Two leaders. One mission. UKON earns national recognition as it redefines cyber insurance for the modern channel.
DENVER, CO — UKON, the cyber insurance marketplace built for the modern digital economy, is proud to share that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized two UKON executives as finalists in the first-ever CRN Best of the Channel Awards.
- Cole Knuth
Finalist, Best Channel Visionary of the Year – Vendor Distributor - Will Brooks
Finalist, Best Channel Chief of the Year
Knuth and Brooks are recognized for their leadership in transforming UKON from a boutique wholesale broker into a category-defining platform that helps businesses assess risk, access coverage, and build resilience through embedded distribution and real-time underwriting.
“This recognition speaks to what our team has built, and where we’re taking the cyber insurance category,” said Cole Knuth. “Leading an investment into FifthWall and taking the company on a journey from a traditional insurance broker to a modern cyber insurance marketplace has been nothing short of incredible. The feedback and engagement in the IT ecosystem has been energizing. We are simplifying cyber insurance, accelerating protection, and enabling a new class of Risk Advisors in the market.”
“I’m honored to be named a finalist for CRN’s Channel Chief of the Year. It’s a privilege to be recognized for the work we’re doing at UKON to reshape how MSPs and insurance agents collaborate around cyber risk,” said Will Brooks. “This nomination reflects the momentum we’re building and the impact of a channel-led approach to the cybersecurity ecosystem.”
This is the first annual CRN Best of the Channel Awards honoring the individual leaders, teams, and companies setting an example with their visionary strategies and outstanding contributions to channel success. Winners will be announced at the Best of the Channel Awards Gala in Atlanta on Oct. 14, immediately following The Channel Company’s XChange Best of Breed Conference.
“We are excited to spotlight the finalists of the first-ever CRN Best of the Channel Awards, representing the channel’s guiding lights for innovation, partnership, and impact,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor of CRN, The Channel Company. “These leaders, teams, and companies represent the best of what’s possible—from future-focused strategies and bold leadership to a deep commitment to channel-driven success. We are proud to highlight how their achievements and dedication drive the channel forward.”
These award nominations reflect a category in motion and a company rewriting how cyber insurance is accessed, understood, and deployed.
ABOUT COLE KNUTH
Cole Knuth joined the organization in September 2024 as Chief Executive Officer after leading a $5 million Series A investment round for FifthWall Solutions. Since his arrival, Knuth has led the company’s transformation — rebranding from FifthWall Solutions, rebuilding the executive team, and launching the industry’s first cyber insurance marketplace with real-time quoting, embedded underwriting, and automated Cyber Risk Reports.
Since joining UKON, Knuth has:
- Rebranded the company from FifthWall to UKON
- Introduced real-time underwriting and automated CRR delivery
- Hired senior leaders Gene Stevens (CTO), Scott Kinkaid (CFO), and Matt Hightower (CMO)
- Formalized strategic partnerships with Cork, Blackpoint Cyber, CreditPulse, and SeedPod
- Launched the Founders Club at Pax8 Beyond 2025, generating nearly 500 MSP signups in 72 hours
Prior to UKON, Knuth served as Corporate Vice President of Strategy at Pax8, where he led global expansion, strategic acquisitions, and the development of Pax8’s partner-led distribution engine. Knuth’s operational discipline and market vision continue to push UKON toward its goal: building the most trusted cyber insurance infrastructure in the channel.
ABOUT WILL BROOKS
Will Brooks serves as MSP Channel Chief at UKON and hosts Scaling the Wall, the company’s flagship podcast for cybersecurity providers and IT leaders. Since joining UKON in 2023, Brooks has led the development of the company’s MSP strategy—building programs, playbooks, and partner education that help advisors turn cyber risk into business advantage.
Brooks is widely recognized across the channel for his ability to make complex concepts clear. He’s delivered webinars, presentations, and speaking opportunities IT Nation, and ChannelCon, where his direct approach and tactical insights have helped MSPs reframe their value in a crowded market.
Promoted to Channel Chief in late 2023, Brooks has since led field enablement, partner onboarding, and platform feedback loops—positioning UKON as the go-to cyber insurance partner for forward-thinking MSPs.
“Will has created our channel strategy from scratch,” said Knuth. “He’s built the bridge from broker to marketplace and has become a go-to voice for MSPs navigating cyber conversations. His discipline, consistency, and leadership are a core part of why this company is winning.”
WHAT’S NEXT: UKON AT CHANNELCON
UKON will be live at ChannelCon from July 29 to 31 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Visit Booth #720 to meet the UKON team — Will Brooks, Wilson Henry, and Jaron Snavely — see the platform in action, and get early access to new partner resources including live CRR demos, downloadable trail gear, and real-time cyber risk tools.
On Wednesday, July 30 at 3:00 PM, Will Brooks will present a solo session titled “Is Your Client’s Cyber Risk Measured or Just Managed?” In this session, Brooks will walk MSPs through the evolution from reactive security to risk quantification and explain how to shift the conversation with clients from technical defense to measurable financial impact.
ABOUT UKON
UKON is a cyber insurance marketplace that helps businesses assess risk, access coverage, and build resilience through embedded distribution and real-time underwriting. Designed for MSPs, agencies, and enterprise partners, UKON simplifies the insurance process with automated quoting, financial-grade risk intelligence, and direct access to top carriers. Vendor-agnostic and execution-focused, UKON is redefining how cyber insurance is delivered in today’s digital economy.
ABOUT THE CHANNEL COMPANY
The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. TCC accelerates success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.
The Channel Company Contact
Kristin DaSilva
kdasilva@thechannelcompany.com
UKON Contact
Jon Gomez
jon.gomez@ukon.com
