Govcon Giants

Why 25,000 Connections on LinkedIn Could Be the Key to Your Success! Nov 04, 2024

In this episode, we talk about the importance of LinkedIn and social media strategies for small businesses. As an example, it is vital that businesses show a human side in their LinkedIn profiles, with information on their personality and how they can help potential customers.

It is also recommended using hashtags on LinkedIn and accepting connections, as each connection represents an opportunity to expand one's network.

Want to know more how you can expand your network throught LinkedIn? This episode is for you. Stay tuned for our new episode tomorrow!

How Manish Gorawala Made the Inc 5000 Four Times in 8 Years (Even Without a Big Team!) Nov 03, 2024

In this episode, Eric and Manish delve into the challenges of starting a business and share their personal experiences. Manish highlights the difficulty of acquiring new clients and breaking into larger companies and government agencies as one of the hardest obstacles they faced.

However, through lessons learned and the implementation of technology and strategies, he was able to overcome these challenges. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, as they have been recognized on the Inc. 500/5000 list several times and have won awards for being one of the fastest growing companies in Philadelphia.

Learn more about the inspiring journey of Manish in his business, listen now!

$100 Million in Contract! The Massive Project You Won't Believe! Nov 02, 2024

Today's episode is about the challenges of delivering diesel fuel to priority one facilities in emergency situations, such as hospitals and shelters, that rely on generators. These process requires dedicated assets and frequent fuel deliveries.

We also talk about the difficulties of bidding for contracts with the Department of Defense as a new vendor and how winning the bids led to buying tractor trailers to expand the business.

Listen now to know more about delivering services to priority one facilities. Hope you enjoyed this episode of The Daily Wind Up. See you tomorrow.

From Zero Experience to Prime Contractor: How She Won 4 Government Contracts at 27! Nov 01, 2024

In this special episode, we have Natalie Rosario, a 27-year-old entrepreneur who rapidly secured four government contracts with no prior experience and minimal capital. Inspired by a friend’s Instagram story, Natalie jumped into government contracting, quickly moving from her first bid on a single piece of paper to landing a five-year landscaping contract in Miami.

She shares her journey of overcoming initial challenges, winning vendor trust, and learning as she went, all while underscoring the power of action and consistency.

Natalie’s story proves that, with determination and a willingness to learn, anything is possible in government contracting. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just need a boost of inspiration, her journey is a testament to overcoming limits and seizing new opportunities. Tune in for an episode that motivates you to start small, dream big, and dive into the world of government contracts!

How a $45M Contract Was Snatched Away Despite Perfect Performance! Oct 31, 2024

In this episode, we discuss the differences between LPTA (lowest price technically acceptable) and best value when it comes to government contracting. While best value is preferred in theory, in practice, LPTA is often used.

There is subjectivity involved in evaluating proposals and that relationships and customer influence can impact the final decision. Being an incumbent can lead to higher wages for employees and how exceptional performance doesn't always translate to winning follow-on contracts.

There is a lot of nuance and subjectivity involved in government contracting beyond what is explicitly written in the proposal requirements. Want to know more? Listen now! Hope you enjoyed this episode of The Daily Wind Up. See you tomorrow.

Simplifying Federal Certifications: A Game-Changer for Small Businesses Oct 30, 2024

In this very special episode of the GovCon Giants podcast, we have Jackie Robinson Burnett, the Associate Administrator of Government Contracting at the SBA, a leader poised to revolutionize small business access to federal contracts.

Jackie unveils a groundbreaking SBA platform that cuts certification approval times by up to 70%, offering small businesses a streamlined process to secure multiple certifications with one application. She dives into the inner workings of federal set-aside programs and shares essential strategies for getting noticed in the contracting world.

This episode is packed with insights and reveals opportunities that could transform your approach to federal contracting. Plus, meet Jackie live at the upcoming Miami Federal Contracting Summit on November 14-15. Don’t miss this chance to learn from an industry insider ready to reshape the game for small businesses.

Website: https://certifications.sba.gov/

Crushing Self-Doubt To Multiply Your Success: Here's How You Do It! Oct 29, 2024

In this episode, we talk about the real challenges of being a business owner. There are difficulty with self-doubt and the feeling of intimidation by other business owners. But how do you overcome them?

We talk about some helpful and proven tips like listening to audiobooks and taking self-evaluation tests such as the Enneagram and Strengths Finders to help increase you knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a business owner.

If you are starting your own business and are finding some challenges, this episode is perfect for you. Hope you enjoyed this episode of The Daily Wind Up. See you tomorrow.

Don’t Wait 10 Years—Unlock Your GovCon Success NOW! Oct 28, 2024

In this episode, we have Lynn Petrazzuolo and we discuss her career in environmental science. Lynn shares the beginning of her journey, which involved building a team from scratch as a federal contractor.

With the help of an experienced help desk operator, she learned the ropes and eventually realized the importance of having individuals with environmental science degrees on their team. She also highlights their participation in the 8A program from 2004 to 2013 and how it helped them secure a contract for remediation on Indian land.

Being a Native American woman-owned firm and providing environmental services, Lynn emphasizes the importance of building the right talent and team to build your own company.

Hope you enjoyed this episode of The Daily Wind Up. See you tomorrow.

From $0 to $2M: A Single Mom's Journey To Government Contracting Success Oct 26, 2024

In today's special episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we sit down with Maria Snider, a remarkable entrepreneur who shares her journey from immigrating from Guatemala to building a successful government contracting business. Maria, a single mother of three, started her business six years ago with no money and just her home vacuum cleaner.

Within her first six months, she generated $250,000 in sales, reaching $1 million by the end of her first year, and now makes $2 million annually. She talks about her determination to break into the construction industry, adding demolition and temp labor to her offerings. Maria highlights the importance of networking, which led her to secure a recent $1 million contract.

She also shares her involvement in organizations like the Hispanic Contractors Association and her dedication to helping other minority business owners. Throughout the conversation, Maria emphasizes resilience, the power of connections, and the value of stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve success.

From Jordans to Seven Figures: The Power of Networking in Federal Contracting Oct 25, 2024

In this special episode of Govcon Giants, we have Jade Simon, founder and CEO of SimCore Solutions. Jade shares her inspiring journey from being a computer programmer to securing a seven-figure government contract. She reveals how a chance meeting at an NCMA Sneaker Ball and a LinkedIn post led to a successful partnership in the tech space. Jade also discusses the challenges she’s faced as a minority woman in tech and government contracting, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of networking.

Throughout the episode, Jade talks about her transition from working with the Department of Homeland Security to founding her own company. She reflects on how overcoming challenges as a minority woman in tech has been a journey, with mentorship playing a key role in her success. Jade also touches on the importance of modernizing government systems through automation and better technology to improve efficiency and save time.

Join Jade and Eric as they explore the power of networking, resilience, and pushing through barriers in the government contracting space.

No More Slow Payments: Transitioning from City Work to Federal Wins Oct 24, 2024

In this episode, Adrienne shares her entrepreneurial journey from starting Armed Property Maintenance in 2006 to becoming a licensed builder and landing a $135K federal contract with the FAA.

She discusses the challenges of working in the Detroit real estate market, including property theft, and how she adapted by implementing clever strategies like avoiding copper installations and securing last-minute equipment installations.

Adrienne also reflects on buying properties for as little as $3,500 during the 2008 downturn, revealing key lessons from her experience in property preservation, insurance repairs, and federal contracting.

237: $25K and a Truck Was All He Had – Now Bobby Brown Is a GovCon Powerhouse Oct 23, 2024

Today we have an incredible guest joining us, Bobby Brown. Bobby is the Founder and Owner of Bronco Oil, a name that has become synonymous with innovation and growth in the fuel delivery industry. Since we last spoke with Bobby in 2020, his company has transformed remarkably, growing from a small residential oil delivery service into a full-fledged commercial operation with over 35 trucks and 50 employees.

What makes Bobby’s journey truly inspiring is his humble beginnings. He started Bronco Oil with just a $25,000 SBA loan and a $7,000 used truck. Fast forward to today, Bobby has expanded his services beyond heating oil, venturing into biodiesel and even forming strategic partnerships with railroads for bulk fuel deliveries. His resilience and adaptability, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, have played a crucial role in his success. Notably, Bobby’s team was on the front lines, fueling emergency COVID testing sites and keeping critical generators running when the world seemed to stand still.

In this compelling episode, Bobby opens up about his journey of entrepreneurial grit and determination. He delves into how he broke into the commercial and government contracting world and what it takes to scale a business in today’s fast-changing market.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-brown-16b994a8/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broco-energy/

Website: https://www.brocoenergy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrocoEnergy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brocoenergy/

Twitter: https://x.com/brocoenergy

How a $30,000 Skid Steer Could Be Your Next BIG Win! Oct 22, 2024

In this episode, we have Charles Keoho, we talk about how he can use their system to sell his products to contractors, primarily in the construction industry. His products are: insulated aluminum siding and asphalt and concrete repair.

So how do you do it? By going to conferences where companies that use his products would be and be present at those events. As an example, he should go to the aluminum siding repair conference to sell his insulated aluminum siding.

Learn more about how you can use your products in construction contracts by tuning in to this episode. Hope you enjoyed this episode of The Daily Wind Up. See you tomorrow.

The Shocking Compliance Goals Driving Billions in Government Contracts! Oct 21, 2024

In today's episode, we have Brian Sanvidge, the principal leader of regulatory compliance and investigations who has assembled a team of 20 individuals who work for the government and for companies on compliance and investigations.

They focus on regulatory compliance, forensic accounting, and computer forensics. They also help large corporations meet government contract goals for minority, women, and small business participation in construction projects and public work.

Brian and his team work for the government as an independent compliance officer to ensure the contracts are meeting their goals for minority, women, and small business participation.

Learn more about regulatory compliance & applications with Brian and stay tuned for tomorrow's new episode.

Get Up to $100K in Business Funding as a Veteran Entrepreneur! Oct 20, 2024

In today's episode, we talk about the self-employment track offered by a rehabilitation program for individuals with disabilities. The program provides comprehensive training, supplies, and reimbursement for certifications or courses necessary for starting a business.

The first step is to go through an evaluation process at the rehabilitation program to determine skills and abilities. The accelerator program is highly recommended and helps determine if a business idea is feasible, sustainable, and quantifiable.

Reimbursements are provided for hard and soft costs, including certification fees and specific equipment necessary for the business. The amount of reimbursement depends on the track, with track one receiving up to $1,000 and track two receiving up to $25,000. Speaker 3 asks about the feasibility study, which can be done through the accelerator program or with a mentor coach.

Want to know more? Listen now to this episode and stay tuned for a new one tomorrow!

Why 80% of Contractors Quit — And How to Be in the Winning 20%! Oct 19, 2024

In this episode, we talk about an important strategy for attracting government buyers in a business setting. The first step is to let the government know that your company exists, which can be done through partnerships and building a rapport with a specific sub-agency in your field of expertise.

The strategy is a long-term game, as the government is looking for contractors that will be in it for the long haul. We suggests using a multipronged approach and building relationships with the sub-agency over time, which can lead to the government calling you first for future purchases.

Again it's important to emphasize the importance of being persistent and following up, as this shows the government that you're serious about building a long-term relationship with them.

The government will test your patience to see if you're serious about being a long-term contractor, and most people will self-filter themselves out by not following up or disappearing.

Listen in to learn more and stay tuned for tomorrow's new episode.

3 Lucrative Industries You Can Break Into Without Certifications! Oct 18, 2024

In today's episode, we discuss the difficulty of finding contractors for construction projects. Many companies struggle with this issue, especially when working on government facilities.

If someone has access to good contractors, they can write their own "blank check" as the demand is so high. My suggestion is to make a list of the contractors, their specialties, and contact information to make it easier for companies to find them.

Listen in to learn more and stay tuned for tomorrow's new episode.

The Daily Windup: Land a $7M Art Supply Contract: Here’s What You Need to Know! Oct 17, 2024

In today's episode, we talk about the process of obtaining contracts with the government and the quality of contractors the government typically gets.

Typically, the government gets the best contractors that come to them, not necessarily the best contractors overall. There is a particular contract for art supplies worth up to $300,000 and a total amount of $7 million, which is a low bar.

The best art supply companies may not be looking at this opportunity as they are busy selling art supplies. The items included in the contract is a basic school supply list that anyone can supply.

There is also a scholarship program offered by Goodwill for veterans so I encourages you to tune in to this episode to learn more. Stay tuned for a new episode tomorrow.

236: One Legal Misstep Could Cost You Everything – Shane McCall's Expert Tips on Staying Compliant in GovCon Oct 16, 2024

Today we have an exceptional guest joining us, Shane McCall. Shane is an equity partner at Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC and the mastermind behind the renowned blog smallgovcon.com. With extensive experience in federal contracting, Shane's expertise is invaluable for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of government procurement.

In this episode, Shane delves into the strategic and legal intricacies that can make or break a small business in the federal contracting arena. His firm has been instrumental in guiding countless businesses through the labyrinth of federal regulations, ensuring they avoid costly pitfalls and secure lucrative contracts.

But that's not all. Shane's impact extends beyond his legal prowess. He’s an advocate for small businesses, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to compete on a level playing field. His insights offer a blend of legal acumen and practical advice, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in government contracting.

Throughout this episode, Shane opens up about key strategies that can help small businesses succeed. From the importance of understanding the Small Business Administration (SBA) rules to forming effective joint ventures and teaming agreements, Shane's advice is both practical and actionable.

One of the key takeaways from this conversation is Shane's deep dive into the SBA rule governing the relationship between a new small business and its former company. He offers a clear and concise breakdown of this often-misunderstood regulation, providing listeners with a clearer understanding of how to stay compliant.

Stay tuned for an episode packed with golden insights and actionable takeaways that will help you steer clear of legal pitfalls and thrive in the competitive world of federal contracting.

Contact: smccall@koprince.com

Twitter: https://x.com/SmallGovCon

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/Koprince-Law-LLC

Website: https://www.koprince.com/

Blog Site: https://smallgovcon.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KoprinceLaw

General Email: info@koprince.com

Phone: 785-200-8919

How a 100-Year Legacy Led to Government Contract Wins! Oct 15, 2024

In this episode, we talk about how a lot businesses have been affected by COVID-19. Talking about their experience, my guest today shared how their drivers who served the Boston area were affected, but listen up, their company was able to reassign them to fueling COVID testing sites with generators.

This allowed them to keep their staff going and they even had to hire terminal workers to keep up with the work that was coming in. She also shared how buying a terminal which they didn't know much about it at the time, had a good infrastructure and ended up benefiting them.

Now they plan to bring business back to the site by bringing in steel and then sourcing out oil and biodiesel. In this episode, you will learn the importance of bringing activity back to the site and finding good partners to source the products they needed.

Hope you enjoyed this episode of The Daily Wind Up. See you tomorrow.

50X Your Investment: How Tony Reaves Landed a $238K Contract By Levering Connections Oct 14, 2024

In this special episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we have Tony Reaves II, who shares his incredible success story after attending last year’s GovCon conference. Tony discusses how a conversation at the event led him to think about adding a “plus one” to his business, which deals in tires, and how that insight resulted in winning a $238,000 contract.

By networking and leveraging connections made at the conference, Tony expanded his offerings to include tire recycling and run flats, which helped him stand out in the competitive government contracting space.

Tony emphasizes the importance of networking and attending events like the GovCon conference, explaining how one connection and a new idea helped him multiply his investment in the conference by 50 times. He also shares advice for future attendees, encouraging them to come prepared with clear goals, be subject matter experts in their field, and take advantage of networking opportunities. His experience showcases how a single conversation at a conference can lead to substantial business growth and success in government contracting.

Register to the summit here: https://gcgsummit.com/

From Zero to First Contract: Megan Sheckles Business Transformation Through Powerful Connections! Oct 13, 2024

In this special episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we sit down with Megan Sheckles to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her attending the 2023 Contracting Connections Summit. Megan shares her inspiring journey, from leaving corporate America and celebrating her 40th birthday in Aruba to attending the summit on a layover in Miami.

She discusses how the event connected her with invaluable resources and people in the government contracting space, leading to major growth in her career over the past year, including securing her first contract and expanding her HR consulting business.

Megan highlights the power of networking and how the event opened doors for her by connecting her with like-minded professionals from all over the country. Now, she’s back as part of the event management team for the upcoming 2024 summit and is excited to help make the experience even better for new attendees. She emphasizes how the conference is perfect for anyone, whether they are brand new to government contracting or seasoned professionals.

Megan also shares her excitement about upcoming features of the 2024 event, including matchmaking sessions and networking opportunities, and encourages everyone to come prepared to make connections and grow their businesses.

Register for the summit here: https://gcgsummit.com/

The $10 Trillion Cybersecurity Boom with Ben Amaba: Are You Ready for the Next Attack? Oct 12, 2024

In this special episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we have Ben Amaba, an expert in emerging technologies with over 30 years of experience, including his time as Chief Technology Officer at IBM. Ben discusses the growing risks in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, emphasizing the critical need for prevention and remediation to avoid costly breaches. He also highlights China’s advancements in key technologies like AI and quantum computing and raises concerns about the potential global impact of their tech dominance.

Ben talks about the importance of protecting the 16 critical infrastructures that support society, such as energy, water, and agriculture, and how vulnerabilities in these sectors could pose significant national security risks. Small businesses, he explains, play a crucial role in driving innovation and can benefit from economies of scale when collaborating with larger companies.

With cybersecurity expected to become a $10 trillion industry by 2025, Ben encourages small and medium-sized enterprises to be proactive in protecting themselves against cyber threats.

