—As told to Jeremy Quittner

The 3-D Life

Jason Sapan

"In the 1970s, I bought a used laser and began making holograms, which are three-dimensional images created by lasers on film emulsion. I read books and met with holographic artists, and made plenty of mistakes. But I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I drummed up business going to trade shows, like the 1976 Billboard Disco Forum in New York. The biggest challenge is being creative while balancing client demands. I invent a lot and solve problems. My brain is like a rubber band, constantly being stretched."


NAME: Jason Sapan
BUSINESS: Making holograms
FOUNDED: 1975
EMPLOYEES: 4
REVENUES: $500,000
COST OF A HOLOGRAM: $1 to $30,000