Hacking Boundaries: Travis’s Journey of Innovation, Leadership, and Cybersecurity Excellence
In line with Echelon’s value of People with Personality, we are excited to continue our new initiative under our content umbrella designed to spotlight our incredible team members, called Cybersecurity Champions. Through these monthly features, we aim to shine a light on the amazing individuals who drive our success and embody the spirit of our company.
From a defining moment in his military career to his role as Echelon’s Senior Director of Offensive Security, TW’s journey showcases unwavering determination, deep expertise, and outstanding leadership. His entry into ethical hacking was a bold step into uncharted territory, mastering steep challenges and earning the highly respected OSCP certification on his first try. TW’s commitment to growth continued as he transitioned into government contracting, trained elite teams, and advanced to leadership.
Q: Tell us about your journey to Echelon. How did you get started in cybersecurity?
TW: The start of my cybersecurity career was more of a stumble into the field than a calculated choice. As I approached twelve years of active duty in the military, I found myself at a crossroads—either re-enlist for the full 20 years or explore new opportunities in the private sector. During this period of uncertainty, I discovered offensivesecurity.com (now OffSec.com) and the intriguing concept of getting paid to ethically hack into computers. Despite having no prior experience with a Linux terminal or command prompt, the idea was captivating enough for me to dive in headfirst.
Initially, the learning curve was steep and overwhelming. I began with a course known at the time as Penetration Testing with Backtrack, which has since evolved into Pen Testing with Kali. For six months, I dedicated myself to the coursework, studying up to 16 hours on my days off and 8 hours each night after work. This rigorous schedule was driven by my goal to achieve the OSCP certification, which I successfully completed on my first attempt.
Following my certification, I transitioned out of the military and into a government contracting role, where I trained Special Operations Forces (SOF) and various agencies. This position was a steppingstone that led me to Fishnet Security which later merged into Optiv. Despite feeling out of my depth initially, I thrived in a team of exceptional professionals and continued to grow, eventually spending a decade at Optiv and rising to the role of practice director on the Attack & Penetration team.
The decision to leave Optiv came from a desire for continued growth. A mentor once advised that stagnation in any role is a sign to seek new challenges.
Q: Why did you choose to join Echelon, and how do its values align with yours?
TW: I chose Echelon because it offers a small business environment that still values entrepreneurism and personal growth. At Optiv, the size of the company limited my ability to lead and influence change. Echelon, on the other hand, presents me with opportunities to drive the practice and explore pathways for personal and professional development. The entrepreneurial spirit at Echelon resonates with me, as does the emphasis on mentorship and community. The family-like culture here is something I greatly appreciate and aligns with my own values.
Q: Can you expand on your role at Echelon and what you aim to achieve?
TW: As the Senior Director of Offensive Security, I lead a talented team of consultants, focusing on scaling Echelon as it grows. My goal is to integrate offensive and defensive security measures to provide comprehensive support to our clients. I aim to enhance our offerings, standardize methodologies, and ensure that we provide holistic security solutions. Ultimately, I want Echelon to become a formidable force in the industry, benefiting both our clients and the organization.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to switch industries into cybersecurity?
TW: If you're considering a move into cybersecurity, it's essential to identify a specific area of interest within the field and focus all your efforts on becoming an expert in that domain. Whether it's working in a SOC, incident response, or offensive security, direct your education and training toward that specialization. Being a subject matter expert in one area will significantly increase your employability and make you stand out in the industry.
Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
TW: I love spending time in my small town in Florida, where I enjoy the peace of farm life. Mowing the pasture is a time when I do my best thinking. My wife and I enjoy spending Friday nights with friends at a local bar, soaking in the close-knit community atmosphere. It's a stark contrast to my earlier life in Los Angeles, but I cherish the simplicity and warmth of small-town living.
Q: What does being a cybersecurity champion mean to you?
TW: Being a cybersecurity champion is about more than just securing organizations—it's about defending the fundamental rights to security and privacy for individuals. While I am passionate about strengthening organizational security, my true drive lies in protecting the personal data of individuals. At Echelon, we share this commitment, and it fuels my dedication to my work and our shared mission.