Meet the Team!

Kalob Deaton has spent his life in the dirt—running heavy equipment, building projects, and raising crawfish in Kinder, Louisiana. After years of long hours in the cab, he knew the strain operators feel in their hands, arms, and backs. That experience inspired him to create EquipGrips™, a first-of-its-kind joystick sleeve that cuts vibration exposure by more than 60% and helps operators work safer and longer. Kalob’s path hasn’t been traditional. He left school early, but built his own construction company, expanded into agriculture, and earned the respect of crews who know he works as hard as they do. Grounded in his faith and devoted to his wife and three children, Kalob sees EquipGrips™ as more than just a product—it’s his way of giving back to the people behind the machines and building something that lasts.

Joshua McGee is an experienced entrepreneur and strategist with a background spanning technology, energy, and creative industries. As Managing Partner of GIGANTIC and CEO of MCMO, he leads innovative initiatives in augmented reality, digital marketing, and brand strategy, helping businesses bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences. Previously, Joshua managed large-scale pipeline projects with Planet Pipeline and Pipe Gator, and worked over a decade in software development at Data.sys, Inc. His career blends technical expertise, project management, and business development with a passion for innovation. Joshua's college carrer includes studies at McNeese State University and Sowela Technical College, combining creative insight with hands-on industry experience to deliver transformative solutions for clients and communities.

Zhuang Li received his PhD degree from Auburn University. His research interests include mechanical vibration, machinery fault diagnostics, architectural acoustics, and advanced signal processing. He has published more than 70 research papers and book chapters. He serves as an Associate Editor of International Journal of Acoustics and Vibration and the treasurer of International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration. He received the McNeese President’s Award in 2021, McNeese Engineering Faculty Excellence Award twice in 2009 and 2018, and the Pinnacle Award twice in 2011 and 2014. He is a member of the Acoustical Society of Mechanical Engineers, Acoustical Society of America, and the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration.

Kalob Deaton has spent his life in the dirt—running heavy equipment, building projects, and raising crawfish in Kinder, Louisiana. After years of long hours in the cab, he knew the strain operators feel in their hands, arms, and backs. That experience inspired him to create EquipGrips™, a first-of-its-kind joystick sleeve that cuts vibration exposure by more than 60% and helps operators work safer and longer. Kalob’s path hasn’t been traditional. He left school early, but built his own construction company, expanded into agriculture, and earned the respect of crews who know he works as hard as they do. Grounded in his faith and devoted to his wife and three children, Kalob sees EquipGrips™ as more than just a product—it’s his way of giving back to the people behind the machines and building something that lasts.

Joshua McGee is an experienced entrepreneur and strategist with a background spanning technology, energy, and creative industries. As Managing Partner of GIGANTIC and CEO of MCMO, he leads innovative initiatives in augmented reality, digital marketing, and brand strategy, helping businesses bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences. Previously, Joshua managed large-scale pipeline projects with Planet Pipeline and Pipe Gator, and worked over a decade in software development at Data.sys, Inc. His career blends technical expertise, project management, and business development with a passion for innovation. Joshua's college carrer includes studies at McNeese State University and Sowela Technical College, combining creative insight with hands-on industry experience to deliver transformative solutions for clients and communities.

Zhuang Li received his PhD degree from Auburn University. His research interests include mechanical vibration, machinery fault diagnostics, architectural acoustics, and advanced signal processing. He has published more than 70 research papers and book chapters. He serves as an Associate Editor of International Journal of Acoustics and Vibration and the treasurer of International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration. He received the McNeese President’s Award in 2021, McNeese Engineering Faculty Excellence Award twice in 2009 and 2018, and the Pinnacle Award twice in 2011 and 2014. He is a member of the Acoustical Society of Mechanical Engineers, Acoustical Society of America, and the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration.