FTI Named Military Supporter Business of the Year

Founder’s legacy continues at Frontier Technology Inc.

Dayton Business Journal; November 19, 2024

by Greg Scott

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A company that provides analytical technology and data to federal government agencies has established a culture of community service and engagement.

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Frontier Technology, Inc. (FTI), headquartered in Beavercreek, operates in 34 states with seven facilities of varying clearance nationwide. FTI’s four decades of innovation and expertise helps entities such as the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence communities, and others with information to assist in the decision-making process.

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“Through FTI’s programs we have developed technologies that offers all sorts of information for our customers to have at their fingertips,” says Connie Edwards, senior vice president of contracts. “We developed a wargaming capability that the Air Force is using right now through which they can review, play and make decisions.”

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This is one of many ways FTI has influenced its community. Inspired by the “love thy neighbor” motto of its late founder, Lavon Jordan, FTI supports several charitable and community organizations. Over the last year, FTI has donated $80,000 to Ohio organizations and employees in greater Dayton. Employees have generously volunteered time and submitted donations supporting Greene County Veterans Memorial, Toys for Tots, St. Vincent’s Soup Kitchen, Alzheimer’s Association Butler/Dayton, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Butler County, among others.

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In addition to funding, the company has contributed other resources, including computers and equipment to schools and non-profit organizations. Employee volunteers have given donations of food, clothing, school supplies, personal resources, and thousands of service hours.

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While community service is not required of employees, FTI’s culture encourages such engagement. Its leadership articulates the company’s values as “The 4 Cs,” with the fourth “C” standing for Charity. The fourth “C” committee has a full charter and budget to facilitate donations, contributions, and volunteerism.

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“The initiative is completely employee-driven, and everyone is invited to recommend various charitable activities, events, and organizations for FTI to support or participate in,” says Monica Robertson, communications lead. “Our primary focus is on children, veterans, underserved communities, and other specials topics close to the hearts of FTI employees.”

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Edwards says most FTI employees are retired from the military or have strong ties to the military. Therefore, the company and employees rally behind initiatives supporting the armed forces, including SkillBridge, an organization that assists military personnel in transitioning to industry.

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“SkillBridge is excellent. The transition is difficult for veterans because things are done differently in the military versus industry,” she says. “So, as they are completing their service, we bring individuals in for six months to help them. They are still government employees, but this gives them a chance to work in industry, figure out what they enjoy doing and determine their next career step.

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“We offer them full-time employment and they become FTI employees.”

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FTI has also fully sponsored Honor Flights for its employees, all from Dayton and the surrounding area to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials.

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“Our CEO participates in all these activities, including the Honor Flight,” Edwards says. “He embodies this culture and leads by example. Our employees notice this, and they naturally step up as well.”

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Read the full story here: DBJ Founder's Legacy Continues at Frontier Technology Inc
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_{Photo courtesy of Dayton Business Journal.}