Ken Rochon
"We Will Survive Cancer's" Black-Tie Fundraiser at the Lamborghini showroom
Interview Questionnaire:
Where I’m from is complex. I was born in Warwick, Rhode Island. Two months after I was born, my dad, who was a newly commissioned Army Officer, was assigned to Paris, France. I moved several times during my youth.
2. What schools have you attended?
I was a product of the Department of Defense military schools system, primarily in Germany. We moved to Galesburg, Illinois when I was a teenager. to be awakened about bullying, discrimination and drugs. Although I have never tried drugs, I was amazed how many of my athletic, church, and music friends were inviting me to get high[1] .
I received two art grants to Illinois State University and Anne Arundel Community College. I was very indecisive about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I studied art, business, education (UMBC)[2] , military science (Johns Hopkins University), psychology and science. Then, after attending seven other colleges in seven years, I managed to graduate with a Bachelors in Science, a certification to teach secondary science and became an Army officer.
I completed my doctorate in Entreprenology through the International University of Entreprenology in 2020. I spent the year of COVID-19 lockdown re-reading, studying and writing about how success is increased with a new scientific variable – Smiles per hour (Sph). The higher your business Sph directly correlated with higher customer reviews, espirit de corps, happiness index, profit, retention, and ultimately the success of your business venture.
3. At what time did you acquire an interest in Photography?
I acquired an interest in Photography during my senior year of high school when I moved to Fort Meade, Maryland. When i discovered the base arts and crafts building, I spent a lot of time there building furniture and learning about photography. I enjoyed the process of developing film. Watching images come to life in the dark room fascinated me. Changing the chemicals and exposure times of film to create new and exciting results fed my passion for the arts and sciences.
Many years later, I was convinced to go on a cruise. I decided to buy a Canon Sure Shot for about $350. I was intrigued with this piece of equipment. I took photos of architectural landmarks in Greece, Italy, and the Vatican using angles and low light. I went on to visit Africa, Egypt, and the middle east with this little camera.
Not long after I returned from my travels, my mom was diagnosed with dementia, then eventually Alzheimers. I became her caregiver. Her eventual passing caused me to reflect on my life and the importance of legacy. I decided to turn my life completely over to God. In 2009, I invested in the top of the line camera equipment: a Canon 5D Mark III, and a Canon 1DX. Despite the hefty sum of $20K placed on my credit card, I knew I needed a sturdy camera with a quicker shutter speed to fulfill my calling.
4. How would you describe your brand of Photography?
My brand of photography is not easy to describe. My brand is primarily artistic with color enhancement with a high level punch. I enjoy photographing art pieces and architecture but, I love capturing the spirit of love and joy of people! The focus of my photography revolves around capturing the moment immediately after I ask a person what they are grateful for and love. I take the shot at the moment I feel spiritually connected to the subject (author, entrepreneur, leader, model, musician, speaker, etc.). I typically say, ‘Love’ aloud before pressing the capture button.
5. Please explain the importance of marketing in business.
I believe marketing is the most important variable to business success. If you are the best photographer and your marketing is average or worse, you will be working less than the photographer who may not be as good, but shows up as a viable solution to an event or project. The more you work, according to Malcolm Gladwell, the better you become (Outliers). I focus a tremendous amount of time on creating a brand, a marketing plan and at least 3 USPs (Unique Selling Propositions) before I launch a company. My favorite company has been TheUmbrellaSyndicate.com because it encompassed six of my passions (Marketing, Philanthropy, Photography, Production, Promotion, and Publishing).
6. What is your latest project?
My latest project came as a result of receiving an eviction notice from my landlord of 35 years. Over the years I had paid over $500K in rent. If I had chosen to buy instead of rent, I would probably own the studio several times over. The eviction awakened my biggest project, the ’D.O.S.E. of HOPE Book’. It is a 10,000-page book printed in twelve 800 page blocks (the largest binding Amazon will do). We are currently publishing Part IV. Each time we print a new block we re-alphabetize the entire collection. Within this project, we have an amazing collection of inspiring leaders, i.e. Rob Angel (inventor of Pictionary), Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III (one of the 100 most influential leaders in the world), Frank Shankwitz (Founder of Make a Wish Foundation), and Wm. Paul Young, author of ‘The Shack’. The intention is to give this gift of H.O.P.E. (Hold On Pain Ends) to the world as a free download. The estimates of how many people will download this book are over 10 million - given the influencers reach and their encouragement to share it (email, social media, websites, etc.) in anyway they see fit to anyone who needs HOPE.
