Barry Rabkin, Director of Marketing, Near Earth Autonomy

Telling the Story of Flight Beyond Sight

Barry Rabkin (TPR 2014) gets the story of “flight beyond sight” off the ground as Near Earth Autonomy’s Director of Marketing.

Spun out of CMU, Near Earth is a leader in autonomous aircraft (think self-driving flying cars). With blended expertise in robotics and the aeronautics of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Pittsburgh-based company takes on the dull and dirty jobs that put humans in danger. Their uncrewed aircraft can make deliveries while avoiding hazards without human pilots or even GPS.

Leading marketing, Barry has driven increased visibility and demand for Near Earth's offerings and strengthened key relationships. Near Earth has partnered with all the major branches of the U.S. Department of Defense and aircraft manufacturing leaders, including Airbus, Boeing, Kaman, L3Harris and Leonardo. Barry leads marketing and PR efforts for technology, but for him there’s more to it.

“It's all about empowering people. We are helping people understand that they can use uncrewed aircraft to bring them whatever they want, whenever they need it, wherever they are. We are putting the whole world within reach,” he says.

“I was a psychology major in college, and my focus has always been people. When you keep customers and users at the center of everything you do, you get magic. That's what really drives me and why I love marketing so much. Nothing makes me happier than giving people new tools that make their lives better.”

Before helping Near Earth transition from spinoff to takeoff, Barry founded, grew and sold multiple businesses, worked with other tech startups and led successful rebranding and product launches for the Kraft Heinz Company. His approach blends cutting-edge AI engines and classic growth fundamentals to connect new solutions with those who will most benefit from them.

“Customers don't care about your product for its own sake — they care about how it will solve their biggest problems and transform their lives. It’s not just about the lightsaber, but about them becoming Jedi Knights,” he says. “When we tell that human story and connect solutions to problems, we not only save dollars, careers and businesses, we save lives. Near Earth is proof that good business isn't about pushing people down; it's about co-elevating and rising higher together.”

Story by Elizabeth Speed