Founding Vision
REACH stands at the forefront of security solutions, leveraging cutting-edge technology to protect and serve communities. Our mission is to innovate and deliver state-of-the-art security systems that not only safeguard assets but also contribute to societal well-being. REACH was established in November 2023 with the ambitious goal of transforming the security landscape through the application of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. The company was founded by a group of tech innovators and seasoned security professionals who recognized the need for more proactive and intelligent security solutions in an increasingly complex world.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art security services that ensure the safety and peace of mind of our clients through innovation, reliability, and the strategic use of technology. REACH is committed to developing solutions that are not only effective in threat mitigation but also in threat prediction and management.
Initial Steps and Growth
Despite being a newcomer to the industry, REACH has quickly distinguished itself by deploying cutting-edge technology such as Ai-enhanced cameras and automated alert systems that adapt and learn from real-world interactions. The company's early projects have already shown significant promise in reducing incident rates and enhancing overall security efficiency for a diverse client base.
Innovation and Development
At REACH, innovation is more than a buzzword—it's the cornerstone of our operations. Our dedicated research and development team is continuously improving our technology to meet the evolving challenges of security and surveillance. We prioritize investments in technology that not only enhances security but also integrates seamlessly into the lives of the end-users without infringing on privacy or autonomy.
Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement
True to our foundational principles, REACH is deeply committed to ethical practices, especially concerning Ai usage. We strive to set standards in responsible Ai development and application, ensuring our solutions uphold the highest privacy and ethical standards. Our community engagement programs are designed to foster safer and more informed communities where technology empowers rather than alienates.
Looking Ahead
As REACH moves forward, we are excited about the potential to expand our service offerings and explore new markets. Our focus remains on enhancing our technological capabilities and ensuring our clients benefit from the most advanced and secure solutions available. We are eager to build on our early successes and continue to redefine what it means to be secure in today’s digital age.
Key Staff Partners
Capital Markets
John Robinson is Founder of Bridge Capital Global is a seasoned investment professional with 30 years of global institutional financial services and capital markets experience and has held senior management, investment consulting, marketing and product development roles in the private and public sectors. Mr. Robinson has extensive experience in the Southeast and nationwide. During his career, he has been the Acting Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for the Government of District of Columbia and Trustee for the District of Columbia Retirement Board. He also served in the City of Atlanta’s Finance Department as Chief Investment Officer, Cash and Investments. He was a Board Member for the Pan-American Development Foundation and currently serves as Treasurer for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a Member of the Board of Directors for Vantera Commodities Group LLC. Mr. Robinson holds a Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University and Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Association of Financial Professionals, hold the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation and a Certified Alternative Investment Analyst Level II Candidate.
Kevin Taite
Partner Management
Kevin is a highly accomplished and results-oriented logistics executive with a proven track record of success in people-facing businesses, management, leadership, and relationship building. As Director of Logistics for REACH OOH, Kevin is responsible for driving operational excellence and delivering unmatched customer experiences.
With a deep understanding of warehousing, fulfillment, and operations, Kevin has successfully led teams in optimizing supply chains, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. His expertise in relationship building, inventory management, vendor relationships and operations management has enabled him to streamline processes and drive continuous improvement.
Prior to his current role, Kevin held various leadership positions in multiple verticals of logistics management, where he consistently exceeded expectations in managing complex operations and building strong relationships with clients and partners. His background in team sports has instilled in him a deep appreciation for teamwork, collaboration, and the importance of fostering a positive and motivating work environment by being coachable and passing on the knowledge he gains to all who could benefit.
Kevin is passionate about being the best in class in the field of logistics. He strives to be an active member of industry organizations and regularly attend conferences and workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices. His commitment to excellence and his drive for continuous improvement make him a valuable asset to any organization.
William Casey
Airport REACH Ambassador
William Casey is the Chief Operating Officer at Fraport USA and is based in Fort Myers, Florida. He has experience from previous roles at Paradies Lagardère, HMSHost, United States, and Phase 2 Hospitality, LLC. Casey has a BA in Business Administration from West Virginia University, which he earned from 1979–1983.