7. It was great seeing you again at the "We Will Survive Cancer" fundraiser at Lamborghini in Sterling on Saturday. How did you like this year's event?
I have been a supporter of "We Will Survive Cancer" almost since it started. I was excited about the 10 year anniversary Gala and was certain it would be quite impossible to beat that experience. Yet, this Gala was exceptional in its own way. I love the partnership with Lamborghini. I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with Tonino Lamborghini (3rd generation family owner of the business) and although my Italian was challenged, there was an interpreter to help share my attempts at humor. He did hold a ‘KEEP SMILING’ card which certainly made my day. I discussed with Gayela how she accomplished so much and that she had a big challenge to top this event next year. My personal favorite was seeing all the amazing heart centered leaders of the DMV reconnecting. I love living in the metropolitan area because of the diversity, talent and most importantly, the community. Our area leaders are supportive in amplifying worthy causes. The WWSC is a front runner of which I am very proud to be connected to.
8. What does the future hold for Ken ‘Dr. Smiley’ Rochon and his wonderful world of photography and business?
My main goal is helping events, leaders and organizations be more successful with having impact with inspirational published marketing collateral and media. Whether that be photo assets, my radio show on Voice America, a KEEP SMILING book, or their own book. Sharing their commitment to ‘be the change they wish to see in the world’ (modified quote of Ghandi), and as the back of all my ‘KEEP SMILING’ cards state, I am there to ‘Amplify Their Goodness’.
I didn’t see it as a gift at the time, but the pandemic caused 350 events to cancel. This provided me ample time to create. I now have a multitude of books and projects that have come to fruition. My son, who is my biggest gift and greatest legacy, is now an author of six children’s books. I see him as a future game changer, leader and someone who will Amplify Goodness.
9. How can everyone reach you?
I can be reached multiple ways:
www.TheKEEPSMILINGmovement.com
Schedule a call through https://calendly.com/dr-smiley
Text or call me at 202.701.0911
Email: dr.smileyamplified@gmail
- Where are you from?
Where I’m from is complex. I was born in Warwick, Rhode Island. Two months after I was born, my dad, who was a newly commissioned Army Officer, was assigned to Paris, France. I moved several times during my youth.
2. What schools have you attended?
I was a product of the Department of Defense military schools system, primarily in Germany. We moved to Galesburg, Illinois when I was a teenager. to be awakened about bullying, discrimination and drugs. Although I have never tried drugs, I was amazed how many of my athletic, church, and music friends were inviting me to get high[1] .
I received two art grants to Illinois State University and Anne Arundel Community College. I was very indecisive about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I studied art, business, education (UMBC)[2] , military science (Johns Hopkins University), psychology and science. Then, after attending seven other colleges in seven years, I managed to graduate with a Bachelors in Science, a certification to teach secondary science and became an Army officer.
I completed my doctorate in Entreprenology through the International University of Entreprenology in 2020. I spent the year of COVID-19 lockdown re-reading, studying and writing about how success is increased with a new scientific variable – Smiles per hour (Sph). The higher your business Sph directly correlated with higher customer reviews, espirit de corps, happiness index, profit, retention, and ultimately the success of your business venture.
3. At what time did you acquire an interest in Photography?
I acquired an interest in Photography during my senior year of high school when I moved to Fort Meade, Maryland. When i discovered the base arts and crafts building, I spent a lot of time there building furniture and learning about photography. I enjoyed the process of developing film. Watching images come to life in the dark room fascinated me. Changing the chemicals and exposure times of film to create new and exciting results fed my passion for the arts and sciences.
Many years later, I was convinced to go on a cruise. I decided to buy a Canon Sure Shot for about $350. I was intrigued with this piece of equipment. I took photos of architectural landmarks in Greece, Italy, and the Vatican using angles and low light. I went on to visit Africa, Egypt, and the middle east with this little camera.
