
Our Team

Kip Butcher – Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Kip is an aerospace system test engineer with extensive experience across a broad range of disciplines. He holds a Masters of Science in Systems Engineering from Purdue University with a focus on hypersonics engineering, and previously earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering, also from Purdue. Kip has industry experience performing mechanical design, test, and systems engineering in a variety of settings including initial product development, requirement verification and product sustainment. He brings to the table a strong desire to develop and implement innovative solutions for nearly any technical challenge, and a deep passion for accomplishing the impossible. Kip is an Eagle Scout.
Jackson Owen – Founder & Chief Marketing Officer
Jackson is a graduate student at the University of Cambridge. He has worked in digital marketing solutions for over 6 years, and has an educational background in Graphic Design, Art History, and Film Production. Jackson has extensive professional experience as a graphic designer and in brand management. He has held two internships, one in marketing, the other in design, and has volunteered in his universities’ development office, as well as the local art museum. Jackson is an Eagle Scout.


Hunter Ray – Founder & Chief Financial Officer
Hunter has earned a BA in Business Administration and Management from Kennesaw State University. He has developed strong insight into the multifaceted strategies of organizational dynamics through diverse career experiences. Hunter offers excellent understanding of financial analysis methods with a specific focus on credit structures and contract applications. In his role as CFO, he leverages past experience in project management, direct customer connection and quality assurance. Hunter is highly motivated and passionate about helping clients achieve their goals at a price point that works for them. Hunter is an Eagle Scout.
James Owen – Founder & Chief Development Officer
James is currently completing an MFA in Film and Television Production at Loyola Marymount University. He also holds an MFA in Film and Screen Studies from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Film and Media Studies from Oglethorpe University. James has held multiple internships and volunteer positions in film related roles and has acquired a deep understanding of the industry. He is particularly fascinated by entertainment’s sociological impact on society, and believes that cinema serves as a powerful medium for reflecting, shaping, and challenging cultural norms and narratives. His academic background has equipped him with a nuanced perspective on the art and industry of filmmaking, media, and entertainment. James is an Eagle Scout.


Ted Niemi – Founder & Chief Operations Officer
Ted is a BA graduate of Santa Clara University with a wide range of technical and business-oriented academic history. He is currently employed in a customer-facing sales role in addition to his role at Lagoon as Chief Operations Officer. He makes his primary contribution in supplier relations and strategic procurement, but frequently takes a lead role in performance-critical spatial logistics projects. Ted’s industry experience in designing, testing and troubleshooting commercial infrastructure configurations allows him to create a path for inventory which is direct, efficient, and conceptually appealing to customers. By night, Niemi has a deep passion for music and can often be found busking or attending shows in North Beach, the heart of San Francisco’s entertainment district. Ted is an Eagle Scout.
In addition to our core team, Lagoon Procurement & Logistic collaborates with a highly qualified pool of individual contributors as needed. Our individual contributors include research institution teams, AIAA and ASME recognized professional engineers, INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering professionals, and industry leaders in artifical intelligence, propulsion, sensor fusion and many other emergent technologies.
Our Story
Lagoon Procurement and Logistic was born from the shared vision of a group of friends, each bringing diverse experiences and skills to the table. United by a common passion for innovation and technology, we embarked on a journey to make Lagoon a reality.
Through countless conversations and creative exercises, our dream of building something impactful and transformative began to take shape. Drawing from our experiences in academia and a wide variety of industries, we immediately recognized the power of combining our unique perspectives. We believed that our collective strengths, and our unwavering commitment to distinction and attention to detail in our work, could lead to groundbreaking advancements in technology and logistics engineering.
Driven by this belief, we dedicated countless hours to learning, growing, brainstorming, and planning. We embraced the challenge of stepping into the unknown, leveraging our skills to navigate the intricacies of building a company from the ground up. Our journey has been marked at every step by perseverance, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of our vision.
Every member of Lagoon knows firsthand the value of hard work and determination. We can now proudly say that what began as a shared dream has evolved into a company at the forefront of technological innovation, guided by the very same principles of excellence and meticulousness that first brought us together.

Our Vision
To lead the technological frontier, setting new industry standards through cutting-edge innovation, strategic procurement, and tailored logistics. We want to shape a future where our advanced technologies and streamlined processes are the benchmarks of excellence across a multitude of industries.
Our Commitment
Lagoon is dedicated to excellence and meticulousness in all our practices. We foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, delivering exceptional value to our clients. Our approach is characterized by expertise, precision, and transparency, ensuring we meet the unique needs of every project with unmatched excellence.
Our Competencies
Advanced R&D: Developing groundbreaking technological solutions with state-of-the-art research and original concepts.
Strategic Procurement: Optimizing the sourcing and acquisition of top-quality materials and components.
Logistics Solutions: Enhancing supply chain timeliness and reliability through advanced logistics strategies.
Confidentiality and Security: Ensuring the highest standards of discretion and security in all our operations and projects.
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Ready to find out what we can do for you? Schedule a time to meet with us today and see how we can bring your projects to life.
