Chad Drummond, President and CEO of the engineering firm Drummond Carpenter, PLLC, has been recognized as the 2025 U.S. Small Business Administration’s Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year for both the State of Florida and the North Florida District.
The honor spotlights Drummond’s leadership in building one of Florida’s fastest-growing engineering firms—one that’s tackling complex infrastructure and environmental challenges across the state and beyond.
Headquartered in Maitland, with operations across Florida and in Michigan, Drummond Carpenter delivers solutions in water resources engineering, sustainability, and environmental remediation to clients ranging from NASA and the Department of Energy to local governments.
“This recognition from the SBA is an incredible milestone—not just for me, but for everyone who has believed in what we’re building at Drummond Carpenter,” says Drummond, who founded the firm with college friend Don Carpenter in 2016. “We’ve grown by showing up with integrity, solving problems that matter, and building strong partnerships. This award is a thank-you to every client, team member, and veteran who has joined us on this mission.”
Drummond’s recognition is part of National Small Business Week, taking place May 4–10, 2025. Local and national events will highlight outstanding entrepreneurs across the country, including a two-day virtual summit, roadshow events with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
Drummond Carpenter has been celebrated by Inc. 5000, USF Fast 56, and the Orlando Business Journal for its rapid growth and innovation in engineering practice.
The firm continues to expand its footprint nationally while staying rooted in its purpose: creating smart, sustainable engineering solutions that improve communities and empower people.
About Drummond Carpenter: Drummond Carpenter is an engineering and environmental consulting firm that partners with clients to solve complex infrastructure and environmental challenges. By integrating engineering, science, and data intelligence, the firm delivers practical solutions across water, environment, infrastructure, nuclear, and federal programs. Founded in 2016, Drummond Carpenter is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business headquartered in Maitland, Florida.