This episode offers valuable perspectives on how businesses and governments can work together to create a safer, more resilient technological future.

Register for the summit here: Federal Contracting Connections + Technology Summit 2024

How to Make $30M Without Being a Prime Contractor! Oct 11, 2024

In this episode, we are discussing the responsibilities of a prime contractor in relation to their subcontractor.

It's important to know that if a subcontractor doesn't pay their employees a fair wage, the prime contractor could be liable. We also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of being a prime contractor and we also highlighted the importance of connecting with each other to have access to a network of 20,000 businesses.

Ultimately, connecting with others can multiply opportunities. Tune in to this episode now if you want to learn how you can build connections in the government contracting space!

Hope you enjoyed this episode of The Daily Wind Up. See you tomorrow.

Hacks To 10x Your Government Contract Wins! Oct 10, 2024

In this episode, we discuss the process of bidding for government contracts. The different stages of the process, starting with the evaluation criteria in the blue phase, where feedback from interested parties can be given to the government to shape the requirements. When the process moves to the green phase and the bid is solicited, the government cannot give any one company an unfair advantage, so questions must be sent in writing to ensure fairness.

During the evaluation process, the government will make decisions on which companies they want to negotiate with, and they may ask for oral presentations or evaluate proposals. Once an award is made, the recipient can request a debriefing to determine what they did wrong and improve for future bids.

Finally, if successful, the recipient will have to fulfill the contract, deliver the deliverables, and close out the contract, which is often the hardest part of the process.

New episode everyday, stay tuned!

235: From $80K Investment to $300K+ Contract Wins in 14 Months! Here’s How Tony Reaves II Cracked the Gov Contract Code! Oct 09, 2024

In today’s Making A Giant special episode, we have an inspiring guest joining us, Tony Reaves. Tony is the founder of The Toota Group LLC, a company that has taken the niche market of vehicle tires and parts by storm within just 14 months. Tony's expertise shines through as he shares how he pivoted from a background in car sales to a thriving business in government contracting.

But that's not all. Tony's impact stretches beyond his impressive new venture. Last year, he attended our Contract and Connections conference in Miami Beach, where he was able to network and form a partnership that landed him a significant contract. Tony's story isn't just about selling tires; it's about redefining expectations, recognizing hidden opportunities, and maintaining his identity while scaling his business.

In this compelling episode, Tony dives deep into the strategies and lessons that fueled his remarkable success. He opens up about his journey from the private sector to securing government contracts and the pivotal moves that made it all possible. Tony reveals the steps he took to navigate the complexities of federal and state contracts and how he discovered his niche market in the process.

One of the key takeaways from this conversation is Tony's emphasis on persistence and strategic thinking. He elaborates on how he handled the logistics and requirements of government contracts while diversifying his services to stay competitive. Tony's insights into finding and capitalizing on niche markets offer a roadmap for those aspiring to make their mark in government contracting.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-reaves-ii-580502218/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-toota-group-llc/

Website: https://thetootagroup.com/

Phone: 848 444 1195

Fax: 848 444-1093

Email: Contact@tootagroup.com

234: Building Bridges in Government Contracting: Unlocking Subcontracting Secrets with Jeff Holmes Oct 02, 2024

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we are thrilled to bring you a conversation with Jeff Holmes of RQ Construction. Jeff is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience in the Department of Defense (DoD) construction sector, where he plays a pivotal role in connecting businesses—both large and small—with federal construction opportunities across the United States. Jeff's responsibilities include developing and maintaining subcontracting plans, conducting outreach for upcoming federal projects, and fostering business development within the company's supply chain.

As someone deeply committed to the small business community, Jeff shares valuable insights into how his team has successfully navigated complex government contracts, particularly with entities like NAFAC and the DoD. This episode is packed with tips on self-performance strategies, which Jeff has honed through his extensive experience. Additionally, Jeff's passion for mentoring shines through in his role as a career coach, where he helps individuals improve their professional presence and impact.

In this conversation, hosted by Randy Ward of Alchemy Gov, Jeff reflects on his journey in federal contracting and how relationships built over the years have fueled collaboration for the greater good of the small business ecosystem. Whether you're just breaking into the federal space or seeking to grow your business, this episode offers actionable advice, insider strategies, and key takeaways that can help you succeed in the world of federal contracting. Tune in to hear more from Jeff Holmes and gain the tools you need to elevate your business in the federal marketplace.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreydholmes/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rq-construction/

Website: https://www.rqconstruction.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rqbuilds

Twitter: https://x.com/rqconstruction

Contact Number: (760) 631-7707

233: Leveraging 8(a) and HUBZone for Multimillion-Dollar Growth: Insights from Sam Elias Sep 25, 2024

In our latest episode, we’re joined by Mohammad “Sam” Elias, the chairman and founder of RELI Group, who shares his extraordinary journey from a small subcontractor to the leader of a federal contracting powerhouse with over 500 employees. Sam's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. He started his career supporting the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) as a senior program manager, where he led teams of up to 50 experts on critical IT health initiatives. His deep domain knowledge spans across Medicare, Medicaid, Healthcare IT, and even the insurance sector, making him a versatile leader in multiple industries.

In 2013, Sam founded RELI Group with a vision to bring innovative solutions to federal IT consulting and systems integration. Through programs like 8(a) and HUBZone, Sam skillfully navigated the challenges of federal contracting, turning RELI Group into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. He openly shares how he leveraged these programs and the critical decisions that helped propel his company to new heights.

But growth came with its own set of challenges. At one point, Sam had to step back from the CEO role to handle personal and family emergencies, an experience that taught him valuable lessons about leadership and work-life balance. Upon his return, he brought a fresh perspective that continued to drive the company’s success.

Sam first shared his inspiring journey at my conference last year, and now, in this episode, he dives even deeper into the strategies and mindset that helped him grow from a modest subcontractor to a key player in the federal space. Whether you’re just starting out or are well on your way in the government contracting world, this conversation will inspire you to take action and scale your business to the next level.

Don't miss out—grab your tickets for our next event where you can hear more stories like Sam’s firsthand!

Book How to Market and Sell to the U.S. Government A View from the Inside: https://a.co/d/9RlqU0e

Twitter: https://twitter.com/religroupinc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RELIGroupInc Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reli-group-inc/

232: Building Strong Small Business Relationships in the National Guard with Kyle Beagle Sep 18, 2024

In this episode, we are joined by Kyle Beagle, the Command Director of the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) for the National Guard Bureau. With over 14 years of federal service, Mr. Beagle brings a wealth of experience and insights into the world of small business acquisition within the Department of Defense (DoD). As the chief advisor on all small business-related matters for the National Guard, Kyle is responsible for overseeing small business acquisition policies, strategic initiatives, outreach efforts, and subcontracting programs that ensure opportunities for small businesses in the defense sector.

During the conversation, Kyle shares his career journey, starting from his work with various DoD commands, including the Marine Corps Systems Command, Naval Research Lab, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and more. He discusses his role in shaping acquisition strategies that support small business growth and highlights the importance of small business partnerships in strengthening national defense capabilities. Kyle also delves into his extensive qualifications as a Level III certified Contracting professional and a Level II certified program manager within the DoD Acquisition Professional Community.

This episode offers invaluable insights for small business owners looking to engage with the National Guard and the broader defense landscape. Kyle’s expertise and dedication to fostering strong partnerships between small businesses and the federal government provide a roadmap for success in the competitive world of government contracting. Tune in to learn more about the critical role small businesses play in supporting our nation’s security and how the National Guard is opening doors for them to thrive.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

LinkedIn account: linkedin.com/in/kylejb2456

Link to your company: https://www.nationalguard.mil/

231: The Competitive Edge: Achieving Success with a Growth Mindset with Krystn Macomber Sep 11, 2024

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Krystn Macomber, a dynamic speaker and the founder + CEO of Summit Strategy. Krystn's journey from a Division I college athlete to a powerhouse in the marketing and proposal consulting industry is nothing short of inspiring. Her competitive spirit and growth mindset have driven her to excel in every endeavor, from leading high-performing teams to delivering significant sales growth and improved win rates for B2G and B2B organizations.

With over 20 years of experience, Krystn is renowned for her ability to engage and empower audiences, blending big-picture ideas with actionable takeaways. Her wisdom, humor, and strategic insights captivate diverse audiences, making her a sought-after speaker and facilitator. As a former board chair for the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), Krystn led the organization to one of its most profitable years, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills.

Krystn's passion for forging powerful connections and aligning organizational goals has earned her widespread respect in the industry. She currently serves on advisory boards for the UC-Irvine Customer Experience Program and the UC-Riverside Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Program. Her accolades include being named one of the 20 Most Inspiring Women Leaders by Women Leaders Magazine in 2022 and one of the 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves in the Business World in 2023 by CIO Business World.

Join us as Krystn shares her insights on strategic planning, branding, proposal development, and the importance of a growth mindset in achieving success. Her expert advice and inspiring stories will leave you motivated and equipped with strategies to elevate your own business endeavors.

Click here for more information about Krystn:

Website: https://www.summitstrategywins.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summitstrategywins

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystnmacomber/

LinkedIn corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/summitstrategywins

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/summitstrategywins/

Email: krystn@summitstrategywins.com

230: Winning Government Contracts: How to Build Your Business from Scratch with Tyrel Rose Aug 21, 2024

In this episode, we explore the foundational elements of starting and scaling a business within the highly competitive world of government contracting. Our guest, Tyrel Rose, the Business Director of Victory Contracting LLC, breaks down the critical steps required to successfully enter this market, including understanding the bidding process, navigating compliance requirements, and building a strong network. With a focus on achieving "past performance," a key indicator of credibility in the industry, Tyrel shares actionable tips on how to land your first contract and build a portfolio that positions your business for long-term success.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on the importance of research and preparation before diving into government contracting, as well as practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles faced by new contractors. The discussion also covers how to leverage small business certifications and set-asides to increase your chances of winning contracts. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to diversify your business or a startup aiming to break into this lucrative sector, this episode provides the guidance you need to confidently move forward.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future of government contracting and the evolving opportunities available for small businesses. Tyrel, with years of experience and a track record of success, offers predictions on emerging trends and advice on staying ahead of the curve. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a seasoned expert in the field and take the first steps toward building a thriving government contracting business.

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/victorycontractingllc/

Personal linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrel-rose-45149b158/

Website: https://www.victorycontracting.org/

Email: Tyrel@victorycontracting.org

Contact: (706) 570-9696

229: The Ultimate Guide to Government Contracts: Proven Tactics for Entrepreneurs Aug 14, 2024

In this episode, we dive into the massive opportunities available for businesses of all sizes through government contracts. If you're tired of relying on the same old commercial clients, this episode is a must-listen. This episode I reveal nine powerful tactics to help you secure your first or next government contract, offering actionable insights that can transform your business.

I emphasize the importance of laser focus in targeting the right government contracts, ensuring that your efforts are concentrated where they will be most effective.

By applying these strategies, you can gain a competitive edge and stay ahead of the curve. Throughout the episode, I also include inspiring stories of real people who have successfully used these tactics to secure lucrative government contracts, even without prior experience. These stories illustrate that with the right approach, anyone can break into this market and achieve significant success.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale your contracting business, this episode provides the guidance you need. These expert advice will help you unlock the potential of government contracting for your business.

For those just starting out, visit Federal Help Center https://federalhelpcenter.com/ for more information. If you're ready to scale your contracting efforts, check out the First Partner Challenge https://www.firstpartnerchallenge.com/

228: Driving Innovation and Sustaining Growth in the Tech Industry with Kenneth Kelly Jul 31, 2024

In our latest episode, we are thrilled to welcome Kenneth Kelly, the dynamic founder, President, and CEO of Strativia. Since its inception in 2006, Kenneth has led Strativia to become a powerhouse in the technology, consulting, and services sectors. Under his visionary leadership, the company has expanded to over 300 employees and operates across 19 states in the U.S. and several countries worldwide.

Kenneth is a pivotal force behind Strativia’s strategic planning, business development, and marketing initiatives, earning him features in prominent publications such as Inc Magazine, Black Enterprise, American Express Open, Huffington Post, Washington Post, and Rolling Out.

Before launching Strativia, Kenneth built a formidable career in the hospitality technology sector. He spent over a decade at Visual One Systems Corporation (now Agilysys, Inc), where he managed enterprise software implementation projects for hotels and resorts globally. His expertise further expanded at Micros Systems Inc (now Oracle Micros POS Systems), where he led large cross-functional teams in implementing property management and financial software solutions for major hotel chains like Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Marriott, and Wyndham.

Kenneth’s outstanding professional achievements and dedication to community service have earned him national and local recognition. Black Enterprise magazine highlighted his swift ascent in the Federal Government contracting industry. Join us as Kenneth shares his incredible journey, insights into scaling a business in the competitive tech industry, and his strategies for sustaining growth and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

Website: https://www.strativia.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/strativia

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strativia

LinkedIn corporate: https://linkedin.com/company/strativia

Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/strativia

227: Redefining Federal Contracting: Innovative Government Contracting and Digital Nomad Life with Kizzy Parks Jul 24, 2024

In this episode, we bring back a remarkable guest, Kizzy Parks, joining us from Tulum, Mexico. Kizzy Parks has been a shining star in the federal contracting realm and a successful YouTuber, offering invaluable insights to help small businesses win government contracts. Over the past few years, Kizzy has built an impressive following both online and offline, establishing herself as a giant in her own right.

Listen to our insightful conversation that goes beyond the usual government contracting discussions. We delve into the exciting and adventurous lifestyle of a digital nomad, with Kizzy sharing her experience of living in Tulum for the past two months and planning to stay for at least a year. This episode highlights how businesses can thrive anywhere, even from one of the safest parts of Mexico.

You are in for a treat as Kizzy unpacks her treasure trove of wisdom on manifesting success and the tactical maneuvers of government contracting. She shares her innovative formula for ensuring every contract meets stringent criteria, maintaining excellence, and balancing work commitments with a laid-back lifestyle. The episode offers strategies for leveraging local resources and networks to foster business growth, practical tips for newcomers in the government contracting space, and how manifesting goals can directly influence business outcomes.

Prepare to be inspired by stories of adaptation and success, showcasing the limitless possibilities in today's business world. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Sit back, relax, and join us as they explore these insightful topics and much more on this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KizzyParks/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizzymparks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kizzy

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kizzymparks

Website: https://www.govconwinners.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/KizzyKPC

226: Lessons in Excellence: Delivering Top-Notch Services and Thriving in Federal Contracting With Mark Masters Jul 17, 2024

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we sit down with Mark Masters, the dynamic Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chloeta. Mark brings over twenty years of industry experience to the table, and his journey from a federal wildland firefighter to the helm of a multi-faceted national service provider is nothing short of inspirational.

Mark is a proud tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. His career began in the rugged and demanding field of federal wildland firefighting. Over eight years, he served in various capacities, including as an aerially delivered firefighter, also known as a heli-rappeller.

His tenure with the Bureau of Indian Affairs National Interagency Fire Center (BIA-NIFC) honed his skills in crisis management and incident response.

In 2009, Mark transitioned from his federal role to entrepreneurship, founding Chloeta from very humble beginnings. Under his leadership, Chloeta has expanded significantly, becoming a national service provider across multiple domains: emergency management, environmental consulting, healthcare, security, aviation, and wildland fire management.

Mark’s expertise and insights have made him a highly sought-after public speaker and media commentator. He has shared keynote stages with prominent figures like Congressman Tom Cole and has been featured in live interviews on major networks including CNN Newsroom, CNN Money, and The Weather Channel.

Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit and achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2012, he was honored with the National Young Entrepreneur of the Year award by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additionally, he received the National American Indian Center for Enterprise Development (NCAIED) “40 Under 40” award. His contributions to entrepreneurship were further acknowledged when he served as a panelist on President Obama’s Subcommittee on Small Business, Young Entrepreneurship Series (YES), an event broadcasted live on WhiteHouse.gov.

Join us as Mark Masters shares his incredible journey, the challenges he faced, and the strategies that led to his success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, emergency management, and the power of resilience and determination.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamChloeta/

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdallasmasters/

LinkedIn corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chloeta/

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/teamchloeta/

Twitter handle: https://x.com/teamchloeta

Website: https://www.chloeta.com/

225: Demystifying Surety Bonds: Essential Advice for Entrepreneurs with Peter Gibbs Jul 10, 2024

In today’s episode, we have a special guest returning to the show—Peter Gibbs, President and CEO of Foundation, Surety, and Insurance Solutions. Since his last appearance, Peter's company has achieved groundbreaking status as the only African American-owned surety agency with a national license in all 50 states.

Today, he shares the latest advancements at Foundation Surety and Insurance Solutions that can help small businesses better understand and navigate the often intimidating world of surety bonds. With industry experts like his wife, Nakia, a former F-35 fighter jet program worker, joining his team, Peter's insights are richer than ever.

Peter and I discuss the evolution of his team and how strategic hiring can dramatically improve business operations and financial health. You'll discover essential steps to building a trustworthy reputation in federal contracting, learn about the critical importance of financial integrity, and get straightforward advice on how to handle business growth responsibly. For those who missed Peter’s first episode, he has an extensive background with the SBA, where he led their bonding program. His experience there, which included maintaining an extremely low default rate on bonds, provides him with a unique perspective that he now brings to the private sector to help people like you and me.

This conversation is packed with practical steps for small businesses to protect themselves from unscrupulous characters in the industry and make informed decisions that can help grow, sustain, and build their business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, understanding bonding can transform your approach to business growth in the competitive world of federal contracting.