Data Science
NXT Defense is a company that specializes in transforming data for teams with an emphasis on security and accountability. They provide a range of Ai-based solutions for various business requirements, including machine learning, computer vision, and algorithm or data model creation. Their services include data insights, decision labs, and an Ai chipset known as the Nxt Neural Cluster SOC, designed to perform well in low-power installations. NXT Defense distinguishes itself by enabling data science teams to collaborate and develop solutions for various projects, and they boast strategic partnerships with industry leaders. The company focuses on merging multiple data sources, offering high-performance cluster computing, and providing expertise in big data and machine learning technologies. Their team has extensive experience in solving problems for large organizations.
Rick Mercer
President of Sales
Rick Mercer is a highly skilled strategic leader known for providing tactical direction to new business opportunities across a wide range of industries, including banking, health, technologies, and marketing agencies. With a focus on maximizing market penetration and revenue growth, Rick leverages his strategic relationships to help raise funds for startups and debt capital.
Rick holds a degree from the prestigious University of Virginia, where he gained a solid foundation in business and leadership.
Throughout his career, Rick has amassed valuable work experience with reputable organizations such as Bionatus LLC, Sports Field Holdings, Lydian Trust, Ripken Baseball, Radiate Group (division of Omnicom), SFX Sports Group, Magicworks, Career Sports International, Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear International, and Octagon. Each role has further enhanced Rick's industry knowledge and adaptability to different business environments.
Rick's strong relationship management skills enable him to cultivate and nurture connections with key stakeholders. His excellent communication skills allow him to effectively convey ideas and strategies to both internal and external parties. With his expertise in seed/angel/VC/PE financing, Rick has a proven track record of successfully raising capital for startups. He possesses a wealth of business development expertise and has consistently driven growth and expansion in his previous roles.
Known for his exceptional presentation skills, creative negotiation abilities, and extraordinary networking skills, Rick has a unique talent for capital raise management. He thrives in C-suite leadership positions and is known for his deadline and results-oriented approach to launching and scaling partnerships.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rick has also excelled in the athletic realm. He was a Varsity Baseball player at both Pepperdine University and the University of Virginia, demonstrating his dedication, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Rick's leadership skills were further recognized when he served as the team captain for the Virginia team.
James Young
Co-Founder
James (Jim) Young is an experienced entrepreneur and executive, with a proven business creation track record. As Founder and Executive Chairman of Nano Safe Coatings, LLC., Jim provides leadership and direction to the Board, facilitates the operations and deliberations of the Board and the satisfaction of the Board’s functions and responsibilities under its mandate. Jim also assumes responsibility for the strategic initiatives for the organization, working closely with the CEO to develop the strategy for growth and delivering value to customers and shareholders.
In 2017, Jim identified the exciting antimicrobial surface protection products and subsequently lead the acquisition of the two companies that owned those products and the creation of ViaClean Technologies, LLC., a US based biotech specializing in antimicrobial surface protection. The products and intellectual property are games changers for antimicrobial surface protection in both the general application of commercial surfaces and when applied to medical devices.
Jim has a demonstrated history of success in the Business Management and Finance industries. Prior to this current position, Jim created and managed a small private incubation fund that, with his extensive skills in Leveraged Finance, Financial Modeling, Networking, Advertising and Strategic Planning, created a solid launch platform for success of the independent businesses he and the team supported. Jim has raised over $50 million in debt or equity capital across multiple business sectors.
With interest to improve housing within the greater Philadelphia area Jim also created and led an urban redevelopment housing company that was both refurbishment and new housing focused. Before starting his urban housing development company, Jim was the VP of Sales for US Mortgage Bankers Inc., specializing in the sales of residential prime, subprime and option on mortgage products on a national level. He held a banker’s license and operated as a correspondent lender. Jim holds a Bachelor of Marketing & Marketing Management from Temple University, where he was also a standout Collegiate baseball pitcher.
Samuel Banks
Co-Founder, CEO
In the realm of marketing and innovation, Samuel Banks has distinguished himself as a CEO and entrepreneur whose pioneering spirit has revolutionized multiple industries. At the helm of Affy Services and REACH, Samuel has led with a strategic vision that has transformed the way retail, F&B, and out-of-home advertising industries approach customer service technologies.
