We’ll never forget our visit to UNCOMN (pronounced uncommon) just outside the main gate Scott Air Force Base—a company that not only leads with innovation, but with purpose and heart. They brand their contracting company as the “Special Forces of Tech” due to their agile approach to IT Consulting. UNCOMN’s systems thinkers and engineers provide hands-on expertise to enhance their clients’ organization and deliver the UNCOMN Client Experience— ensuring Clarity, Efficiency, Competitive Advantage, and Stakeholder Fulfillment. What made this experience truly stand out was hearing from so many team members, each sharing their personal journey and growth within the company.

CEO and Founder Jason Carter shared his remarkable story—20 years in the Navy where he survivived a submerged collision with a Russian submarine in 1993, and was in the Pentagon on 9/11. His final three years of service were spent right here at Scott Air Force Base, where UNCOMN now operates as the largest military contractor to the base.

After retiring from the Navy in 2008, Jason took a leap of faith and started UNCOMN—driven by a vision to create a company built on trust, service, and connection. His brother became his first employee, and as the company grew, he surrounded himself with talented people he knew from his military and professional journey—friends, mentors, and colleagues who shared his values and commitment to excellence.

Today, UNCOMN has grown to more than 230 employees, holds 20+ active contracts at SAFB and is growing nationwide.

During our visit, Jason explained the complex process of bidding government contracts—balancing technical approach, past performance, reputation, and price while ensuring the company remains profitable and able to take care of its people. He shared how every bid requires strategy, precision, and integrity, noting that,

“We can’t be everything to one customer, but we can be one thing to every customer.”

Five additional UNCOMN team members joined Jason to share their roles, experiences, and lessons in leadership:
• Mr. Bill Howard, Chief Experience Officer
• Ms. Janice Schmitt, Senior Operations Director
• Mr. Lance Fraley, Program Manager and Deputy Director for Federal Accounts
• Ms. Kaylee Templeman, Consultant for U.S. Transportation Command Future Requirements
• Mr. Jamey Stover, Consultant for U.S. Transportation Command Future Warfighting Concepts

Each person spoke with authenticity about their own growth, the company’s culture, and how UNCOMN continues to expand beyond its contracts at Scott Air Force Base—creating new opportunities for employees and clients alike.

Jason emphasized that growth is a responsibility to his people:

“If you’re not growing, you’re not opening opportunities for employees. And If a business is not growing, it’s dying.”

And a message that resonated deeply with our students:

“It’s not about your title—it’s about the work you do.”

At UNCOMN, they celebrate uncommon genius—a philosophy that was evident in every conversation, every story, and every person we met.

We were inspired, encouraged, and reminded that success is built not just on numbers or contracts, but on culture, courage, and connection—and with the generous hospitality of doughnuts and coffee—our students left at 8:30 to head to their schools for the rest of their day.

Thank you to the UNCOMN team for welcoming us so warmly and giving our students an unforgettable look at what leadership and innovation look like in action!