So, tune in to this episode to gain valuable lessons and actionable tips from Peter Gibbs. Let’s learn how to make decisions that best help grow, sustain, and build our businesses. Thank you for listening, and please join me in welcoming Peter Gibbs, our next giant, to the stage.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gibbs-0a9a9a31

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundation-surety/

Website: https://foundationsurety.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundationSurety

Email: info@foundationsurety.com

Contact: 240-835-0865

224: Strategies for Veteran Success in Business and Federal Projects with Rob Schroder Jul 03, 2024

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we are honored to welcome Robert Schroder, the founder of SteerBridge. With a distinguished background that spans both military and private sectors, Rob's journey is a testament to the value of veteran leadership in federal projects. As a retired Marine Corps Harrier pilot, Rob has seamlessly transitioned his extensive operational, congressional, and acquisition experience into the private sector, founding SteerBridge with a mission to elevate the role of veterans.

Rob's leadership extends beyond his company. He has served two terms as the Finance Chairman for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, showcasing his dedication to supporting the educational pursuits of Marines and their families. His commitment to the military community is further reflected in his roles on the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association board and the USAA advisory group.

Rob's academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a B.S. from the Naval Academy and M.S. degrees from both the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Marine Corps University. Adding to his robust educational background, Rob earned his M.B.A. from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a Global Supply Chain Management Certificate from the University of North Carolina's Kenan Flagler School of Business.

Join us as Rob shares his insights on integrating veteran expertise into federal projects, the importance of leadership in both military and civilian spheres, and his vision for the future of SteerBridge. This episode is a deep dive into the experiences and strategies that have shaped a remarkable career dedicated to service and excellence.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robschroder/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerbridge-strategies/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true

Company Website: https://www.steerbridge.com

223: Visionary Leadership in Cybersecurity and Government Contracting: A Conversation with Jonathan Hard Jun 26, 2024

In today's episode, we have Jonathan Hard, and we delve deep into his entrepreneurial spirit, which is characterized by relentless drive, determination, and a commitment to delivering top-notch results. Listen now as we explore various facets of running a cybersecurity firm, from navigating stringent barriers like CMMC and facilities clearance to expanding into global markets, evidenced by their recent moves in Kenya with Mac Three Defense.

Jonathan also shares his approach to building a robust team, emphasizing that anyone can be an auditor, and how H2L has cultivated a workforce that includes both veterans and newcomers alike, all united under a philosophy of continuous learning and adaptation. We also touch on the critical aspects of getting and managing government contracts, from those initial audits to the complex compliance demands, and how H2L has been indispensable to their clients. Jonathan's insights into the nuances of government contracting, particularly his strategies for overcoming initial barriers and his proactive approach to client engagement, will be invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark in the industry.

One of the things I love about Jonathan is that he shows you a different way to approach growing your business. I know that so often, small businesses that I speak with, coach, and mentor talk about building RFPs and RFQs. Jonathan has a different approach to how he started and built past performance in this space.

Join us today as Jonathan reveals the keys to his sustained success, his vision for the future of cybersecurity and government contracting, his prime contract of managing over 400 assessments, and his journey as a testament to what's possible with the right mix of grit, knowledge, and connections. Let's dive into Jonathan’s incredible journey and the lessons you've learned along the way. Our next GovCon Giant.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-h-284b8392/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/h2l-solutions/

Website: https://h2lsolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/h2lsolutions

Email: info@h2lsolutions.com

222: Strategic Networking and Resilience: Expert Guide to Thriving in Government Contracting with Laurie Sayles Jun 19, 2024

In this episode, we have an inspiring guest, Laurie Sayles, the President and CEO of Civility Management Solutions. Laurie’s journey from the streets of Chicago to becoming a prominent figure in federal contracting is nothing short of remarkable. As a proud Marine veteran, Laurie founded her company after recognizing the vast opportunities in government contracting for individuals with her unique background as a woman, minority, and veteran.

Today, Laurie shares her insights on her transition from military service to entrepreneurship, the challenges she overcame, and how her faith and integrity have been her guiding principles. We'll delve into her navigation of the complex world of federal contracting, her advocacy for veterans, and her strategic approach to building a successful business that not only survives but thrives by helping others.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on resilience, strategic networking, and the importance of maintaining high ethical standards in business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a veteran looking to transition to civilian life, or simply curious about the ins and outs of government contracting, Laurie’s story offers practical advice and the inspiration to pursue excellence.

So, let's dive right in and learn from one of the best in the business, Laurie Sayles.

Website: https://www.lauriesayles.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriesayles/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/civility-management-solutions/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindmergesummit/

Twitter: https://x.com/LaurieSayles1

221: Legal Shifts and Strategic Growth: Expert Guidance on Federal Contracts with Matthew Schoonover Jun 12, 2024

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Matt Schoonover, a legal expert in government contracts. We dive into the latest developments and legal nuances in federal contracting, offering valuable insights for both seasoned and new contractors.

We talk about joint ventures and mentor-protégé agreements, focusing on recent changes to SBA regulations. Matt shares strategies for leveraging these agreements for business growth and highlights the importance of proper preparation and legal consultation. We also explore the impact of recent legal changes, like affirmative action and preference-based programs, and what they could mean for the future.

Scaling up is another critical topic, especially when it comes to meeting bonding requirements and managing significant contracts. We talk about the importance of strategic partnerships, noting that the government is bundling more contracts, which makes it challenging for small businesses to grow organically. Our experiences from recent events and conferences underscore the need for guidance and mentorship in navigating these challenges.

This episode is perfect for contractors who want to understand the current landscape of government contracting. Matt and I discuss compliance with evolving regulations and effective ways to use joint ventures and mentor-protégé relationships for growth. If you’re looking to scale your business in 2024, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and expert advice.

The only way to grow a business today is through strategic partnerships, as the trend of bundling contracts makes it tough for small businesses to thrive. Join Matt and me as we provide guidance and expert analysis to help you succeed in the evolving world of federal contracting.

Website: https://www.schoonoverlawfirm.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-schoonover-89098933/

Corporate Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schoonovermoriarty/

Email: govcon@schoonoverlawfirm.com

220: The Power of Adaptability: The Path to Mobilization Funding Success with Scott Peper Jun 05, 2024

In this insightful episode we have Randie Ward with Scott Peper, the visionary co-founder of Mobilization Funding. Scott delves into his entrepreneurial journey, sharing how he transitioned from a successful career in the medical device industry with AngioDynamics and Stryker Orthopedics to founding a health and fitness company, the Wellness Zone, focused on individual wellness programs for executives. He then narrates his inspiring journey of co-founding Mobilization Funding in 2013.

Scott discusses the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned while transforming a series of investments into the thriving business Mobilization Funding is today. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique cash flow needs of the construction industry and how Mobilization Funding provides tailored financial solutions to help contractors manage project mobilization costs. Scott's strategic approach to business growth and his future vision for Mobilization Funding offer valuable insights for listeners.

Throughout the episode, Scott shares key takeaways from his diverse career experiences and provides practical advice for entrepreneurs. He highlights the significance of adaptability and strategic planning in overcoming obstacles and achieving business success. Additionally, Scott offers tips for managing finances and investments, specifically in the construction industry.

Explore more about Mobilization Funding:

Website: http://mobilizationfunding.com

To connect with Scott Peper:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottpeper/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/MobilizationFunding

Twitter: https://twitter.com/scottpeper

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MobilizationFunding

Podcast URL: https://www.youtube.com/@MobilizationFunding/podcasts

219: Walking The Resilient Path: Navigating Federal Contracting Challenges with Roberta Moore May 29, 2024

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we welcome back Roberta Moore, the President and CEO of Amoorer Incorporated. Known for her formidable enterprise and compelling journey, Roberta delves deep into the intricacies of federal contracting, sharing her experiences and the challenges she faced. From her leap into entrepreneurship after leaving a secure federal job to battling legal skirmishes, Roberta's story is a powerful testament to resilience and tenacity.

Roberta shares her transition from a secure federal job to starting her own business, detailing the initial challenges and hurdles faced during the early stages of entrepreneurship. She provides a detailed account of the legal battles and darker sides of the business world she encountered, offering insights into how these experiences shaped her both personally and professionally. Throughout the conversation, the critical role of mentorship and strategic networking is highlighted, with Roberta emphasizing how key relationships and mentors provided opportunities and support.

Additionally, Roberta discusses her innovative approaches to overcoming financial challenges, such as her strategies for managing payroll and cash flow, which have been vital in sustaining her business operations. She imparts invaluable advice to other entrepreneurs about the importance of perseverance and building genuine relationships. Roberta also emphasizes the necessity of preparing for life after significant business milestones, such as graduating from the 8(a) program.

This episode is not just about the successes but also the substantial hardships and lessons that come with navigating the complex terrain of government contracting. Roberta's profound insights and experiences offer both guidance and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. Eric Coffey encourages listeners to check out Roberta's previous interviews in episodes 91 and 89 for more in-depth stories and lessons.

This episode is filled with valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to make their mark in the business world. Roberta's journey is a testament to resilience and tenacity, and her story is sure to inspire and motivate. Let’s welcome our returning guest, Roberta Moore.

Website: https://www.amoorer.com/

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-moore-mba-9560b46

LinkedIn corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amoorer-incorporated

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amoorer/

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/amoorer_inc/

Twitter handle: Amoorer Inc (@amoorer_inc) / X (twitter.com)

218: Beyond the Basics: Advanced Strategies for Federal Acquisition Success With Shauna Weatherly May 22, 2024

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, Randie Ward sits down with Shauna Weatherly, President and Founder of Federal Subcontract Solutions LLC, to delve into Weatherly's extensive experience in Federal acquisition. With over 35 years of hands-on experience and a career spanning various crucial roles within the General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and more, Weatherly brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Throughout the discussion, Weatherly shares insights gleaned from her tenure as a Senior Procurement Analyst at GSA, where she served as an advisor to the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council, analyzing the impacts of new laws, executive orders, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) rules on SAM.gov. Her roles as Lead Business Management Specialist and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) on the governmentwide GSA SmartPay 3 contracts provided her with invaluable experience in navigating complex procurement processes.

Weatherly's leadership positions, including Director of the National Airspace System, Logistics, and Facilities O&M Contract Branch at FAA, and Contracting Chief at USACE's Tulsa District, showcase her expertise in developing acquisition strategies, evaluating sources, and negotiating contracts across various industries. Additionally, her deployment to the Afghanistan Engineer District highlighted her commitment to overseeing compliance processes for construction contracts in challenging environments.

As a seasoned instructor and sought-after speaker on Federal acquisition topics, Weatherly brings a unique perspective to the conversation, offering practical advice for small businesses looking to navigate the intricacies of Federal acquisition policies and processes. Her dedication to supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), FAA, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), GSA, and civilian agencies underscores her passion for ensuring mission success.

Join us as we explore Weatherly's journey from Federal Civilian Service to entrepreneurship, and gain valuable insights into the world of Federal acquisition from one of the industry's most respected experts.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-weatherly/

Website: https://www.fedsubk.com/about

Contact: https://www.fedsubk.com/contact-us

Email: info@mysite.com

217: Cracking the Audit Code: Federal Contracting Insights from DCAA’s Katelyn Rigle May 15, 2024

Today we delve into the intricate world of federal contracting with our esteemed guest, Katelyn Rigle. As the Operations Audit Liaison Small Business Coordinator for the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Katelyn brings a wealth of experience and insight into the dynamics of government contracting, particularly for small businesses.

Katelyn serves as the Operations Audit Liaison Small Business Coordinator for DCAA, stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA. With over a decade of experience, Katelyn has been an integral part of the DCAA team since 2009. She currently holds the role of small business liaison, providing invaluable education, guidance, and support to small and medium-sized businesses navigating federal contracts.

In this episode, Katelyn shares her insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that small businesses encounter in the federal contracting arena. She discusses the importance of compliance, transparency, and accountability in securing and maintaining federal contracts. Katelyn sheds light on the role of the Defense Contract Audit Agency and its impact on ensuring the integrity of government contracts.

As the agency’s small business liaison, Katelyn highlights the various initiatives and programs aimed at empowering small and medium-sized businesses in the federal contracting space. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration between government agencies, the Small Business Administration, APEX Accelerators, and federal consulting firms in fostering the growth and success of small businesses. Join us in this enlightening conversation as we unravel the complexities of federal contracting and empower small businesses to thrive in the government marketplace. Tune in to The Daily Windup Podcast for this exclusive discussion with Katelyn Rigle!

DCAA Small Business Outreach Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NN5MKMD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-rigle-b97ba0282/

Corporate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defense-contract-audit-agency/mycompany/

Company Website: www.dcaa.mil

216: Unveiling Cybersecurity Empowerment: Blueprint for Small Enterprises with Adam Austin May 08, 2024

Today, we had the privilege of hosting Adam Austin, the Cybersecurity Lead at Totem.Tech, a minority veteran-owned Prime DoD contractor. With a decade of experience safeguarding classified, unclassified, and HIPAA-environment US Government IT systems, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prestigious institutions like NASA, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), and all branches of the Department of Defense.

Adam holds a Master's in Information Assurance from Capitol Technology University and boasts certifications such as ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). His mission is clear: to utilize his extensive background and education to aid small businesses in regulatory environments in implementing cost-effective, compliant, risk-based cybersecurity programs.

During our conversation, Adam shed light on his current endeavors at Haight Bey/H-Bar, where he spearheads cybersecurity and systems integration services for a US Air Force weather information system. Moreover, he shared insights into the concept of "Cybersecurity Empowerment" for small businesses, alongside the development of Totem™, a lightweight GRC tool designed to facilitate cybersecurity assessments for small enterprises.

With a specialization in security and software integration within the Aerospace industry, particularly in UAS and satellite ground control systems, Adam is well-versed in Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as various commercial and government-off-the-shelf software products. Notably, he has led multi-million dollar tactical systems through DIACAP/RMF certification and subsequent maintenance activities, serving in pivotal roles such as an IASO (ISSO) and technical lead.

Adam's passion lies in information system risk assessment, assessment and authorization (A&A), and the formulation of risk mitigation strategies, security policies, and vulnerability remediation packages for networked systems, both in military and commercial settings. His expertise spans a broad spectrum, encompassing certifications like ISACA CISM, CISA, CompTIA Security+, and Core Impact Certified Professional (CICP), along with proficiencies in scripting languages for automation and constructing Windows group policy objects for enhanced domain security.

As we wrap up today's episode, we extend our gratitude to Adam Austin for sharing his invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity and his dedication to empowering small businesses in navigating regulatory complexities. Stay tuned for more enriching conversations with industry luminaries on GovCon Giants Podcast!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-austin-cybersecurity/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/totem-tech/

Website: https://www.totem.tech/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotemTechnology/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKT-JYV0jqkvxFp-yUTjwg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/totem_tech

215: Tech Titan: Unraveling Three Decades of IT Leadership Excellence with Narjis Ali May 02, 2024

Today, we had the honor of welcoming back a true trailblazer in the IT industry, Narjis Ali. With over thirty years of progressive experience in IT research and development, strategy consulting, and managing startups, Narjis brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Currently serving as the President and CEO of Sure Secure Solutions, Narjis leads a company dedicated to providing targeted end-to-end IT solutions, Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, and Content Management for both government and commercial clients.

Throughout her illustrious career, Narjis has distinguished herself as a highly skilled manager and professional leader, showcasing exceptional organizational and project leadership skills. Her passion for her work is evident in her unwavering commitment, focus, and energy. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Narjis is renowned for her dedication to social and welfare activities, serving as a source of inspiration for those around her.

During our conversation, Narjis delved into her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. She shared insights into the ever-evolving landscape of IT, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and business process optimization in today's competitive market.

As a mentor, Narjis continues to inspire and empower others, generously sharing her time, compassion, and expertise. Her multifaceted talents extend beyond the realm of technology, encompassing a deep appreciation for music, the arts, and charitable endeavors. It is clear that Narjis's impact transcends the boundaries of the professional sphere, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, compassion, and excellence.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable career and inspiring journey of Narjis Ali, a true giant in the world of IT and beyond.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/narjis-ali-78a5342/

Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sure-secure-solutions/

Website: https://www.suresecuresolutions.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suresecuresolutions

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SureSecure

Email: info@suresecuresolutions.com

214: Behind the Scenes of Defense Business and Contracts: Expert Insights from Darren Whiddon Apr 17, 2024

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the strategic insights of a true powerhouse in the realm of defense and business, Darren Whiddon of DKW Consulting LLC. You might remember last year's episode with Gene Moran, where we delved into the importance of early engagement with government customers. Well, following that episode, Gene invited me to speak at his event, the Ringmaster, where I had the pleasure of connecting with Darren.

What makes Darren's story fascinating is his journey from being an Armor Officer in the US Army to now running DKW Consulting LLC, where he assists US small businesses and international mid-size businesses with business development, marketing, and competitive intelligence. Darren's specialty? Pyrotechnics, explosives, munitions—you know, the real War Dogs kind of stuff.

With over 12 years of experience, including a tour in Iraq as an Infantry Advisor to the Iraqi Army, Darren has a wealth of knowledge to share. He held significant roles within the defense industry, serving as VP of Programs and VP of Business Development for companies like Chemring and Nammo. In fact, he was responsible for hiring and promoting 10 program managers during his tenure.

In today's conversation, Darren shares invaluable insights on what makes program managers successful, the art of crafting winning proposals, and how to navigate past performance questionnaires. He sheds light on the challenges of being the incumbent in manufacturing and emphasizes the importance of a strong BD team and having the right program managers in place for success.