The creation of REACH in November of 2023, in collaboration with Jim Young, has been a crowning achievement in Samuel's career. This company represents a bold step forward, becoming the most extensive active repository of real-world data analytics, collecting vital metrics through REACH signals intelligence sensors and AI-driven cameras in strategic locations like airports, stadiums, and urban transit points.
Samuel's leadership at REACH is distinguished by his ability to bring together a dream team of experts, such as Nick, a vanguard in analytics from Facebook's beginnings, and Rick, an experienced advertising veteran. Their combined efforts are setting new standards in out-of-home advertising by unlocking the full potential of data analytics.
This venture holds particular significance for Samuel, answering a question that has been central to his work in out-of-home advertising for over a decade since his early involvement with 511: "How do we know they are seeing it, how do we know it's working?" REACH finally provides a definitive answer by delivering measurable and actionable insights into viewer engagement and the efficacy of advertising placements.
With REACH on the brink of major contract successes, including an extensive deal with Georgia Power and a venture with the USL soccer league, Samuel's leadership is proving pivotal in redefining the advertising space with measurable impact.
The inception of Affy Services in 2019 showcased Samuel's ingenuity, introducing robotic automation to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction in the retail and F&B sectors through a novel robots-as-a-service model. His strategic thinking has similarly re-envisioned out-of-home advertising at REACH, where he is addressing the industry's longstanding challenge of quantifying viewer engagement.
Samuel's contributions also extend to philanthropy, serving on the boards of World Hero and Power of One. His entrepreneurial journey began with Moeda and was further exemplified by co-founding REACHTV, now a leading network in aviation.
Before assuming his current roles, Samuel's leadership at VANUS Consulting was integral to the growth of global brands. His illustrious IT career featured roles at Intel, Kaiser Permanente, Dell, and InstallShield, culminating with Peace Communications, providing strategic IT solutions to significant entities and government agencies.
At Intel, Samuel introduced self-help software, demonstrating his commitment to cost-saving innovations. With over 15 years of experience in government RFPs, Samuel has shown a deep understanding of strategic public sector engagement.
His partnership with Jim Young and the founding of REACH stand as testament to Samuel's unwavering dedication to innovation. The strategic team-building at REACH and the forthcoming contracts with key players in various industries underscore his exceptional business acumen.
Samuel Banks remains a pivotal figure who inspires others to achieve excellence, drive change, and contribute positively to the global community. His relentless pursuit of impactful contracts and a commitment to innovation solidify his position as a transformative leader. As he continues to navigate the dynamic fields of technology, advertising, and philanthropy, Samuel is celebrated as an emblem of progress and a champion of innovation, compassion, and a brighter future.
Leadership
100+ years of senior experience launching and maturing companies with embedded relationships that make the future of this firm clear.
Data Science
Phillipa Greenberg – Semi-Pro cyclist turned CEO, and Co-Founder of Next Machine, a supercomputing firm which brings cluster computing and machine learning to the forefront. An early pioneer in commercializing computation, Phillipa Co Founded a supercomputing app which provides a ‘Single Source of Truth’ for Distributed Computation. Phillipa Greenberg obtained her B.S. degree in Biology and double minor in chemistry and psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University with High Honors. Right out of college she was Chief flavor chemist for a private laboratory and transitioned to clinical research in 2013. She joined an Alzheimer’s clinical research firm as Quality Assurance Director, overseeing the Regulatory/Biometrics & safety division for three years before making the transition to big pharma as a leader in Portfolio Bio-Asset Analytics. FIERCELY committed to sharing transformational systems and methodology and inspirational stories to audiences around the world, she is a huge advocate for women in science & tech, and welcomes speaking engagements and global innovation.
Lewis McClam is a serial entrepreneur who has built many companies on upcoming technologies. With over 20 years as a technology consultant, he has developed projects using VOIP, Datacenters, Cloud SaaS, Metaverse, & Sales Management. Originally from Buffalo, NY migrating to Tampa FL in 2007. He is now adding his expertise to the Direct Components team to solve complex problems for client’s needs.
