About Us

The Infrastructure, Disaster, and Economic Investment Agency (IDEIA – pronounced “idea”) was born out of a friendship between Kevin Friis and Jermaine Xaba. As an Emergency Manager, Kevin recognized that governments are often faced with the difficult reality that there is never enough funding to address every critical infrastructure need at once. Essential projects—such as replacing aging water infrastructure in communities like Flint, Michigan—must frequently be phased over many years despite their urgency.

Jermaine, through his work with Transpac Access, developed an understanding of global logistics, the economic impact of infrastructure investment, and innovative funding mechanisms capable of accelerating projects that deliver meaningful community benefits. Together, they recognized that many transformative initiatives remain unrealized not because of a lack of vision, but because traditional financing models often cannot keep pace with the scale of public need.

After years of discussions and countless weekends exploring these shared challenges, they established IDEIA to serve as a bridge between visionary funding partners and projects capable of delivering measurable social and economic impact. Having worked with international investment partners abroad, Jermaine understood the opportunity to introduce new models of public-private collaboration to the United States, where economic development has traditionally relied upon companies seeking government incentives to build facilities, housing, or other capital projects.

The philosophy behind IDEIA is that transformative ideas transcend geography. Communities around the world face remarkably similar infrastructure, disaster resilience, and economic development challenges, and solutions are strengthened when expertise, investment, and innovation are shared across borders. We have taken the time to understand these global needs directly, guided by the gatekeepers responsible for driving change in the communities and regions we serve.

This international perspective is deepened through our partnership with Philip Tsogwane, son of Slumber Tsogwane, Botswana’s long-serving national leader and former Vice President. As an advisor to the African Tourism Board, whose work spans the African continent, Slumber Tsogwane’s example reflects the value of long-term strategic thinking, principled leadership, and sustained public service. Philip carries that tradition of visionary leadership forward as an international partner to IDEIA, reinforcing our belief that enduring progress requires institutions and partnerships built on credibility, patience, and a commitment to future generations.

It is within this context that the collaboration with SPIN Global represents a natural strategic alignment. The partnership is founded not merely on complementary capabilities, but on a shared creed—an ideal and an ethos—that infrastructure resilience, disaster preparedness, and economic opportunity are responsibilities that extend beyond political boundaries. Together, these principles create a framework for collaboration that is driven by duty, shared purpose, and the conviction that resilient communities are built through partnerships that transcend borders.

Fast forward to 2026, and that vision has become tangible. IDEIA’s inaugural project has entered the design phase, demonstrating how an idea born from friendship, strengthened by international relationships, and guided by long-term vision can evolve into a platform capable of connecting global capital, strategic expertise, and community-focused development to create lasting impact.