The original co-founders of Air Academy Associates, Dr. Mark Kiemele and Dr. Steve Schmidt, were professors in the math and computer science departments at the U.S. Air Force Academy. When they formed a consulting and publishing firm (after having consulting and training experience with defense contractors while on active duty), they chose Air Academy Press & Associates as the company name. (Textbooks are still published under the Air Academy Press & Associates name, though the company now does business as Air Academy Associates, LLC.) Many company names in the north Colorado Springs area include a reference to the Academy. In fact, one of the major north/south routes through the city is named Academy Boulevard.