The Orlando Business Journal is recognizing 19 individuals as CEOs of the Year for 2019 based on their significant achievements in their careers within the past year, as well as a strong record of innovation, outstanding performance in their work and are active in the Central Florida community.
These dynamic, influential and passionate executives have contributed to Central Florida‘s economy by fueling the economic engines of the community by the thousands of companies, organizations and government agencies that are operating and moving along strongly thereby strengthening the local economy.
These leading individuals don’t lock themselves away in the corner office. Rather, they establish a strong vision for their companies, involve their employees in bringing that vision to fruition and make significant contributions to the community overall.
This year, the Orlando Business Journal is recognizing 19 such individuals in the 2019 CEOs of the Year Awards. The program honors highest-level executives at companies, organizations or agencies based in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia or Brevard counties who have had significant achievements in their careers in the past year.
Chris Baeten made the list and will be honored at the awards luncheon on May 10 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando.
For the full article link, which includes the list of all 19 CEOs on the Orlando Business Journal site – visit this link. NOTE: You must subscribe to the Orlando Business Journal to view the article.
Source: Orlando Business Journal, Anjali Fluker (March 29, 2019)
00webdesigns@sandymeier.comhttps://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.pngwebdesigns@sandymeier.com2019-04-15 14:13:542021-07-14 03:08:23Knight Federal CEO Named 2019 CEO Leader of the Year
GrowFL celebrated the mark of the 8th anniversary of its annual statewide awards program, Florida Companies to Watch℠. Presented by GrowFL, in association with Edward Lowe Foundation, Florida Companies to Watch is an awards program like no other. This event celebrates growing second-stage companies headquartered in Florida. Developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, this event is a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes, making them “worth watching.”
Companies from across the state and all industries are encouraged to participate. Selection is based on steady growth in employee counts and revenue as well as strength in leadership, corporate culture, community support and philanthropy, innovation in management or technology, or other factors that contribute to an outstanding organization.
Knight Federal was proud to be among the 50 winners of the ‘2018 Florida Companies to Watch’ award. The selection criteria is based on the following: the identification of standout companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. Honorees were selected from more than 500 nominations by GrowFL, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation. Factors included: strength in leadership, competitive market position and innovation in technology.
“The 50 honorees represent a diverse range of second-stage companies from across 20 Florida counties,” says Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director of GrowFL. “While some of these businesses are fairly new, others are well-established. All demonstrate an entrepreneurial style that promotes steady growth. For example Knight Federal is a company that was established in 2013 but has experienced steady growth and creation of jobs due to its strategic business development strategies and innovative company culture.”
According to GrowFL, the 50 honorees generated nearly $1 billion in revenue and added nearly 1,000 jobs between 2014 and 2017. “This is a strong group of companies that deserve this special recognition given annually to the state’s top second-stage companies,” says Dr. Chris Morton, GrowFL Chairman and CEO of NanoPhotonica. Second-stage companies are defined as those with 6 to 150 full-time employees and between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue. There are many programs and incubators promoting start-up businesses; GrowFL is the only Florida program that focuses exclusively on second-stage companies. An awards ceremony was held on February 9th, 2019 in Tampa.
About GrowFL GrowFL provides strategies, resources and support, including strategic research and peer-to-peer CEO mentoring and leadership development, to second-stage Florida companies. Created by the Florida Legislature in 2009 and grounded in the philosophy of Economic Gardening® — growing existing businesses in a community, region or state — GrowFL is a critical component of the state’s economic development strategy and Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. GrowFL is certified by the National Center for Economic Gardening through the Edward Lowe Foundation. Website: http://www.growfl.com
About the Edward Lowe Foundation Established in 1985, the Edward Lowe Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurship through research, recognition and educational programs, which are delivered through entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs). The foundation focuses on second-stage companies — those that have moved beyond the startup phase and seek significant, steady growth. Website: http://www.edwardlowe.org
00webdesigns@sandymeier.comhttps://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.pngwebdesigns@sandymeier.com2019-04-12 12:35:262021-07-14 03:08:23Knight Federal Named 2018 Company to Watch
VA-Based Company Creates Strategic Small Business Partnership with
Knight Federal Solutions to Support Future Business Initiatives
Robert McClintock, Axiologic Solutions’ Director of Special Operations Forces Programs, Chris Baeten, CEO of Knight Federal Solutions and Frank Sturek, Axiologic Solutions’ Chief Growth Officer establish a presence for Axiologic Solutions in Central Florida.
