As CEO at boutique consulting firm The Outpost, Joey specializes in helping companies secure government contracts, particularly in the defense sector. Under Joey’s leadership, The Outpost has assisted over 250 companies in winning $300 million in contracts, demonstrating his commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth. Previously, Joey served as chief scaling officer for the Department of Defense’s Platform One. There, he transformed the authorization process for commercial software integration into defense systems, making it more dynamic and efficient.
But before he made waves in the business world, Joey earned key leadership skills in the military service as an airfield operations officer. Both domestically and abroad, Joey managed teams overseeing critical operations and construction projects, enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.
Joey co-founded the Air Force innovation program AFWERX, profoundly impacting military engagement with entrepreneurs and innovators. Under his leadership, the program grew from a small team to over 350 members, engaging more than 100,000 Airmen and funding over 2,400 companies with $710 million.
Beyond his military and consulting roles, Joey has founded three companies and played a pivotal role in supporting startup founders. He has organized numerous events and startup weekends, significantly strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in Colorado. His grassroots efforts have helped many companies refine their investor pitches and navigate the startup landscape.
Joey’s exceptional contributions have earned him several accolades, including the Department of Defense’s Packard Award for best acquisition program in 2020, a spot in Shreveport, Louisiana’s “40 under 40” in 2016 and the Fed 100 award in 2023, recognizing him as a game-changer in government technology and innovation.
Joey's journey began at ϲ, where he was active in the Leeds Business School, the Presidents Leadership Class and the Air Force ROTC program. These experiences provided him with a blend of business acumen, leadership skills and a deep understanding of military responsibilities, which have been instrumental in his career success.
Joey Arora exemplifies a mission-driven approach, leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship to create positive societal impact. His journey continues to inspire and drive the next generation of leaders.