UCF Ever Upward
Fastest Growing Knight Businesses

Inspired by the spirit of our alma mater, Ever Upward celebrates not only where we came from, but where we’re headed. This annual competition will recognize and celebrate the success of the fastest-growing Knight-owned or led businesses around the world.

Save the Date

Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Celeste Hotel

Congratulations to our Inaugural Ever Upward Top 25 Finalists

Companies are listed in alphabetical order. Numerical rankings will be revealed at the awards program on Aug. 14.

aVenue Event Group, LLC

Boston Data Pro, LLC

Boys Electrical Contractors, LLC

Brewlando LLC

Buckalew Hospitality, LLC

CJS Communications Inc.

Coastal Investment Company

Garney Construction

Global Ktech

I’m All Ears LLC

Island Direct Primary Care

Kavaliro

Knight Federal Solutions, Inc.

Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering

Maymont Senior Advocate Group, LLC

McGinnis Himmel Insurance Agency, LLC

Orange Tree Staffing, LLC

Qu5 Services, Inc.

Quadrant Engineering, P.C.

Reception 24/7 Inc

S Cook Productions, LLC

Sebring Driving Club LLC

Space Coast Pool School, LLC

Strategos Group

Threaded Marketing Group Ltd.

About Ever Upward

Introducing Ever Upward, a NEW signature from UCF Alumni!

Nominated companies will be ranked by percentage of cumulative annual growth in revenue for the company’s 12-month reporting periods of 2022, 2023, 2024 . The top companies with the highest revenue growth rates, as tabulated by the official tabulation firm, will be selected for Ever Upward and honored at an event on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 . Your completed and signed application must be received no later than the close of business on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Ever Upward: Fastest Growing Knight Businesses, companies must meet the following criteria:

Company must have been in operation from at least January 2022 to present.
Company must have verifiable revenues of at least $100,000 in both 2022 and 2023 and a minimum of $250,000 in 2024.
Company must be owned or led by a UCF Knight who meets one of the following:
- Must own 20% or more of the company during the eligible period.
  - OR
- Must serve as the company’s chief executive (e.g. chairman, CEO, president or managing partner) during the eligible period.
  - OR
- Must have founded the company and been an active member of the most senior management team during the eligible period.

2026 Event Timeline

Feb. 3, 2026 | Applications Open

March 26, 2026 | Applications Close

June 2026 | Recipients notified

Aug. 14, 2026 | Award Ceremony and Reception

Application Process

Applications for 2026 closed. Please apply next year.

Download the application
Complete and sign application.
Compile financial statements or tax return information to support revenue figures for these three 12-month reporting years: 2022, 2023, 2024.
Send all materials via email to Jennifer Christensen ’99MA at ucfeverupward@CRIadv.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?