Axiologic Solutions, LLC, an innovative, systems engineering and consulting services company headquartered in Fairfax, VA, announced it has opened an office in the Central Florida Research Park on October 17, 2018 in the Knight Federal Solutions’ office space, located at Three Resource Square. This investment in the East Orlando business community with an Orlando-based strategic small business partner supports the future business pursuits of both companies to create premier business solutions for clients and provide increased revenue for both companies.
Founded in 2009, Axiologic Solutions is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) focused on providing services to government organizations in the Intelligence community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The company delivers success through meaningful client partnerships, delivery of superior solutions, and the ability to bring a talented team of people who understand how technology, policy, and process converge to meet its clients’ needs. This corporate philosophy, known as the “Axiologic Component” is the cornerstone upon which its clients’ systems work.
“This arrangement just makes a lot of sense. Our companies complement each other and we are presently teaming together on several DoD pursuits both here in Orlando and in the National Capitol Region,” says Frank Sturek, Axiologic Solutions’ Chief Growth Officer.
Axiologic’s capabilities match the rapidly evolving national security landscape, offering a broad range of discrete and integrated solutions in Systems Engineering, Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Engineering, Data Science and Engineering as well as Program and Project Management, Strategic Planning and Process Improvement, and Acquisition Support. The company has nearly a decade of continuous DoD and IC experience performing systems engineering and IT services with mature management practices based on ISO 9001:2015 principles and PMBoK best practices.
“We are excited about the collaboration that our two companies have to deliver a powerful combination. Working together as an integrated team will help both of our companies maximize on both existing and future projects to drive better outcomes and expand capabilities,” says Chris Baeten, CEO of Knight Federal, a small business providing support services to the DoD and Intelligence community.
About Axiologic Solutions Axiologic Solutions LLC provides mission-oriented Systems Engineering and IT services to government and commercial organizations. Axiologic Solutions aims to establish greater efficiency and effectiveness in organizational leadership; program and project management; IT services delivery, and mission success. Website: www.axiologicsolutions.com
https://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.png00webdesigns@sandymeier.comhttps://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.pngwebdesigns@sandymeier.com2018-10-26 00:38:262018-10-26 00:38:26Axiologic Solutions Opens Office in Orlando
Statewide Awards Program Recognizes Unique, Scalable High-Growth Companies
Knight Federal Solutions has been named one of 50 Florida Companies to Watch℠ for 2018. The winning 50 statewide companies are expected to see significant growth over the next several years by GrowFL, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute. More than 500 companies were nominated from across the state of Florida, vying for the prestigious title of being honored as one of this year’s 50 Florida Companies to Watch a statewide awards program managed by GrowFL, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation, a nonprofit organization championing entrepreneurship. Knight Federal’s management team, competitive market position and strong community involvement were among several factors evaluated for the award.
“We are honored to be among the 50 companies named to the 2018 Companies to Watch by GrowFL,” says Chris Baeten, CEO of Knight Federal, a small business providing support services to the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence community. “This recognition builds on several other recent achievements for Knight Federal, including the award of three new major contracts, as well as our recent launch of our nonprofit organization, the Purple Knight Initiative which provides paid internships to combat wounded warriors who are looking to learn a new career in fields that are conducive to their disabilities and desires for employment,” says Baeten. Knight Federal is one of the fastest growing companies in Central Florida, currently employing 90 staff. Baeten’s unique management style and informal approach has propelled the company on an impressive revenue track anticipating $12M in gross revenue this year, growing by 50% annually since inception.
“These stand-out companies are all led by entrepreneurs, and have demonstrated their capacity and intent to grow,” says Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL executive director. “They also all have critical intellectual property or a niche position that gives them a competitive edge in their markets,” he adds.
The honorees represent a unique group of scalable, high-growth enterprises that are already located within Florida. These high growth enterprises are an important segment of our economy and their numbers have been steadily increasing, which contributed to Florida’s ranking of 24 on the 2018 Kauffman Index of Growth Entrepreneurship. Companies named to the list will be officially recognized on February 9, 2019 at the Straz Performing Arts Center in Tampa, FL. Tickets are on sale now for the awards ceremony. For more details, visit http://www.growfl.com/flctw18/about-flctw/
“This is a strong group of companies that deserve this special recognition given annually to the state’s top second stage companies,” said Dr. Chris Morton, GrowFL Chairman of the GrowFL Advisory Board, CEO of NanoPhotonica and a 2015
Second-stage companies are defined as those with 6 to 150 full-time employees and generate between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue. There are many programs and incubators promoting start-up businesses; GrowFL is the only Florida program that focuses exclusively on second-stage companies.
