Brian Garvey is the Founder and CEO of VATA7, a safety technology company creating Smart LED helmets and gear to dramatically improve motorcycle rider visibility and reduce collisions. A former U.S. Navy Frogman turned entrepreneur, Brian has dedicated his career to solving one of the most overlooked problems in motorsports and everyday riding: riders are simply not seen.In this interview, Brian breaks down the mission behind VATA7, the journey from military service to startup leadership, how patented Smart LED technology integrates with rider gear, and why visibility is the next frontier in motorcycle safety. We discuss safety certifications, early sales momentum, industry interest from major institutions, and what it takes to build and scale hardware that can save lives.What you will learn• Why rider visibility is one of the biggest safety gaps on the road• Brian Garvey's transition from Navy Frogman to founder• How Smart LED helmet technology works and what makes VATA7 unique• Challenges and wins building a hardware safety startup• Where the future of rider protection and visibility tech is headedAbout VATA7VATA7 develops patented Smart LED helmets and gear built to help motorcyclists get noticed and stay protected. The company has over fifteen global patents, DOT and ECE certification, early sales traction, and rising interest from national safety organizations and research partners.Subscribe for more founder conversations and deep dives into frontier technology and safety innovation.KeywordsVATA7, Brian Garvey, motorcycle safety tech, smart helmet, LED motorcycle helmet, rider visibility, rider protection tech, startup interview, military veteran founder, Navy Frogman entrepreneur, motorsport safety innovation, wearable safety tech, DOT certified helmets, ECE certified helmets, motorcycle gear tech, patent backed startup, visibility tech, rider collision prevention, Spokane startups, founder podcast, hardware startup journey.

Brian's LinkedIn: Brian Jon Garvey | LinkedIn

FUEL Coworking: FUEL Coworking

In this episode, we sit down with Graham Morehead, co-founder of Pangeon and a leading mind in AI. Graham has been pioneering ways to combine Neural Networks (AI Type 1) and Symbolic Reasoning (AI Type 2) to create more human-like intelligence.We talk about the evolution of AI, the intersection of physics and computer science, and how Graham’s work at Pangeon aims to bridge the gap between symbolic reasoning and deep learning. He also shares insights from teaching at Gonzaga University, his thoughts on the Spokane tech ecosystem, and what the next frontier of artificial intelligence looks like.💬 In this episode:How Pangeon is how AI companies are madeLessons from decades tech and startupsThe philosophy behind building better AI🎙️ Hosted by Blake Gibson, Senior Associate at Cowles Ventures, this episode dives deep into the science, philosophy, and future of AI innovation.#GrahamMorehead #Pangeon #ArtificialIntelligence #AIInnovation #NeuralNetworks #SymbolicAI #SpokaneTech #CowlesVenturesPodcast #StartupFounders #TechLeadership #MachineLearning

In this episode, we sit down with Devin Miller, CEO and co-founder of SecureSave, the leading workplace emergency savings platform helping 60,000+ Americans save over $100 million.Devin shares how SecureSave partners with employers and financial institutions like Transamerica, Voya, Truist, and HSA Bank to make financial well-being accessible for every employee. We discuss his journey building fintech solutions used by tens of millions, his experience leading multiple startup acquisitions, and what it takes to create real impact in consumer finance and employee benefits.💬 In this episode:How SecureSave is changing workplace savingsBuilding scalable fintech from the ground upLessons from multiple successful startup exitsPartnering with major financial institutionsThe future of employee financial wellness🎙️ Hosted by Blake Gibson, Senior Associate at Cowles Ventures, this conversation dives deep into startup leadership, financial innovation, and how entrepreneurs can build products that truly matter.#SecureSave #DevinMiller #FintechPodcast #StartupFounders #FinancialWellness #EmployeeBenefits #Entrepreneurship #StartupStories #CowlesVenturesPodcast

Ever wondered how companies utilize water/power to improve their businesses?This episode features Tyson Schlect, a Senior Infrastructure Strategist at INFRA, where he’s helping shape the future of American water and power systems. Tyson approaches infrastructure challenges with a multi-generational mindset, developing solutions that enhance business value while strengthening water resiliency and energy security.We explore Tyson’s path: from his early interest in the history of engineering and mathematics to his modern-day work advancing the reindustrialization of America. He shares insights on strategy, systems design, sustainability, and how to align innovation with long-term public good.Stay connected with Tyson (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-schlect-20296b8b/INFRA: https://www.infra-se.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Steve Strom, a seasoned entrepreneur & company builder who has founded multiple startups, led teams through high-growth phases, and delivered two $1B+ exits. Steve is also an advisor, investor, and product/organization builder with a deep passion for scaling businesses from zero to scale. LinkedInWe dig into Steve’s journey: how he built and exited companies, assembled product and leadership teams, and what it’s really like to navigate the pressures of growth. He shares wisdom on product development, fundraising, culture, vision execution, and how you stay grounded when expectations are high.Stay connected with Steve (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/stromsteveRowStream: https://rowstream.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Paul Wagner, CEO & Founder of GoLark, an AI-native communications platform built for revenue teams. Paul leads GoLark toward transforming how companies engage prospects and customers by putting branded video, deal rooms, asynchronous messaging, and insight tools directly on your website or inside your CRM.We dig into Paul’s path from early leadership and startup experience to building GoLark, the challenges of fundraising, navigating product-market fit in a SaaS video/communication stack, and forging ahead in a competitive, fast-moving space. Along the way, he shares what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in growing a product team, raising capital, building for engagement, and balancing vision with practical execution.Stay connected with Paul (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmwagnerGoLark: https://golark.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Danny Porter, an experienced entrepreneur and leader with a strong background in building and scaling companies. We dive into his career journey, from early experiences shaping his perspective on business to leading ventures that push the boundaries of growth and innovation. Danny shares insights on product development, leadership, fundraising, and the realities of operating in today’s fast-moving startup world.Stay connected with Danny (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydporter/CoPort: https://coport.co/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Daniel A. Garcia, Business Relationship Manager at JPMorgan Chase, ranked among the top business bankers nationally. We dive into his journey from Eastern Washington University to supporting entrepreneurs across the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene region, where he helps business owners unlock capital, manage cash flow, and scale with confidence.Daniel shares insights from his career in business banking, what it takes to build lasting client relationships, and how his personal passions for health, wellness, creativity, and community shape the way he shows up for clients. We also touch on the importance of storytelling, balancing professional growth with family life, and what he’s learned from serving local businesses at every stage of their journey.Stay connected with Daniel (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielagarciaaa/JPMorgan Chase: https://www.jpmorganchase.comFUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Brandon Tanner, CEO of Omniscia AI, a company building practical AI solutions for real-world problems. We dive into his path from early product work to leading an AI venture, covering product development, fundraising, and the day-to-day realities of startup life.Stay connected with Brandon (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandontanner/Omniscia AI: https://www.omnisciahealth.com/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]

This episode features Brynn MacLennan-Snyder, co-founder and CEO of Slate Dental, the company behind the Slate Electric Flosser. We dive into her journey from design school to building a purpose-driven oral-care brand, navigating product development, fundraising, and the realities of startup life. Brynn also shares what it takes to balance entrepreneurship with family while scaling a consumer health company.Stay connected with Brynn (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynn-maclennan-50a7103Slate Dental: https://slateflosser.comFUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.comFUEL Email: [email protected]