The Infrastructure, Disaster, and Economic Investment Agency (IDEIA – pronounced idea) was born out of a friendship between Kevin Friis and Jermaine Xaba (Vintner). As an Emergency Manager, Kevin realized there is never enough government funds to implement many necessary projects without phasing them, such as replacing aging water infrastructure in places like Flint, Michigan. Jermaine, through his work with TransPac, understood logistics and the economic impact of various projects, as well as unique funding mechanisms to get things done.
After years of discussions and weekends discussing the different problems both of them were aware of, they decided to start IDEIA to link funding partners with projects that would have an impact in the community. Jermaine had worked with these partners overseas, but not in the United States, so they began discussing how to socialize the concept in a country that traditionally has companies asking for government assistance to build new facilities or housing.
Fast forward to 2024 and the first project is in the design phase!
Meet our team
Our team includes logistics specialists, emergency managers, and hazardous materials remediation specialists
Kevin Friis
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Jermaine Xaba
Partner