Despite his demanding schedule—traveling 40 weeks last year—Darren's commitment to unraveling the truths of the manufacturing world remains unwavering. So, join us as we uncover the strategic mindset of Darren Whiddon, a true giant in the world of defense and business. Tune in to Govcon Giants for this enlightening conversation!

213: Leading with Integrity and Building a Culture of Excellence: Expert Insights and Wisdom from Corliss “Mama U” Udoema Apr 10, 2024

In today's episode, we're thrilled to have Corliss Udoema back on the show. Corliss is the CEO of Contract Solutions, Inc. (CSI), an organization dedicated to excellence in service provision. With a focus on stability, growth, and expansion, CSI offers acquisition support, training, and staff augmentation services to its clients.

Corliss, a recipient of two Congressional awards for her work in small business development, brings her innovative and results-oriented leadership to the forefront. She believes in leading by example, consistently seeking the best talent to ensure her clients receive top-notch professional services.

During our conversation, Corliss sheds light on the essential operations provided by organizations, emphasizing the importance of excellence in service delivery and addressing any gaps impeding operational goals. Her commitment to exceeding client expectations resonates throughout our discussion. Moreover, Corliss emphasizes the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Tune in to this enlightening episode as Corliss Udoema shares her insights, experiences, and the exceptional work being done at Contract Solutions, Inc. If you're looking for solutions to essential business needs or seeking to partner with a company that prioritizes excellence and integrity, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the world of contracting solutions with a true leader in the field.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corliss-udoema-4b972910/

Website: https://contractsolutions-inc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractcsi/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contract-solutions-inc--csi-/

Email: csi@contractsolutions-inc.com

212: From Discipline to Triumph: Exploring the Remarkable Career Trajectory of Frank Spencer III Apr 03, 2024

Today, we have the honor of hosting Frank Spencer III, President at Aztec Contractors, a true titan in the realm of small business and entrepreneurship. Frank's journey from his roots in West Texas to his current role as a serial entrepreneur and mentor is nothing short of inspiring.

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Frank embarked on a journey that led him to acquire Aztec Contractors, Inc. in 2006. With a humble investment of a thousand dollars, Frank's prudence and fortitude transformed Aztec Contractors into a multimillion-dollar, award-winning general contracting company in the El Paso region.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Frank is deeply committed to giving back to his community and nurturing the next generation of leaders. His involvement in various advisory boards, chambers of commerce, and mentorship programs highlights his dedication to fostering growth and opportunity.

When he's not busy running his companies or shaping the future of business leadership, Frank finds solace in spending quality time with his family, pursuing outdoor adventures like hunting and hiking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular workouts.

Through his unwavering dedication to success and his community, Frank Spencer III epitomizes the essence of a true Govcon Giant, tirelessly working to build a game worth playing for all those around him. Join us as we delve into his insights, experiences, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Stay tuned for an enriching conversation that is sure to inspire and motivate.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankspenceriii/

Website: https://www.azteccontractors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azteccontractors/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azteccontractors

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxdzrMAwU7E

211: Transforming Ideas into Defense Solutions: Solving DOD Challenges with Wade B. Watts Mar 21, 2024

In today’s episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming a returning guest, Wade B. Watts, the University Program Director (UPD) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). With over 20 years of experience as an Air Force Officer and subsequent roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, Wade brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

In this episode, we delved deeper into the workings of NSIN, a Department of Defense program office under the Defense Innovation Unit. NSIN, formerly known as the MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator, has become a powerhouse in fostering innovation and solving challenges within the DOD through collaborations with universities and community startups.

The National Service portfolio offers individuals a chance to contribute to the DOD without formal membership, while the Collaboration portfolio gathers diverse talent for nationwide problem-solving initiatives. The Acceleration portfolio supports those ready to transition from conceptual solutions to forming companies, building prototypes, or entering government contracts.

Mr. Wade discussed how interested parties can bring solutions to NSIN, emphasizing the role of University Program Directors in establishing local ecosystems. He encouraged engagement with NSIN events, checking their website, or reaching out via email to info@nsin.us.

Wade clarified the crucial role of university affiliations as civilian think tanks, handling many DOD problems. Whether you're in the conceptual stages or already have a validated solution, NSIN offers mentorship, introductions to hubs and accelerators, and tailored programs to support your journey.

This episode provides invaluable insights into NSIN's operations, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in defense innovation, collaboration, and solving complex problems. Tune in and join the conversation with Govcon Giants!

Website: https://www.nsin.mil/

Contact: https://www.nsin.mil/join-us/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSINus/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NSIN_us

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsinus/

210: Strategic Insights and Tenacity: Securing Department of Defense Funding with Vanessa Savas Mar 06, 2024

In today’s episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Vanessa Savas, a retired Air Force Colonel with an impressive 29 years of Department of Defense experience. Her extensive and distinguished career reached its pinnacle as a Congressional and Government Relations expert for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Over the course of 12 years, Vanessa played a pivotal role in advising and collaborating with senior officials in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Southern Command, and the U.S. Air Force to secure annual congressional authorizations and appropriations for the Department. Her strategic insights, tenacity, and reputation for integrity have been instrumental in navigating the complex landscape of government relations.

Beyond her illustrious Air Force career, Vanessa has worn many hats, including serving as a Customer Support Senior Engineer for Bombardier Aerospace-Learjet, the Lead Beechjet Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner at CAE SimuFlite, and even as a Commercial Airline Pilot for various airlines.

In this engaging conversation, Vanessa shared her wealth of knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the intricacies of government relations within the Department of Defense. Tune in to gain valuable insights into her role, the challenges she faced, and the importance of building relationships in the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of military service, government relations, and the aerospace industry. Let’s welcome our next giant, Vanessa Savas.

Website: https://delphiworldgroup.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-savas/

Email: vanessa@delphiworldgroup.com

Contact: https://delphiworldgroup.com/contact-us

209: Scoring Major Bid Opportunities in The Department of Energy with Shalaya Morissette Feb 21, 2024

In this episode, we are honored to have a powerhouse guest, Shalaya Morissette, who is making waves as the Chief of the Minority Business and Workforce Division in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), stationed within the Office of Energy Justice and Equity. Shalaya is a highly sought-after collaborator in the clean technology space, bringing a wealth of experience from her recent role in the utility sector, focusing on safety and compliance.

We talked about remarkable opportunities in clean energy manufacturing, where eight winners stand to receive $250,000. We also highlighted the importance of a clear and concise roadmap over lengthy proposals and recommend checking out the user-friendly website for all the details.

We delve into the topic of unsolicited proposals and touch on an exciting future prize for nonprofits involved in community outreach. As we expand our scope internationally, we engage listeners toward USAID and the Minority Business Development Agency for global initiatives. Lastly, we delve into practical advice on strategic plays and making the most of the opportunities available, emphasizing the significance of networking and collaboration within the Govcon community.

Tune in for a dynamic discussion on elevating minorities in the energy sector and navigating the evolving landscape of clean technology. You don't want to miss this episode with a true giant in the industry!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalayam/

US Department of Energy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy/

Website: https://www.energy.gov/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/energy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/energy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/USdepartmentofenergy

Solve it Prize: https://www.herox.com/SOLVEIT

MAKE IT Prize: https://www.herox.com/make-it-strategies

Ask Us Anything Series: https://energy.gov/justice/ask-us-anything-series

EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/

Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) https://arpa-e.energy.gov/

Federal Help Center: https://federalhelpcenter.com/

208: Behind the Numbers: An In-Depth Discussion with Audit Director Pete Ragone Feb 15, 2024

Today we had the privilege of hosting Pete Ragone, an esteemed Audit Director at SC&H Group. Pete has been a vital member of the SC&H team since 2015, bringing with him a wealth of experience in public accounting dating back to 1990.

Throughout his career, Pete has emerged as a leader in financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations for a diverse range of domestic and international organizations. His clientele spans certified small businesses, including those participating in the SBA 8(a) program, as well as middle- and large-market clients across industries such as Government Contracting, Manufacturing, Construction, Technology, Healthcare, and Nonprofit sectors.

Pete's extensive background includes audit management roles in both "Big 4" firms and regional accounting firms. His expertise encompasses a spectrum of financial areas, including cost accounting, DCAA audit compliance, FAR, CAS, foreign currency translation accounting, fair value accounting, complex revenue recognition issues, and more. He has a remarkable track record of providing clients with valuable insights, from accounting software selection and implementation to general business consulting advice.

Beyond his client-focused responsibilities, Pete is actively engaged in firm initiatives. He plays a pivotal role in recruiting efforts for the Tysons Corner office and places a strong emphasis on training within his team. Pete has developed and delivered training sessions on various topics, including audit methodology, financial reporting, effective communication, and the impact of new accounting standards.

This interview is conducted by our very own Randie Ward, who has graciously decided to step into the role of Middle Market representative for Govcon Giants. So expect to hear more from her in upcoming episodes.

We are truly grateful to have had Pete Ragone on the show, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights into the intricate world of auditing and financial consulting. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with industry giants on the Govcon Giants Podcast.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-ragone-4124bb3

Website: https://www.schgroup.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SCHGroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCandHGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sch_group/

Contact number: 800-832-3008

207: Mastering Compliance Risks in Government Contracting: A Conversation with Giacomo Apadula Feb 07, 2024

In our latest episode, Randie Ward had the privilege of interviewing Giacomo Apadula, an authority in government contract and grant administration. Giacomo's extensive expertise lies in cost accounting, regulatory compliance, and business process improvement/system design.

Throughout the episode, Giacomo shared his wealth of knowledge, drawing on his experience serving clients in the government contracting and grantee sectors, spanning both profit and non-profit organizations. His clientele includes large defense contractors, biotechs, and not-for-profits, encompassing complex Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and international relief organizations.

Giacomo specializes in guiding these entities on mitigating compliance risks and implementing robust internal controls. One of Giacomo's key areas of focus is helping organizations establish the internal control framework necessary to obtain government-approved business systems, such as accounting/billing, estimating, and purchasing.

During the conversation, Giacomo highlighted his proficiency in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), 2 CFR 200, as well as agency-specific supplements such as NIH/DFARS/AIDAR/HHS. He showcased his analytical skills by emphasizing the use of Microsoft Access and Excel for statistical modeling and analysis.

Overall, Randie’s discussion with Giacomo delved deep into the intricacies of government contract and grant administration, shedding light on the importance of compliance, cost accounting, and effective business processes. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from a true expert in the field.

Click here to learn more about Giacomo:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-apadula-67411b5/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-us-llp/

Website: https://rsmus.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsmusllp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rsmusllp/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/rsmusllp1

206: The Insider's Guide to Government Contracts Litigation with Ryan C. Bradel Feb 01, 2024

In today’s episode we have a true expert in the field, Ryan C. Bradel. Ryan is a seasoned attorney representing government contractors in a myriad of federal, state, and local procurement matters. With a cross-industry practice, Ryan has become a go-to authority for companies in defense, intelligence, contingency operations, private security, weapons manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and more. His extensive experience includes bid protests, contract disputes, FAR counseling, and navigating the complexities of SBA programs.

In our conversation, Ryan delves into his specialty—government contracts litigation. He shares insights into successfully representing protestors and interveners/awardees in bid protests before key bodies like the Court of Federal Claims and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Notably, his accomplishments extend to leading the prosecution of multi-million-dollar claims before various boards and appeals processes.

One of Ryan's unique strengths lies in his expertise with the Small Business Administration (SBA) government contracting programs. He guides companies through certification processes and advises on effective participation in programs for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone small businesses, SDVOSBs, WOSBs, ANC, and Tribally-owned businesses. His counsel goes beyond initial certifications, encompassing ownership changes, mentor-protégé arrangements, joint ventures, teaming agreements, and strategic alliances.

Before joining Ward & Berry, Ryan served as Associate Counsel to McCain-Palin 2008 and later as Counsel at an AmLaw15 law firm. Today, he brings his wealth of experience to our discussion, sharing valuable insights into compliance programs, employment matters, and the intricate landscape of M&A within the highly-regulated government contracting industry.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the government contracting space, from seasoned professionals to those just starting. Join us as we uncover the strategies and lessons that have made Ryan Bradel a standout figure in the Govcon Giants landscape.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-bradel-4560982/

Website: https://www.wardberry.com/ryan-bradel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WardBerryLaw/

Email: info@wardberry.com

Contact: (202) 331-8160

205: Turning Vision into Reality: Exploring the Dynamics of Leadership in Federal Construction with Angie Martinez Jan 24, 2024

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Angie Martinez, an executive professional with over 25 years of extensive experience in federal construction, business development, and facilities management. Angie's impressive career spans various facets of the industry, including construction management, contracting, and facilities planning. Her commitment to guiding teams toward a common vision and developing practical solutions to complex problems makes her a true problem solver in the field.

Angie's passion for accomplishing challenging projects is evident in her belief that there's nothing more fun than achieving success in endeavors that initially seemed insurmountable. Her pride in contributing to projects ranging from supporting national security to preserving our national parks is truly commendable.

As an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Angie has not only served on the national board for the SAME Foundation but has also been a valuable part of the Leader Development Community of Interest.

Passionate about leadership and continuous personal and professional growth, Angie Martinez thrives on challenging the status quo to improve processes. She takes "that's how it's always been done" as a personal challenge, embodying the spirit of innovation and forward-thinking. Our conversation delves into Angie's insights on leadership, growth, and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

Don't miss this engaging episode with Angie Martinez, where she shares her wisdom, experiences, and perspectives on leadership and the ever-evolving landscape of federal construction. Tune in now to gain valuable insights from this influential leader in the industry!

Click here to learn more about Angie:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-martinez-6724235/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/martinez-construction-services/

Website: https://martinezconstruction.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinezServicesInc/

Contact number: 321-349-2000

204: Blueprint for Govcon Success: Unveiling the Solution Engineering Framework™ with Peter Lierni Jan 17, 2024

In today's episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Solution Engineer Peter Lierni, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in designing and developing winning solutions in the federal, state, local, and international market spaces.

Peter Lierni's expertise lies in the intricate world of government contracting, a field that demands strategic thinking and meticulous planning for success. During the episode, Peter shared invaluable insights into the critical role that winning proposals play in the government contracting cycle.

He emphasized that successful companies are those that can not only secure contracts but also deliver quality solutions with tangible benefits and risk mitigation that meet the customer's needs. Peter's Solution Engineering Framework™, a proven and fail-proof approach to proposal development, was a focal point of our conversation.

The Solution Engineering Framework™ is a game-changer for those navigating the complex landscape of government contracting. Peter explained that it provides a logical and repeatable methodology to produce winning proposals that are not merely written but engineered for success.

Throughout the episode, Peter drew on his extensive experience, incorporating lessons learned from various domains such as the military, client delivery, solution development, capture management, and proposal development. His perspective was shaped by being part of a highly successful acquisition, and he gave credit to exceptional mentors and friends who played a crucial role in his journey. Peter Lierni's wealth of knowledge and experience make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in the competitive world of government contracting.

Learn more about Peter:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-lierni-cap-apmp-and-cp-apmp-author-a882473/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solutioneering-llc-united-states/

Website: https://solutioneering.company/

Email: info@solutioneering.company

203: IQ vs EQ: The Unseen Power in Business Growth (Youtube Live) Jan 10, 2024

Let’s talk about the basics. In this episode, I talk about and discuss the critical balance between intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ) in achieving success, sharing anecdotes that underscored the vital role of emotional intelligence in professional settings. From my experience, success isn't just about technical skills but also about how we communicate, respond to challenges, and collaborate with others.

We dived deep into various aspects, including conflict resolution, effective communication strategies, and personal growth. I shared real-life scenarios where EQ proved pivotal, urging everyone to prioritize developing their emotional intelligence. Empathy, effective communication, and understanding diverse perspectives emerged as crucial themes, highlighting their impact on fostering robust business relationships and driving growth. Additionally, I shared my personal aspirations to contribute more, help others succeed, and make a positive impact, stressing the need for continuous learning and self-improvement to achieve these goals.

As we wrapped up the session, I encouraged everyone to reflect on their approach to business, relationships, and personal development. I reiterated that success isn't just about technical know-how; it's equally about how we communicate, empathize, and evolve as individuals within our professional spheres.

202: From Social Work to Social Impact: Navigating Social Enterprise Success with Merry Korn (Repost) Jan 03, 2024

In this episode, we delved into the remarkable journey of Merry Korn, a seasoned clinical social worker turned entrepreneur, who shared her insights and experiences in building a unique social enterprise. With over 30 years of expertise and a background rooted in clinical social work from Ohio State University, Merry's trajectory from Wellness Systems to American Health Holding, Inc. offered a rich foundation for her eventual groundbreaking venture.

Merry Korn’s brainchild, Pearl Interactive Network, embodies a dual purpose: offering comprehensive contact center services and pioneering end-to-end telehealth solutions while prioritizing job creation for the most underserved demographics. The company’s commitment to social impact aligns seamlessly with its profit-generating operations.

Pearl Interactive Network stands out as a beacon of social enterprise by providing comprehensive contact center services and cutting-edge telehealth solutions. Their model isn't just about business success but centers on creating employment opportunities for marginalized communities. The primary aim of Pearl Interactive Network is to bridge the employment gap for the most challenged populations by leveraging their services, promoting inclusivity, and generating profits with a purpose.

Merry shared invaluable lessons from her journey navigating the complex federal landscape. She emphasized the importance of having a clear, compelling vision. Merry's vision guided her in establishing a business model that harmonized social impact with profitability. Integrity remains the cornerstone of success. Merry highlighted the significance of maintaining integrity in every facet of business dealings, especially within the intricate federal arena.