William Casey
Airport REACH Ambassador
William Casey is the Chief Operating Officer at Fraport USA and is based in Fort Myers, Florida. He has experience from previous roles at Paradies Lagardère, HMSHost, United States, and Phase 2 Hospitality, LLC. Casey has a BA in Business Administration from West Virginia University, which he earned from 1979–1983.
Banker
John Robinson is Founder of Bridge Capital Global is a seasoned investment professional with 30 years of global institutional financial services and capital markets experience and has held senior management, investment consulting, marketing and product development roles in the private and public sectors. Mr. Robinson has extensive experience in the Southeast and nationwide. During his career, he has been the Acting Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for the Government of District of Columbia and Trustee for the District of Columbia Retirement Board. He also served in the City of Atlanta’s Finance Department as Chief Investment Officer, Cash and Investments. He was a Board Member for the Pan-American Development Foundation and currently serves as Treasurer for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a Member of the Board of Directors for Vantera Commodities Group LLC. Mr. Robinson holds a Master of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University and Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Association of Financial Professionals, hold the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation and a Certified Alternative Investment Analyst Level II Candidate.
Kevin Taite
Partner Management
Kevin is a highly accomplished and results-oriented logistics executive with a proven track record of success in people-facing businesses, management, leadership, and relationship building. As Director of Logistics for REACH OOH, Kevin is responsible for driving operational excellence and delivering unmatched customer experiences.
With a deep understanding of warehousing, fulfillment, and operations, Kevin has successfully led teams in optimizing supply chains, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. His expertise in relationship building, inventory management, vendor relationships and operations management has enabled him to streamline processes and drive continuous improvement.
Prior to his current role, Kevin held various leadership positions in multiple verticals of logistics management, where he consistently exceeded expectations in managing complex operations and building strong relationships with clients and partners. His background in team sports has instilled in him a deep appreciation for teamwork, collaboration, and the importance of fostering a positive and motivating work environment by being coachable and passing on the knowledge he gains to all who could benefit.
Kevin is passionate about being the best in class in the field of logistics. He strives to be an active member of industry organizations and regularly attend conferences and workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices. His commitment to excellence and his drive for continuous improvement make him a valuable asset to any organization.
Key Staff Partners
Leadership
100+ years of senior experience launching and maturing companies with embedded relationships that make the future of this firm clear.
Jim Young
Co-Founder
Jim Young is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with a remarkable track record of creating successful businesses. As the Founder and Executive Chairman of Nano Safe Coatings, LLC., and Reach Out of Home, Inc., Jim provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to the Board, overseeing operations and ensuring the fulfillment of the Board's responsibilities. Collaborating closely with the CEO’s, Jim spearheads the development of growth strategies and value delivery to customers and shareholders.
In 2017, Jim's foresight led to the identification of groundbreaking antimicrobial surface protection products, culminating in the acquisition of two companies and the establishment of Nano Safe Coatings LLC. This US-based biotech firm specializes in advanced antimicrobial surface protection solutions, revolutionizing applications in commercial and medical device sectors.
With a proven history of success in Business Management and Finance, Jim previously managed a private incubation fund where his expertise in Leveraged Finance, Financial Modeling, Networking, Advertising, and Strategic Planning laid the foundation for the success of supported businesses. Having raised over $150 million in debt and equity capital across diverse sectors, Jim's financial acumen and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving business growth.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Jim has demonstrated a commitment to community development, leading an urban housing redevelopment company focused on refurbishment and new housing projects in the greater Philadelphia area. His prior experience as the VP of Sales at US Mortgage Bankers Inc., handling sales of residential mortgage products on a national scale, further underscores his expertise in the finance industry.
Jim’s multifaceted background, encompassing business leadership, finance, strategic planning, and community development, showcases his versatility and proficiency in driving successful ventures across various industries.
Samuel Banks
Founder
In the realm of marketing and innovation, Samuel Banks has distinguished himself as a CEO and entrepreneur whose pioneering spirit has revolutionized multiple industries. At the helm of Affy Services and REACH, Samuel has led with a strategic vision that has transformed the way retail, F&B, and out-of-home advertising industries approach customer service technologies.
