Company Growth – Starfish Holdings, Inc

Starfish Holdings Expands Management Team

Bill Roark — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:11:05 +0000

New executives address key areas to position company
for future success

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., March 27, 2024 – Starfish Holdings (Starfish), the parent company
of Torch Technologies, Freedom Real Estate, and SIMVANA today announced the
appointment of Joe Pierce as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Tammie Dodson as
Director of Communications. Pierce and Dodson join Starfish Co-founder and CEO Bill
Roark and President John Watson on the executive team.

“As the companies within the Starfish portfolio continue to grow, so do the needs of
Starfish. These roles are key to enabling Starfish to fulfill its purpose of growing the
retirement portfolios of the employee-owners of our subsidiaries,” said Starfish
President John Watson. “We are excited to welcome Joe and Tammie to the Starfish
team. They bring the experience, knowledge, and dedication required to help us take
Starfish to the next level.”

“As a benefit corporation and Certified Evergreen company, Starfish has committed to
make a positive impact on society and make 100 percent employee-ownership
sustainable for the next 100 years,” said Bill Roark, CEO, Starfish Holdings. “Joe and
Tammie will help us take Starfish to the next level and are essential to achieving these
goals.”

Pierce brings approximately 35 years of experience with companies supporting
Department of Defense programs, including McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, Lockheed
Martin, Teledyne Brown Engineering, and Teledyne Technologies. He joins Starfish
from Teledyne Technologies, where he served as senior director of strategic realization
and was responsible for ensuring that the implementation of technology was aligned
with business strategy. Pierce holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Technology from Murray State University.

In his role as CIO, Pierce will lead the technology strategy and drive innovation and
digital transformation across the Starfish multi-company enterprise consisting of both
defense and commercial companies. He will be responsible for overseeing all aspects
of information technology (IT) operations, including infrastructure, systems, applications,
and cybersecurity in a multi-member holding company structure.

Dodson brings over 30 years of experience to Starfish. Previously, she has led
communications activities for organizations, including Nichols Research Corporation,
the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the Port of Huntsville, and most
recently, Adtran, where she served as senior manager of corporate communications. In
this role, she was responsible for addressing the communication needs of both internal
and external stakeholders. Dodson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The
University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Strategic Communications
Management from Purdue University.

As director of communications, Dodson will lead communications for Starfish and its
portfolio of companies. She will oversee all aspects of internal and external
communications across all platforms and develop marketing and communication
campaigns for the commercial companies in the Starfish portfolio.

About Starfish Holdings
Starfish Holdings, Inc. (Starfish) is the parent company of Torch Technologies, Freedom
Real Estate & Capital, LLC, and SIMVANA. The company is an S-corp owned by the
Starfish Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and Trust with a focus to grow the
retirement portfolios of the employee-owners of its subsidiaries. Starfish is committed to
remaining an Evergreen enterprise through sustainable processes, ensuring employee
ownership and financial wellbeing, supporting community wellbeing, enabling customer
and partner success, all while operating with integrity. To learn more, visit
starfishholdings.com.

Torch Makes Washington Technology “Top 100 Government Contractors” List for Sixth Year

Bill Roark — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 18:27:17 +0000

Washington Technology recently released its annual “Top 100” list and Torch Technologies was ranked #54 of the Top 100. The list ranks the largest government contractors by their prime contract dollars in IT, telecommunications, consulting, professional services, engineering and other technology driven products and services. Torch, a 100% employee owned business, has made this list for the past six years, ranking #86 in 2015, #75 in 2016, #68 in 2017, #61 in 2018, #59 in 2019, and moved up five spots in this year’s ranking. Torch was the highest ranked Huntsville-headquartered company named to this year’s list. Torch completed 2019 with over $513M in total revenue.

Torch President and CEO John Watson stated, “On behalf of our employee-owners, we are honored that the confidence placed in us by our services and solutions DoD customers has resulted in Torch being recognized for the sixth year as one of the largest professional services prime contractors to the Federal Government.”

See the complete list at Washington Technology 2020 Top 100.

Torch Makes Inc. 5000 List for 14th Consecutive Year

Bill Roark — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:00:36 +0000

Of the tens of thousands of companies that have applied to the Inc. 5000, 0.02% have made the list 14 times.

Inc. magazine today revealed that Torch Technologies, a 100% employee-owned technology services and solutions company headquartered in Huntsville, is No. 4313 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

Torch is the only company in Alabama -and one of less than ten companies nationwide- that has made the list 14 or more years. Since its 2002 founding in Huntsville, Alabama, Torch has maintained consistent growth, expanding to include seven regional technical offices, and providing on-site field support at customer locations worldwide.

