“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Our Heritage

For over four decades, my life has been deeply rooted in a heritage of serving others, both in the military and the civilian world. My journey began in the armed forces, where I dedicated myself to upholding the values of duty, honor, and country. During my military career, I learned the true meaning of selfless service, leading troops through challenges, fostering camaraderie, and protecting the nation’s interests.

Upon transitioning to the civilian world, I carried these principles with me, channeling them into a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. Whether it was managing teams, leading organizations, or contributing to my community, the ethos of service continued to guide my actions. I’ve strived to make a positive impact by mentoring future leaders, supporting philanthropic endeavors, and championing causes that align with my values.

This heritage of serving others has not only defined my professional path but has also enriched my life with purpose and fulfillment. It has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of service to bring about positive change, both on a personal and societal level, and I remain committed to this enduring legacy of service for years to come.

 

 

Values

 

  1. Customer-Centric Approach: Our organization places the customer at the heart of everything we do, ensuring their needs, satisfaction, and feedback are our top priorities.
  2. Continuous Improvement: We are committed to ongoing learning and enhancement, constantly seeking ways to innovate, streamline processes, and deliver even better service.
  3. Transparency and Trust: Building trust through open communication, transparency in operations, and accountability is fundamental to our values.
  4. Team Collaboration: Collaboration and teamwork are key drivers of our success, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and skills combine to achieve excellence.
  5. Adaptability and Resilience: We thrive in an ever-changing landscape, embracing change and demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, ensuring we remain agile and effective.

Leadership

Randal Wimmer, Government Contracting Academy

Raymond Bednar

Founder and President

Being a graduate of both West Point and Harvard Business School represents a unique and prestigious heritage that has profoundly shaped my character and professional journey. West Point, renowned for its rigorous military training and leadership development, instilled in me the core values of duty, honor, and country. The experience at the United States Military Academy forged resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

My time at Harvard Business School then complemented this foundation by providing me with cutting-edge business knowledge, strategic thinking, and a global perspective. HBS’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship enabled me to harness my leadership skills and apply them in the corporate world. The network and relationships cultivated at Harvard have been invaluable in my career, fostering connections that span industries and continents.

The fusion of these two institutions has equipped me with a distinctive skill set, one that combines the ability to navigate complex challenges with unwavering integrity and a commitment to ethical leadership. It has also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to society positively.

As a West Point and Harvard Business School graduate, I carry the legacy of excellence, service, and continuous learning. This heritage has not only shaped my professional success but also my dedication to making a meaningful impact in both my career and community, ensuring that the values of leadership, innovation, and integrity remain at the forefront of my endeavors.

Randal Wimmer, Government Contracting Academy

Bruce McLaughlan

Managing Patner

Bruce McLaughlan has extensive client-side experience with Fortune 500 and Fortune Global 500 companies, such as AT&T, Xerox, Ford Motor Co. and Samsung, including advising senior marketing executives on such high-profile programs as the NFL and Olympics.

While serving as Managing Director, North America, of the WPP agency PRISM, he worked with Raymond Bednar to develop Six Sigma methodology for Marketing and Sponsorship, earning his Six Sigma Black Belt. Previously, Bruce spent 18 years in journalism, working as a reporter, investigative journalist and editor at one of the nation’s largest daily newspapers, and has taught journalism seminars at his alma mater, Michigan State University.

He brings this investigative approach and broad knowledge base to bear on behalf of clients interested in maximizing their marketing impact and return on investment.

Client Testimonials

Tom Rivers, Samsung Harman

Ray is a highly skilled and strategic thinker and leader with a proven track record of driving exceptional ROI. His dedication to client success, analytical prowess, and ability to communicate their findings effectively makes him an invaluable asset to any organization.

Phil McCarn – VP ISE (Independent Sports and Entertainment)

Ray’s company exhibited exceptional leadership and program management skills throughout the evaluation process. They demonstrated a keen ability to coordinate diverse teams, set clear objectives, and ensure that the project progressed smoothly and efficiently. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident in every aspect of the evaluation.

Rob Scalea – former CEO, The Brand Union Americas and Chief Strategy Officer

Ray's dedication, strategic thinking, and thorough understanding of risk management principles have had a profound and positive impact on our client’s organization. Thanks to their efforts, they are better equipped to navigate the uncertainties of our rapidly changing world. I wholeheartedly recommend Ray for any role related to risk management and exogenous threat mitigation. His expertise and dedication are truly remarkable, and I am confident he will continue to excel in this field.