Wayfinder Selected as Finalist for 2026 Freedom Award by Secretary of Defense

Wayfinder's Triumph: A Step Towards Excellence

Wayfinder BK, LLC, commonly known as Wayfinder, has recently been honored as a finalist for the esteemed 2026 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This recognition stands as a testament to the company's unwavering support and commitment to the National Guard and Reserve service members. The announcement, made by Anthony Tata, the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, highlights Wayfinder's dedication to its employees who serve in the military, making it one of only 40 finalists selected from a daunting pool of over 1,200 nominations nationwide.

Established in 1996, the Freedom Award is the highest honor presented by the U.S. Government to employers who exemplify exceptional support for military personnel. The criteria for this prestigious award go well beyond the basic requirements stipulated by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Employers receiving this accolade showcase an outstanding commitment that not only respects the rights of service members but significantly enhances the readiness and resilience of the country’s All-Volunteer Force.

Nic Spallas, the CEO of Wayfinder, expressed immense pride in this recognition, stating, "This acknowledgment is a significant honor for our entire team. Our reserve members contribute invaluable qualities like discipline, leadership, and an inherent sense of duty to our workplace." He further emphasized that supporting these individuals and their families is a core value of Wayfinder, which aligns perfectly with the essence of national strength and integrity.

Adam Jones, the COO of Wayfinder, echoed this sentiment, affirmatively saying, "We are honor-bound to support our reserve team, and we believe in fostering an inclusive atmosphere that caters to both their civilian roles and their obligations in the armed forces." Their commitment doesn't just end within the confines of the workplace; both founders actively serve as Honorary Commanders, contributing their time and expertise as civilian liaisons for the 943RD Security Forces Squadron.

As the selection process advances, Wayfinder hopes to be among the up to 15 employers who will ultimately receive the Freedom Award later this year. This award is not just about recognition; it signifies the dedication to creating an environment where service members and their families are prioritized and supported, reflecting the core values of the organization.

Beyond just accolades, Wayfinder BK, LLC, headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, specializes in comprehensive repossession coordination services across the nation. With a team equipped with investigative expertise and a network of qualified agents, the company assists clients in maximizing asset recoveries while minimizing liabilities. Their hands-on, results-oriented approach is tailored to the unique challenges faced in collateral recovery, and their values resonate through their forward-thinking mission and initiatives.

In an era where recognizing the value of service members can often be overlooked, Wayfinder serves as a beacon of hope and a model employer setting the standard for the industry. Their recent recognition as a finalist for the Freedom Award highlights the importance of supporting our heroes not just through words, but through actionable commitment and dedication to their welfare.

The journey towards being recognized with the Freedom Award is not merely a goal but an extension of Wayfinder’s commitment to incorporating values of duty, respect, and honor into their organizational culture. The path continues as they inspire fellow employers to support our nation's heroes and exemplify what it means to stand by those who stand for us.