By Johnny Duncan

One of the original tech companies to blaze a path to Central Florida was Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin’s history dates back to 1909 when Glenn L. Martin organized a company around an airplane construction business. The Glenn L. Martin Company merged with American-Marietta Corporation in 1961 to become Martin Marietta, and then in 1995 with Lockheed Corporation to form the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Employing more than 4,800, the Lockheed Martin Orlando facility has been a part of the East Orlando community since the 1960s. The company has seen much growth while helping shape Orlando into a technology mega-center. Insight Magazine had the honor of picking the brain of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Lockheed Martin, Mr. Joseph Cleveland.

Insight East Orlando (IEO): Mr. Cleveland, of all your accomplishments, which do you feel is your greatest in the field of technology?

Mr. Cleveland: As the Chief Information Officer for a $40 billion corporation, I am proud of the manner in which Lockheed Martin has embraced and leveraged our information technology resources to help our customers achieve their most challenging goals.

IEO: How do you think Lockheed Martin has impacted the East Orlando community in regards to technology?

Mr. Cleveland: In the early 1980s, Martin Marietta purchased the Lake Underhill property to house a microelectronics facility. At that time there was nothing in the area on Lake Underhill Road. In fact, it was considered so "far out" that we ran a bus service from the Sand Lake Road plant for employees. Since that time, our industry and the community have evolved and become part of the High-Tech Corridor. Land that was once owned by Lockheed Martin now houses a Harley-Davidson dealership, Lowes, and a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market. Today, there are 4,800 employees who work at the Lockheed Martin Lake Underhill facility, the majority of whom are degreed professionals.

IEO: Do you think Orlando will be ready to embrace its rapid growth?

Mr. Cleveland: Keeping pace with this rapid growth does present a challenge for East Orlando so it’s imperative that the area has affordable housing, quality schools and adequate transportation. With the housing slowdown impacting county coffers, careful planning and controlled growth are keys to retaining the quality of life this community provides. One issue that impacts our Lake Underhill facility is the Alafaya Trail extension to the Beachline. More than 100 of our employees travel from Brevard County and are eager for that project to be completed.

IEO: With information traveling faster than ever, what are some of the latest tools that you believe residents in East Orlando can expect to have access to that will save them time and frustration in the future?

Mr. Cleveland: Today, a successful employer needs to provide greater flexible working options for employees, which often relies on greater use of technology such as remote access to the workplace. At Lockheed Martin, employees in certain areas are provided BlackBerry devices or other mobile wireless devices to remain in touch when not physically in the office. Outside the office, technology innovations abound within home security, childcare, entertainment and other service areas of our lives. Additionally, a greater emphasis on "Green" products will guide IT innovations in ways such as harnessing renewable energy sources.

IEO: How do you see Lockheed Martin in the next 10 -20 years?

Mr. Cleveland: Given the changes we’ve witnessed in the past few years, it is staggering to consider the next 20 years. For instance, Lockheed Martin – long known as an aerospace company -- has nearly 50% of its sales now based in IT. Some of the largest changes will be in technology to enable Lockheed Martin to collaborate more effectively with customers and suppliers. Locally, excitement will build as we prepare for the launch of Orion to reach Mars after completing construction of the Space Station. For over 50 years, this community has been tied to the success on the space coast and it looks like that link will remain strong for some time.

IEO: What advice can you give the residents in East Orlando who are continually trying to adapt to the ever-changing technology?

Mr. Cleveland: I find that using the web is a good way of keeping up with the ever-changing technology. The next generation of the web will lead the way for individuals and corporations alike. Faced with persistent change, it is vital that we embrace innovation and remain agile.