Douglas Layman is best known as the founder of Kadix Systems—one of the fastest-growing technology and security firms to serve the U.S. federal intelligence community—but these days, he’s far easier to spot kiteboarding off the coast of Baja or mountain biking along Oregon’s high-desert trails. After decades of scaling companies, earning national awards, and guiding teams across complex technical missions, Doug chose a different path: a life built around curiosity, adventure, and meaningful human connection.
Born in Syracuse, New York, Doug earned his engineering degree at Oregon State University and his MBA from Georgetown. His early career ran through Accenture and Verizon, where he led large-scale technology initiatives and multimillion-dollar operations. But what most people know him for is Kadix Systems—the company he launched with just $100 and grew to four offices, 350+ employees, and more than $50 million in annual revenue. Kadix made the Inc. 500 list twice, won numerous federal awards, and was acquired by a public company. It was the kind of success founders dream about.
But Doug rarely talks about the valuation. He talks about the people. The team he built. The culture. The sense of purpose.
After the acquisition, Doug did something unexpected: he stepped off the corporate ladder entirely. Rather than chase the next title or board seat, he chose to chase experiences. He moved to Chamonix, France for ten years, climbing mountains and learning how to slow down. He reconnected with adventure, and ultimately, with himself.
Today, Doug splits his time between Bend, Oregon; the East Cape of Baja Sur, Mexico; and wherever the next plane ticket leads. He describes his life in simple terms: “70% elevated heart rate, 30% Zen.” Skiing the Italian Alps. Kiteboarding off the coast of Baja. Hiking with gorillas in Uganda. Coast-to-coast walking routes in England. Ballroom dancing. Meditation. Great meals with good friends. Outdoor motion and indoor meaning.
Even in retirement, he hasn’t stopped building. Doug continues to invest through Arve Capital Advisors while quietly mentoring younger entrepreneurs who are navigating business growth, identity, and purpose. He’s known for staying calm in chaos—whether negotiating a contract or dealing with avalanches, helicopter mishaps, or high-stakes business moments. Friends joke that he’s “a little James Bond—shaken occasionally, but never stirred.”
Doug’s current chapter blends introspection with momentum. He’s exploring how technology and creativity can help people bring ideas to life faster, with less friction. He’s fascinated by the rise of experiential lifestyles, location-independent living, and the shift toward designing a life rooted in experience, not obligation. He lives that philosophy daily.
At his core, Doug is driven by optimism and curiosity. He believes great relationships—romantic or otherwise—are built on communication, introspection, shared adventure, and the ability to switch comfortably between rugged days outdoors and elegant nights in world-class restaurants. He is happiest outside, moving, laughing, or learning something new. And he’s most energized when he’s connecting with people who see life as a chance to grow, explore, contribute, and feel deeply alive.
His hobbies reflect both sides of his nature. One moment, he’s dropping into the engine room of a sunken Greek cargo ship in a cave-diving expedition. The next, he’s at a Broadway show, enjoying fine dining, or hosting a game night with friends. He’s logged over a thousand hours of competitive pickleball. He meditates daily. He’s learning ballroom dance. And no matter where he travels, he’s always scouting for the best local cafés, the best trails, and the next great meal.
Doug’s values trace back to his grandparents—hard work, humility, curiosity, and frugality with a wink. His grandmother taught him grit; his grandfather taught him to follow passion more than practicality. He took both pieces of wisdom to heart. They are the quiet engine behind all the leaps he’s taken.
If there’s a throughline in Doug’s journey—from consulting to tech founder to investor to global wanderer—it’s this: he wants his life to be intentional. Purposeful. Rich with experience. Rooted in kindness. Lived with curiosity. And shared with people who bring energy, joy, and depth to the table.
Doug’s personal motto is simple: “Another day, another chance to excel.” Not in the corporate sense, but in the human sense—excel at living, growing, connecting, and exploring.
These days, he is building a different kind of legacy. Not companies, but stories. Not just achievements, but memories. And not just a résumé, but a life that reflects what he values most: adventure, connection, and meaning.
In Bend, Oregon, where he now spends much of his time, Doug has found a community that mirrors his lifestyle—outdoorsy, balanced, thoughtful, and quietly ambitious. It’s the perfect home base for someone who believes the world is best experienced both up close and in motion.
He’s still exploring. Still moving. Still following the scenic route. And somehow, still making it work.