company updates from 8-koi :: autumn '19
Another change of seasons brings about cooler temperatures, autumn colors, gatherings and celebrations with friends and family, travel and pause for reflection. As the seasons change so does 8-koi. As CEO and founder of 8-koi, my greatest calling is to bring to the table key leadership to head our team.
 
Our rapid growth in our community connections and engagement, employees, revenue, earned contracts and clients and acquiring Cape Design Engineering earlier this year in March is inspiring. It’s brought us to where we are today, adapting to change and strengthening our team as we continue to evolve and diversify our capabilities to meet and exceed client expectations.
 
Joining our team is Dean Rosenquist, 8-koi’s first chief operating officer. Dean will oversee the operations of our construction, healthcare, design engineering and technical services. His extensive experience integrating business operations, strategies, planning and procedures will play a pivotal role in maintaining momentum of 8-koi's growth. Dean will be working with human resources, contracts and procurement, finance, marketing, facilities security, and IT to ensure 8-koi is ready and able to quickly transition and perform on new contract awards. As the former senior vice president for Comprehensive Health Services, former chief operating officer for Craig Technologies and decades of service in the U.S. Air Force his background and previous experience will be an asset to our team and streamline 8-koi’s inner operations.
 
In addition to Dean's arrival, I'm pleased to announce the following promotions to help round out 8-koi's leadership team:
 
·     Otto Herrera is VP of our Construction Division, formerly Project Manager at Cape Design Engineering Co. Otto will be working from Jacksonville, FL.
·     Victor Diaz is VP of our Design Engineering Division, formerly Project Manager at Cape Design Engineering Co. Victor will be working from Merritt Island.
·     Elizabeth Berry is VP of our Healthcare Division, formerly Program Manager at Chenega Corp. Elizabeth will be working from San Antonio, TX. 
 
It’s already been said, and proven to be true, the only constant is change. This is an exciting time to be 8-koi and I’m thankful for your support that has inspired our new leadership team.
 
I am passionate about 8-koi and the work we do. It’s my life. Truly, I enjoy each day. Thank you for taking this journey with me. As always, your feedback is welcome.
 
In partnership,
Inga I. Young
Founder and President
WELCOME TO THE TEAM :: Dean Rosenquist
Chief Operating Officer
Dean may be new to 8-koi but taking on the role of chief operating officer is a familiar role he’s served in throughout his seasoned career. He joins us as a former Senior VP at Comprehensive Health Services and former COO at Craig Technologies.

Along with his previous executive experience the 20-year Air Force veteran served as an instructor pilot in the C-17, C-27 and T-38 aircraft, as an installation Inspector General (IG) and as a crisis-action planner during a tour at U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Florida. Dean is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Allied Force and Enduring Freedom.

Living, working and attending school in Florida most of his life he graduated from Coconut Creek High School, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and studied human resources development and graduated with a Master of Arts from Webster University. Dean is a graduate of LEAD Brevard’s Class of 2012 and is Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified.

Actively volunteering in the community he serves a number of local organizations including the Cocoa Beach Elks and serving as the president of the Cocoa Beach High School Boys and Girls Soccer Booster Club.  
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November is Military Family Month
Since 1996, established by the Armed Services YMCA, Military Family Appreciation Month is about recognizing military families. Over the month, military families are honored and recognized for their commitment and contribution in support of our military and nation. Each November the President signs a proclamation declaring November Military Family Month. With hundreds of thousands of men and women currently deployed overseas, taking the time to reflect on military families, daily and sometimes lifelong sacrifices by active duty, Guard and Reserve military troops and families has never been more important. For ways to participate in Military Family Month, read more here
Full-spectrum contracting solutions with a human touch
Keep an eye out for our 'big fish' Les Daniels, director of business development, at upcoming industry events, and contact us for more info.

Community Events

November 20 – WID Space Coast , Melbourne

November 21 – NDIA Central Florida Luncheon , Orlando

8-koi Was There
8-koi is on the hunt to grow its team. Looking to expand 8-koi hosted a job fair at the Holiday Inn Orlando on Sept. 12. Over 763 applications were received

Our ‘Big Fish’ Les Daniels swam with the Women in Defense Central Florida Chapter on Oct. 9, for a tech tour at JetBlue University.



8-koi’s Amy Sigmon and Les Daniels attended the job fair at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville and were looking for new recruits to strengthen the team on Oct. 19.

The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast hosted their annual meeting at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Oct. 16. The EDC recognized its 2019 Volunteer of the Year Daniel Cicro and William Potter was awarded the Gary R. Cunningham Distinguished Service Award for Economic Development. In attendance, 8-koi's Sirena Hendrickson and Amy Sigmon.


It was all about connecting NASA prime contractors with small businesses and WOSBs at the NASA Business Opportunities Expo on Oct. 23, in Cape Canaveral. In attendance were 8-koi networkers Amy Sigmon, Les Daniels, Joan Sottoriva.