Drew Vida / Imperial Tech Shop
Ever since he can remember, Drew has been captivated by the world around him, driven by an insatiable curiosity to explore and understand. This innate desire to dissect the inner workings of various objects and apply the underlying principles to new projects ultimately led him to become a Computer/Network Engineer.
From a young age, Drew found joy in repairing computers, just so he could enjoy playing classic games like DOOM and Duke Nukem 3D, or listen to his favorite tunes on WinAMP. While he relished the challenges of troubleshooting in the IT field, he yearned for something more. Determined to fill this void, Drew embarked on a journey into the realm of electronics, creating one project after another. As his projects became more ambitious, he invested in his first laser CNC machine, giving him the ability to turn his ideas into finished products. Over the years, he expanded his workshop with additional laser systems, UV printing, CNC equipment, 3D printers, and other fabrication tools. As he refined his skills, each new undertaking surpassed the last, fueled by lessons learned from past mistakes and failures.
Through his experiences, Drew came to understand that one doesn't need to work for a certain famous mouse to become an Imagineer; it's possible to bring joy to others by crafting unique creations. Embracing this mindset, he became a Droid builder, constructing his very own full-sized Mouse Droid, Gonk, and currently working on an R2 model. Nothing delights him more than parading his droids around, spreading smiles to all who cross their path.
As his skills and equipment continued to grow, so did the opportunities. Drew began collaborating with fellow makers, designing electronics, fabricating custom parts, and helping bring their ideas to life. His work has included creating props, components, and interactive pieces for movies, television productions, and theme parks, allowing him to combine his engineering background with his passion for fabrication and problem-solving.
What started as a hobby eventually grew into a thriving business. Deciding to follow his heart, Drew left his IT career to pursue a full-time career as a maker. Today, he combines engineering, fabrication, and creative problem-solving to produce a wide range of custom products. From engraved baseballs to custom UV-printed sci-fi name tags, movie props, electronics, and one-of-a-kind fabrication projects, Drew's diverse creations cater to the unique interests and needs of his clients.
As a dedicated maker, Drew continues to explore the endless possibilities that come with combining his technological expertise and creative vision. Whether he's helping another maker bring an idea to life or creating a custom project for a client, his goal remains the same: to build something that leaves a lasting impression.
