Gravity Jack, a prominent leader in the research and development of both commercial and government custom software, has announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer.
Joshua Abel, Gravity Jack’s chief operations officer over the past year, will assume the role, effective immediately. Abel replaces the company’s original founder, Luke Richey, who will remain with the company, operating as president.
The announcement, made by Gravity Jack’s board to members of all three company offices at the quarterly report in May, comes on the heels of remarkable recent growth in both Gravity Jack’s commercial and government projects over the past year. This progress has been heavily attributed to the work of Abel during his time as COO, and the growth of the team under his direction, which began in May of 2014.
Under Abel, Gravity Jack has experienced diversified and consistent revenue growth, thanks to ongoing and growing relationships with Kraft Foods, US Department of Defense, Live Nation Entertainment, and a wide range of promising small businesses and mobile startups. This work has, in turn, led to sustainable increases in its staff of nearly 40% and the addition of two satellite offices, in both Denver and Chicago.
“There is a new collaborative sense of accomplishment that has bred this success,” says Richey. “It’s based on authentic hard work and growth. We’ve learned that culture is truly critical, and I can’t speak enough to what Josh has brought and will continue to bring to Gravity Jack.”
Abel joined Gravity Jack from Imaginary Trout, a highly successful web development and management firm, founded by Abel in 2008. The company started as a pursuit of Abel’s entrepreneurial spirit, following a successful executive-level information technology management career. The notable success of Imaginary Trout was greatly due not only to Abel’s passion for the agency world, but also his commitment to and the support of various military-related branches, groups and nonprofits.
“I didn’t serve in the military, and believe that it’s incredibly important that I pursue any opportunity I can to give back and serve those who lay their lives on the line for us every day,” stated Abel.
Abel’s experience, driven by this passion, is considered an ideal fit for Gravity Jack’s work in both the commercial and defense sectors. In addition to his entrepreneurial accomplishments, in 2010, Abel was inducted as an Honorary Command Chief at Luke Air Force Base, and participated in a two-year program which includes civilian immersion and awareness instruction under the 56th Fighter Wing’s Command Chief Master Sergeant — a role responsible for the morale, welfare, training, management and professional growth of 5,000 enlisted personnel assigned to the United States Air Force’s largest fighter wing. Abel is a lifelong member to the prestigious Blue Blazer Squadron, a group of honorary commander alumni supporting Luke Air Force Base via Fighter Country Partnership (Luke AFB’s support and advocacy organization). Abel also sits on the FCP Honorary Commanders golf tournament board.
In addition to his work with the military, Abel is involved in a number of non-profit initiatives, such as Kids Playing For Kids — a program that allows children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions to be fully involved in local sports programs. Abel has made it clear that, under his direction, Gravity Jack seeks to increase the company’s active presence in the non-profit and humanitarian space.
About Gravity Jack
Founded in 2009, Gravity Jack is a full-service American custom software design and development agency, headquartered in Liberty Lake, WA with satellite locations in Denver, CO and Chicago, IL. Specializing in cutting-edge technologies, including mobile apps, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), visual search and 360º video, Gravity Jack creates completely custom software solutions for names like Kraft Foods, US Department of Defense, Boeing, Coca-Cola, TaylorMade Golf and more. Through these technologies, Gravity Jack allows brands to authentically engage consumers through 3D experiences, gaming, polling, analytics and more. To learn more, view project examples and start your project today, visit www.gravityjack.com.