Beyond the Frame – Phase One Stories

Welcome to Beyond the Frame – Phase One Stories, where we shine a spotlight on the talented individuals who contribute to the innovation and success of Phase One. This series takes you behind the scenes to meet the people shaping our company, showcasing their unique roles, day-to-day experiences, and the shared values that make Phase One exceptional.

Whether working in the lab, capturing the world through a lens, or supporting customers across the globe, each story offers a personal perspective on the collaborative spirit and expertise that define us. Join us in celebrating the people who bring Phase One to life.

Meet Christopher Barcelona – The Sky is the Limit at Phase One

This time, we invite you to meet Christopher Barcelona, one of our dedicated Technical Support Engineers based in Denver, USA. From conducting flight tests to training customers, Chris plays a vital role in ensuring our aerial imaging systems are in top shape.

Chris Barcelona troubleshooting aerial imaging equipment

From Operator to Engineer: A Unique Perspective

Chris has a unique story, having grown up in the world of aerial acquisition, he’s now transitioned to the support side of the industry. 

“Being born into the aerial acquisition world, this is my first time being on the other side of the coin. I have been operating airborne cameras and sensors most of my life, so being on the support side of things is a great change.” 

As a Technical Support Engineer and Flight Test Manager, no two days look the same for Chris. One day he’s in the Denver office designing flight plans, and the next, he’s halfway across the world, installing and testing PAS systems for customers. 

Keeping Customers in the Air

In Chris’s eyes, customer satisfaction is paramount. 

“Time on the ground is wasted money. We do everything in our ability to troubleshoot issues quickly and get our customers back in the air. Customer satisfaction is the number one priority. Even when working with complex technology, we keep a smile on our faces to ensure customers feel good at the end of the day.” 

His dedication to problem-solving and keeping operations running smoothly ensures that Phase One customers stay productive, no matter the challenge. 

Building Something New

One of Chris’s proudest achievements is the creation of Phase One’s flight test department in Colorado. 

“We took on the task of building this department with open arms. With the support of our colleagues, we’ve established a successful operation that not only supports Phase One but helps troubleshoot customer issues in real-time. Since December 2024, we’ve completed over 75 test flights, pushing our products forward and keeping our customers flying.” 

Life Beyond the Skies

When he’s not ensuring flight operations run smoothly, Chris enjoys time with his wife Jessa and their two dogs, Lou Anne and Waylon. A true motorcycle enthusiast, he spends much of his free time restoring Harley Davidson bikes. 

“I’m currently building a 1979 Harley Shovelhead chopper. When I’m not in the garage, you’ll find me with friends, grilling, or jumping into any nearby body of water.” 

At Phase One, we are proud to have team members like Chris who bring passion, dedication, and unique expertise to their roles. Stay tuned to meet more of our colleagues.

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