The 2020 Fastest Growing Firms: Coalfire

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

Kehoe: Coalfire has continued to identify opportunities to tap into new or growing segments in the market. We have seen significant growth around cloud security services throughout the past few years. As cloud threats escalate our clients' demands for security services, our firm is able to identify opportunities to assist in keeping their data secure and allowing their business to move forward as usual.

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

Kehoe: 2020 has been a strong year for Coalfire, one which saw both an acquisition by Apax Partners alongside the formation of our newly independent division, Coalfire Federal. Coalfire also is now offering our Strategy+ program, which is a first-to-market solution designed to encompass elements of business strategy and performance management, combining best-practice principles established by the NACD to enable organizations to better align business objectives with security posture.

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2021? Where do you see the most opportunities?

Kehoe: Our outlook for 2021 is extremely positive as we continue to grow and look ahead. We see the most opportunities in two areas: automation and simplification. In cyber, requirements change regularly and end up outpacing resource levels at times. With automation, cyber controls and reporting can assist to fill some of those gaps. As for simplification, there is a constant rise in opportunities right now to not only help companies be smart when they take on cyber requirements, such as compliance and privacy, but to do so in a coordinated manner.

Consulting: What would you say are your firm's biggest challenges in 2021?

Kehoe: Being in the cyber security industry, challenges will always come in hiring top talent to come work at Coalfire. Culture largely plays a role in this, as we look to build an environment that allows our employees to progress their skills and bring innovative ideas to the table.

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

Kehoe: At Coalfire, we differentiate ourselves through the level of commitment we provide to our clients. We always ensure that the solutions we provide are comprehensive, so that when an organization turns to us for help in managing their cyber posture, we know that we are thinking about their security from every possible angle. Being recognized as a Consulting Magazine Fastest Growing Firm validates our success and our belief in this approach, ensuring we are providing the greatest possible level of security across verticals.