Merry’s journey from clinical social work to entrepreneurship exemplifies the potent fusion of social impact and business acumen. Her insights serve as a guiding light for those seeking to make a meaningful difference while achieving entrepreneurial success. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring narrative of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility in the entrepreneurial landscape.

201: DLA Insider Perspectives: Unveiling GovCon Success Secrets with Startup Leaders (Youtube Live) Dec 27, 2023

In our latest episode, we brought together a formidable panel featuring four thriving startups entrenched in the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) marketplace. The conversation was a goldmine of insights vital for navigating the complex GovCon landscape.

Throughout the discussion, key themes emerged, starting with a deep dive into the DLA market, offering crucial insights for anyone seeking to explore this domain. Real-world experiences took center stage as panelists shared their encounters with industry-specific challenges, offering practical solutions that resonate across GovCon.

Innovation became a focal point, with startups revealing strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, stressing the importance of adaptability. Building strong partnerships emerged as a cornerstone for success, highlighting the significance of collaborative alliances in navigating contracts, compliance, and scaling operations.

Whether a seasoned industry player or a budding entrepreneur, the exclusive insights shared by these leaders provide actionable takeaways that transcend experience levels, making this discussion a pivotal resource for gaining a competitive edge in the GovCon arena.

200: Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Federal Acquisition Regulations with Government Contracts Compliance Expert Janetta Brewer (Repost) Dec 20, 2023

In this week's episode, we had the honor of hosting Janetta Brewer, Esq., a luminary figure in federal acquisition regulations. With an illustrious career spanning multiple federal agencies, including pivotal roles in the US Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense, Janetta's insights into the dynamic landscape of FAR and DFARS are unparalleled.

Her tenure as a senior member of the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy staff provided her with a unique vantage point in the evolution of acquisition regulations. She played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing regulations that have significantly impacted contract execution outcomes, streamlining processes for both government entities and industry stakeholders.

During our conversation, she emphasized the challenges faced by both contractors and the government in implementing Congress-mandated directives. Her pragmatic perspective highlighted the limitations within which agencies must operate while striving to minimize the impact on contractors.

One of the standout takeaways from the episode was her invaluable advice for small businesses navigating the intricate landscape of federal contracts. She emphasized the importance of comprehensive knowledge and understanding of obligations and responsibilities, empowering businesses to engage confidently and effectively with the government.

Currently at the helm of Blue Alchemy Consulting, she continues to leverage her extensive experience to assist government and industry clients alike. Her company focuses on providing cutting-edge policy processes, IT systems, and workforce development solutions, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the realm of federal acquisitions.

Tune in to this episode for an insightful discussion with Janetta, offering a roadmap for businesses seeking to navigate the complex terrain of federal acquisitions amidst evolving regulations.

199: Supplying Demand: How to Score Government Contracts for Basic Necessities (Youtube Live) Dec 13, 2023

In this episode, I had the privilege of hosting Mr. Pierce Robinson, an expert in government contracts. Our focus? Demystifying the process of selling everyday items like eggs, milk, water, and more to the government. Pierce, with his wealth of experience, provided invaluable insights into how small businesses can navigate the labyrinth of government contracts and succeed in supplying these essential goods.

During the discussion, Pierce shed light on the often-overlooked opportunities for smaller businesses in securing government contracts for basic commodities. He emphasized the simplicity of the process, debunking common myths that only larger corporations can tap into these markets. Pierce walked our audience through the step-by-step approach, offering practical tips on how to identify contract opportunities, navigate the bidding process, and meet the stringent requirements for government suppliers.

Throughout the live session, viewers engaged enthusiastically, posing thought-provoking questions about compliance, certifications, and the logistics of fulfilling government orders for perishable items. Pierce's expertise shone as he tackled each query, offering pragmatic advice backed by years of industry knowledge.

In conclusion, our discussion with Pierce Robinson was not only enlightening but also empowering for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to sell basic commodities to the government. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on Govcon Giants Podcast as we continue to unravel the mysteries of the government contracting world!

198: Inside the Mind of a Leader: Beverly Kuykendall's Key Advice for Small Businesses in Government Contracting (Repost) Dec 06, 2023

In this episode of GovCon Giants, we had the honor of hosting the remarkable Beverly Kuykendall, President of Government Business at American Medical Depot (AMD). With an illustrious career spanning across powerhouse corporations such as Procter & Gamble, American Hospital Supply, Xerox, and Herman Miller, Kuykendall brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.

Our conversation delved into her journey navigating the intricate landscape of federal and commercial contracts. Kuykendall shared invaluable wisdom derived from her vast experience, shedding light on the nuances and strategies critical for success in this dynamic sector.

Her accolades speak volumes about her impact and dedication—recognized as one of South Florida's 25 Most Influential and Prominent Women in Business and Leadership in 2015, among other prestigious acknowledgments like being named one of the 50 Most Powerful Minority Women in Business and receiving accolades such as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Black Business Association of Los Angeles and Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Minority Contractors of Southern California.

During our conversation, Kuykendall offered practical advice, drawing from her journey as a trailblazer in the industry, aiming to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals striving to carve their path in the realm of government contracting.

Tune in to this episode as Beverly shares her invaluable insights, unravels the secrets to thriving in government contracting, and inspires listeners with her remarkable journey and achievements.

197: The Secret to Government Contract Wealth: The Power of Strategic Goals (Youtube Live) Nov 29, 2023

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we delve deep into the pivotal role of strategic goal setting in the world of government contracts. Reflecting on personal experiences, I emphasize the transformative power of setting and evolving goals, starting from humble financial aspirations to envisioning substantial monthly cash flow within the government contracting sphere.

Listen now as I share how these strategic objectives were born out of desperation, not inspiration, highlighting the importance of acknowledging both success and fear stories in the journey towards success. Tune in to gain insights into the actionable strategies crucial for success in government contracts, emphasizing the need for proactive steps like forming mastermind groups, engaging in site visits, and active participation in industry-relevant conferences.

Learn about the significance of categorizing goals across various domains, urging you to define clear, measurable objectives in finance, relationships, personal growth, and health. This previous Youtube Live serves as a motivational guide, encouraging you to proactively participate and commit to achieving substantial wealth by strategically navigating the government contract landscape through purposeful goal setting.

196: Navigating Success in Government Contracting: Unveiling the HUBZone Program's Insider Strategies with Michelle Burnett (Repost) Nov 24, 2023

In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Michelle Burnett, an influential figure in the world of government contracting and the executive director of the HUBZone Contractors National Council. With almost a decade devoted to advocating for the HUBZone program, Michelle shared invaluable insights to aid small businesses navigating the federal marketplace.

Michelle’s expertise in the HUBZone program stems from years of commitment, both as a consultant for small businesses and as a contractor herself. Her dual roles as an advocate and a practitioner have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies within the government contracting landscape.

Throughout our conversation, Michelle emphasized the importance of collaboration for small business owners. Her advice echoed the essence of partnership and collaboration as key components for success. "You cannot be good at everything," she noted. "Collaboration with other businesses is essential. Don’t limit your networking to target agencies; expand and connect with fellow businesses."

Beyond her role as the executive director, Michelle is also the driving force behind PEPBURN LLC, her own company designed to support small businesses in navigating various government programs. Her multifaceted experience lends a unique perspective to her advocacy efforts and practical advice for thriving in the government contracting sphere.

Tune in to this episode as Michelle Burnett shares her wealth of knowledge, offering insights and strategies crucial for small businesses aiming to excel in the federal marketplace and thrive within the HUBZone program. Join us in understanding the program's nuances and leveraging Burnette's expertise to propel your business forward in the competitive government contracting landscape.

195: The Business Bridge: Veterans' Journey to New Opportunities (Youtube Live) Nov 15, 2023

Today's episode is a salute to our veterans. Join me and our esteemed guests, Daren Gerrish, Eric "Doc" Wright, and Stu Smith, as we dive into the realm of possibilities awaiting our military heroes in the business landscape.

We kick off with Daren Gerrish, offering a captivating look at the Space Coast chapter of FAVOB and its transformation since 2016. Daren's insights reveal the incredible journey and support available for veterans transitioning into civilian jobs. Next up, Eric "Doc" Wright takes the mic. With a track record of aiding over 11,000 veterans into Corporate America, Doc shares invaluable insights into the routes to success for our veterans in the business world. And of course, we can't overlook Stu Smith, CEO of FAVOB. Stu's discussion sheds light on the pivotal role his organization plays in empowering and connecting veteran-owned businesses. His passion for supporting veterans is truly inspiring.

In this episode, we'll be exploring how organizations like FAVOB facilitate the transition from military to civilian jobs. That means diving into specialized training, certification opportunities, and how military experience perfectly aligns with civilian job requirements.

And let's talk networking! Discover how crucial networking, especially at conferences, can open doors to lucrative government contracts. Plus, we'll explore certifications like PMP and how they empower project managers in leading and directing projects.

Whether you're a veteran seeking new opportunities or someone eager to support our heroes, this episode is a goldmine. Get ready to unlock a brighter future for veterans in 2023 and beyond.

194: The Art of Finding the Right Partner in Federal Contracting with David Rambhajan (Repost) Nov 08, 2023

Today we have a very special guest with us, David Rambhajan. David is a true giant in the government contracting world, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring. David enlisted in the US Marine Corps at the tender age of 17 and served our nation for eight years with unwavering dedication. After his military service, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, establishing Industria Construction Services in 1993. Today, he's celebrating over 25 years of providing exceptional general construction and professional construction management services.

During our conversation, David emphasized the importance of shared values and trust when partnering with other businesses in the federal marketplace. He stressed that successful partnerships are built on mutual trust and a common vision for the future, which can take time to find.

David's advice to small businesses was equally insightful. He encouraged entrepreneurs to assess their resources and think strategically about how to utilize them to achieve their goals. He urged us to consider what we truly want and what financial independence means to us. It's not just about making money; it's about defining the rewards and goals that drive our businesses forward.

David Rambhajan is not only a successful business owner but also a mentor and advisor to fellow entrepreneurs. He actively serves on the boards of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Elite SDVOB Network, and the Warrior Summit Coalition. His dedication to supporting small businesses and veteran-owned firms is truly commendable, and his wealth of experience in the federal marketplace is invaluable. Don't miss this insightful conversation with a true Govcon Giant, David Rambhajan. Stay tuned for more inspiration and knowledge in the world of government contracting.

193: Unlocking Small Business Success in Government Contracting with John Cook (Youtube Live) Nov 01, 2023

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, I sit down with John Cook, the CEO of Strategic Growth Advisors (SGA), a consulting firm specializing in providing business development support to small businesses in the government contracting space. With years of experience in this field, John is a treasure trove of knowledge and insights for small business owners aiming to thrive in the competitive world of government contracting.

John delves into proactive strategies and joint venture mastery, emphasizing the importance of preparation in securing lucrative sole source opportunities and leveraging tribal partnerships for success. He also sheds light on the game-changing role of data-driven decision-making in modern business.

Throughout the episode, John shares invaluable tips and step-by-step guidance, distilling his extensive experience into five critical lessons for small businesses looking to make their mark in government contracting. These lessons include the significance of preparation, the importance of cultivating relationships, the need for clear communication, the willingness to walk away from unfavorable deals, and the wisdom of engaging experts when necessary.

Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of government contracting, with actionable advice that can help supercharge their growth. So, if you're a small business owner looking to succeed in government contracting, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s welcome our next giant, John Cook.

192: The Critical Role of Small Businesses in NASA's Mission with Eunice Adams-Sipp Oct 25, 2023

In today’s episode, we dive into the world of promoting and integrating small businesses into the competitive base of contractors that pioneer the future of space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautic research. Our guest, Eunice Adams-Sipp, has over 30 years of experience as a contracting professional, shares her insights and experiences in her role as a representative of the NASA Office of Small Business Programs at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Her primary responsibility is to ensure that small businesses of all socio-economic categories receive adequate consideration in the procurement process. She provides guidance and advice to small businesses on how to compete for Government contracts and represents the agency in various events sponsored by the Office of Small Business Programs, the Small Business Administration, and other governmental organizations.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges small businesses face when competing for government contracts and how our guest assists them in navigating the procurement process. We also explore the importance of small businesses in space exploration and the impact they have on the economy.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of small businesses in space and the crucial role they play in shaping the future of space exploration. Let’s welcome our next giant, Eunice Adams-Sipp.

191: Procurement Pioneers: Unveiling GSA's Inner Workings and Insights with Shaun Hartman (Repost) Oct 18, 2023

In this conversation, we had the privilege of interviewing Shaun Hartman, an accomplished professional with an impressive career in the United States Air Force spanning 12 years. Shaun began his journey as a firefighter and later transitioned into acquisitions, eventually becoming a Defense Industry Consultant and Regional Program Manager until 2016.

Currently, Shaun holds the esteemed positions of Combat Rescue or Medical Logistics Contract Manager in the US Air Force Reserves and Region 4 Customer Service Director of the General Services Administration, stationed at Patrick Air Force Base. He plays a crucial role in purchasing and ensuring seamless coordination between customers and vendors, effectively providing solutions and support in his capacity as a liaison.

During our engaging conversation, Shaun delved into key topics that shed light on the functioning of the General Services Administration (GSA). He elucidated on the significant responsibilities undertaken by the GSA and how they play a pivotal role in facilitating government procurement. Shaun provided valuable insights into GSA's solicitation process, offering a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved and tips for navigating it successfully.

Furthermore, he shared invaluable advice for leveraging GSA's eBuy platform effectively, imparting practical guidance for businesses looking to engage with the GSA. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone involved in government contracting, offering a glimpse into the intricate workings of GSA and valuable tips for a successful procurement journey. Tune in and gain invaluable insights from our conversation with Shaun Hartman.

190: From Marine Corps Captain to CEO: Alex Hernandez's Path to GovCon Success (Repost) Oct 11, 2023

In today's episode, we have the honor of hosting Alex Hernandez, a true luminary in the federal marketplace. Alex, a former U.S. Marine Corps Captain with a specialty in logistics operations, brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the table.

As the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Hernandez Consulting & Construction, he shares invaluable advice for fellow entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of identifying a niche and understanding its demand in the market. Alex's journey showcases his dedication and determination in not only building a successful business but also giving back to the community through various leadership roles, including sitting on the Board of Directors for the Veterans Services of America, Inc. and the Tulane Alumni Association.

During our conversation, Alex highlights the critical role of finding one's niche and aligning it with market needs. He encourages business owners to drive their teams forward, acknowledging the unique dynamics that come with entrepreneurship. Alex's dedication and success are evident through his company's multiple appearances in the Inc. 500/5000 list and his recognition as Louisiana's Small Business Person of the Year in 2017.

Tune in to gain insights from Alex Hernandez's remarkable journey and invaluable advice for navigating the federal marketplace.

189: Empowering Entrepreneurs: Travis Mack's Insights for Thriving in Business (Youtube Live) Oct 04, 2023

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we have Travis Mack, a dynamic business leader serving as the Chairman and CEO of Saalex Corporation and Valeo Networks. Saalex Corporation, a prominent Engineering and Information Technology Services firm, specializes in critical areas such as Test Range Operations, Information Technology, Test and Evaluation, Logistics, and Engineering Services.

Travis Mack shares his incredible journey, offering invaluable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and business leadership. He emphasizes the importance of time management, resilience in challenging times, and the art of building resilient and enduring teams. Drawing from his experiences during the 2008 financial crisis, Travis highlights the critical lessons learned during times of crisis, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in themselves, maintain discipline, and make informed decisions in imperfect situations.

In this engaging discussion, Travis Mack shares some of his "Mackisms" - profound principles he learned from his mother that have guided his path to success. Travis's wisdom and "Mackisms" provide listeners with actionable strategies and a roadmap to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of perseverance, teamwork, and seizing opportunities with determination. Tune in to uncover the secrets to success and be inspired by Travis Mack's remarkable journey and profound insights.

188: Navigating New Frontiers: A Conversation with Eric 'Doc' Wright on Veteran Career Transitions (Repost) Sep 27, 2023

In this episode, we are privileged to host Eric "Doc" Wright, PhD, a distinguished Military Veteran, Founder of Vets2PM, LLC, and Co-Founder of the 501(c)3 Veteran Project Management Mentor Alliance.

Driven by a deep passion for aiding fellow veterans, Eric has dedicated himself to facilitating seamless transitions from the structured environment of the US Military to the dynamic realm of Corporate America. Through his organization, Vets2PM, Eric has transformed the post-service landscape for countless veterans, guiding them towards fulfilling and prosperous careers.

Vets2PM's remarkable impact earned them the prestigious 2019 Department of Labor Gold Award for their exceptional dedication to veteran hiring initiatives. Eric shares his wealth of experience and insights gained from bridging the gap between two seemingly distinct cultures - the military and the corporate world. He sheds light on the nuances of this transition, offering invaluable advice and strategies for veterans seeking a successful journey beyond the uniform.

Join us as we explore the transformative journey of veterans into the corporate landscape with Eric "Doc" Wright.

187: Building Bonds: Unveiling the Power of SBA Surety with Mr. Peter C. Gibbs (Repost) Sep 20, 2023

Today’s guest Mr. Peter C. Gibbs of Foundation Surety out Maryland is the former Director, Office of Surety Guarantees for the SBA. He served in that capacity for more than 15 years. When he retired last year he went out on his own and started a bonding company.

