{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Red Light, Green Light","title":"S04E12 Find Your Fire : When Tragedy Fuels Your Mission | Rod Goossen","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2220,"description":"In this episode of *Red Light, Green Light*, host Cindy Skalicky sits down with Rod Goossen, Founder and CEO of Rogo Communications, to discuss how a devastating wildfire tragedy inspired a mission to save lives through technology.\nFollowing the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona, where 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives, Rod set out to solve a critical challenge in emergency response: the lack of real-time communication and situational awareness for firefighters operating in remote, high-risk environments. Drawing on his background in avionics engineering, he founded Rogo Communications and developed the Drop Block, a satellite-enabled device designed to help first responders communicate, coordinate, and stay safe when traditional networks fail.\nRod shares the story behind Rogo’s creation, the lessons he's learned building a mission-driven technology company, and how effective communication, customer discovery, and authentic leadership have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He also discusses expanding Rogo’s technology beyond wildfires to support hurricane, earthquake, tornado, and other disaster-response efforts.\nKey topics include:\n* The Yarnell Hill Fire tragedy and its lasting impact\n* How satellite technology is improving firefighter safety\n* Building products that solve real-world problems\n* The importance of customer-focused communication\n* Authentic leadership and finding your purpose\n* Innovation, resilience, and securing NASA SBIR funding\n* Expanding emergency-response technology to all-hazards disasters\nWhether you're a leader, entrepreneur, first responder, or someone passionate about innovation with impact, this conversation offers valuable insights into turning purpose into action.\nConnect with Rod via https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-g-645bb31a6/\nLearn more about Rogo Communications: [www.rogocom.com](http://www.rogocom.com)\nI hope you enjoy this episode! \nGive it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/12T6Isfv_DwLx94wujBP47ImZpIaGH4Ux4vt0BzKhyc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kOWEx/ODlkMWQ5NjNkNzFh/M2M4ZWFhZTk0Mjlm/NWIzNS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}