The creation of REACH in November of 2023, in collaboration with Jim Young, has been a crowning achievement in Samuel's career. This company represents a bold step forward, becoming the most extensive active repository of real-world data analytics, collecting vital metrics through REACH signals intelligence sensors and Ai-driven cameras in strategic locations like airports, stadiums, and urban transit points.
Samuel's leadership at REACH is distinguished by his ability to bring together a dream team of experts, such as Nick, a vanguard in analytics from Facebook's beginnings, and Rick, an experienced advertising veteran. Their combined efforts are setting new standards in out-of-home advertising by unlocking the full potential of data analytics.
This venture holds particular significance for Samuel, answering a question that has been central to his work in out-of-home advertising for over a decade since his early involvement with 511: "How do we know they are seeing it, how do we know it's working?" REACH finally provides a definitive answer by delivering measurable and actionable insights into viewer engagement and the efficacy of advertising placements.
With REACH on the brink of major contract successes, including an extensive deal with Georgia Power and a venture with USL soccer, Samuel's leadership is proving pivotal in redefining the advertising space with measurable impact.
The inception of Affy Services in 2019 showcased Samuel's ingenuity, introducing robotic automation to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction in the retail and F&B sectors through a novel robots-as-a-service model. His strategic thinking has similarly re-envisioned out-of-home advertising at REACH, where he is addressing the industry's longstanding challenge of quantifying viewer engagement.
Samuel's contributions also extend to philanthropy, serving on the boards of World Hero and Power of One. His entrepreneurial journey began with Moeda and was further exemplified by co-founding REACHTV, now a leading network in aviation.
Before assuming his current roles, Samuel's leadership at VANUS Consulting was integral to the growth of global brands. His illustrious IT career featured roles at Intel, Kaiser Permanente, Dell, and InstallShield, culminating with Peace Communications, providing strategic IT solutions to significant entities and government agencies.
At Intel, Samuel introduced self-help software, demonstrating his commitment to cost-saving innovations. With over 15 years of experience in government RFPs, Samuel has shown a deep understanding of strategic public sector engagement.
His partnership with Jim Young and the founding of REACH stand as testament to Samuel's unwavering dedication to innovation. The strategic team-building at REACH and the forthcoming contracts with key players in various industries underscore his exceptional business acumen.
Samuel Banks remains a pivotal figure who inspires others to achieve excellence, drive change, and contribute positively to the global community. His relentless pursuit of impactful contracts and a commitment to innovation solidify his position as a transformative leader. As he continues to navigate the dynamic fields of technology, advertising, and philanthropy, Samuel is celebrated as an emblem of progress and a champion of innovation, compassion, and a brighter future.
Rick Mercer
President of Sales
Rick Mercer is a highly skilled strategic leader known for providing tactical direction to new business opportunities across a wide range of industries, including banking, health, technologies, and marketing agencies. With a focus on maximizing market penetration and revenue growth, Rick leverages his strategic relationships to help raise funds for startups and debt capital.
Rick holds a degree from the prestigious University of Virginia, where he gained a solid foundation in business and leadership.
Throughout his career, Rick has amassed valuable work experience with reputable organizations such as Bionatus LLC, Sports Field Holdings, Lydian Trust, Ripken Baseball, Radiate Group (division of Omnicom), SFX Sports Group, Magicworks, Career Sports International, Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear International, and Octagon. Each role has further enhanced Rick's industry knowledge and adaptability to different business environments.
Rick's strong relationship management skills enable him to cultivate and nurture connections with key stakeholders. His excellent communication skills allow him to effectively convey ideas and strategies to both internal and external parties. With his expertise in seed/angel/VC/PE financing, Rick has a proven track record of successfully raising capital for startups. He possesses a wealth of business development expertise and has consistently driven growth and expansion in his previous roles.
Known for his exceptional presentation skills, creative negotiation abilities, and extraordinary networking skills, Rick has a unique talent for capital raise management. He thrives in C-suite leadership positions and is known for his deadline and results-oriented approach to launching and scaling partnerships.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rick has also excelled in the athletic realm. He was a Varsity Baseball player at both Pepperdine University and the University of Virginia, demonstrating his dedication, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Rick's leadership skills were further recognized when he served as the team captain for the Virginia team.