“We are proud that Torch has again been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and we are delighted to be among the 0.02 percent who have made the list 14 years,” said Torch President and CEO John Watson. “During these unprecedented times, we are especially thankful for Torch’s continued success and for our employee-owners’ diligence and commitment to our company, to our customers, and to the Warfighter.”

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists as well. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of over 500 percent, and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for over 1 million jobs over the past three years.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000

Torch Makes Bloomberg Government “Top 200” List for 4th Year

Bill Roark — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:00:00 +0000

Bloomberg Government released its annual “BGOV200” list today and Torch Technologies was ranked #122 of the Top 200. The list ranks the top federal contractors based on prime contracts awarded in fiscal 2019. Torch, a 100% employee-owned business, made the list for the first time in 2017, ranking #157, for the second time in 2018 ranking #155, and for the third time last year ranking #148. Torch was one of five Alabama companies named to the list in 2020, and the highest ranked of three Huntsville headquartered companies on this year’s list.

Torch President and CEO John Watson stated, “Torch continues to strive to provide the greatest and most cost-efficient solutions to our government customers in support of the Warfighter, so we are proud that we have again been included on the Bloomberg Government list of the top federal contractors for the fourth consecutive year.”

See the complete list at BGOV200.

Torch Technologies Named to Entrepreneur 360 List for Third Consecutive Year

Bill Roark — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 13:46:24 +0000

Torch Technologies was recognized today for the third consecutive year as one of the “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America” by Entrepreneur magazine’s Entrepreneur360 List, a premier study delivering the most comprehensive analysis of private companies in America. Based on this study forged by Entrepreneur, Torch is recognized as a well-rounded company that has mastered a balance of impact, innovation, growth, leadership, and value. Torch ranked #8 out of 360 organizations this year, up from #11 in 2018 and #16 in 2017.

“We are proud to have again been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine for our distinctive approach to innovation, growth, leadership, and culture,” says Torch President and CEO John Watson. “Our continued success as a 100% employee-owned company is thanks to our invaluable employee-owners. We are privileged to be part of a growing group of extraordinary people who are innovative and bright, and who make Torch a great place to work.”

“Every entrepreneur knows that a healthy business isn’t just about growth. It’s about being well-rounded—growing your culture and your systems as strongly as you grow your revenue,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “That’s why we’re excited to celebrate these companies with our fifth annual Entrepreneur360 ranking. The companies that make the list have pushed boundaries with their innovative ideas, fostered strong company cultures, impacted their communities for the better, strengthened their brand, and grown impressively as a result.”

Honorees were identified based on the results from a comprehensive study of independently- owned companies, using a proprietary algorithm and other advanced analytics. The algorithm was built on a balanced scorecard designed to measure five metrics reflecting major pillars of entrepreneurship—innovation, growth, leadership, impact, and business valuation.

For additional details on the E360 List and the companies recognized, visit: entrepreneur.com/360

Torch Technologies Makes Inc. 5000 List for 13th Consecutive Year

Bill Roark — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 14:00:47 +0000

Inc. magazine today revealed that Torch Technologies, a 100% employee-owned technology services and solutions company headquartered in Huntsville, is No. 4200 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

Torch is the only Huntsville-based company that has been on the list for 13 consecutive years, and the largest of only two companies in Alabama to make the list 13 or more years. Inc. Editor in Chief James Ledbetter remarked, “Needless to say, making the list gets harder every year as your starting base grows. Of the tens of thousands of companies that have applied to the Inc. 5000 over the years, only a fraction
have made the list more than once.”

Torch continues to maintain consistent growth, being one of only 10 companies in the history of the Inc. 5000 to make the list 13 consecutive years. Of the 26 Huntsville-based companies on this year’s list, Torch had the highest revenue for 2018 with $405M.

Torch President and CEO John Watson stated, “We are proud that Torch has again been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and we are thrilled to be one of only 10 companies who has made the list 13 consecutive times. We know that our continued success is due to our employee-owners and their constant commitment to our company, to our customers, and to the Warfighter.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000

Torch Named One of the Country’s Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services for Fourth Consecutive Year

Bill Roark — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 14:00:59 +0000

Great Place to Work and FORTUNE have again honored Torch Technologies as one of the Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services, marking Torch’s fourth consecutive year on this list. The ranking considered feedback representing over 339,000 employees working at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations in the Consulting and Professional Services industry. Great Place to Work, a global people analytics and consulting firm, evaluated more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included the extent to which employees trust leaders, the respect with which people are treated, the fairness of workplace decisions, and how much camaraderie there is among the team. Rankings are based on employees’ feedback and reward companies who best include all employees, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization. Torch Technologies took the #2 spot on the Small and Medium Companies list.

“We are proud of our culture that benefits not only our customers and our employee-owners, but also our communities,” says Torch President and CEO John Watson. “It is an honor that our employees continue to rate our workplace highly, and that Great Place to Work® and Fortune are recognizing our positive culture for the fourth consecutive year.”

The Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services stand out for exceling in a competitive industry.

“Consulting and Professional Services companies operate in some of the most competitive spaces and endure the challenges of unpredictable and rapidly changing markets,” said Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “The Best Workplaces on this list have invested in the professional development and personal care of their employees; which have become crucial parts of their value proposition that separate them from the competition in recruiting and retaining talent.”

The Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. Torch Technologies also was ranked as a Best Workplace in Consulting & Professionals Services in 2016, 2017, and 2018, as well as a Small and Medium Workplace by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE in 2016, 2017, and 2018, in addition to a Best Workplace for Millennials in 2018 by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE.

Torch Technologies Named to 2018 Entrepreneur 360 List

Bill Roark — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 15:00:24 +0000

Torch Technologies was recognized today for the second consecutive year as one of the “Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America” by Entrepreneur magazine’s Entrepreneur360 List, a premier study delivering the most comprehensive analysis of private companies in America. Based on this study forged by Entrepreneur, Torch is recognized as a well-rounded company that has mastered a balance of impact, innovation, growth, leadership, and value. Torch ranked #11 out of 360 organizations this year, up from #16 last year.

“We are proud to have again been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine for our unique approach to innovation, growth, leadership, and culture,” says Torch President John Watson. “Our continued success as a 100% employee-owned company is thanks to our employee-owners. We are fortunate to be part of a growing group of exceptional people who are innovative and bright, and who make Torch a great place to work.”

“Our annual evaluation of vetted data offers a 360-degree analysis of top privately-held companies across a multitude of industries,” explains Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur Magazine. “They are deemed successful not only by revenue numbers, but by how well-rounded they are. The companies that make the list have pushed boundaries with their innovative ideas, fostered strong company cultures, impacted their communities for the better, and increased their brand awareness.”

For additional details on the E360 List and the companies recognized, visit: entrepreneur.com/360

Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE Name Torch Technologies One of 2018’s Best Small & Medium Workplaces for Third Consecutive Year

Bill Roark — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 20:17:55 +0000

Great Place to Work and FORTUNE have again honored Torch Technologies as one of the 2018 Best Small & Medium Workplaces. The ranking considered more than 158,000 employee surveys from small and medium-sized companies. Great Place to Work, a global people analytics and consulting firm, evaluated more than 50 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included the extent to which employees trust leaders, the respect with which people are treated, the fairness of workplace decisions, and how much camaraderie there is among the team. Rankings are based on employees’ feedback and reward companies who best include all employees, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization. Torch Technologies took the No. 6 spot on the Best Medium Workplaces list.

“We are proud of the culture that we have created and been able to maintain at Torch. Our healthy company culture benefits our employee-owners, and thus ultimately benefits our customers, our community, and the warfighter,” says Torch President John Watson. “As a 100% employee-owned company, our continued success is because of our loyal and dedicated employee-owners who make our company a great place to work.”

The Best Small & Medium Workplaces stand out for excelling in the industry’s rapidly-changing marketplace. With Torch’s continued growth and success also comes additional responsibility to maintain that culture within the company. Torch has implemented many new programs and resources to educate and empower its employee-owners. One example includes Society of Torch Emerging Professionals (STEPs), an organization founded in response to the rapid growth at Torch. STEPs, with its members, fosters a sense of cohesion across business units and groups, provides professional development opportunities through panels and speakers, provides opportunities for community service and outreach through volunteering and hosting drives for local nonprofit organizations, and provides an avenue for social networking and a sense of community through hosted events.

“When it comes to revenue growth and innovation, the 2018 Best Small & Medium Workplaces continue to outperform their peers making these companies more competitive and helping them secure their position in the marketplace,” said Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “What these companies do differently than their peers is that they offer a great workplace for all employees, regardless of role or personal traits.”

The Best Small & Medium Workplaces list is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. Torch Technologies also was ranked as a Best Medium Workplace by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE in 2016 and 2017, as well as a Best Workplace for Consulting & Professional Services in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Additionally, Torch was ranked as a Best Workplace for Millennials in 2018.

Torch Makes Bloomberg Government “Top 200” List for 2nd Year

Bill Roark — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 14:00:22 +0000

Bloomberg Government recently released its annual “BGOV200” list and Torch Technologies was ranked #155 of the Top 200. The list ranks the top federal contractors based on prime contracts awarded in fiscal 2017. Torch, a 100% employee-owned small business, made the list for the first time last year, ranked #157. Torch was one of five Alabama companies named to the list in 2018, and the highest ranked of three Huntsville headquartered companies on this year’s list.

Torch President John Watson stated, “We are proud that Torch has been included on the Bloomberg Government list of the top federal contractors for the second consecutive year, and we continue to strive to provide the best and most cost-efficient services and solutions to our government customers in support of the Warfighter.”