forever.
https://www.duostechnologies.com/
Duos Technologies, Inc Duos Technologies Group Inc Chuck Ferry CEO DUOT
Duos Technologies, Inc. designs, develops, deploys, and operates intelligent technology solutions supporting rail, logistics, intermodal, and Government customers that streamline operations, improve safety, and reduce costs. Duos Tech. Provides cutting-edge solutions that automate the mechanical and security inspection of fast-moving trains, trucks, and automobiles through a broad range of proprietary hardware, software, information technology, and artificial intelligence. "Duos Technologies Group, Inc., through its operating subsidiary Duos Technologies, Inc., a provider of machine vision and artificial intelligence that analyzes fast moving trains and trucks, today announced the release of five (5) new artificial intelligence (AI) detection models for use with the Company's Railcar Inspection Portal ("rip®" or "RIP") solution. The new offerings represent the latest additions to the Company's growing catalog of deployment-ready AI detection models, each of which is designed to target and identify specific defects and/or anomalies on railcars as they pass through the RIP at track speed." The safety aspect of what Duos provides is the driver because of the NEED to make our railways safer.
However, Duos has a massive total addressable market opportunity. They are not limited to just the railway industry.
https://www.dataio.com/
Data IO Corp Anthony Ambrose CEO DAIO
I learned about their Automated and manual programming solutions, device handling, robotics, Semiconductor device technologies, and algorithms. Software applications: serialization, secure data, version control & traceability, and Managed and Secure programming. DataIO offers companies the opportunity to keep their intellectual property in-house with the ability to program their chips on-site.
https://www.airgain.com/
Airgain Inc Jacob Suen CEO AIRG Airgain's mission is to connect the world through optimized, integrated wireless solutions. Airgain combines design-led thinking with testing and development. Airgain's technologies are deployed in carrier, fleet, enterprise, residential, private, government, and public safety wireless networks and systems, including set-top boxes, access points, routers, modems, gateways, media adapters, portables, digital televisions, sensors, fleet tracking, in-vehicle networking, and asset tracking devices. Through its pedigree in designing, integrating, and testing high-performance wireless modules and antenna technology, Airgain has become a leading provider of integrated communications products that solve critical connectivity needs.
https://www.reklaimyours.com/who-we-are
Neil Sweeney CEO Reklaim Inc MYIDF
MYIDF The need to protect your data is becoming more prevalent as people learn how invasive access to their private personal data has become. Reklaim is on a mission to help consumers, providing the ability to decide who gets to see what. They also feel that your data is worth something and that you should have a choice to be compensated for your data. This concept is intriguing, and Reklaim is one of many trying to implement a product and strategy in this realm. I have not yet determined whether there is a genuine NEED by the consumer to have this category.
https://www.phunware.com/
Phunware Inc Randall Crowder COO PHUN
Phunware, Inc. is the pioneer of Multiscreen-as-a-Service (MaaS), a fully integrated enterprise cloud platform for mobile that provides companies the products, solutions, data, and services necessary to engage, manage and monetize their mobile application portfolios and audiences globally at scale. Phunware helps the world's most respected brands create category-defining mobile experiences, with more than one billion active devices touching its platform monthly. Phunware is also in the camp of being compensated for your data and is one of the first, if not the first, publicly traded companies to have a registered crypto token and soon a registered crypto coin. Phunware has a big, bold vision of the future and if they are right. They could become a massive player in a huge addressable market. Sometimes having an idea ahead of its time can be challenging because, ultimately, it will be up to the consumer to validate that your solution is an actual NEED. That is still in the process of being determined by consumers and potential partners of Phunware.
https://flyht.com/about/
Flyht Aerospace Solutions LTD Bill Tempany CEO Rest in Peace FLYLF
Provides the airline industry with innovative data solutions to enable our partners to make smart decisions based on Actionable Intelligence to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and profitability through our extensive hardware, software, weather sensors, and services.
In addition to Satcom solutions provided by the AFIRS 228™, FLYHT leads the charge in the 5G connectivity evolution with the industry-first AFIRS Edge™ WQAR solution to provide powerful situational awareness through real-time data, including an AID and Iridium Certus connection to flight deck EFBs. Our software solutions provide our partners with actionable intelligence that solves current problems and prepares them for the future in multiple areas, such as AHMS, Fuel and APU usage, Fleet and Turn management. Bill described his vision and the product that Flyht has to make our airlines more efficient and safer. It is heartbreaking to me that Bill will not be able to witness the impact his software will have on such a hugely important industry. However, his team will do what is needed to make it happen, and there is no better way to honor Bill.
*I need to stop here and let you absorb what I am trying to convey. My objective is to get retail investors, members of society, and in particular, consumers, to recognize their power and the role they could play in changing the landscape of Wallstreet. Showing everyone that you can make an impact for a cause or a need that you truly believe in and can get behind with your support as an investor and consumer. Wallstreet is focused on the big established companies; significant hedge funds don't care about some little company with a mission and a passion for addressing a need. The big players on Wallstreet will care when it is evident that the masses care and support a company on its mission to provide a solution for a need. *
Do we need to spend billions of dollars building an alternative reality universe to escape from the reality of our real world? Do we need the Metaverse?
*It sounds cool to be whatever you want and look any way you want. I understand the lure of escaping to this perfect world and getting away from all the stresses we endure throughout life. However, the billions spent and the time wasted in alternate realities do nothing to help address the critical NEEDS we have as a society, as human beings. Unfortunately, in many instances throughout history, we wait until a need becomes a threat to take action. Why don't we try something different, place the importance of our NEEDS ahead of our wants for a year, and see what happens? I have several more NEED categories to address, but you will have to give me some time to put it together. That will be part two of this theme for 2023 *
