In GovCon it is all about knowing. On the heels of the recent announcement of T4NG2 Primes, we caught up with IntelliDyne, a T4NG2 JV winner. Its Chief Operating Officer Sovany Van; and Chief Human Resource Officer Marisa Krafsig shared details of the company’s upcoming 25th anniversary, as well as the company’s lessons learned throughout their tenure. They will share with us their belief in why simplicity in culture is a must and how this team has taken proactive measures to balance uncertainty in government.
Starting with a Simple Purpose
In 1999, IntelliDyne’s straightforward mission was set in motion—take care of their people and take care of their customers. From recruitment to internal promotions, recognition, and mentorship, the firm has emphasized a people-first approach. The leadership’s focus on understanding each team member’s story, both professionally and personally, has remained constant. This commitment to excellence in service delivery, leading with integrity, and ensuring an inclusive culture has been a guiding force from the company’s inception.
Maintaining a People-First IT Culture Throughout the Years
IntelliDyne’s success story is deeply rooted in its commitment to a “People-First IT” culture. The mid-sized firm’s leadership emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and respected. Recognizing that a motivated and inspired team delivers exceptional client service, the company has consistently prioritized the well-being and growth of its people. “When you focus on the well-being of your people, empower them to utilize their strengths, and focus on their development, they come to work engaged and committed to delivering their best for their clients because they feel valued, respected, and appreciated. We’ve been intentional in creating an inclusive and rewarding work environment. Through surveys and listening sessions, we actively seek feedback to understand their needs and take action to evolve our benefits and policies to support our people” said Marisa Krafsig. This “People-First” culture has enabled IntelliDyne to receive a spot on the Top Workplaces and Washington Post Top Workplaces based on employee survey results.
Bringing Value to Clients
As IntelliDyne approaches its 25th anniversary, its commitment to client success remains unwavering. The company’s values of inclusion, integrity, and service form the foundation of its interactions with federal clients. By fostering a culture of honesty and ethical conduct, IntelliDyne has not only retained its first client, the Defense Health Agency (DHA), but has also witnessed organic growth and expanded efforts due to its commitment to excellence in service delivery. “Delivering to clients in an honest and transparent way allows you to provide recommendations from a place of trust, to give honest opinions that help them move forward in a better way. For instance, our focus on leveraging automation, advanced analytics, and identifying Robotics Process Automation (RPA) opportunities aligns with our clients’ needs, especially in this current climate when the government consistently seeks to achieve more with less” said Sovany Van.
Maintaining an Open Door Policy
IntelliDyne’s dedication to gathering meaningful feedback is exemplified through various surveys and evaluation mechanisms. From COVID-focused surveys during the height of the pandemic, to Manager 180 surveys where employees anonymously evaluate their managers, the company values the input of its employees. The emphasis on communication, trust-building, and leadership development ensures that employees feel heard and supported in an environment that encourages open and honest dialogue. “We want our leaders to succeed, and we want our people to trust their managers, so we spend a lot of time helping to build up confidence and trust. We offer frequent trainings about having difficult conversations and communicating with employees. It’s important to us that employees feel comfortable giving their feedback and know that we’re listening and taking action” said Krafsig.
Leading With Integrity
Working in the federal space, integrity is paramount for IntelliDyne. The company utilizes tools like ethics hotlines, annual training, and regular intranet posts about cybersecurity and ethics to ensure that its employees are aligned with the highest standards of integrity. This commitment not only builds trust within the organization but also allows IntelliDyne to build partner relationships rooted in a foundation of trust and an alignment of culture and values.
As part of a successful T4NG2 Prime JV, IntelliDyne understands the value of mentoring and building collaborative partnerships that can include lessons learned along the path of graduating from a small business. “Everyone goes through a phase of thinking they can do it all, but maturity means knowing where your expertise is, honing in on that, and then supplementing the gaps with a partner’s strengths,” said Van.
Giving Back and Providing Support During Uncertainty
IntelliDyne believes in supporting the communities where its people live and work. In addition to company sponsored events such as volunteer days at Fisher Houses across the country, IntelliDyne provides 8 hours of annual leave for employees to use with a non-profit organization of their choice and offers a donation match for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations as well.
With its headquarters in the Greater Washington DC area, over 20% of IntelliDyne’s workforce is comprised of active or retired service members and military spouses. Much of the company’s philanthropy is focused on supporting the military community through volunteer efforts, as well as the hiring and retention of Veterans and military spouses. Just this year IntelliDyne became a Military Spouse Employment Program (MSEP) Partner and was recognized with the Department of Labor’s VETS Hire Medallion for the fifth year in a row.
Having weathered various periods of government shutdowns, IntelliDyne has proactively addressed uncertainties by implementing strategies to support its team. By floating employees to work on non-billable tasks during downtime, the company has ensured that its workforce remains engaged, and anxiety is managed. During one such shutdown, affected employees were supported by IntelliDyne’s executive leadership team and colleagues who donated over 1,500 hours of PTO to a bucket fund which ensured that no employee was furloughed and there was no disruption to their regular pay. As a response to employee feedback, in 2020, IntelliDyne implemented a formal government shut-down leave benefit to provide up to two weeks of pay in the event that their position was impacted by a government shutdown. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates IntelliDyne’s commitment to taking care of its people.
25th Anniversary Celebration
As IntelliDyne celebrates enters its 25th anniversary year, the company is gearing up for a year-long celebration. The focus will not only be on commemorating the milestone but also on appreciating the dedicated team members who have been part of the journey for over two decades as well as client success stories and innovation to help our clients achieve their mission. The celebration will kick off with a fireside chat with Founder and CEO, Rob Grey, reflecting on the history of the company and its founding principles. Throughout the year-long celebration, IntelliDyne will highlight key success and milestones including the clients and partners that have contributed to IntelliDyne’s success.
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