Twenty years ago, in March 2006, CMiT was founded with a simple but enduring belief:

Leave things better than you found it.

Robert Baden-Powell, founder of Scouting, famously wrote:

“Try and leave this world a little better than you found it, ….” 

That idea, instilled in every team member by our founder, John Lehman, might sound simple, but its power lies in how it’s lived every day. It’s a philosophy rooted in service, perseverance, and people‑first leadership. It’s shaped how we work, how we make decisions, and how we weather the storms that come with long‑term mission delivery.

This is an Extended Ethic: It’s not limited to nature—We apply this principle to relationships, projects, and communities.

“What does resilience look like after 20 years of change? At CMiT, it’s more than endurance—it’s evolution with purpose.”

What Resilience Really Means to Us

Resilience isn’t about perseverance alone; it’s about purposeful continuity. It’s not simply enduring difficult times; it’s evolving through them with intention and care.

At CMiT, resilience has its roots in three pillars:

1. Mission‑Driven Focus
   Through changes in administration, shifts in federal priorities, and even government shutdowns, what remained constant was our commitment to mission success. When your focus is grounded in mission, uncertainty doesn’t derail you, it reorients you.
2. Values in Action
   Our mission, vision, and values are more than words. They are active guiding principles that influence how we serve customers, support employees, and collaborate with partners. Integrity.Service.Innovation. These are not just ideals; they are the engine of consistent performance.
3. People and Purpose
   Resilience is human. It thrives where people feel supported, empowered, and connected to something larger than themselves. At CMiT, we invest in our teams, celebrate their wins, and learn from obstacles together. That creates not just resilience, but sustainable resilience, and was one of the reasons the  WashingtonPost named CMiT a winner of the Greater Washington Area Top Workplaces 2025 Award.

Resilience as a Mindset, Not a Moment

Too often resilience is treated as a reaction, something we only call upon after being tested. But the truth is, resilience is a mindset you cultivate every day.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Expect change, don’t fear it. When change is constant, adaptability becomes second nature.
• Prioritize learning over perfection. Setbacks are insights, not failures.
• Stay values‑aligned. When decisions are grounded in values, you reduce noise and strengthen clarity of purpose.
• Serve others first. Service creates trust, momentum, and reciprocity, even in challenging times.

These approaches are not abstract ideals, they are tactical behaviors that have helped CMiT thrive through two decades of change.

How You Can Apply This Framework

Whether you’re leading a team, steering a project, or navigating your professional growth, consider applying this resilience framework:

• Define Your Purpose.What is bigger than today’s challenges? Anchor to it.
• Live Your Values.Embed them into decisions and actions, not just statements.
• Invest in People.Build trust. Foster community. Empower growth.
• See Challenges as Tutors.They shape perspective and strengthen capacity.

Resilience isn’t a destination. It’s a continuous process and one that yields strength, clarity, and longevity.

Growing Forward, Together

As we celebrate 20 years, we honor not just the longevity of CMiT, but the resilience that carried us here. Our gratitude goes to every customer, teammate, vendor, and partner who walked this path with us. Every challenge encountered and every project delivered has shaped who we are,  a company committed to elevating outcomes and leaving things better than we found them.

If resilience has shaped your journey too — in your work, your team, or your life — we invite you to join the conversation.

Like, share, and comment with your story.

Here’s to the next chapter grounded in purpose, driven by values, and fueled by resilience.

“How has resilience shaped your journey? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to learn from you.”