Kevin Knight CEO
Kevin Knight, owner and chief executive officer of Knight Solutions, has focused on owning his own business for most of his life. Part of this motivation came from watching his father work at a local shipyard for 12 hours a day to support his family of fourteen. Knight made a decision early in life that while owning his own business may not prevent him from facing hard times, it would give him the best opportunity to control the outcome.
Knight drew on his perseverance and strength to rise out of poverty by serving in the U.S. Army and pursuing college degrees. He received a bachelor’s degree in business from Norfolk State University Cum Laude and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati.
He then honed his entrepreneurial style in various management positions with three major corporations. The experience that was gained from working directly for chief executive officers allowed Knight to learn how to strategically lead an organization during dynamic and static times.
In 2008, Knight Solutions was launched while Knight continued working 50-hour weeks at a global corporation. Through persistence and dedication, Knight was able to convince several key organizations of the value of partnering with a small disabled veteran-owned business.
While serving his country in the U.S. Army, Knight sustained an injury that resulted in his not being able to continue to serve. “This was a devastating time, as I knew that coming home would put me back in the same negative surroundings that I grew up in,” said Knight. “Instead of returning and hanging out with negative friends, I decided to put myself through college.” Knight was not only the first member of his family to graduate from college; but he also did so with honors. “My parents today still see this as one of the proudest moments of their lives,” said Knight. Having experienced some of the challenges veterans of US conflicts face, Knight Solutions has made a commitment to hire veterans whenever possible. In 2012, Knight Solutions was name the Town of Leesburg’s first ever Veterans Business of the Year.
Knight’s stellar education, coupled with his military background, provides him with detailed management and team-building skills, have allowed him to successfully grow Knight Solutions into an award winning general construction services company. To date, Knight Solutions has been awarded numerous federal and private contracts, making them one of the nations most sought after general contractors.
As much as Knight focuses on the success of Knight Solutions, service to his community is held in very high regard. Knight serves and has served on the board of directors for the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Loudoun, Northern Virginia Community Foundation and Central Loudoun Youth Football Association. He is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Each summer, Knight sponsors a football camp for inner city youth and has been successful in bringing current NFL players to provide skills assessment and training to the young campers.
The culture instilled by Knight at his company ensures that Knight Solution’s standards are always above the standard. Through continued hard work, Knight is positioning his company as a global premier general contractor.