Sean and Chris DuGuay are a father-son duo who bring more than a shared last name to a shared industry.
Both men have military backgrounds. Both are driven by a strong sense of mission. Both work in GovCon in roles that leverage their expertise in technology and business. Sean is chief growth officer at Aretum, while Chris is a business development and capture manager at Leidos.
“Growing up, I saw firsthand how dedication to the mission and integrity in leadership could leave a lasting impact,” Chris said. “My father’s career provided me with a blueprint to follow and a deep appreciation for the purpose of supporting federal missions. While Dad opened the door to the world of federal contracting, his teaching of self-reliance during my youth helped shape the man I am today.”
From Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier to Business Development
Chris enlisted in the Navy after high school and became an aviation boatswain’s mate handler. He attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by A School in Pensacola, Florida, then an assignment in Everett, Washington, and later to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier where he worked as a firefighter.
After four years, Chris used the GI Bill to attend Old Dominion University, graduating in 2016 before landing his first job at OpenText. For the next eight years, he worked for mid-size and 8(a) contractors, eventually landing his dream job in 2024 at Leidos as a business development manager in the Digital Modernization sector.
Chris said his interest in government contracting was sparked by early exposure to public service and technology through his dad’s example, which included an emphasis on personal responsibility — such as paying for college on his own.
“He would often tell me, ‘Nobody is coming to save you,’ and ‘Your future is determined by your choices, so make great ones,’” Chris said. “Our family is made up of patriots, and service to our country is a core value.”
Chris finds fulfillment in supporting national security missions at Leidos, as well as the rewards of meeting with customers, the camaraderie in the office and the culture. The work has also exposed him to the complexity of teaming — partnering with subcontractors or identifying the right prime contractor and selecting the best mix to deliver mission-focused results.
“I find it remarkable when two or more firms come together as a team to create a comprehensive, innovative solution that addresses IT challenges, especially within the components of Homeland Security,” Chris said.
He considers his father among the leaders who lead by example and genuinely cares about his development as a professional. He added that the military significantly shaped his career, fostering a strong commitment to mission focus, teamwork, operational excellence, problem-solving and technical rigor.
“The Navy’s emphasis on disciplined execution and readiness taught me how to lead under pressure, adapt quickly and achieve results in complex environments,” he said. Chris indicated he relied heavily on his father early in his career.
“Jumping into the industry was like drinking from a fire hose,” Chris said. “He helped me navigate it and become a more effective communicator.”
Chris is also a graduate of the ACT-IAC Associates Program (2018) and the ACT-IAC Voyagers Program (2025).
A Presidential Award and an Assignment
Sean’s career path is marked by dedication to service, a sense of mission and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. As a child, he climbed the ranks in Scouting to become an Eagle Scout and received an award from President Ronald Reagan. The moment stayed with him, and his sense of purpose carried into his time as a Marine serving at Marine Barracks Washington (8th & I) and completing multiple assignments to the White House during Reagan’s second term.
Later, as a federal criminal investigator and special agent, Sean trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and honed investigative skills that shaped his approach to problem-solving. Sean said his interest in his current career grew out of his investigative work.
“One particular case involved retrieving critical data from a personal computer, which ultimately led to uncovering complex criminal networks and securing convictions,” he said. “This experience showed me the power of information, attention to detail and problem-solving — skills that naturally translated into helping organizations navigate complex challenges and deliver meaningful results.”
The experience opened doors. Sean went on to work with small, mid-tier and large organizations, developing a well-rounded perspective that allowed him to contribute to mergers, acquisitions and strategic growth initiatives.
After the Marines, he returned to Washington at a time when the Y2K challenge was pressing. Joining a small technology firm, he led efforts to grow their business at a government-sponsored enterprise and quickly became part of a team the client trusted to deliver solutions.
Sean said his greatest achievement so far is building and leading teams that consistently turn complex challenges into successful outcomes.
“While major wins have been gratifying, the most meaningful part has been creating an environment where people can excel, contribute and grow,” Sean said. “I take particular pride in mentoring colleagues who have gone on to lead major programs and business development efforts — their success is a reflection of the support and guidance they received while working with me.”
He said he’s learned how much people genuinely want to help — from mentors and peers to competitors offering guidance at pivotal moments.
“I also learned that effective leadership is less about having all the answers and more about listening, asking the right questions and empowering teams to find the best path forward,” Sean said.
His military experience taught him a mission-first mindset, operational discipline and a commitment to integrity.
“In business development, this translates to structured planning, disciplined execution and focusing on opportunities that align with clear objectives,” he said.
Outside the Office
Sean said he’s proud of Chris and the professional he has become.
“While we sometimes pursue similar opportunities, we also look for ways to collaborate, leveraging each other’s strengths — his firm’s scale and capabilities complement our agility and client relationships,” Sean said. “It’s rewarding to see him positioned for continued success in the federal market.”
Both father and son enjoy working out at the gym. But while Sean hates cilantro, Chris loves to layer it on a taco. Sean said they share a strong focus on building relationships, though their approaches to technology differ.
“I tend to prioritize interpersonal connections and established business development methods, using technology as a supporting tool,” Sean said. “My son integrates digital marketing, data analytics, AI and automated tools more deeply into strategy, which provides a valuable complement to my approach. Together, we balance traditional and modern strategies effectively.”