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ExecutiveBiz: What is MorganFranklin’s work in the area emergency preparedness with state and local governments?
Bob Morgan:
We deliver emergency preparedness solutions to all levels of government including support to the Homeland Security Office of Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC), the City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication, the Alaska National Guard and other National Guard forces, and Northern Command. We are also helping regional governments around the country identify their unique requirements such as the national capital region, New Orleans, Monterey, California, and Honolulu. We provide these organizations with strategy and technology consulting, planning and preparation, and the integration of converged voice, video and data systems that radically improve the ability to communicate and collaborate in the event of an emergency.
ExecutiveBiz: How is MorganFranklin positioned to take advantage of emergency communications opportunities as they arise?
Bob Morgan:
We have long-term experience providing similar types of solutions at the federal level to senior executive leaders. We’ve been delivering solutions that provide 24/7 critical and secure global communication and IT networks for the Presidential Communications Programs and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security since the inception of our company. Strong performance in these high-stakes environments, our enterprise-wide approach and a culture of creativity and execution have earned us accolades as a refreshing alternative to those companies that provide commodity type products to the emergency preparedness community.
ExecutiveBiz: What are some of the biggest challenges that come along with this opportunity?
Bob Morgan:
The primary challenge is the length of time to overcome the hurdles that state and local markets have with receiving funding for these types of projects. Resources that come from the Department of Homeland Security are limited and requirements are vast. When assisting state and local governments, we not only focus on identifying their requirements but also look for creative ways to navigate the process for receiving funds.
ExecutiveBiz: What trend do you see at the state and local level that is impacting your business?
Bob Morgan:
Funding has had the biggest impact and this has a ripple effect on buying decisions. An essential question is do organizations have adequate funding resources that allow their collaboration between first responders and other agencies? And once they receive the funding, how do they best allocate it? The lengthy process sometimes pushes organizations to make hasty decisions or settle for solutions that may not meet their specific requirements but are readily available.
ExecutiveBiz: What is happening with your activity in the commercial sector?
Bob Morgan:
Our commercial work focuses on helping clients with high-stakes financial and accounting, business operations and IT issues. We’re seeing an increased level of activity assisting our clients with mergers and acquisitions. There’s a tremendous amount of capital to be invested. A lot of our clients are going through periods of high growth. We are asked up front for diligence preparations for acquisitions and IPOs, as well as for post-acquisition assistance with integration and the other issues that come with consolidating two or more companies.
ExecutiveBiz: What do you envision for MorganFranklin in the next three years?
Bob Morgan:
MorganFranklin will expand significantly outside the national capital region — both nationally and internationally. Our plan is to primarily grow the business organically, but we will also look at strategic acquisitions to boost business in niche government organizations or geographic locations. We will continue to provide more complex solutions through the integration of the company’s wide range of expertise. Our plan is to focus on rapidly growing and changing organizations that depend on experienced and seasoned professionals who understand their business and provide them with enterprise solutions.
ExecutiveBiz: Tell us about your branding strategy.
Bob Morgan:
Our branding efforts focus on sharing with employees, colleagues, clients and others those things that have allowed us to differentiate from the beginning. This includes our culture of being 100 percent frank, our commitment to be agile and creative, and our track record of success with high-stakes financial, operational and IT objectives.
Over the years MorganFranklin has grown quietly through word of mouth. We’ve made a significant investment into our marketing department to expand our brand and recognize the outstanding leadership and team of employees that we have. We have a more robust communications program and launched advertising campaigns in print, radio and television. And our employees are getting even more involved in the business community, which is essential to promote our brand.
Our company is heavily involved in the community. We support a number of charities in host our own annual charity golf tournament to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps seriously wounded military personnel make the transition back to civilian life. We are living up to the mission, vision and the guiding principles we used in the creation of the company — to surpass the expectations of our clients and to give back to the community. We will increase our participation in the business community with the Greater Washington Board of Trade and other organizations where we are members. Giving back to the community is a significant part of our strategy.
ExecutiveBiz: What is something most people are surprised to learn about MorganFranklin?
Bob Morgan:
We are not a financial advisor nor are we an actor. Over the years we’ve been confused with Morgan Stanley and called Morgan Freeman.
ExecutiveBiz: What is your favorite restaurant?
Bob Morgan:
My favorite restaurant is my grandmother’s kitchen in Pennsylvania, but locally I like 2941 in Falls Church.
For more information about
MorganFranklin, visit
www.morganfranklin.com.
Interview with Bob Morgan conducted by JD Kathuria.
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