Tell me a little bit about your journey to the Academy? What were you looking for in an undergrad program (i.e. what attracted you)?
I was originally committed to UC Berkeley, but I rescinded and took a gap year because I had a gut feeling that it wasn’t the right choice. I found out about the Academy and realized that it was exactly what I was looking for — never look back.

Describe a passion project you’re currently working on or interested in?
I recently launched my startup, UD Pedals, through which I design niche hardware user interfaces for musicians. Our first product is the Rep pedal, a foot controller that helps guitarists learn faster by allowing them to loop, control speed and control playback of videos. I’m proud to say that after our initial launch, we sold our stock of 100 and profited in less than a week! The next batch is coming soon with lots of improvements.


What inspired the project?
It actually came from my Academy Application! After I submitted my pitch video, I continued to develop the idea.

Is there a leader or mentor who inspires you?
The Buddha and Steve Barth.

Is there an inspirational quote you live by?
“We’re not into lateral movement” - Stefan Burnett, Death Grips

What are three goals you have this year?
Finish producing my suite’s rap EP.
Spend less time reading about conspiracies.
Make a pretty shelf to hold my knick-knacks.

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you?
I love astrophotography! One of my favorite things to do is go camping and sit alone outside with my camera in the middle of the night. Best alone time. Bonus points if there’s good climbing nearby.

What the one thing your parents taught you that you’d like to share?
Never get tunnel vision, and always be on the lookout for opportunity.

What are the essential things you always keep in your backpack?
My precious red Nalgene. No matter what they say about Hydroflask and Swell, Nalgene will always be the best. Stay hydrated guys.

Favorite app or website?
I am an eBay fiend. I used to aggressively buy and resell everything I could on eBay so that I could buy more stuff on eBay.

Fav class at USC and why?
I love the Academy class “Innovator’s Forum.” Amazing guest speakers come in and tell us about their lives, failures and successes, and then we pitch our ideas to them! Invaluable learning opportunities in that class.

Fav way to de-stress:
Playing guitar on my fat bean bag.

Guilty pleasure?
Microwave popcorn at any time of the day.

Thanks, Quinn!


FRESH Encounters: Quinn Jones