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Steve Gatena

CEO at PRAY.COM

Steve Gatena is the founder of pray.com, the leading app for daily prayer and faith-based audio content, aimed at fostering faith and building a community for individuals.

Former NCAA Champion, Steve excelled in football at the University of Southern California and UC Davis, winning prestigious championships during his college years.

He established REP Interactive at age 22, which rapidly grew to become one of the United States' fastest-growing video agencies, acclaimed by Inc Magazine as one of the best workplaces in the country.

Winning over a hundred awards for his exceptional video marketing expertise, Steve worked with renowned brands such as Coldwell Banker, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Marriott Hotels.

In 2012, Steve launched VideoFort, Hollywood's largest stock footage manufacturer, providing content for major companies like Getty, Adobe, and Shutterstock, and featuring in popular movies, TV shows, and commercials.

Recognized as 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the United Nations in 2014, Steve later sold his businesses to become the CEO of Helinet, a global leader in aerial surveillance systems and video production.

In 2016, Steve founded pray.com, a project inspired by a tragic event involving his mentor, quickly rising to become the top faith and prayer app worldwide and securing prestigious awards for excellence in the workplace.

By 2020, pray.com achieved a historic milestone as the highest-grossing subscription media app in religious history, with Steve earning accolades as a visionary leader in the health tech sector.

Steve's notable advisory roles include serving as a non-partisan cybersecurity advisor to the White House under both Presidents Trump and Biden, holding a position in the National Infrastructure Advisory Council.

His educational background includes studies at prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, University of California, Davis, and the United States Air Force Academy.

Steve Gatena's remarkable journey showcases his passion for entrepreneurship, video production, technological innovation, and commitment to faith-based initiatives.

Highlights

Sep 14 · linkedin

A father said to his son,

"You graduated with honors.

Here is a Volkswagen Beetle that I bought many years ago...

It is over 50 years old, but before I give it to you, take it to a dealership downtown and ask how much they are offering you.”

The son went to the dealership, came back to his father and said,

"They offered me $10,000 because it looks very used."

The father said, "Take it to a pawn shop."

The son went to the pawn shop, came back and said,

"They only offered me $1,000 because they say it is too old."

Finally, the father asked his son to take the car to a classic car club and show it there.

The son took the car to the club, came back and said,

"Some people at the club offered me $100,000 because it is a very rare car and sought after among the members."

The father said to his son,

"I wanted you to understand that the right place appreciates you in the right way.

If they don't value you, don't be angry, it just means you're in the wrong place.

Those who know your value are the ones who truly appreciate you.

Never stay in a place where they don't recognize your value!"

Sep 10 · linkedin
Steve Gatena
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Location

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area