“Any company who is interested in participating in the infrastructure and jobs act must have Bonding.”

In today’s episode we discuss what it takes to get bonding? Is credit necessary? What about capital? How much capital is needed? What is the difference between an SBA surety versus a non SBA surety

Did you know that you can get a bond from an SBA surety with less cash in the bank than you can with a traditional surety? Most people don’t know that.

I did not know that prior to this lesson with Mr. Gibbs.

In today’s lesson Mr. Gibbs walks us through an example of how to increase your Bonding. If you are a contractor and you’re having problems with bonding or maybe you think you need to increase your bond, the problem may not be you, it just might be the surety. You could potentially double or quadruple your bond just by switching agents.

Tune in today’s lesson with our next Giant, Mr. Peter Gibbs.

186: Strategies for Small Firms to Thrive in Government Contracting with Cesar Nader (Repost) Sep 13, 2023

Today's guests, Cesar Nader, CEO of X Corp solutions of Virginia is leading the charge and helping the small firm grow to the mid-tier level, harnessing the power of federal contracts. Mr. Cesar Nader is a highly sought out speaker and thought leader in the government contracting space.

You may have heard him speak at the National 8a Conference, HUBZone, Veterans in Business or Amex Open events. In 2011, mr. Nader retired from the Marines. And shortly thereafter started teaching military veterans how to transition at X Corp. He began his career as the director of business strategy. And over the next four years worked his way up to the president and CEO.

In today's episode, we discuss a wide range of topics, including how to break into an agency, how to land over 182 awards, why he made it his purpose to go after prime contracts relevant to capacity, how to handle matchmaking events, the importance of spending RFIs and the marvel name that they call X Corp employees.

X Corp solutions is a leader in the federal marketplace tackling the areas of intelligence, security and cyber, professional management integration facility, property management, training, and educational development. So let's welcome our next giant, Mr. Cesar Nader

185: Top Government Contracting Questions Answered Sep 07, 2023

In the latest episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, we address your most pressing questions and provide invaluable expert guidance. Whether you're a seasoned small business owner in the field or someone curious about the realm of government contracts, this episode has something for you.

The episode kicks off by exploring the vital aspects of bid preparation, shedding light on the crucial steps and strategies to enhance your chances of success. Eric Coffie's in-depth knowledge and insights make this discussion a must-listen for those looking to break into the government procurement game.

Contract negotiation, a fundamental element of government contracting, is another topic dissected in this episode. Our host offers key tips and tricks on how to navigate this complex terrain, ensuring that your negotiations are both fruitful and compliant with government regulations.

Compliance, often a daunting aspect of government contracts, is demystified as Eric delves into the intricacies of staying on the right side of the law while pursuing government projects. His insights on compliance serve as a valuable resource for both newcomers and seasoned contractors alike.

In a world where government contracts can seem like a labyrinth of rules and regulations, this episode serves as an invaluable resource to unlock the secrets of success in government procurement. Whether you're looking to expand your business, embark on a contracting journey, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the field, this podcast is your go-to guide. Tune in now and embark on your Govcon journey today.

184: From Military Service to Entrepreneurial Triumph: Unveiling the Journey of LTC Gabriel Ruiz (Ret) towards Success, Resilience, and Community Impact (Repost) Aug 30, 2023

In this episode, LTC Gabriel Ruiz (Ret) brings us an incredible story of success through hard work, perseverance, learning and giving back.

LTC Gabriel Ruiz is President and CEO of Advanced IT Concepts, Inc. (AITC), was recently awarded the 2017 North Florida Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Ruiz was also recognized as the 2016 North Florida District Minority-Owned Small Business Person of the Year.

Gabriel Ruiz was born in Puerto Rico, he served in the U.S. Army for 26 years as a Communications and Technology Acquisition Officer. In 2006 he proudly retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. This is when he then launched his business with the guidance of his mentor.

Since 2013 AITC has delivered $70M+ programs. The company is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and currently 8a certified.

After this powerful episode I promise you will walk away with lots of ideas, advice and guidance to become your own success story.

183: From Military Service to Business Triumph: Unveiling the Journey of Raymond Jardine Jr., Chairman and Founder of Kina’ole Foundation Aug 23, 2023

Today's show is an absolute powerhouse of insights and inspiration as we sit down with the remarkable Raymond Jardine Jr., an incredible entrepreneur, leader, and military veteran. Raymond Jardine Jr., a true titan in the business world, sharing his extraordinary journey from a distinguished 33-year career in the Army to becoming the Chairman and CEO at Kina’ole Foundation. Notably, he recently earned the prestigious distinction of being named Second Runner-up for the US Small Business Administration's National Small Business Person of the Year Award.

During his military tenure, Raymond showcased his unwavering dedication and commitment by serving in various capacities, from an enlisted soldier to retiring as a Colonel. His multifaceted experience equipped him with a wealth of leadership skills that he seamlessly transitioned into the world of entrepreneurship.

Raymond's involvement extends beyond the boardroom. His outstanding business acumen is evident through a string of accolades including the Asian Enterprise Entrepreneur of the Year, Pacific Edge Business Executive of the Year, SBA Small Business Person of the Year, SBA Veterans Small Business of the Year, SBA 8(a) Graduate Business of the Year, and SBA Veterans Business Champion, to name just a few.

His dedication to community service is truly commendable, having received the Senator Daniel K. Inouye Leadership and Community Service Award, the Gordon H. Mansfield National Veterans Advocated award, and the FBI Director’s Community Leadership award. Raymond's influence reaches far beyond the business realm, as he has served as an appointee to Presidents Bush and Obama, Secretary Shinseki of the VA, and Governors Abercrombie and Ige.

Education is another corner of his impressive repertoire, with Raymond holding multiple degrees including a BA, MA, MSS, MBA, and Ph.D. These academic achievements mirror his continuous pursuit of excellence in all facets of his life.

In this episode, we dive deep into Raymond's journey, his strategies for success in both business and life, and the invaluable insights he's gained from his incredible experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone who simply appreciates stories of triumph, Raymond Jardine Jr.'s interview is one you won't want to miss. So, join us as we unravel the layers of wisdom and inspiration this remarkable guest brings to the table. Let’s welcome our next giant, Raymond Jardine Jr.

182: Mastering Financial Compliance with a Government Contracting Advisory Expert, Jeff Shapiro, CPA Aug 16, 2023

In this episode of The Govcon Giants podcast, Randie Ward sits down with Jeff Shapiro, a distinguished figure in the world of government contracting financial management. With over two decades of experience, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge as a CPA and MBA specializing in Government Contracting Advisory and Regulatory Assurance.

In this enlightening conversation, Jeff draws upon his extensive background, which spans from his tenure in the Federal Government to his roles in the commercial sector. He sheds light on his experiences with financial statement audits, federal contract and systems audits, compliance audits, and internal audits, both domestically and internationally.

Jeff's insights into leading system implementations, corporate office development, and process enhancement projects provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted landscape of government contracting.

Tune in as Jeff Shapiro and Randie Ward delve into the intricacies of financial management within the government contracting industry, sharing valuable insights, lessons learned, and expert advice for those navigating the complexities of compliance, audit, and advisory services.

Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or just embarking on your government contracting journey, this episode offers a deep dive into the strategies and practices that drive success in this dynamic field. Let’s welcome our next Giant, Jeff Shapiro.

181: Small Business Programs and the Affirmative Action Challenge (YouTube Live) Aug 09, 2023

This episode of Govcon Giants is a recent YouTube Live session focused on the intriguing topic of "Small Business Programs being Challenged by Affirmative Action." Exploring the landscape, I discuss the significance of government programs supporting small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in securing government contracts.

I also delve into the role of affirmative action within these programs, examining whether its intentions align with the goals of fostering inclusivity. We highlight recent challenges and controversies arising from this intersection, including legal battles and fairness concerns. Through data analysis, the impact of affirmative action on diversity in government contracts is scrutinized. Voices from the field, including small business owners, officials, legal experts, and diversity advocates, provide real-world insights.

Looking ahead, the episode explores innovative solutions to harmonize affirmative action with the objectives of small business programs. This episode encourages ongoing dialogue and action for a more inclusive government contracting community. Tune in to this episode now for this thought-provoking discussion!

180: How VRBC Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Close a Deal With The Navy - Darcella Craven (Repost) Aug 02, 2023

With more than 18 million veterans in the US, either you or someone you know will be able to benefit from the information we share in this upcoming episode.

Darcella Craven is the Chief Fear Conqueror and President of the Veteran Resource Business Center (VRBC), the nonprofit economic development agency assessing challenges and developing solutions to grow successful veteran-owned businesses and also immediate family members of veterans. Her organization services the areas of Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa region, but they're part of a larger nationwide network of veteran business outreach centers known as VBOC.

Before becoming part of the Veteran Resource Business Center (VRBC), Darcella Craven was an army veteran who later worked in different private entities for various administrative roles while also working as a faculty at Sanford Brown College. She also started her business but it failed, which made her pay the Internal Revenue Service a significant amount of money.

She didn’t want that to happen to other veterans. So, when an opportunity in helping veterans came, she accepted it. She also volunteers on various nonprofit events that aim to promote entrepreneurship, provide job opportunities, and celebrate small business successes.

179: Empowering Government Agencies through Compelling Branding and Web Development with Colin Nchako and Maria Martinez Jul 26, 2023

In this episode of Govcon Giants, we sit down with the talented Colin Nchako, a branding expert, visual design specialist, and interaction strategist. Colin's remarkable expertise lies in developing captivating branding initiatives, crafting visually stunning online training courses, and leading technical web development projects for diverse clients across the commercial, private sector, state, local, and federal government domains.

Colin also shares his remarkable journey in learning the intricacies of government contracting and how he skillfully leveraged his design expertise to make a significant impact. Colin shares the challenges he faced while navigating the government procurement landscape and how he successfully adapted his branding and design services to meet the unique needs of government agencies.

Join Maria as Colin takes us on a journey through his creative process, sharing insights into how he executes his vision and direction to deliver exceptional branding experiences and go-live-ready projects. Discover how his skills have empowered government agencies to make a lasting impact with clean layouts, well-constructed content, and impressive visuals.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, government contractor, or simply fascinated by the intersection of design and government initiatives, this episode will inspire you with Colin Nchako's mastery of turning creativity into tangible results.

178: Unleashing Success in Government Contracting Through Innovative IT Solutions with Bryant Lynch and Pierce Robinson Jul 19, 2023

In today's episode, we have Mr. Bryant Lynch, the President of Valen Solutions LLC. Bryan is an accomplished and innovative entrepreneur and IT professional with over 10 years of experience in improving business efficiency through IT solutions.

Bryant is a multi-skilled professional who serves as a trusted business advisor, providing valuable guidance to entrepreneurs and customers. With his vision, passion, and expertise, Bryant works with aspiring and growing tech businesses, championing and promoting entrepreneurship.

In this episode, he shares how his determination to learn about government contracting through videos and podcast has led him to reach his milestones in his GovCon journey. Now, he has six contracts under his belt.

As a highly qualified IT Advisor and Consultant, Bryant has a keen eye for excellence and a deep understanding of technical concepts. He excels in translating business requirements into effective solutions, providing technical leadership, and overcoming challenges with smart strategies. His infectious optimism, deep sector knowledge, and extensive network enable him to bring immediate value to any IT project or business.

Join Pierce and Bryan in this enlightening conversation as Bryant shares his insights, experiences, and strategies for achieving success in the government contracting space. Learn from his wisdom as he discusses the importance of IT solutions, visionary leadership, and building a strong team.

Let’s welcome our next guest, Mr. Bryant Lynch.

177: How to defeat the big brand with no certifications with Randie Ward and Sarah Binette Jul 12, 2023

In this episode of Govcon Giants, we have Sarah Binette, a seasoned fitness expert and entrepreneur. With over 20 years of fitness experience and pre-med clinical knowledge, Sarah has helped driven business owners and executives elevate their health, fitness, productivity, energy levels, and overall quality of life.

Sarah's fitness programming has proven successful in guiding top business leaders, red carpet attendees, and notable individuals, including Miss America 2010, a USAF Brigadier General, Sodexo executive, former US President congressional liaison, top 10 broker in the US, international business franchise owner, sports team owners, and numerous multi-million dollar company owners.

Sarah shares her entrepreneurial journey as the founder and CEO of Lettuce Meal Prep LLC, a woman-owned business located in a HUB zone. Lettuce Meal Prep specializes in providing foods and food service supplies to local, state, and federal government agencies, offering quick delivery, integrity, accountability, and high ethical standards.

Tune in as Sarah Binette offers valuable insights on unlocking optimal health and fitness for business leaders, and how Lettuce Meal Prep provides contracting solutions with utmost professionalism.

176: Driving Aggressive Federal Contracting with System Modernization and Global Impact with Gautam Ijoor Jul 05, 2023

In today's episode, we have Mr. Gautam Ijoor, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO/President of a leading aggressive Federal Contracting business. Gautam is an expert in system modernization, low code, open source software, and serverless multi-cloud architecture.

His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his global agenda to grow, diversify, and profit while delivering elite solutions and services. With a mission to impact the lives of his staff and the greater community, Gautam's nuanced approach to business development sets him apart.

One of Gautam's notable accomplishments is his role in leading inorganic growth initiatives in a Federal Systems Integrator. He successfully handled M&A activities and reviews on 18 potential firms, securing a remarkable $10 million in funding. Known for his coolness under pressure, Gautam is dedicated to delivering promised objectives with precision.

Gautam's specialties encompass a wide range of areas crucial to government contracting success. He excels in start-ups and turnarounds, contract and project delivery, program and project management, client relationship management, business development, and capture strategy. Additionally, Gautam's expertise extends to mergers and acquisitions, P&L management, technology implementation, process and productivity improvement, and federal acquisition regulations.

Tune in to this episode of Govcon Giants Podcast as we delve into Gautam Ijoor's extraordinary journey, gaining valuable insights into his strategies, experiences, and vision for the future of government contracting. You won't want to miss this conversation with a true industry giant.

175: Country Girl Turned CEO Technology Entrepreneur - Linda Rawson (Repost) Jun 28, 2023

Linda Rawson is a technology entrepreneur, author, inventor, and C-level executive. Since 2006, she has owned and operated DynaGrace Enterprises, a Women-Owned Small Business in rural Morgan, Utah. She started as a software engineer in the eighties when it was not typical for a woman in Utah.

She has received several awards for Davis/Morgan business of the year and wrote a very vulnerable book about grief. Her background as a software engineer, combined with her corporate executive experience, merges the technical with the business world. She has exceeded expectations and never let various challenges and obstacles associated with being a woman impede upon her path to success

In this episode we discuss her adventure navigating the 8a program. How she experienced success after finding a mentor/partner who showed her the ropes. Life after 8a and her latest invention; a weather station called the WeatherEgg. She educates children about weather science through her coloring book and finds balance in life by traveling and participating in outdoor activities. She is pivoting her company into air quality.

174: Transforming Federal Contracting: Innovating the Customer Experience with MYSBCX with Wayne Berry Jun 21, 2023

In today’s episode, we have Mr. Wayne Berry who has over 20 years of Federal service in Contracting across the departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). He is an expert in data analytics for Federal contracting and creating exceptional customer experiences.

Mr. Berry holds a FAC-C Level III certification in Contracting and a FAC-C Level II certification in Project Management, showcasing his extensive expertise in these domains. He has played a crucial role as a technical advisor in the development of the HHS OSDBU system known as MYSBCX. This web-based program has revolutionized the way OSDBU efficiently and securely routes HHS program and Contracting staff requests, including small business program and subcontracting reviews, along with all the necessary supporting documents.

A Small Business Specialist serves Contracting and agency program officials as the subject matter expert for the Federal small business program. These duties include monitoring contracts awarded to small businesses and maximizing contracting opportunities for small businesses. For those of you who do not know, HHS has 12 operating divisions, including nine agencies in the U.S. Public Health Service and three human services agencies.

Mr. Berry currently serves at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). Let’s welcome our next giant, Mr. Wayne Berry.

173: Decoding Government Contracts: Insights on SBA Compliance, Affiliation, and Size Standards with Adam Lasky Jun 14, 2023

Today’s guest is Adam Lasky, a partner at Seyfarth Shaw, where he focuses his legal practice on helping clients win and navigate government contracts. While Adam represents contractors on a wide variety of government contracting issues, his primary focus areas are bid protests, SBA regulatory compliance issues, joint venture and teaming agreement transactions, and claims/disputes.

In this episode we discuss what makes SBA regulations so complicated, calculate small business standard size and what is affiliation. As a small business you are constantly attesting to your size - so if you are mis-certifying your size and someone finds out, there are large penalties. What happens when two companies have to bring their size together? Different size standards for loans versus contracts? And yes it matters for loans also.

Over the past decade, Adam has successfully represented government contractors in bid protests before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), U.S. Court of Federal Claims, FAA Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition, administrative agencies, and state courts. During that time, he has protested and defended well over a billion dollars in procurements and contract awards across a wide variety of industries, and has achieved amongst the highest GAO bid protest sustain rates in the nation.

Adam is also the author of several articles and books chapters on bid protests, including “A Practitioner’s Road Map to GAO Bid Protests” and “Roadmap to Bid Protests at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims” (ABA 2010 & 2018), and the bid protests chapter of “Federal Government Construction Contracts” (ABA 2d and 3rd eds.).

This is an episode for companies that are in growth mode or they see that in their future. Growing by teaming or taking on mentors, Joint Ventures are all common strategies. But given the uncertainty between rules, regulations and policies, who to turn to, what is applicable and why it all matters is a crucial part of the equation to remain compliant while growing.

