For over 25 years, John Payne IV has been a technology industry leader in the field of wireless video communications with a focus on cinematography, TV broadcast, state, local and federal law enforcement. Mr. Payne has held key positions as President, COO, and CTO of public and private companies. Mr. Payne’s passion spans company turn arounds, product and market development, and entrepreneurial business creation. As an equity partner, Mr. Payne built a family business from $10m to over $100m before a successful exit. Mr. Payne currently is the managing director of The Crest Factor, a management-consulting firm providing technical, strategic, and management services to businesses seeking transformative changes and private equity firms in need of domain expertise. Mr. Payne enjoys working with entrepreneurs of startup businesses assisting them with operational and strategic decision-making.

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Mr. Payne holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California and a member of Cornell SC Johnson School of Business MBA 2022.