IDA’s Story
Our Culture Stems From Our Leader’s History
The greatest reward of any business is building relationships with people. We strive to build a corporate culture based upon our values and vision. Bringing a diverse group of people together with the focus of becoming a team, united under a common vision, committing their time talent and energy toward accomplishing the business goals while also enriching the lives of our clients, families and community. Along the journey – laugh, have fun and keep on believing.
Von Washington started IDA back in 2007 with a vision for creating a culture of excellence that results in quality products and an exceptional level of service. The inspiration for IDA stated with Von’s grandmother, Ida Merritt Moore, and her journey. Ida grew up in a farming family as a single daughter with six brothers and lived in the countryside around Petersberg, Virginia. When Ida was 19, she went to New York City to work as a furrier and seamstress.
Eventually, Ida returned to Petersburg and worked for a gentlemen’s clothing store call Lugman’s Clothier. She performed all of the tailoring and suitmaking but did not feel she was making enough money. Ida left the store to start her small sewing shop. Thanks to her determination, talent, and hard work, the owner of Lugman’s eventually subcontracted his products to Ida’s shop to be altered and sewn.
She ran the sewing shop business for almost 50 years and opened a successful beauty/barber supply store as well. Her achievements were not limited to business, though. Ida was the first female trustee in her county church, a leader of multiple civic organizations, and a very progressive leader in her community. She was never afraid to take the lead, and she had a powerful influence on her grandson.
Ida had two daughters, one who became a nurse, and the other, Von’s mother, went into law enforcement. In 1971, Von’s mother was the first African-American deputy sheriff in Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
Following the strong role models in his life and the work ethic they instilled, Mr. Washington worked his way through Virginia State University earning his degree and a commission in the U.S. Army as an Air Defense Artillery officer. During his first assignment in Panama, Von’s grandmother Ida finally retired from working, but not before imparting values that would set the standard-of-excellence for the future IDA Technology.
Mr. Washington gained considerable experience in the Patriot and Avenger weapons systems as a commander, operations officer, and operations research, and systems analyst (ORSA) during his many years of military service. Following his service, Von worked as an independent consultant with Lockheed Martin on the development, planning, and testing of the Theater High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to ensure weapons-grade performance for many years.
As a combination of the lessons learned from his family and his experiences in the service of his country, Von Washington developed a vision of creating a business that provided remarkable service and first-rate products while encouraging a culture of excellence. Integrated Defense Applications, or IDA Technology, emerged from that vision.
Von named the business in honor of his grandmother, Ida, who had inspired him for so many years, and the company is still instilled with those family values today. Mr. Washington’s son, daughter, and wife all work at IDA in different capacities.
Von has not forgotten his brothers and sisters in arms either. Along with his wife, who is also a veteran, IDA employs many veterans. Additionally, IDA supports the Armed Services YMCA, which is a military nonprofit organization serving junior enlisted members and their families.
Today, IDA has expanded into a holding company with operations and employees in multiple states. The legacy of Ida Merrit Moore on Mr. Washington’s family lives on through the high-quality products and exceptional service that all of our branches deliver. Ida would accept nothing less, and neither do we.