Celebrating Our 2024 Aggie 100 Recognition
We are proud to announce that Arion has been recognized as a recipient of the prestigious Aggie 100 award for 2024, ranking #36 among the fastest-growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led businesses in the world! This honor, awarded by the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M University, celebrates companies driven by Aggie alumni. Being part of the Aggie 100 not only underscores our growth but also reflects the strong values rooted in our Aggie heritage.
To be eligible for this distinguished award, companies must meet several criteria, including:
Company Longevity: Arion has been in business for over five years, showcasing our commitment and resilience in the industry.
Verifiable Revenue: Arion has achieved verifiable minimum revenues in each of the past three years, underscoring our financial stability and growth.
Texas A&M Leadership: Our leadership team includes Texas A&M graduates, including our CEO, an Aggie alum from the class of '86, ensuring we uphold the values and traditions of our alma mater.
Aggie Code of Honor: Our operations are consistent with the Aggie Code of Honor—'An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do'—emphasizing integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of our business.
For CEO and Co-Founder, Michele McNichol, Class of '86, the alignment between Texas A&M's values and Arion's culture is clear. "The Aggie Code of Honor—‘do not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do’—closely reflects the respect, trust, and accountability that form the core of our purpose at Arion. These principles guide our people-first approach and align perfectly with the integrity Texas A&M fosters. While our values may differ, this shared commitment to ethical behavior and accountability creates a strong connection between the two."
As a proud Aggie company, we understand the importance of leadership, collaboration, and community support. This recognition is significant to Matt Neal, our VP of Engineering and Class of '96 alum. "Being recognized in the Aggie 100 is an elite distinction, especially given the competitive field of companies led by fellow Aggie alumni. It places us in a prestigious position within the renowned Aggie network. To be recognized alongside other Aggie-led companies is a testament to our credibility and success. Earning a spot in the Aggie 100 is truly the elite of the elite, and it's an incredible honor."
Arion is proud of our rapid growth. Founded in 2018 with just 8 employees, Arion has since grown to a team of more than 325. Cory McFarland, our Chief Financial Officer and Class of '03 alum attributes Arion's rapid growth to the collective effort of the team. "The key factor behind Arion’s success has been our people! Our company founders cast a strong vision for a people-first culture where our success is measured by our clients’ success. Our ‘A-Team’ has lived fully into these shared values, which has led to our significant growth and tremendous success.”
Looking ahead, Tyson Thomas, VP of our Onshore Business Unit and Class of '05, views this recognition as a powerful motivator for Arion's continued success. "Arion being recognized as a member of the Aggie 100 validates the steps we've taken to build Arion from the beginning. It motivates our team to keep striving for continued success. The Aggie Network spans so many industries and involves so many influential former students, so to be part of this elite group sets Arion up for even more growth and success in the years to come."
We are excited to be featured in this year's Aggie 100 magazine and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence. Thank you to the Aggie community for your ongoing support!