KINGMAN, Ariz. – While no Mohave County entrepreneur captured the top prize at the Moonshot AZ Rural Pitch Competition state finals, Kingman businessman Dirk Von Voris earned a spot on the main stage and advanced to the competition’s final round, representing both Kingman and Mohave County in front of judges and business leaders from across Arizona.
Von Voris, owner of Original Microsystem Specialties (OMS), stepped into the statewide competition after local winner Mike Johns was unable to attend the finals. Johns had claimed first place in the Kingman competition earlier this year, while Von Voris finished second and earned the opportunity to serve as Kingman’s representative in Phoenix.
OMS has been involved in unmanned aircraft research and development since 2005. During that time, the company has navigated changing Federal Aviation Administration regulations while continuing to develop new drone technologies. Today, Von Voris is focusing on three aircraft designs intended for aerial firefighting and agricultural applications.
The Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition brings together entrepreneurs from rural communities throughout the state. Eighteen communities crowned local winners, each competing for substantial prize money and the chance to showcase innovative business concepts before judges, mentors, and potential investors.
Although the top awards ultimately went to entrepreneurs from other parts of Arizona, Von Voris’ advancement to the final round highlighted the strength of business innovation emerging from Mohave County. His presentation placed OMS among the elite group of finalists selected from a field of competitors representing rural communities statewide.
The strong showing also reflected the support available through the Mohave College Small Business Development Center and Moonshot Arizona, organizations that work year-round to help entrepreneurs refine business plans, improve presentations, and pursue growth opportunities.
For Von Voris and OMS, reaching the final round provided statewide exposure for drone technology that could one day play a role in battling wildfires and supporting Arizona agriculture.
Featured photo: Dirk Von Voris, owner of Original Microsystem Specialties, presents his business pitch during the Moonshot AZ Rural Pitch Competition state finals in Phoenix. Von Voris, who finished second in the Kingman competition, advanced to the statewide event and reached the final round after representing Kingman and Mohave County in place of local champion Mike Johns.
