With nearly 15 years in the Orlando modeling and simulation industry, Dignitas Technologies LLC has established itself as a leader in the development of military training systems. Dignitas’ efforts are focused in the Live, Virtual, Constructive and Gaming domains across a diverse customer set. At its essence, Dignitas conducts cutting-edge research and develops innovative technology to build systems to train soldiers before they’re deployed. These risk-free simulations save government resources and better prepare soldiers to face combat situations through synthetic training environments.
At its start in 2004, Dignitas was founded by Jon Watkins as a single person consultant platform to provide engineering support to the simulation industry. In July 2009, Elizabeth Burch joined Dignitas as Vice President to run and grow the business. In 2010, Burch legally purchased 51% of the business, converted it to a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and assumed the role of President and CEO.
Right away, Burch took steps to develop the company and accelerate its growth. According to Burch:
“Our business was in the early stages of development and we needed guidance in the critical areas that support the business infrastructure.” Burch had heard positive feedback from others that were part of the Florida SBDC at UCF's Advisory Board Council (ABC) program and she sought to utilize this resource to help her better manage and develop her organization. According to Burch, “Since we did not have the funds to hire consultants or employees to perform these roles, we needed support from an Advisory Board to guide us in the right direction.”
In 2011, Burch met with Florida SBDC at UCF ABC Program Manager Jill Kaufman, who accepted Dignitas Technologies into the program and formed an advisory board to address the company’s needs.
“Some of the key aspects of what we sought in our board were sound business finance advice for our type of government business and strong legal advice relative to how we executed contracts and established our intellectual property,” remarked Burch. “The board that we worked with provided us with excellent guidance and support.”
Among the biggest benefits coming out of the board’s recommendations were: improved financial management, risk management, legal protections, and organizational development. Burch reflected on the progress her company has made.
“The Advisory Board Council represents knowledgeable business resources that provided us with invaluable experience and guidance for our business. This has greatly helped our business because the Advisory Board was able to help us formalize our goals and assist us in developing plans to achieve those goals. Their assistance and guidance has helped mature our business and make it more resilient in our tough budget environment.”
When Dignitas became a client of the Advisory Board Council in 2011, the firm had a staff of 30 employees and annual revenue of $4.5 million. By the end of 2012, Dignitas had grown to 35 employees and increased its revenue nearly 42% to $6.4 million. Dignitas has since grown to more than 90 employees today.
In honor of her accomplishments at Dignitas Technologies, Elizabeth Burch was named SBA State of Florida Woman Owned Small Business Person of the Year in 2013. Dignitas was named one of the 2013 Florida Companies to Watch and, in 2016, they were named among Central Florida's fastest-growing private companies as part of the Orlando Business Journal's Fast 50. In 2017, Dignitas was named one of the Best Places to Work.
