AVT Simulation Inc. was chosen as one of Orlando Business Journal's 2022 Fire Awards honorees, which were featured in OBJ's April 29-May 5, 2022, weekly print edition.
The firm supports U.S. warfighters with simulation and training software, equipment and instruction.
Here's more from CEO Kyle Crooks:
Describe your company in three sentences or less: AVT provides a wide variety of training devices and services, including aviation and automotive simulators, as well as courseware and instruction services.
What was your company’s biggest accomplishment of 2021? We set up a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, with the capability to design, develop, integrate and deploy a variety of simulators to our nation’s warfighters.
How did you get it done? We pooled our best industry resources along with experienced manufacturing personnel, added a top-tier ERP system and designed ISO9001-certified processes to create an efficient, fast paced, quality-oriented production facility.
How does your company stay innovative and on the cutting-edge? We are constantly looking at technologies that allow us to become more efficient or reduce lead time to the customer. In 2021 AVT implemented an RFID inventory tracking system, a 3-D printing line, a CO2 laser, and in house metal fabrication and welding, and an electronics department.
What strategies have you implemented to recruit and/or retain talent in a competitive labor market? AVT has some very nice benefits that we use to leverage the industry. We use recognition programs regularly that include on the spot bonuses and awards, we implemented some work from home flexibility, offer generous personal time off, and have career growth programs. In addition we use flexible scheduling to help with our teams work/life balance.
What is the biggest challenge facing your industry? Currently it is a combination of supply chain for critical components and the very tight labor market.
What is your company’s top goal for 2022? To continue to grow in the marketplace by adding new capabilities, and successfully delivering current programs on time, on budget, with the highest level of quality and service.
In the past year, what progress have you seen in the growth of Central Florida’s entrepreneurial and tech ecosystems? We have seen a host of new technology companies bringing value and resources to the industry as a whole. The talent pool that has accompanied the tech ecosystems has opened up development of some the emerging technology such as head mounted displays, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
What is the local technology and innovation sector’s biggest obstacle to more growth? At the moment we are in a tight labor market, and there is a plethora of new technology with limited amount of experienced resources to support it.
Are you hiring now? We have six positions available that we are looking to fill with the next four weeks.
AVT Simulation Inc.
- Top executive’s name and title: Kyle Crooks, CEO
- Year founded: 1998
- 2021 revenue: $24.5 million
- 2021 YOY revenue growth: 5.5%
- Capital raised since founding: $5.6M
- Employees in Central Florida: 104
Sign up here for the Business Journal's free morning and afternoon daily newsletters to get the latest business news affecting Central Florida. For more business intelligence, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
