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President

Advance Hurricane Technology Inc.

Jaime Zabala never thought becoming the president of Advanced Hurricane Technology (AHT) was in his future. But, with a master’s degree in computer and electrical engineering and a job as a NASA engineer, Zabala took over the company after his father’s retirement in 2019. Even as Zabala has used his engineering background to change the way hurricane shutters are sold, built and delivered, he’s also worked to change his community.

“In my career, I’ve learned to never stop trying to get better because your family, employees, community and business deserve your quality effort,” he says. “I want AHT to be a truly innovative company and to grow with responsibility in mind while ensuring that our staff is centered.”

Under Zabala’s leadership, the company has given an entire home of hurricane protection to a military veteran, which he hopes to continue annually. The company also sponsored the Kicking the Blues festival to help raise money and awareness for mental health after Hurricane Ian. AHT also participated with local churches in clean-up efforts in North Fort Myers and Naples and partnered with a local ice cream vendor to distribute free ice cream to those assisting people in need at local food pantries and parks.