The 2019 Fastest Growing Firms: Washington Business Dynamics

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your firm's exceptional growth?

Caldwell:  Our exceptional growth is attributed to three main factors: One, exceptional consultants: We have a highly selective recruiting process to ensure we bring top talent to our clients. Two, targeted markets: We focus specifically on the areas of greatest need for our clients, by targeting areas where clients are often underserved, we're able to demonstrate our value-add in an arena that is normally void of talent, which opens up new organic growth opportunities. And three, mutually enhancing services: The core consulting services that we offer to one market enhance many of the services we offer in another.

Consulting: How is this year shaping up for your firm?

Caldwell: WBD is continuing its transformation from solely U.S. federal government focused to serving clientele in the commercial and international sectors. WBD won a $33 million contract with the United States Agency for International Development to support one of the agencies top priorities of Private Sector Engagement across the globe. We also recently completed work with the Millennium Challenge Corporation  analyzing the viability of the energy sector in Senegal. These efforts reflect WBD's expansion of its international consulting work. WBD has expanded its federal services by winning a coveted spot on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Joint Program Office blanket purchase agreement. We are also excited to be starting support at the Department of Homeland Security for the first time. 

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2020?

Caldwell: We expect 2020 will be a continuation of WBD's significant growth phase. This phase will include further expansion of its international development work, building off of opportunities we see on the horizon, as well as establishing a commercial branch to expand our service offerings. We see major potential in both of these sectors, and we plan to seek out new opportunities in the federal science and research space. We see a tremendous amount of opportunities internationally in emerging markets. 

Consulting: What are your firm's biggest challenges in 2020?

Caldwell: Our biggest challenge is the expansion of the firm's infrastructure to support clientele globally. We are anticipating to be in 10 – 15 new countries this year, and we have to make tradeoffs on where to deploy investment capital to support new infrastructure and office space.

Consulting: What does being named a Fastest Growing Firm mean to your firm, your employees and your clients?

Caldwell: Being named one of the Fastest Growing Firms demonstrates to us that the dedication and hard work involved in delivering exceptional solutions to our clientele is being recognized. For the firm, this recognition pushes us to reflect on our growth from the beginning until present day and think about how we will continue to thrive. For our employees, it is reassuring to know that there are a lot of opportunities to succeed here at WBD and more on the way. Our clients are excited with the expansion of services that come with the growth. Many are in discussions with us to increase the scope of our support.