Not long after I returned from my travels, my mom was diagnosed with dementia, then eventually Alzheimers. I became her caregiver. Her eventual passing caused me to reflect on my life and the importance of legacy. I decided to turn my life completely over to God. In 2009, I invested in the top of the line camera equipment: a Canon 5D Mark III, and a Canon 1DX. Despite the hefty sum of $20K placed on my credit card, I knew I needed a sturdy camera with a quicker shutter speed to fulfill my calling.
4. How would you describe your brand of Photography?
My brand of photography is not easy to describe. My brand is primarily artistic with color enhancement with a high level punch. I enjoy photographing art pieces and architecture but, I love capturing the spirit of love and joy of people! The focus of my photography revolves around capturing the moment immediately after I ask a person what they are grateful for and love. I take the shot at the moment I feel spiritually connected to the subject (author, entrepreneur, leader, model, musician, speaker, etc.). I typically say, ‘Love’ aloud before pressing the capture button.
5. Please explain the importance of marketing in business.
I believe marketing is the most important variable to business success. If you are the best photographer and your marketing is average or worse, you will be working less than the photographer who may not be as good, but shows up as a viable solution to an event or project. The more you work, according to Malcolm Gladwell, the better you become (Outliers). I focus a tremendous amount of time on creating a brand, a marketing plan and at least 3 USPs (Unique Selling Propositions) before I launch a company. My favorite company has been TheUmbrellaSyndicate.com because it encompassed six of my passions (Marketing, Philanthropy, Photography, Production, Promotion, and Publishing).
6. What is your latest project?
My latest project came as a result of receiving an eviction notice from my landlord of 35 years. Over the years I had paid over $500K in rent. If I had chosen to buy instead of rent, I would probably own the studio several times over. The eviction awakened my biggest project, the ’D.O.S.E. of HOPE Book’. It is a 10,000-page book printed in twelve 800 page blocks (the largest binding Amazon will do). We are currently publishing Part IV. Each time we print a new block we re-alphabetize the entire collection. Within this project, we have an amazing collection of inspiring leaders, i.e. Rob Angel (inventor of Pictionary), Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III (one of the 100 most influential leaders in the world), Frank Shankwitz (Founder of Make a Wish Foundation), and Wm. Paul Young, author of ‘The Shack’. The intention is to give this gift of H.O.P.E. (Hold On Pain Ends) to the world as a free download. The estimates of how many people will download this book are over 10 million - given the influencers reach and their encouragement to share it (email, social media, websites, etc.) in anyway they see fit to anyone who needs HOPE.
7. It was great seeing you again at the "We Will Survive Cancer" fundraiser at Lamborghini in Sterling on Saturday. How did you like this year's event?
I have been a supporter of "We Will Survive Cancer" almost since it started. I was excited about the 10 year anniversary Gala and was certain it would be quite impossible to beat that experience. Yet, this Gala was exceptional in its own way. I love the partnership with Lamborghini. I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with Tonino Lamborghini (3rd generation family owner of the business) and although my Italian was challenged, there was an interpreter to help share my attempts at humor. He did hold a ‘KEEP SMILING’ card which certainly made my day. I discussed with Gayela how she accomplished so much and that she had a big challenge to top this event next year. My personal favorite was seeing all the amazing heart centered leaders of the DMV reconnecting. I love living in the metropolitan area because of the diversity, talent and most importantly, the community. Our area leaders are supportive in amplifying worthy causes. The WWSC is a front runner of which I am very proud to be connected to.
8. What does the future hold for Ken ‘Dr. Smiley’ Rochon and his wonderful world of photography and business?
My main goal is helping events, leaders and organizations be more successful with having impact with inspirational published marketing collateral and media. Whether that be photo assets, my radio show on Voice America, a KEEP SMILING book, or their own book. Sharing their commitment to ‘be the change they wish to see in the world’ (modified quote of Ghandi), and as the back of all my ‘KEEP SMILING’ cards state, I am there to ‘Amplify Their Goodness’.
I didn’t see it as a gift at the time, but the pandemic caused 350 events to cancel. This provided me ample time to create. I now have a multitude of books and projects that have come to fruition. My son, who is my biggest gift and greatest legacy, is now an author of six children’s books. I see him as a future game changer, leader and someone who will Amplify Goodness.
9. How can everyone reach you?
I can be reached multiple ways:
www.TheKEEPSMILINGmovement.com
Schedule a call through https://calendly.com/dr-smiley
Text or call me at 202.701.0911
Email: dr.smileyamplified@gmail