Meet the Founders Behind One of America’s Fastest-Growing GovTech Companies

In a world dominated by large, bureaucratic federal contractors, Matlock & Associates is emerging as a bold new model for small businesses in the government technology space. Founded by John Matlock and Joelle Sedlacek, this Top Secret-cleared, SBA-certified 8(a), EDWOSB firm has earned consecutive spots on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, securing its place among the fastest-growing companies in America.

A Mission-Driven Vision

What sets Matlock apart from its competitors is not just its impressive track record, but the leadership that drives it. The company delivers cutting-edge cybersecurity, IT, and AI-powered solutions to federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State. The company’s story is rooted in a shared belief that small businesses can deliver the speed, innovation, and precision of much larger firms while maintaining a laser focus on mission and values.

“We built Matlock to prove that small businesses can lead with discipline, scale with integrity, and outperform anyone when they care about the mission more than the margin,” says John Matlock, Co-Founder & President, a U.S. Air Force Cyber Officer and licensed Professional Engineer.

Scaling with Speed, Without Compromise

From supporting over 50,000 users across U.S. government networks to protecting more than $500 million in critical systems, Matlock has significantly impacted securing America’s most vital operations. What's impressive is the company’s ability to deliver teams in as little as seven days, proving that small businesses can scale fast without sacrificing quality, trust, or security.

Joelle Sedlacek, Co-Founder and national security expert, emphasizes, “We don’t just fill seats — we build teams aligned to the mission and driven by values. That’s what makes us different.”

This agile approach is combined with the company’s commitment to compliance and rigorous operational maturity, allowing Matlock to deliver superior results across complex national security missions, both domestically and overseas. Their projects range from enhancing IT infrastructure in Department of Defense medical facilities to building AI-powered explosive detection systems for canine units.

Culture and Values at the Core

While Matlock’s technological prowess is undeniable, its real strength lies in the culture it has cultivated. The company’s leadership team, including Chandler Matlock, Executive Leader and financial expert, believes that the key to success is not just having the right technology, but the right people. Matlock has earned national recognition for its people-first approach, having been named the #1 Small Business by the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) and winning the National Small Business Award by SAME (Society of American Military Engineers).

“We’ve scaled fast because we’ve stayed true. We treat the mission like it’s our own — because it is,” John Matlock adds. This commitment to a mission-driven culture permeates all levels of the organization, where employees are recruited, selected, and rewarded not just for their skills, but for their alignment with the company’s core values of service, integrity, innovation, and execution.

Matlock blends military discipline with entrepreneurial agility. The company’s leadership team understands that in an industry often bogged down by legacy thinking and bureaucratic processes, it takes a different approach to stand out. They do so by maintaining an entrepreneurial heart while leading with the precision of a top-tier federal contractor.

The Road Ahead

As Matlock continues its rapid growth, it remains focused on providing world-class technology solutions while staying deeply aligned with its mission-driven ethos. Its commitment to national security, IT modernization, and cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions makes it one of the most trusted and innovative firms in the field.

“We align the right people to the right mission, and everything else follows,” says Joelle Sedlacek. This focus on talent and mission has driven Matlock’s success and will continue to fuel its ascent in the world of government contracting.

In an industry filled with massive players, Matlock & Associates is proving that small businesses can not only compete but lead — offering a fresh perspective on how to scale with integrity, deliver with precision, and operate with a strong sense of purpose.

Recognition and Awards

Matlock’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. The company has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). The company’s ability to combine cutting-edge technology with values-driven leadership has set it apart in an industry often defined by legacy players.

As Matlock looks to the future, its leadership remains committed to its mission of delivering outstanding results while staying true to its values. The company’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and commitment — an inspiration to those looking to redefine what success in government contracting looks like.

For more information, visit Matlock’s Linktree.