About GrowFL GrowFL provides strategies, resources and support, including strategic research and peer-to-peer CEO mentoring and leadership development, to second-stage Florida companies. Created by the Florida legislature in 2009 and grounded in the philosophy of Economic Gardening® — growing existing businesses in a community, region or state — GrowFL is a critical component of the state’s economic development strategy and Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. GrowFL is certified by the National Center for Economic Gardening through the Edward Lowe Foundation. Website: growfl.com
About the Edward Lowe Foundation Established in 1985, the Edward Lowe Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurship through research, recognition and educational programs, which are delivered through entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs). The foundation focuses on second-stage companies — those that have moved beyond the startup phase and seek significant, steady growth. In addition, the foundation has a second mission of land stewardship and is committed to preserving the natural resources and historically significant structures at Big Rock Valley, its 2,000-acre home in southwest Michigan. For more information visit www.edwardlowe.org.
00webdesigns@sandymeier.comhttps://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.pngwebdesigns@sandymeier.com2018-09-24 10:27:502018-09-24 10:27:50Knight Federal Honored by GrowFL as One of 50 2018 Florida Companies to Watch Winners
Knight Federal employees received a boost when Jay Redman, author of The Trident, The Forging and Reforging of a Navy Seal Leader, showed up at the headquarters office to kick start the five-year anniversary celebration of the company with a day of motivational speaking on becoming a better leader.
Partnering with Redman’s organization, the Combat Wounded Coalition, Knight Federal is working with them to identify combat wounded veterans to participate in the Purple Knight Initiative program.
As a team building celebration, employees and their families or special guests were invited to stay at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace near Disney Springs to relax and enjoy and participate in outings as a group to foster camaraderie.
“Recognizing that our employees are our greatest asset, I wanted to ensure that they understood how important they are and that this is a milestone that everyone can participate in moving forward. As our company continues to grow and generate success, it is shared and celebrated by everyone as a team that moves in cadence with one another,” says Chris Baeten, CEO of Knight Federal Solutions.
Knight Federal Solutions is one of the fastest growing companies in Central Florida, currently employing 86 people. In 2013, the company’s gross revenue was $47,797. Over the years, this grew exponentially, eventually grossing $8.3M in 2017. The company continues to experience impressive revenue growth anticipating annual gross revenue of $12M in 2018. Its success can be attributed the management style and approach of its CEO. Knight Federal Solutions was formed as a subsidiary of a holding company that owned multiple entities. Baeten was the managing partner of the firm at its inception. He acquired the business in December 2015 and has been operating as the company’s CEO ever since. Knight Federal Solutions provides simulation and training, cybersecurity, information technology, finance and intelligence analysis solutions to the Defense and Intelligence sectors.
Knight Federal employees hear from former Navy seal Jay Redman.
https://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.png00webdesigns@sandymeier.comhttps://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.pngwebdesigns@sandymeier.com2018-07-23 15:02:142021-07-14 03:08:24Jay Redman Kicks Off 5 Year Anniversary Celebration
Welcome to the new quarterly newsletter for Knight Federal – the Knightly Newsletter! We are proud to share with you with the latest accomplishments, success stories and milestones that we’re experiencing as one of the fastest growing businesses in the country.
This issue showcases our Wounded Warrior Internship Program known as the Purple Knight Initiative. This is a collaboration between our company and government agencies and their prime contractors, non-profit organizations, corporations and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce to help provide wounded warriors with paid internships to learn a new career in fields conducive to their disabilities and desires for employment. Currently the need is great – more than 26,000 disabled veterans/wounded warriors are searching for career opportunities. Read more about this exciting program!
We also want to congratulate our Employee of the Quarter Glenn James. We are excited to showcase our talented staff and celebrate their success.
Knight Federal has more exciting news to share – we are celebrating five years! To commemorate this milestone, we had Navy seal author Jay Redman come to our office and facilitate a wonderful team building and motivational presentation for our staff.
Last but not least, we are proud that Tim Baker has joined our team to lead our Purple Knight Initiative, read more as to why he has accepted this unique and rewarding opportunity.
Please enjoy our newsletter, it’s your chance to stay current and engaged with Knight Federal’s latest news and accomplishments. Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can assist you.
https://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.png00webdesigns@sandymeier.comhttps://knightfederal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/10-Years-e1683670700500.pngwebdesigns@sandymeier.com2018-07-23 14:43:032018-07-23 14:43:03Welcome to our first issue!