In the Fall of 2017, Founder & President of FlyRoute, Collin Caffrey, would have a phone conversation that would radically change the trajectory of his newly established drone service business. Collin connected with Harald Hasselbach, a former NFL pro and then High School Football Coach. The connection was made through the high school friendship of Harald's oldest son, Terran, and Collin's younger sister, Victoria. After Victoria visited the Hasselbach's home for a holiday party, Victoria said to Collin, "Harald is a drone nerd just like you -- you guys should talk!". Harald happily agreed to a phone call with Collin to discuss their mutual passion for drone videography and offer suggestions on how to build a viable business. Harald invited Collin to Regis Jesuit High School to meet with him and Head Coach Danny Filleman to discuss filming their football practices. Collin eagerly agreed. Little did he know this would be the first step in solidifying a brand new marketplace, providing drone film to athletic programs across the country. A blue ocean. Thanks to Harald's innovative spirit.
Bio
Hasselbach was born in Amsterdam and lived internationally throughout his childhood, eventually settling in Canada. He played professional football, first in the Canadian Football League before moving to the NFL in 1994, when he joined the Denver Broncos. He played as a defensive lineman with them for seven seasons and was part of the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion squads in 1998 and 1999. Hasselbach is the only Dutch player ever to have won a Super Bowl ring and was inducted into the British Columbia Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Hasselbach joined the staff of Regis Jesuit’s football program in 2010 as a defensive line coach. At 6’7” and 285 lbs., he was an imposing figure physically, but known for his kindness and compassion, both on and off the field. (Bio Credit: Regis Jesuit High School)
Building the Business
"You are a professional" Caffrey recalls Coach Hasselbach telling him at a Regis Jesuit football practice, after Collin expressed concern that the film equipment was not of 'professional quality'. Caffrey said, "In the early days of the business, having a Goliath sized human being with a formidable resume telling me that I was a professional, even when I thought I wasn't, was a huge mindset shift for me."
Throughout the next six years, Hasselbach would lend his keen eye for high quality drone film, business building, and branding to help Collin and his team grow the drone film service to athletic programs. Coach Hass selflessly supported FlyRoute from an unofficial advisory role and was always available to offer advice. Harald supported FlyRoute from its humble beginnings through many years of growth -- serving only one team in 2017, to over 60 teams in 2023. Caffrey says, "If something was even slightly off with film quality, Harald would not hesitate to address it with me. His attitude of 'doing things right' was infectious, and admittedly, frustrating at times" Caffrey said while laughing. Caffrey continued, "I believe his 'can do' attitude was what made Harald so successful in his professional life, and positively influenced everyone who was around him."
Harald's Passing
Harald Hasselbach died on November 23, 2023, after a 140-day valiant battle with cancer. He was 56 years old. Coach Hasselbach leaves behind his wife, Aundrea, four children and four grandchildren.
Harald's wife Aundrea affectionately recalls, "Harald was and will forever be a transformative coach in the lives of his players. He not only taught the fundamentals of the game but he also imparted lessons that shaped the character of so many young men. His coaching and guidance on the field was paralleled by his mentorship off the field. His legacy as a coach extends far beyond the game, it lives in the lives he changed and impacted."
Memorial and Honorary Title
In honor of the life of Harald Hasselbach, FlyRoute proudly donated a memorial to the Regis Jesuit High School football program. The memorial is a large metal printed aerial photo of the Regis Jesuit football field -- in honor of Harald's innovation with drone technology and coaching abilities. Coaches will use dry erase markers on the memorial's surface to coach athletes for years to come. The memorial is proudly displayed in the front entrance of the boys locker room at Regis Jesuit HS.
Additionally, FlyRoute bestows the title of Honorary Board Member to Harald Hasselbach, as a tribute to his innovation, positive influence, and dedication to excellence.
Thank you Harald for the impact you made throughout your life, and the impact your story continues to make. Prayers of peace and comfort go out to Harald's family.
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