Let's welcome our next giant, Adam Lasky.

172: Making a Distinctive Footprint: Architecture and Government Contracts with Daphne Gurri and Jose Matute Jun 07, 2023

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with two remarkable professionals who have left an indelible mark on the architecture and design world. Joining us are Daphne Gurri, the Founding Principal and Owner of Gurrimatute, and Jose Matute, Co-Owner and Vice President of Gurrimatute.

Daphne Gurri, a passionate overachiever and the Founding Principal and Owner of Gurrimatute, has been dedicated to architecture and design for over 33 years. Her woman-owned certified business entity, Gurrimatute, is based in Miami, Florida, with offices in Miami and Deerfield Beach. On the other hand, Jose Matute, the Co-Owner and Vice President of Gurrimatute, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the firm's projects. With 38 years of experience as a Registered Architect, Interior Designer, Certified General Contractor, and LEED Accredited Professional, Mr. Matute is involved in every aspect of building construction and design.

Gurrimatute is an award-winning architectural firm headquartered in South Florida and has been in operation for over 27 years. Led by both Daphne and Jose, Gurrimatute is a small business certified firm specializing in market sectors that positively impact the community, including Transportation (Aviation and Seaports), Civic/Federal, Education, and Healthcare. The firm's dedication to public outreach and community-centric projects exemplifies their commitment to improving local society.

The firm specializes in Transportation, Civic/Federal, Educational, and Healthcare projects, seeking to influence the built world through innovative design. Ms. Gurri's fearless ambition sets her apart as she rises above the competition, leading her firm to success. By valuing balance, design, perseverance, and integrity, Gurrimatute aims to leave a distinctive footprint on the A/E/C industry and the broader community.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into their remarkable stories exploring their fearless ambition, innovative designs, and unwavering commitment to making a distinctive footprint in the architecture and design industry. Let’s welcome our next giants, Daphne Gurri and Jose Matute.

171: Leading the Way: Success Strategies for Government Contracting with Jameece Pinckney May 31, 2023

In today’s podcast, we have the honor of sitting down with a true leader in the government contracting industry, Jameece Pinckney, President and CEO of HyQuest Consulting Solutions.

With over 18 years of senior-level executive experience, Ms. Pinckney is a force to be reckoned with. She not only founded HyQuest but also leads the execution of the company's strategy, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge solutions to their customers. HyQuest specializes in providing full cycle mission support services, and their core competencies span from acquisition support to program management and information technology.

One remarkable aspect of Ms. Pinckney's career is her dedication to mentoring and inspiring others. For an incredible six consecutive years, she has been selected as a mentor for the Washington Business Journal's Mentoring Monday Event. Joining nearly 40 remarkable industry leaders, she shares invaluable advice with mentees, fostering success and growth for aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs. The impact of this event is truly inspiring.

Throughout this episode, we dive deep into Ms. Pinckney's journey as a trailblazer in government contracting. We discuss her role as President and CEO of HyQuest, the future of government contracting, her 5 B’s of business, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Join us as we uncover the success strategies that have propelled Ms. Pinckney to the forefront of the industry and learn how you can apply them to your own government contracting endeavors.

Stay tuned for an engaging and insightful conversation, let’s welcome our next Giant, Jameece Pinckney.

170: Unlocking Federal Sales Success: Insights on Funding, Policy Change, and Government Relationships with Gene Moran May 24, 2023

Today we have a special guest with us, Gene Moran, founder of Capitol Integration and a leading expert in federal sales and policy change. Gene is a seasoned advisor who has helped defense companies of all sizes achieve remarkable success in federal sales, with his clients measuring their results in billions of dollars. He has a proven track record of implementing policy initiatives that have been embraced by Congress, the President, and the Executive branch.

Gene's firm, Capitol Integration, has been recognized twice by Bloomberg Government as a Top-Performing Lobbying Firm, demonstrating their expertise and success in influencing policy change. Gene himself is an esteemed professional, inducted into the Million Dollar Consulting Hall of Fame® and a recipient of the Corrie Shanahan Memorial Award for Advancing Consulting. His contributions have also been acknowledged by Florida State University, naming Capitol Integration as one of the 100 fastest growing alumni-led companies.

Gene's dedication to serving his country and his strategic advice to corporate leaders have also inspired his podcast, "Make Your Move," which supports veterans transitioning into the industry. Additionally, he has developed Capitol CurrencySM, a unique learning program aimed at empowering corporate executives.

We are privileged to have Gene Moran on the show today, as he shares his wealth of knowledge and insights to help defense companies thrive in the federal marketplace. Let’s welcome our next Giant, Mr. Gene Moran.

169: Revolutionizing Insurance Brokerage with Cynanotary CEO, Cynthia Alexander (VIB Episode) May 19, 2023

In this episode, I'm excited to have a very special guest, the founder and president of Cynanotary/CYNA - Florida Business Center, Cynthia Alexander, who is revolutionizing the insurance brokerage industry.

Cynanotary/CYNA is a one-stop-shop for all your bonding, Aflac broker, and Medicare specialist needs. They are dedicated to providing excellent service and expertise to their clients, and they specialize in helping businesses and individuals navigate the complex world of insurance.

During our conversation, we'll discuss how Cynanotary/CYNA is changing the insurance industry and helping clients achieve their goals. We'll also delve into the challenges and opportunities of working in the government contracting space and how Cynanotary/CYNA is uniquely positioned to help businesses succeed.

Don't miss this exciting episode of GovCon Giants Podcast, featuring the founder and president of Cynanotary/CYNA - Florida Business Center. Tune in now to learn more about their innovative approach to insurance brokerage and how they can help you achieve your goals.

Let’s welcome our next giant, Cynthia Alexander.

168: The Power of Veteran-Owned Businesses with Peter Vazquez (VIB Episode) May 03, 2023

In this episode of Govcon Giants, we have Peter Vazquez, Executive Director of the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable and CEO of Brand Echo Media Solutions. Peter shares his insights on how his organization educates, mentors, and connects veteran-owned businesses with corporate and government contracting opportunities. He discusses his background in internet marketing and how he applies his expertise to help his clients increase their brand reputation and awareness.

During the conversation, Peter emphasizes the importance of supporting veteran-owned businesses and the unique advantages they bring to the table. He also talks about the challenges that veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life and how the Veteran Owned Business Roundtable helps them overcome those challenges.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the world of veteran-owned businesses and the opportunities available to them. Whether you are a veteran entrepreneur or a government contractor looking to work with veteran-owned businesses, this episode is not to be missed.

Let’s welcome our next giant, Mr. Peter Vazquez.

167: Empowering Women Veteran Entrepreneurs: Insights from a Woman Veteran Business Champion with Michelle Gardner-Ince (VIB Episode) Apr 28, 2023

In this episode, we're joined by a highly decorated Air Force Veteran and a retired Colonel, Ms. Michelle (aka “G-I”) Gardner-Ince, who is the Director of the Women Veteran-Owned Small Business Initiative (WVOSBI) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).

Ms. Gardner-Ince is the architect of the first program of its kind in the federal government, the WVOSBI, which connects and enables women Veteran entrepreneurs within the VA, federal and commercial marketplace. The program is known in the Veteran and small business community as “VetBizLady” or “VetBizLadies,” and Ms. "G-I" leads the Department's efforts to develop programs that remove obstacles and enable the success of veteran-owned small businesses.

She has successfully led several directorates within OSDBU, including the National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE), which is the Department's premier event for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) to connect with Procurement Decision Makers and contracting experts from the federal and commercial marketplaces.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Ms. Michelle Gardner-Ince.

Let’s welcome our next giant, Michelle (aka “G-I”) Gardner-Ince.

166: Navigating Procurement and Supplier Diversity with Diane Dempsey Apr 12, 2023

In this episode, we have Diane Dempsey, the Director of Small Business Programs for BAE Systems Intelligence & Security Sector. With her extensive experience in procurement, subcontracts, and supplier diversity, Ms. Dempsey is a highly respected advocate for small businesses in the DC Metropolitan area.

We talked about her current role as Director of Small Business Programs for BAE Systems Intelligence & Security Sector and the responsibilities that come with it. She also shared about her experience as a small business advocate for several prime contractors in the DC Metropolitan area. In this episode, you get to hear her advice for small businesses looking to work with larger companies, including the importance of networking and building relationships and the resources available to small businesses, such as Small Business Development Centers and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers.

Diane Dempsey provides valuable insights and advice for small businesses looking to work with larger companies and navigate the government procurement process. Her extensive experience in procurement, subcontracts, and supplier diversity make her a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the world of government contracting.

Tune in to our episode with our next Giant, Diane Dempsey.

165: Empowering Small Businesses: Insights and Strategies for Federal Contracting with Lori Smith Apr 05, 2023

Today's guest is Lori Smith, founder of Acu-Elligent LLC, a consulting agency specialized in helping small businesses successfully obtain government contracts. With 40+ years of experience as a Procurement decision maker & Contracting Officer, Lori provides insider perspective and guidance to navigate the government marketplace. In this episode, Lori shares her insights and tips on how to successfully win federal, state & local contracts for your business.

Lori is committed to helping black women-owned and other small businesses obtain lucrative contracts and simplify the federal contracting process. She also shares her journey from federal service to founding Acu-Elligent LLC, highlighting the difficulties small businesses often face when trying to secure government contracts. She explains how her team of seasoned business strategists collaborates to develop cost-effective solutions that help companies achieve their contracting goals.

Navigating the government marketplace can be a challenging and complex process, but with Lori's insights and guidance, small businesses can successfully win government contracts. So let’s welcome our next Giant, Lori Smith.

164: How to use Federal/Military Unit funding to pay for certification training - Joshua Atkinson Mar 22, 2023

In this episode, we have Joshua Atkinson, an experienced project manager with a passion for improving military leadership and helping veterans transition from active duty.

Joshua Atkinson is a seasoned project manager with over 17 years of experience. He is dedicated to improving military leadership and bridging the transition divide through the integration of project management certifications as active duty PME. Joshua believes that people are the number one asset and we need to focus on building them and providing them with the tools to be successful in any situation.

According to Joshua, his mission in life is to help others and empower them to make their own decisions by providing new ways to think. He has developed and managed projects, operations, and plans at the highest level. Joshua has a passion for helping veterans through their transition from active duty.

In this episode, we will explore the various training options available for aspiring project managers, and delve into the key skills and knowledge areas needed to become a certified PM professional.

So, without further ado, let's welcome our next Giant, Joshua Atknison.

163: No competition contracts with Defense Logistics Agency (YouTube Live) Mar 15, 2023

In this episode, I share one extremely helpful tool for conducting market research, the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which is a database of government contracts. By searching for contracts related to your industry or product, you can gain valuable insights into which agencies are buying what, how much they are spending, and who the top vendors are.

To use FPDS effectively, it's important to understand the various codes and classifications used in the system. PSC codes, for example, are used to categorize products and services, and can help you identify potential markets within your industry. By sorting contracts by PSC code, you can get a sense of which products or services are in high demand and which areas may be oversaturated with competition.

Another useful classification in FPDS is NAICS codes, which are used to classify businesses by industry. By searching for contracts related to your industry's NAICS code, you can see which agencies are most likely to be interested in your product or service and who your main competitors are.

By understanding the data available in FPDS and using other research strategies, you can identify the most promising markets and position your business for success. Tune in to this episode to learn how.

162: Black Success in Federal Contracting | Black History Month (LA Live Event) Mar 08, 2023

In this episode, we have our recently concluded live session from Chase LA featuring six top executives from the government contracting industry. These executives, who have been previously featured on our podcast, come together to share their personal experiences and insights on government contracting.

Throughout the episode, I'm sure you will gain valuable knowledge and advice from these Govcon Giants on various topics related to government contracting. From bidding on contracts to managing relationships with clients and navigating the ever-changing landscape of government regulations, these experts share their firsthand experiences and strategies for success in the industry.

Whether you're just starting out in government contracting or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode offers valuable insights from some of the industry's top leaders. Tune in now to hear from the Govcon Giants themselves!

161: How Mr. Earl Coffie Sr. Started In Trucking Mar 01, 2023

Today’s guest is my Father. My parents have been married 60+ years and for most of that time (40+ years) he was a truck driver.

He shares his experiences growing up during those times and fun times on the road driving trucks.

We do not always get to capture the story of our parents and I thought it worth sharing this month with the world. Hope you enjoy.

160: Winning two subcontracts in 3 months with Angela Chamberlain | AlchemyGov Student Interview Feb 15, 2023

In this episode, we have Angela Chamberlain, founder of Kana Consulting. She was born in Manila and came to America when she was 6. Angela went to University in DC as a Business major and Division 1 athlete for Field Hockey. She worked in Finance / M&A in the corporate world for many years. While living in California she became a personal trainer and continued when moving to North Carolina.

How did she start her government contracting journey? She heard Eric on the Truck N Hustle podcast when she was trying to go into dispatching. She continued to listen to the podcast and then was introduced to government contracting.

In March 2022 she made $250 by bringing a sources sought to a potential client that was not ready to commit but paid for the information she gathered. The month right after, she started her consulting company. She continued learning and in May 2022, she attended a school event and met a couple that had a small business. Her husband then pushed her to tell them what she did and that was how she got her first client.

Angela continued learning and finding people who she can help and so one of her biggest wins came August 2022 where she received two awards as a subcontractor, the biggest projects for her client.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about Angela Chamberlain.

159: Buy a small business versus start one from scratch with Shane Prosser Feb 08, 2023

Shane Prosser is a US Army veteran and cofounder of FalconTek, an SDVOSB GovCon services firm, and GovBrew, a GovCon focused media firm.

After his time in the Army, Shane worked as part of the corporate development team at Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), focusing on m&a for the publicly traded company. Shane and his older brother Chad Prosser acquired a small professional services business in the public sector. Since they acquired it, the firm has grown from 20 personnel to 225 personnel supporting government clients. Additionally, in 2020 they started a GovCon media company, GovBrew, that is focused on providing value to the GovCon community and empowering readers with engaging content that will keep them informed and entertained.

What I love about today’s guest is he took his M&A knowledge to acquire a small business with only 20 personnel. Then he added his federal procurement skills to grow that business supporting government clients.

In previous episodes we discuss this strategy of buying an existing business that has some past performance and then growing that business using federal contracts as the primary vehicle. With the impending wealth transfer baby boomers set to pass $68 trillion to their children, over the next decade, an estimated $30 trillion in wealth will be exchanged from the hands of Baby Boomers to younger generations. This great wealth transfer will not only be a significant shift in our society but have far-reaching implications for business and society.

This will allow more diverse founders and disadvantaged small business owners and entrepreneurs to acquire businesses, grow and scale them.

I hope you pay attention to this one of a kind episode as our next Giant, Shane Prosser shares what he has learned over the last 7 years in the business.

158: Systems engineering, war report, hiring interns, proposals versus relationships, learn from reading dummies books with Eugene Tinker Feb 01, 2023

Our guest for this week’s podcast, Eugene Tinker, was born and raised in Alabama and is building two world class companies simultaneously. He is the CEO/Founder of CTE (Certified Technical Experts) and Creative Tech Group (CTG), a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) 8(a) providing Systems Engineering and Program Management Support.

He has been in the government arena for more than 14 years with a vast knowledge and expertise in government contracting. Mr. Tinker has followed well, which has led him to become an exceptional leader in various levels of government.

Certified Technical Experts (CTE) is an established Minority-Owned Business, Small Disadvantaged Business in Metropolitan Atlanta, GA that has been successfully focusing on providing Information Technology Solutions, Professional Medical Services & Training.

Creative Tech Group (CTG) is a Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO) and SBA 8(a) Certified business that provides innovative Technology Solutions and Professional Medical Services to the Federal Government and State Agencies, as well as businesses of all sizes.

As a leader in both industry and Federal Government, Mr. Tinker also oversees a mentor protégé' program called “Falling Forward” where he mentors companies in the area(s) of government contracting and taking companies to the next level.

Grab a pen and paper or your favorite note taking app before you start I promise this will be one you must listen to it twice. Let’s welcome our next Giant, Eugene Tinker.

157: Using Ai tool ChatGPT for proposal writing (YouTube Live) Jan 20, 2023

Today’s podcast was a Youtube live session that I recorded just a few weeks ago regarding the new open AI Platform, ChatGPT. In this Youtube Live, we go over some examples of how to use ChatGPT to help small businesses with proposal writing.

As we know, a lot of people have difficulties and challenges with putting their proposals together and so in this particular episode, we’re taking this new AI platform and using it to create proposal responses for new businesses.

Stay Tuned I hope you enjoy this episode, me interviewing and featuring guests of ours using ChatGPT.

156: 3x Inc Award Winner provides IT Staffing support to industry and government - Manish Gorawala Jan 12, 2023

In today’s episode, we bring our guest Manish Gorawala, a serial entrepreneur, Technology Expert, and a Chief Visionary and CEO of Tri-Force Consulting Services, Inc., headquarter in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA.

Since 2000, under Manish’s leadership, Tri-Force has executed projects worldwide focusing on enterprise application development, business intelligence, process automation and mobile solutions for government and commercial clients.

Tri-Force has managed a number of private and US government IT projects over the last 15+ years. Manish’s rich experience in the industry has fueled the rapid development of Tri-Force Consulting Services, Inc., as a five-time winner among Philadelphia’s 100 fastest growing companies and winner among Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing companies.

Manish’s deep personal and professional interest in technological trends and his excellent management skills have helped him bring quick success to the company.

