London Inc. May-June 2023 - 23

But looking back, we've had to survive other events that
have had a big impact on our business as well, including the
recession and housing crisis of 2008, the mini recession of
2012 and now the pandemic and its aftermath. Our revenue
chart looks more like a heartbeat over these 20 years as
opposed to seeing a steady uptick or incline.
Better technology must have made things easier
for you, but has it also tempted companies to run
their own streaming activities? Yes, you are correct. A
few of our local AV companies now offer some basic, single
camera point-and-shoot live streaming services, which is
great for our company as we not only offer the same, but
also offer high-end multi camera hybrid productions that
save our corporate clients money.
You've been chasing storms since 2007. Do you still
work for a storm chasing tour company? No, I just
wrapped up my fifth and final year as the lead driver for
the oldest-running tornado tour group in the world, Cloud
9 Tours. After celebrating 25 years in business, owner and
operator Charles Edwards decided to retire. This 2023
season I look to be chasing solo and then back with another
tour group for 2024. Exciting!
How do you balance your interest in tornadoes
with the destruction they leave in their wake? Great
question, as I have seen some tremendous damage these
last 15 years. Now, the destruction will happen whether I
am there or not. However, being in the field and so close to
these incredible storms, we do call in the tornado reports
to notify the communities in its path. Storm chasers help
the warning process, plus most of us are CPR and first aid
certified. I love nature, but my interest in severe weather,
specifically tornadoes, is strictly for educational purposes
as I offer talks on tornadoes to area high schools and post
secondary. I bring first-hand experiences from tornado
alley to the students, and they love my talks.
Do you have a greatest moment chasing a storm?
After experiencing 48 tornadoes to date, yes, I have a few
key moments including three-inch hail crashing through
my windshield, chasing a half mile wide tornado for 90
minutes and experiencing the earth shake and being run
over by an EF3-rated, 600-yard-wide tornado last season
in Lockett, Texas.
INTERVIEW BY CHRISTOPHER CLARK
MAY / JUNE 2023 | londonincmagazine.ca | 23
https://mincosupply.com/ http://www.londonincmagazine.ca
London Inc. May-June 2023

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