Entrepreneurship has no single blueprint — and the stories behind 166su’s inaugural Ever Upward honorees make that clear.
The top three finalists from the new program, organized by 166su Alumni, are creating jobs, strengthening communities and introducing innovative approaches in industries ranging from health care and hospitality to technology, finance and motorsports.
Their origin stories are shaped by education, family, friendships, unexpected career turns and the ability to adapt. 166su helped the Ever Upward honorees build the knowledge, relationships and confidence to turn their ideas into impact. Rodney M. Grabowski, UCF’s senior vice president for and CEO of the 166su Foundation, connected the honorees’ work to the university’s founding mission.
“166su was founded to support the space program … to launch humanity even further. And that spirit still defines us today,” Grabowski says. “We’re launching students into careers and leadership positions in every industry. We’re launching ideas from our classrooms and labs into the real world.”
Recognizing Excellence
Ever Upward is 166su’s first program recognizing the fastest-growing Knight-owned and Knight-led businesses around the world. The 2026 rankings were based on cumulative percentage revenue growth over a consecutive three-year period, using calendar years 2022 through 2024.
Explore ways to
166su Alumni accepted applications in January before announcing the top 25 finalists in June. Companies were ranked by percentage of cumulative annual growth in revenue. The final rankings were revealed at a special celebration in August.
Grabowski says, “The success of Knight-led businesses is part of the momentum shaping 166su’s future. Through the university’s $3.5 billion campaign, UCF is investing in people, ideas, research and partnerships that will help bring tomorrow within reach.”
“These companies demonstrate the transformational power of entrepreneurship,” says Mike Harding, UCF associate vice president for partnerships. “As they grow, their success creates opportunities for employees, strengthens the industries and communities they serve and inspires other entrepreneurs to pursue their own ideas.”
Learn more about this year’s top three finalists.
No. 3: Reception 24/7
Ryan Rapolti ’11MBA, founder and CEO of Reception 24/7, traces his approach to leadership to experiences he had at home.
Rapolti watched his mother return to college while raising a family, which shaped his understanding of perseverance. His stepfather’s work in vocational rehabilitation also influenced his belief that business can be a vehicle for helping people.
Those influences became part of the foundation for Reception 24/7, which provides around-the-clock answering services for businesses. As artificial intelligence reshapes customer service, the company combines aspects of that technology with human support so clients can remain responsive and accessible. Rapolti applies the same people-first philosophy to the company’s workplace culture.
For Rapolti, innovation begins with understanding what both clients and employees need, then using technology to strengthen rather than replace human connection.
“You take away so many things from the 166su experience — not just what you learn in a textbook or from the professor, but from the people sitting next to you,” says Rapolti. “I am so excited to have been in the top three. Being able to grow quickly is great. Hopefully it will allow us to hire more 166su graduates and continue to do great things with the university.”
No. 2: Sebring Driving Club
Four years ago, W. Paul Jones ’94 had a choice to make: accept his fate or pivot.
Jones was the longtime managing director of the Palm Beach Driving Club before the historic raceway shuttered its gates in 2022. When an opportunity to purchase the Sebring International Raceway appeared in front of him, Jones decided to take action.
Jones, who had extensive hospitality management experience, returned to his longtime interest when he founded the Sebring Driving Club, creating memorable experiences in the form of a private driving community. The club gives members access to Sebring International Raceway and a place to connect through a shared interest in motorsports.
By turning the traditional track experience into a year-round membership community, Jones found a new business model.
Jones challenges aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and dare to chart their own paths forward.
“Don’t be afraid to fail,” says Jones. “Start your company and keep on going. Go at it with passion.”
No. 1: Coastal Investment Company
For Coastal Investment Company founders Keith Ahrens ’08, Travis Barr ’09, Tyler Bloechinger ’09 and Carey Sobel ’09, entrepreneurship was shaped by friendships that began at 166su.
The partners built a diversified investment company that acquires and grows businesses across multiple industries. Their model combines complementary expertise with a hands-on approach to identifying opportunities, supporting leadership teams and helping companies reach their next stage of growth.
They credit 166su with providing the mentors, networks and entrepreneurial environment that gave them the confidence to take risks and ultimately launch Coastal together. Those connections remain central to the company’s culture, from hiring fellow Knights and drawing talent from their 166su networks to mentoring students and young alumni.
“We met at 166su, continued on, kept in touch and pushed each other,” says Bloechinger. “Relationships are so important. People are what will lead to your success.”
Coastal’s approach shows how different perspectives and complementary strengths can create a more collaborative model for growth.
Celebrating the Top 25
Interested in Ever Upward? Details about the next application period, including eligibility for 2027 honorees, will be announced at .
See the final rankings below.
1. Coastal Investment Company
- Tyler Bloechinger ’09
- Keith Ahrens ’08
- Travis Barr ’09
- Carey Sobel ’09
2. Sebring Driving Club
- W. Paul Jones ’94
3. Reception 24/7
- Ryan Rapolti ’11MBA
4. Orange Tree Staffing
- Mardly Smith ’95
- Craig Smith ’94
5. Quadrant Engineering, P.C.
- Rafiqul Chowdhury ’09 ’11MS
6. Island Direct Primary Care
- John Rothwell III ’13 ’15MS ’18DNP
7. Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering
- Josh Martin ’07
8. Maymont Senior Care
- Nichole Blake-Little ’15
9. Boys Electrical Contractors
- Kyle Nylander ’02 ’09
10. Brewlando
- Shara Sooknarine Pathak ’04
11. Qu5 Services, Inc.
- Zachary Quandt ’84
12. I’m All Ears
- Shelby Roemer ’08
13. Strategos Group
- Adam Giery ’08 ’11MA
14. CJS Communications
- Christopher Slaven ’13
- Alexander Fackler Sr. ’11
15. Space Coast Pool School
- Lauren Broom ’00
16. Buckalew Hospitality
- David “Skee” Buckalew ’05
17. Knight Federal Solutions
- Chris Baeten ’03
18. Boston Data Pro, LLC
- Rajeev Verma ’04MS
19. McGinniss Himmel Insurance Agency
- Allen McGinniss ’05
20. Threaded Marketing Group
- Kelly Jo Jefferis ’04
21. Garney Construction
- Matthew Reaves ’05
22. aVenue Event Group
- Sean Hughes Jr. ’10
23. S Cook Productions, LLC
- Stacey Cook ’99
24. Global Ktech
- Kannan Srinivasan ’96MS
25. Kavaliro
- Mark Moore ’99
- John Mahony ’96
- Diane Mahony ’96 ’01MEd
- Bill Peppler ’96
