At the 2025 Oklahoma Aerospace Forum, Vigilant Aerospace Systems CEO Kraettli L. Epperson moderated a breakout panel titled Small Business, Big Impact: Growing Aerospace from the Ground Up. The session examined the operational, regulatory, and growth challenges facing small and mid-sized aerospace companies operating in Oklahoma’s evolving aerospace ecosystem.
The panel brought together leaders from across manufacturing, electronics, and services. The discussion emphasized that small businesses remain a critical driver of innovation, supply chain resilience, and workforce development in aerospace and defense.
The Oklahoma Aerospace Forum is the state’s largest annual gathering of aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, educators, and government partners. For 8 years, the event has played a central role in shaping statewide aerospace priorities by strengthening industry networks and connecting smaller firms with prime contractors, investors, and policymakers involved in long-term workforce and industrial development.
Panel Participants
The Small Business, Big Impact: Growing Aerospace from the Ground Up panel featured leaders from across Oklahoma’s aerospace industry:
- Maurice Compton, CEO, Ready3
- Tim Frisby, Managing Partner, Critical Components Aerospace
- Dr. Brenda Rolls, President & CEO, Frontier Electronic Systems
- Bailey Siegfried, VP of Culture, Communication & Human Resources, NORDAM
From Founding Stories to Scaling Decisions
Panelists began by discussing how their companies were founded and the early decisions that shaped their trajectories. The speakers described initial business conditions and early customer engagement, and decisions they had to make as their companies began to scale.
As their companies grew, participants described balancing ambition with financial and operational realities. Topics included managing cash flow, investing in talent, and deciding when to expand capabilities internally versus through partnerships.
Competing in a Growing Aerospace Economy
Oklahoma’s expanding aerospace sector was a central theme. Panelists discussed how smaller firms can claim a share of that growth while competing with large primes and out-of-state suppliers. Strategies included specialization, reliability, and becoming indispensable within niche segments of the supply chain.
The role of prime contractors was also examined. Speakers noted that clearer communication, longer-term planning, and earlier engagement can help small suppliers integrate more effectively. Strong supplier relationships were described as essential to innovation and schedule performance.
Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Federal Standards
Compliance requirements featured prominently, particularly for companies supporting defense programs. Discussion addressed the challenges of navigating federal contracting requirements and adapting to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards.
Panelists emphasized the need to treat compliance as a core business function rather than an afterthought. Early planning, external expertise, and incremental implementation were cited as practical approaches for smaller firms managing limited resources.
Partnerships, Talent, and Technology
Panel participants shared examples of partnerships with universities, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and peer companies that accelerated technical development or opened new markets. These relationships were described as force multipliers for small teams.
Hiring and retaining skilled talent was identified as an ongoing challenge. Panelists discussed competing with larger firms by offering meaningful work, growth opportunities, and strong company culture. Emerging technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing were also highlighted as tools that allow small firms to move faster and operate efficiently.
Connecting Suppliers and Primes
The panel set the stage for the Forum’s supplier–prime speed networking session, which followed the discussion. This led into structured, one-on-one opportunities for small businesses and primes to connect directly, explore fit, and identify potential paths of collaboration.
About the Oklahoma Aerospace Forum
The Oklahoma Aerospace Forum is an annual statewide event that convenes aerospace and defense manufacturers, suppliers, technology companies, educators, and government organizations. The Forum focuses on workforce development, supply chain growth, policy coordination, and collaboration across Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense sectors.
Vigilant Aerospace is the leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drones). The company’s product, FlightHorizon, is based on two NASA patents and uses data from multiple sources to display a real-time picture of the air traffic around a UAS and to provide automatic avoidance maneuvers to prevent collisions. The software is designed to meet industry technical standards, to provide automatic safety and to allow UAS to safely fly beyond the sight of the pilot. The software has won multiple industry awards and the company has had contracts and users at NASA, the FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense and with a variety of drone development programs. Visit our website at www.VigilantAerospace.com