Today’s fastest-growing Knight-led companies were once ideas formed in classrooms, tested in labs and sharpened during late-night conversations across UCF’s campuses. Now, those ideas are scaling fast.
On Friday, Aug. 14 at The Celeste Hotel, Ever Upward will celebrate the accomplishments of top 25 finalists of fastest-growing Knight-owned and Knight-led businesses. Ever Upward is the first UCF program of its kind that recognizes the incredible achievements of our alumni and the businesses they created.
Representing a powerful cross section of industries, ideas and entrepreneurial journeys, the Ever Upward finalists reflect the reach of UCF’s alumni community and the momentum of 34 Knights who are building companies, creating jobs, strengthening communities and shaping what comes next.
“Our alumni are building companies that are growing rapidly and making a real impact in their industries and communities,” says Heather Junod ’98, UCF’s associate vice president for alumni engagement and annual giving. “Ever Upward recognizes success and the entrepreneurial drive behind it. This program shines a light on Knight-led businesses that are scaling with purpose.”
Finalists will be celebrated at a special ceremony, where the overall top business will be announced
The event will bring together alumni entrepreneurs, university leaders and business leaders for a program focused on achievement, connection and the power of the Knight network.
Judging Process
Inspired by UCF’s charge to reach higher, Ever Upward honors businesses whose growth reflects perseverance, vision and execution. Recognition is based on tabulated financial performance over a three-year period, spotlighting companies whose success is measurable, and still gaining momentum.
Eligible businesses were ranked by cumulative percentage revenue growth across their 12-month reporting periods for 2022, 2023 and 2024. All financial information was submitted directly to Carr, Riggs & Ingram, the program’s official tabulation partner and a nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm, ensuring confidentiality, independent tabulation and a transparent ranking process.
Unlike traditional business awards driven by nominations or subjective criteria, Ever Upward is determined by performance data. That means every finalist has earned their place through demonstrated growth.
“Our alumni don’t just represent UCF, they extend it,” says Michael Harding, UCF associate vice president for partnerships. “Ever Upward celebrates Knight-owned and Knight-led businesses whose leadership and momentum mirror the ambition of this university and uniquely position them to build powerful partnerships with UCF.”
Ever Upward: Fastest Growing Knight Businesses launches a new UCF Alumni tradition that honors where Knights have been, what they are building now and how far their ideas can go.
For more information, visit UCF Ever Upward.
Ever Upward Top 25 Finalists
(Finalists are in Alphabetical Order)
- aVenue Event Group, LLC
- Boston Data Pro, LLC
- Boys Electrical Contractors, LLC
- Brewlando LLC
- Buckalew Hospitality, LLC
- CJS Communications Inc.
- Coastal Investment Company
- CJS Communications Inc.
- Garney Construction
- Global Ktech
- I'm All Ears LLC
- Island Direct Primary Care
- Kavaliro
- Knight Federal Solutions, Inc.
- Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering
- Maymont Senior Advocate Group, LLC
- McGinnis Himmel Insurance Agency, LLC
- Orange Tree Staffing, LLC
- Qu5 Services, Inc.
- Quadrant Engineering, P.C.
- Reception 24/7 Inc
- S Cook Productions, LLC
- Sebring Driving Club LLC
- Space Coast Pool School, LLC
- Strategos Group
- Threaded Marketing Group Ltd.
