In the SPOTLIGHT:
Russ Wilie and Wildflower International
New Mexico TechWorks had the privilege of interviewing Russ Wilie from Wildflower International. Wildflower has been a huge player in emerging technology, unmanned aircrafts, and government contracts.
Name: Russ Wilie
Business/Organization: Wildflower International Ltd
Where were you born: Seoul, South Korea
Where do you live now: Rio Rancho, NM
Email: rwilie@wildflowerintl.com
Phone: 505-366-8355
Where are you from and how did you end up in Santa Fe?
I had joined the military and exited the US Army in Colorado. I pursued a job in Albuquerque and was later hired by Wildflower International.
How did your personal and professional background influence where you are today?
I was in a technical field in the Army. When I got out, I had to wait on a technical position and they asked me to try a sales position until it opened up. I liked it so much that I never went back to the technical side.
What kind of work do you do?
I sell emerging technologies like Drone/UAV.
What business or organization do you work with?
My key areas are with SLED (State, Local and Education).
Why did you decide to work in tech, or this kind of work?
I really enjoy learning new applications for emerging technology.
Describe your perspective on technology and its capabilities for the future.
Technology is growing at an exponential rate. In five years, 60% of technical positions don’t exist today.
Do you use social media? Why or why not?
Handled by our communications team, for the most part. I do participate in LinkedIn.
What advice would you give to younger people that are interested in entrepreneurship and technology or living and working in Santa Fe?
Technology is where it is at. It will only be more integrated into the world, not less. The potential for growth and innovation are limitless.
How has inventing technology or using technology helped you move forward?
Technology has allowed me to spend more time pursuing my interests because it speeds things up. I can dictate messages while driving, check to see if I closed the garage door, and check in on my pets with our cameras in the home.
What role do you think IT will play in Santa Fe? How do you see Innovation as a part of our current or future economy?
IT will become more integrated into Santa Fe every day. They are already looking at putting WiFi in the Plaza. If you had mentioned that 5 years ago, everyone would have said it wouldn’t happen.
What is your favorite thing about working with technology?
I enjoy finding more ways to utilize technology. Did you realize that ranchers are using drones today? They find lost cattle, look for rustlers (yes, they still exist), even read the temperature of the individual cows to monitor for health and pregnancy.
Interview by New Mexico TechWorks, Emily Cole
Business/Organization: Wildflower International Ltd
Where were you born: Seoul, South Korea
Where do you live now: Rio Rancho, NM
Email: rwilie@wildflowerintl.com
Phone: 505-366-8355
Where are you from and how did you end up in Santa Fe?
I had joined the military and exited the US Army in Colorado. I pursued a job in Albuquerque and was later hired by Wildflower International.
How did your personal and professional background influence where you are today?
I was in a technical field in the Army. When I got out, I had to wait on a technical position and they asked me to try a sales position until it opened up. I liked it so much that I never went back to the technical side.
What kind of work do you do?
I sell emerging technologies like Drone/UAV.
What business or organization do you work with?
My key areas are with SLED (State, Local and Education).
Why did you decide to work in tech, or this kind of work?
I really enjoy learning new applications for emerging technology.
Describe your perspective on technology and its capabilities for the future.
Technology is growing at an exponential rate. In five years, 60% of technical positions don’t exist today.
Do you use social media? Why or why not?
Handled by our communications team, for the most part. I do participate in LinkedIn.
What advice would you give to younger people that are interested in entrepreneurship and technology or living and working in Santa Fe?
Technology is where it is at. It will only be more integrated into the world, not less. The potential for growth and innovation are limitless.
How has inventing technology or using technology helped you move forward?
Technology has allowed me to spend more time pursuing my interests because it speeds things up. I can dictate messages while driving, check to see if I closed the garage door, and check in on my pets with our cameras in the home.
What role do you think IT will play in Santa Fe? How do you see Innovation as a part of our current or future economy?
IT will become more integrated into Santa Fe every day. They are already looking at putting WiFi in the Plaza. If you had mentioned that 5 years ago, everyone would have said it wouldn’t happen.
What is your favorite thing about working with technology?
I enjoy finding more ways to utilize technology. Did you realize that ranchers are using drones today? They find lost cattle, look for rustlers (yes, they still exist), even read the temperature of the individual cows to monitor for health and pregnancy.
Interview by New Mexico TechWorks, Emily Cole