Lily Aragon discusses leading fast-growing specialist firm Kros-Wise

Aragon described the SPI contract as "a blessing" that aligns with her goal of diversifying into the commercial aviation sector. She emphasized that it allows Kros-Wise to provide low-cost solutions with multiple antenna installations atop a single crown kit adjustable for various airframes. The entire OAE kit is being engineered, manufactured, and tested at Kros-Wise.

Kros-Wise CTO Ken Larson manages the engineering aspects while Aragon oversees contract management for the Aerospace Division. "We have such a great team of engineers," Aragon told RGN. She noted their extensive experience working with other integrators in this field.

Aragon's entry into defense and aerospace was unconventional. "I was a single mom offered a janitor position at a startup defense contractor’s company," she said. Despite starting at an entry-level position, she quickly advanced by leveraging her skills in computer science.

In 1996, Aragon joined Booz Allen Hamilton as an IT consultant for the Navy before founding Kros-Wise in 2004. Initially focused on large IT Navy programs delivering shipboard networks for the Naval fleet, Kros-Wise grew rapidly within this environment.

"We brought Ken Larson onboard at Kros-Wise," she continued. They developed several commercial products including a particle separator dirt filtration system which found success in off-road UTV racing events like Baja 1000.

Larson joined Kros-Wise in 2017 alongside the launch of KWT Filters division and initiated the aviation business unit. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, both divisions remained operational due to their essential status supporting DOD contracts and satellite work for Viasat.

Providing OAE crowns for SPI’s HBCplus work is seen as an extension of Kros-Wise’s capabilities. The company's kits offer features such as lower height with drag reduction over competitors’ designs and patented items enhancing installation flexibility across multiple airframes.

Reflecting on her journey after twenty years since launching Kros-Wise, Aragon expressed contentment: "This company for me was a gift from God... My main mission is to take God’s blessings and bless others."

As a woman executive in a male-dominated field, Aragon acknowledged facing challenges but emphasized focusing on excellence: “If your work is good... people notice the difference.”

Her primary objective remains making clients shine by helping them achieve their programmatic and career goals.