MATT ZIMMERMANN

CEO, BEAST CODE, FORT WALTON BEACH

Beast Code specializes in combining advanced data aggregation with intuitive user experiences. Users can visualize and interact with 3-D representations of real-life assets such as ships, aircraft and facilities. These models are overlaid with all kinds of data, making it easy to access information and automate tasks. Over the last 10 years, Beast Code has grown from seven employees to more than 230 and has developed commercial software used across the commercial and DoD markets.

EDUCATION: University of West Florida (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: While there are pockets of technology companies across the state (like the Modeling & Simulation community in Orlando), there’s no incentive for being a tech company in Florida. I’d incentivize large tech companies to move their workforces to Florida and partner with local businesses.

READING: Measure What Matters, by John Doerr; it’s a great book about objectives and key results. It took me a couple years to master, but the concepts I learned really help me focus Beast Code’s priorities.

MENTOR: Dan Miller, CEO of Arnold Magnetic Technologies, which manages manufacturing plants all over the world. We started working together when Beast Code began to rapidly scale. He’s been a resource to help not only myself, but my entire management team to grow professionally and help make lasting decisions to grow/scale the company.