Building a Culture of Care at Cornerstone Defense
Written by: Reilly Leonard, COO, Cornerstone Defense
At Cornerstone Defense, we believe company culture is more than just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of our organization. While the dictionary offers numerous definitions of “culture,” we focus on one that resonates with our mission: “the values, typical practices, and goals of a business or other organization, especially a large corporation.”
Our Beginnings
When we launched Cornerstone Defense nearly a decade ago, our journey started in a small hotel conference room in Washington, D.C. Our goal was clear: to build a leading defense contracting company. But our true challenge—and passion—lay in crafting a company culture that stood out. Drawing from our collective industry experiences, we dedicated that weekend to defining what Cornerstone Defense should represent.
Our Values
We envisioned a company that genuinely cares. We aimed to embody the warmth and personal touch of a “mom and pop shop” while offering the vast opportunities typical of larger corporations. At Cornerstone Defense, every employee is seen as an individual, not just a number. Our commitment to being the employer of choice is reflected in how we support and value our team members.
Our Practices
Despite many of our employees working off-site, we strive to keep everyone connected. From breakfast and lunch meetings to happy hours and sporting events, we create regular opportunities for our team to come together. Our casual gatherings, like office cookouts and activities such as axe throwing and Topgolf, foster a sense of community. We want every employee to feel like an integral part of Cornerstone Defense, not just a cog in the machine.
Our Goals
Our primary goal has always been to create a workplace where people love to work. We believe that a strong, positive company culture is the key to our success. By making Cornerstone Defense an attractive place to work, we naturally drive growth and performance in our industry.
Our Commitment
As we’ve grown from a startup to a small business, and now transitioning to a mid-sized company, maintaining our culture has been paramount. Our culture evolves with us, shaped by the diverse, talented individuals who join our team. While we may not always get it right, we’re committed to trying new things and continuously improving.
Join the Conversation
We value your input and ideas on how we can enhance our company culture. If you have suggestions, please reach out to us—we’re here to listen and grow together. At Cornerstone Defense, we’re not just building a company; we’re building a community where everyone can thrive.