Taylor Keefe, Research Expert (INTERVIEW)

Taylor Keefe, the resident research expert at Trend Hunter, is all about recycled art and reclamation projects. When he's not working closely with Trend Hunter's CEO, Keefe enjoys all manner of sports, especially football, baseball and ice hockey as well as alcoholic frosty beverages. He's always able to lighten the mood in the office with witty and well-timed comedic remarks.

How do you define cool?

I can't. Cool is always changing in my eyes and it's hard to define something that is always in a state of change.

What's your favorite trend and why?

My favorite trend is reclamation projects and art. This is the idea that one man's trash is another man's gold. This is taking objects that other people have thrown out or put to waste, and other people take them, reclaim them and turn them into art. So, reclamation art is the trend I'm most fond of now. There's a man named Tony Goldman, who is a local philanthropist and art guru. He took a whole dilapidated neighborhood that's called the Wynwood Walls; which is the the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami. He brought artists from all over the world, street artists, graffiti artists and reclaimed the area. They turned it into a living, breathing exhibit.

What's your awesome prediction for the future?

Biotechnology I think is something that's going to be really awesome in the future. It's this idea of technology and biology working together. If you get injured or sick, you could maybe put saliva, blood or a urine sample into a gadget, smartphone, tablet or computer. You could then upload it to the cloud and have access to a board certified doctor. It's this whole idea of blending tech and biology.

What advice would you give to the business world?

A lot of the work I do here at Trend Hunter involves interacting with people in the business world. You know, with something like innovation or inspiration, it's all about getting out of your comfort zone, out of the day to day routine, trying new things, accepting failure, learning from failure and taking risks. Look to the younger generation, we're the future and just because we come from different generations doesn't mean we can't help each other.

Is there anything you'd like to add about Trend Hunter?

It's a fantastic place to work. I have some great mentors and co-workers here. If you like working with tech, fashion and social media, or working with young people in an entrepreneurial environment, you should definitely check it out.