About ORC Tech
Optical Radio Communications Technology (ORC Tech) develops and markets products that utilize the most advanced NASA-based technology in order to boost incoming signals to improve local reception for cell phones, laptops, satellite and Wifi internet receivers- without the need for power plugs, cables, or batteries.
We are the company behind FRS-B, with strong roots in science and technology, bringing together some of the most innovative concepts from both to develop this revolutionary commercial product. FRS-B is based on technology licensed from NASA, where innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center invented a portable communications signal booster.
Seeing the tremendous opportunities to expand on that technology in order to bring this concept, and unprecedented signal-boosting technology, to the general public, ORC Tech has worked tirelessly to create a product that tremendously improves cell service and meets the growing communications needs faced by so many individuals today.
From remote workers and outdoor enthusiasts to first responders and emergency workers who can’t risk being “out of range” due to no cell service (and “staying connected” is of critical importance) ORC Tech is committed to bringing this revolutionary technology to the masses… providing convenient solutions to dramatically improve cell phone and wifi signals and quality of life.
The ORC Tech Team
Joshua Benavidez, Chief Technology Officer
Joshua is the Chief Technology Officer for ORC Tech, LLC. A native New Mexican with a strong background in mathematics and physics, Josh is responsible for overseeing the everyday activity in the lab and for running the product development strategy. As a student at New Mexico Tech University, Joshua participated in three highly integrated NASA-funded programs: NASA NCAS (NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars), NASA L’SPACE (Lucy student pipeline accelerator and competency enabler) and NASA Technology Spinoff Program (bringing NASA technology to commercial markets). His direct experience working with NASA on this technology, combined with his background in science and technology and his identification of a need for better signal-boosting technology for first responders and the general public, was the inspiration behind the development of FRS-B.
John J. Chavez, Chief Financial Officer
As the Chief Financial Officer, John is responsible for directing the company’s implementation process and for securing capital. John has a background in finance, operations, leadership and entrepreneurship. He was President of the New Mexico Angels for over 12 years and has been an active investor for over 15 years. In addition, John serves as the Managing Director for the New Mexico Start-Up Factory, Managing Partner of Phase One Ventures and a Partner of NMA ORC TECH, LLC 7 Ventures. He has led over 5 companies as CEO and has successfully secured funding for all the start-up companies within the New Mexico Start-Up Factory Portfolio.
Peter Schmitz, Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Peter is responsible for ORC Tech’s operations and strategy.
Peter has a background in sales, business development, finance, and venture investing. He has 25 years of experience in managing small, innovative technology companies. In addition, he serves as mentor and ambassador for the New Mexico Angels, and as mentor at the UNM Lobo Rainforest accelerator program.
.
Melissa Firestone, Marketing Coordinator
As the Marketing Coordinator, Melissa supports the ORC Tech Team with social media management, public relations, and overall company outreach. As she is an entrepreneur herself, Melissa has a strong background in marketing fundamentals and company support. She also serves as the company creation assistant for the New Mexico Start-Up Factory where she works closely with John and Andrea to provide entrepreneurs with the resources needed to transition technologies from idea to industry.
