The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
College of Architecture + Design

Alumni Companies Celebrated in Second Business Awards

2025 Rocky Top Business Award recipients at the event gala on Friday, May 2.

The Office of Advancement’s second Rocky Top Business Awards were held Friday, May 2, in a celebration recognizing the fastest-growing University of Tennessee, Knoxville, alumni-owned or alumni-led businesses.  

Kira McKeown-Adamo, left, and Robert Adamo, right, pose with their 2025 Rocky Top Business Award.
McKeown-Adamo, left, and Adamo, right.

This year’s awards celebrated 64 companies, including five College of Architecture and Design alumni-owned businesses, for their fast growth. Three firms received accolades for the second time including Orange Flood Control, LLC., a full, turn-key company that supplies and installs flood barriers, co-founded by Kira McKeown-Adamo (’97) and Robert Adamo (’97) who serve as chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively. 

The company rose from 35th in the 2023 awards to 15th in this year’s competition. 

“It is an incredible honor for Orange Flood Control, LLC. to be recognized once again by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as one of the fastest-growing alumni organizations for a second year. Climbing to 15th this year is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team, the trust of our clients, and the support of our community. This achievement motivates us to continue pushing boundaries, striving for excellence in everything we do, and representing the Volunteer community outside of Knoxville.”

Other firms recognized in the awards included:

  • 19th: CB Design Group, Inc., is a full-service architecture firm specializing in the design of institutional, government, and other public projects. Wes Bridges (’96) is the founder and principal owner of CB Design Group, Inc., and serves as the firm’s president and chief executive officer. 
  • 28th: George Armour Ewart, Architect, is an award-winning company impacting communities across East Tennessee and beyond. George Ewart (’88) serves as the principal architect.
  • 36th: Lauderdale Design Group, a full-service interior design firm and first-time awardee, is led by owner and lead principal designer Dani Miller (’12).
  • Dead End BBQ, LLC, a regional, full-service BBQ restaurant, co-owned by Ewart and Tickle College of Engineering alumnus Robert Nutt (’87) received its first Rocky Top Business Award. 

The 2025 awards were presented by PYA.