OUTSIDE THE BOX
Current Business and Job Title: Chief Pilot, Grunts Pilot Bots
Hometown: Chazy, New York
Age: 34
Education: Computer Information Services, Clinton Community College; Military Intel Operations, US Army.
Community Involvement: Mayor of Rouses Point NY
Jed Thone is not intimidated by a challenge. He served in the Army in Iraq, has been a serial entrepreneur and recently added Mayor of Rouses Point to his job titles. When he is not working on all things good for the Northern Tier community, he operates an aerial photography and videography business that serves clients in New York and Vermont. Jed is curiously quirky by nature and has adopted an admirable ethic that supports taking action to effect change.
How do you contribute to the culture of your company?
I own the company, so I am the company culture. For the village I am trying to bring a more proactive culture into the community.
What are you doing to make a difference in your community?
On the government side I am encouraging the creation of a comprehensive plan for the future of Rouses Point so that we may better attract new businesses and have more control over the village’s future. I am also working on a way for people to remotely attend village meetings and hearings. We are working on getting a new water plant built. On my business side of things, we are working on new ways to bring history alive for a new generation.
What is the single most important characteristic for success?
Determination.
What is your biggest professional success?
So far, my military service.
What important lesson have you learned in your career?
No half measures, do or do not, that is it.
What is your dream job?
Probably something I have not done. There are so many jobs out there that it is hard to say which would be my dream job but I do know what it is not. Retail.
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
Probably joining the Army. The possibility of death is quite a risk, more so than any financial risk.
What is something that no one would guess about you?
I am on the autism spectrum. Mild yes, but on it.
Write a note to your younger self…
Go active Army. Go active Army, you get treated better, work in better conditions, get more out of it, and its shorter so if you do not like it, you will not have to deal with it as long.
What can the North Country do to make this region more appealing to a younger generation?
We need to provide a younger generation the opportunity and a place to succeed. We have all the natural beauty we could hope for, but young people need more than that.