SmartCone Technologies

Ecological infrastructure refers to the natural or semi-natural structural elements of ecosystems and landscapes that are important in delivering ecosystem services. It is similar to‘green infrastructure’, a term sometimes applied in a more urban context.

SmartCone Technologies Inc. (SCTI) is an intelligent infrastructure ecosystem that enables use cases like Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), AI on the edge, distributed processing on the edge, indoor/outdoor positioning, next-generation asset, freight tracking systems and more. The company's modular form factor is easily deployable and The SmartConeTM has been used in securing dangerous worksites, controlling bicycle lane traffic, smart city infrastructure, managing vehicle fleets, asset tracking, logistics, crowd control, and site security surveillance.

Recently the company has launched its "Return to Work" initiatives to include thermal monitoring and SYMP2PASS for advanced detection of COVID 19 symptoms. With 14+ patents, SmartCone drives innovation and increases workplace efficiencies across all industries.

Journey of the Leader

Jason Lee is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SmartCone Technologies. He has dedicated most of his professional life in developing new technologies that make the world a safer place, with applications in aviation, business intelligence, manufacturing, and software development. From the time he spent in Kuwait and Afghanistan researching and developing smart safety for military use, Jason received the Challenge Coin for his excellence. Jason’s work has spun three award-winning products and has 14 intellectual property patent clusters. Jason plays an active role in pushing forward the company's technology stack and use case portfolio to include readying the company for expansion through its subsidiary business model.

The Influence of Past Experiences

Jason breaks down his experiences into three categories: Good, Poor and Learning. The good experiences remind him that he can do it, the poor experiences drive him to be better and the learning experiences show him that it’s not about knowing or being right, it's about collaboration, teaming and being flexible. Jason says that being a good leader is not as easy as it sounds. Leading does not just mean telling people what to do. It means that the leader will have to know when to push and when to give. It means to listen and hear what’s not being said. He needs to care about the company's people, customers, and the company itself.  When people know that the leader cares and is making time to hear them, they will follow him. Being a leader is not about being perfect, it’s about being that one person who will forge a path forward that everyone wants to follow.

During his career as a CEO, Jason has won multiple awards and launched multiple award-winning products. He is grateful for each one and he hangs the awards on his wall. However, nothing can compare to the achievement of helping someone find their purpose and rise to the top of their game. Every time Jason sees how engaged and happy his employees are, it fills his heart and mind with an overwhelming sense of achievement. “That is a true impact and it’s the best achievement ever” he says.

Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Success

To Jason, the biggest challenge was proving himself.  He believes that having the title CEO means nothing. People want to see what the CEO has done. So, it takes a lot of hard work and skill to show people what the leader has to offer. Jason makes his new employees do the same thing now. He says, "Show me what you’ve got. That’s how the world works."

The Making of a Successful CEO

In Jason’s perspective, a CEO should be a good listener and communicator. He should make sure everyone is on the same page. The leader must be tenacious and must never give up. If he can keep pushing, he will make it. The CEO should be caring and be cared for. Emotions play a big role in business. He should be supportive. Jason feels that the CEO should be strong and vulnerable at the same time. This will show the employees that he is approachable but can also lead the way. The leader must stand for something worthwhile. Sharing his views and ethics with people would help them know the type of person he is. It goes a long way in gaining respect.

The Role of Innovation

SmartCone innovates its products to meet customer needs and then designs them to have modular functionality so they can be easily customized throughout the market-vertical the company is addressing.  The company plans to design sensors that customers want to utilize in a variety of ways with rapidly changing use cases and a solution that grows with them.

Future Ventures of the Company

Jason eyes to use SmartCone as a way to help make the world a better place through collaboration and opportunity. Anyone can become a leader at SmartCone and eventually become a CEO of a subsidiary. The company's technology ecosystem is designed to create jobs and help customers create new innovative businesses and its solutions that are meant to make jobs safer and more productive.

Word of Advice to the Emerging Leaders

Jason addresses the emerging leaders; "Be a good person and be coach able.  There is nothing better for an employee to experience the feeling like they made a difference in your life."Jason strongly affirms that,leadership is at least a 2-way road and there is always a way forward.  Jason also advises to not start the job if one doesn't plan on finishing it.