WashingtonExec Series: Want To Be GovCon Executive Of The Year?
WashingtonExec, in partnership with the Fairfax Chambers of Commerce, kicked off a new series profiling government contractors nominated for the 9th Annual Greater Washington Government Contracting Awards. Interviewed nominees include small, mid-size and large “Executive of the Year” as well as “Contractor of the Year” finalists. The winners will be announced on November 1st at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner.
This quick bi-weekly series asks nominees direct questions as to how they achieved success and notoriety in the GovCon community.
Today’s series nominee is Chris Torti, President and CEO of Jorge Scientific Corporation. Torti is nominated for “Executive of the Year” in the $75 to $300 million division.
WashingtonExec: Obtaining top talent in the private sector is fierce. How does your company not only draw top talent, but maintain it?
Chris Torti: We maintain a ‘Great Place to Work’ as an essential aspect of our business plan. Great top talent attracts more top talent. We are also committed to professionally developing veterans, women and minorities and reach out to the military and community foundations to support this objective. The focus is on retaining our top talent by offering them the flexibility and professional development that encourages long-term career growth. Jorge is more than a job, it is a career.
We want all of our employees to retire from Jorge.
WashingtonExec: In your opinion, how does a company stay nimble when it is in a period of large growth and expansion?
Chris Torti: Jorge uses an innovative strategy delivering solutions to our customers. We empower our employees to provide these customized solutions promptly. This agility also allows us to make profitable acquisitions and develop new product lines.
WashingtonExec: People always talk about corporate culture, but what is something that your company purposely focuses on to emulate the ideal company culture?
Chris Torti: Jorge’s key tenants are results, partnership, and great place to work. Jorge delivers real and tangible results to clients. We focus on true, long term partnership with our corporate teammates. We are a Great Place to Work for our employees and their families. A “Great Place To Work” is not about free perks and flexible hours, it is about a corporate culture focused on ethics, professional development, and honesty.
WashingtonExec: As a nominated CEO “Executive of the Year”, how are you building a strong, stable, and innovative company?
Chris Torti: –Foundation/Fundamentals: Jorge focuses on our customer’s missions and their challenges. We develop innovative solutions by concentrating on the needs of the customer not bureaucracy, rumors, or competitors.
-Development: Jorge seeks out individuals at all levels who are interested in career development. We look for those people who aspire to reach their greatest potential with a focus on ethics, results, and honesty.
Empowerment – Jorge maintains a flat management structure that ensures our support is lean and dynamic. We continue to empower our employees to directly provide innovative solutions to our customers.
WashingtonExec: How has the tightening of the lending market impacted you?
Chris Torti: Our bank partnership has enjoyed a long history of excellent performance as we continue to meet the demanding requirements of international and national security missions. We continue to sustain revenue growth for our investors.