Let’s welcome our next giant, Manish Gorawala.

155: Which Certifications Matter the Most in 2023 and Why? (YouTube Live) Dec 28, 2022

In today’s podcast episode, we replay a recent Youtube Live interview that I did on the topic of minority certifications. In this interview we featured two guests, Kevin Williams of TekConnX and Heather Cox of CertifyMyCompany.

Throughout the interview we discuss the Big 5 certifications that the Fortune 1000 recognize.

Now, a little bit more about the guests, Kevin Williams of TekConnX, CEO and Strategic Advisor to emerging and innovative minority owned businesses. He’s also the Treasurer for the National Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee which is a critical part of the leadership of the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council.

Heather Cox, President of CertifyMyCompany is a Diversity Certification Expert who aids eligible diverse suppliers in the process of becoming Diversity Certified and maximize the benefits of their certification.

Without further ado, let’s help kick off the great start to 2023 with this conversation on Certifications.

154 - Veteran certified businesses are booming find out how to start for FREE in 2023 - Renona Brown and Raffa Gibbard Dec 21, 2022

In this episode, Renona Brown and Raffa Gibbard discussed how veterans can get money for starting a business. That’s why I wanted to revisit this episode for those of you who missed out on this because there are a lot of veterans out here, but they specifically were in certain tracks that the government has that allows veterans to start their business and so we’re going to talk about that in this episode.

Renona Riddle Brown is the CEO and Founder of HuRMAR Solutions, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Woman-Owned Small Business. HuRMAR is a Human Resources, Administrative, and Business Consulting company delivering mission-focused and solutions-oriented services to the federal, state, and private industries. After retiring from the military, Renona continued her service for the federal government sector. She knew she had so much to offer to the world, and so it was fate that she discovered the self-employment track.

Raffa Gibbard is the CEO of Brave One Contract Agency. In the Army, She was a Project Manager on several multimillion dollar projects (roads, entry control points, barracks , airfield runways and ranges in Kuwait. With Brave One Contract Agency her crews are vetted with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Interior, and the Department of Transportation. All employees have OSHA 10 certifications and supervisors have OSHA 30.

Stay tuned for this episode and let’s welcome our Govcon Giants, Renona Brown and Raffa Gibbard.

153: Woman becomes 8a certified at 6o years old - Contract Solutions Inc President - Corliss Udoema Dec 14, 2022

The reason why I think this is a fascinating story for some of those persons who have not listened to her story is that she received her 8a Certification at the age of 60.

Corliss “Mama U” Udoema served for over 20 years in the US Marine Corps, as an Assistant Officer in Charge for the Facility Supports Contracts, and as a Supervisory Procurement Analyst in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, respectively.

Then, in 2006, she founded Contract Solutions, Inc. (CSI), a professional staffing and management support services company providing acquisition support, training solutions, human resources, and technology solutions.

She is also the President and founder of Agape Love in Action, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to helping people in need.

With all of these, her motto in delivering excellence is a reflection on why she is an acclaimed businesswoman and CSI is part of the Inc. 5000 list for the last consecutive 3 years, and the 2019 USDA Small Business Contractor of the Year, among others.

More importantly, Mama U wants to be known for her work in philanthropy, recently she’s been ranked in the top 5 companies by the Washington Business Journal in terms of their philanthropy. Mama U has a different perspective on how she looks at government contracts, so I want you to have the same perspective as well moving forward with your government contracting journey.

Let’s welcome our Govcon Giant, Corliss “Mama U” Udoema.

152: Contracting Officer gives away Billions to small business - Donnie Harris Dec 07, 2022

Today’s guest is Mr. Donnie Harris, is a former guest of ours on the show. However, given the fact that there’s so much money put into the infrastructure plan, I thought it would behoove me to bring him back on to let all the listeners out there to listen to the episode once again.

Donnie Harris is a former senior contracting officer with an unlimited warrant, meaning he could sign off at any size contract. Over the course of his 20 years in government he managed complex and high-profile procurements totaling over $3 billion, that's billion with a B, from the acquisition phase to the pre-award for three DC agencies.

His government customers where Mr. Harris provided procurement support included the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Aviation Administration, the Veterans Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Commerce, SBA, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, DOE, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Labor.

What I like the most about this interview with Mr. Harris was that he shared some truths about how the government works from the inside. These are things that are rarely heard outside of the government workplace.

He shared his insights, tools, the things that he’s learned, suggestions for small businesses on how to grow, all of that in this episode.

Listen to this episode with our Govcon giant, Mr. Donnie Harris.

151: How non citizens can win Government Contracts - Vicky Mangano Nov 30, 2022

Real quick before we get started today, just want to let you know we have reopened Academy 3.0 our flagship program helping small businesses win large contracts, visit giantscourse.com for more info. Now back to our program.

Given the current crisis between Ukraine and Russia. What is happening overseas withAmazon in China. The building of military commands within Africa, it is a common question that people ask me, "Eric can I get contracts as a non citizen of the United States?"

My guest Today, Vicky Mangano reached out to me from Siciliy Italy stating that she was helping foreign companies win U.S. government contracts in Italy and she wanted to share her experiences. I thought wow this is incredible. So we discuss for the next 45 mins how she’s doing that.

What websites she uses to register foreign entities, how to find international bids, and how you as an American can work overseas and make money.

I had a dinner with a military contractor that told me he usually finds the places he wants to visit first and then seeks out contracts to work there so that it is essentially paid for.

I didn’t think that was a bad idea. So if you or someone you know wants to move to a foreign country, it may be worthwhile identifying contract opportunities there first so that at least you can be billable and travel at the same time.

Also worth noting that if you are a non citizen this is the episode to tune in.

150: Environmental Scientist takes on Government Contracting - Lynn Petrazzuolo Nov 02, 2022

For the last four years, I’ve interviewed all types of companies across various industries and sectors serving the government. But every now and then you will find someone doing something unique in the space.

Lynn Petrazzuolo of Avanti Corporation has a unique offering that she's been providing for the last 35 years, in short, she’s provided federal agencies with environmental analysis that support their regulatory decisions. How much will it cost? What impacts could result? How might the environment benefit?and Can the industry meet those limits?

Solving environmental challenges for federal decision-makers is her passion. In fact, she's one of the very few people that I know outside of lawyers and doctors that use the degree she obtained in college for her life's journey.

She earned her BA in Environmental Sciences and went on to be an environmental scientist for others before finally launching out on her own. Today's guest Lynn shares the story of how she got into this field, why the work she does matter, how she overcome self doubt, the mentors she’s had in the past, organizations that help shape her career, who does her work impact (and i'll give you a little hint: she specializes in the energy related industries) also what happens to her work when congress administration change political seats, how she reduced an EPA database search time from days to minutes and much much more

Stay tuned for this episode with our next giant, Lynn Petrazzuolo.

149: When do I need a CPA for my Small Business? - Staci Martineau Oct 26, 2022

Today’s guest, Staci Martineau is the government contract manager at Diener & Associates. Having been with the company for almost 16 years she is one of the original associates and has a plethora of stories to share regarding the good, bad and ugly side of accounting.

In today’s conversation we discuss:

Cost accounting
Labor Distribution
Job Status Reports
Staying DCAA compliant

How having a cost accounting system alone does not make you compliant? I promise I know this stuff is not exciting for many. But it is absolutely necessary if you want to grow and scale. Staci has a similar personality as I do and she makes it as fun as we can possibly make a discussion on accounting.

Stay tuned at the end for a history lesson on government accounting that you probably didn’t know.

I like to welcome our next giant, Staci Martineau.

148: Government Contracting Pricing Mistakes - Marsha Lindquist Oct 22, 2022

In this episode, we have Marsha Lindquist, a Strategic Pricing Specialist at Granite Leadership Strategies, she is one of the most positive entrepreneurs, influential Government contracting and professional women consultants in the United States today. Marsha is an inspiring strategist changing the way her clients view their business.

Marsha Lindquist has built a tradition of quality consulting to Government contractors spanning more than 35 years. She dedicates her business expertise to providing inventive solutions designed specifically for each of her clients regardless of their size.

Marsha has developed a wide-ranging experience with Government contracting firms – most specifically for scientific and high technology companies. Marsha has served as a key business advisor. What distinguishes Marsha from others is her ability to provide innovative solutions to problems you face in today's dynamic business environment.

Ms. Lindquist has significant experience as a business proposal strategist and contracts professional. Her expertise includes pricing strategy development, Federal compliance, contracts & subcontracts management, cost accounting, pricing, business value proposition writing and creative cost strategy expertise.

Welcome our next Govcon Giant, Marsha Lindquist.

147: How to Get Ahead of the Competition on Legal Matters “Government Contracting” - Eric Crusius Sep 28, 2022

Today we have a sit down with Mr. Eric Crusius, a Partner at Holland & Knight. In this episode, Eric and I discuss the regulation changes between the current administration and the previous two administrations as it applies to certain topics related to government contracts, how he gets ahead of the competition on new and upcoming regulations, and cybersecurity.

Eric is a Partner at Holland & Knight specializing in government contracts, internet and technology and representing businesses of all shapes and sizes. He was named Super Lawyer’s Rising Star, only given to the top 2.5% of attorneys who meet certain criteria.

He has also appeared as a guest on Fox News, Government Matters, MPR, Federal News Radio and has been quoted in numerous publications including Newsweek, Washington Lawyer and The Washington Business Journal.

In addition to this, Eric has successfully represented contractors before the government accountability office, GAO, United States Court of Federal Claims, Department of Labor and various governmental boards. Eric has also braved and argued appeals in the state and federal court.

Stay tuned for this invigorating episode with Mr. Eric Crusius.

146: Government Contracts Small Business Champion - Susan Thibodeaux Sep 24, 2022

In today’s episode we bring on Susan Thibodeaux SBLO/ Director of small business programs at Acuity International formerly Caliburn International. The company was founded in 2018 with the acquisition of 5 different corporations to form Caliburn International.

Susan brings more than 30 years of experience to the industry and she is the director of small business programs helping to match up small businesses with various divisions within the company, highlighting their strengths and giving their teams the meat they needed to go after these proposals.

I promise you, Susan is as sharp as they come in the government contracting arena, so pay attention to everything that Susan says and hang on to her very last word. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments some feedback to this upcoming episode.

Let’s welcome our next Giant, Susan Susan Thibodeaux.

145: Eric Coffie - Contracting Process for Acquisitions Sep 02, 2022

In today’s podcast, a replay from a recent Youtube live where I pulled up on the screen a DAU slide deck, which was labeled “Contracting Process for Acquisitions”. What we discussed over the next 60 minutes with a live audience is the contracting process for acquisitions which includes pre-solicitation, solicitation award, and post award.

And so you’ll hear me discussing that with a live audience and in between I also took questions from the audience and so I hope that you enjoy this particular episode.

General Rule: The contracting process for acquisitions diagram is generalized for teaching purposes in the small business courses and not specific to governing policies and regulatory requirements for any specific type of acquisition (DoDI 5000.2 (ACATs); DoDI 5000.74 (Services) and others). SBPs must understand the type of acquisition applicable to any new and/or recurring requirements and follow those governing policies and regulations accordingly.

This Process Flow is generalized for teaching purposes in the small business courses and is not specific to governing policies and regulatory requirements for any specific type of acquisition.

144: Jon Barker - Crushing the pricing game in government contracting Aug 25, 2022

This week’s podcast is my conversation with Jon Barker Founder at PTW (plan-position-price | target | win) Solutions Inc., he helps companies figure out the correct pricing to win government bids.

He has spent the last 15 years as Contract and Consultant Administrator, Contracts Manager, Director of Contracts and Deputy Director of Contracts for a slew of companies from 2k employees up to 90K employees. Additionally Jon provided strategic support for an emerging small business that eventually went public.

Pricing is more of an art than science particularly when it comes to government contracting. You think it may be simple but the truth is pricing cost-plus or T&M contracts can be a bear.

“Here’s the beauty of it. When you’re talking with larger companies, those rates are set. When you’re talking to smaller companies, they have a lot more flexibility. They’re not on the radars of these agencies... The smaller you are, the more of an art it is to be able to be clever with the numbers and figure out where you can ship those costs.” – Jon Barker

In this episode we discuss Jon’s Go-to’s data sources for pricing. He shares the tools and systems he used to do contract management for large firms where he provides contract administration.

Let’s welcome our next Giant, Mr. Jon Barker.

143: Lynwood Owens, Jr. - How to build a global IT to be acquired Aug 17, 2022

In this week’s episode, we have Mr. Lynwood Owens, Jr. the sole executive President/CEO of LBO Technology, LLC. LBO Technology is an emerging SBA Certified HUBZone and 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Small Business operating on 11 contracts, 9 as a prime contractor. LBO Technology supports US Navy, DISA, WHS, DIA, ODNI, HHS, EPA, and DOI as a prime contractor.

Mr. Owens provides oversight and direction to the Business Development on a variety of growth activities to include proposal development, capture management, client relations and operations, identify opportunities, develop a capture strategy, and provide tactical business solutions. He serves as the company advocate for all quality initiatives. Mr. Owens is passionate and has a commitment for continual development and quality certifications such as ISO, CMMI and CMMC process improvement models.

Mr. Owens has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, from Kennedy-Western University. Now that's not why you want to listen to this episode. Several of my podcast guests who are high performing came out of GDIT (General Dynamics Information Technology). They seem to train and produce some of the best small business entrepreneurs on the planet.

Mr. Owens specialty is developing and expanding business opportunities that align with corporate objectives. At his previous company leading the charge as Sr. VP of BD he won contract awards at Department of State and Department of Commerce ($100M IDIQ single-award, $180M multiple award BPA, $103M single-award BPA, and $300M BPA multiple award BPA) During his tenure with the company the firm grew from $300K in revenues to averaging $15M per year.

If you are in the market to learn how someone grew that quickly in a short period of time, this is the interview for you. Let’s welcome, Mr. Lynwood Owens Jr. our next Govcon Giant.

142: Marvina Case - Implementing synergy to businesses and government agencies to shape their future Aug 12, 2022

In this episode, we have Marvina Case, the SwētSPOT.ai CEO, a Philanthropist, and Author II Cherry on the Tech. After publishing her book, The Mean, MEAN, Mother, Marvina Case dedicated herself full time to bringing synergy to businesses and government agencies around the world.

Whether as a keynote speaker, workshop leader, or digital transformation expert she helps break through the boundaries with data that are limiting people and get them ready to shape the future. Her company, Swetspot, claims to put the cherry on top of tech.

I can tell you as a person who has a podcast, a youtube channel, manages multiple consulting clients, 1000’s of students and government contracts, I know exactly what she means by adding more and more layers of software on top of already existing solutions.

It does become confusing between different business segments and difficult to manage. I know after my initial sit down call with Marvina she immediately pointed out some areas that would help my team improve our internal processes so we can focus more on growing the business. One of the things that we started doing internally is writing down all of our processes and procedures. This may seem like not such a big deal, but for an organization that does not have a blueprint to follow this is a challenge.

And after spending several days just binge watching Dan Kennedy and Micheal Gerber. Lead generation, lead conversion and client fulfillment is how you build a business. But to go from a job to a franchise everything must be completely documented and turnkey to teach it.

Micheal Gerber of the E-Myth says, If your business depends on you, you don’t own a business - you have a job. And it’s the worst job in the world because you’re working for a lunatic!”

Stay until the very end for a history lesson on AI. I hope you enjoy this episode with our next Giant, Marvina Case.

141: Brian Sanvidge - Emphasizing the complexity of compliance on a project that has federal, state and local dollars Jul 28, 2022

In this episode, we are mixing things up a bit. Instead of the usual suspects of SBA Award winners, former federal contract officers, program managers and fast rising small businesses we decided to feature someone in the (D&I) space... diversity and inclusion.

If you have heard this is sort of the new buzz word floating around for what was formerly considered minority contracting. In today’s episode I bring on a company who is leading the regulatory compliance side of minority, women, disadvantaged and small business compliance.

Today we talk with Brian Sanvidge, the Principal and Leader of Regulatory Compliance and Investigations of Anchin’s Litigation, Forensic and Valuation Services Group. In Brian’s previous career he worked as the Inspector General for the New York State Labor Department for ten years. In that capacity, he oversaw the civil and criminal investigations conducted by the Department of Labor.

We take a deep dive into the complexity of being compliant on a project that has federal, state and local dollars. Why? Because each entity has various SMB goals that they want to achieve. Federal government wants HUBZone, VOSB, WOSB, 8a, the State wants DBE/MBE, the municipal government may want CSBE, CBE, local regulations.

Also, you will hear how Brian and his team helped one state completely turn around their DBE program. You will also learn how the commercial industry is placing an emphasis on D&I compliance in the wake of George Floyd. How the state and local government viewpoint is being re-shaped and how finally a certification may be worth its salt. I truly was encouraged by this interview having seen for 2 dozen years companies skirt the rules and get waivers to comply with small business goals. Meeting Brian gave me hope that finally there may truly be value in DBE and other certifications other than helping the government receive more funding dollars.

Let’s welcome Brian Salvidge on the Govcon Giants podcast.

140: Michael Sanders - Responsive leadership in providing innovative solutions to complicated problems Jul 20, 2022

Michael V. Sanders is the Founder and CEO of Interactive Government Holdings, a global company serving defense and civilian agencies. Michael started IGH as a service-disabled, veteran owned small business in 2006 following his time in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He's a graduate from Harvard Business School in 2018 and currently serves on the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) Board to help veterans in the government contracting field. In 2020 and 2021 IGH was recognized with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Platinum Level HIRE Vets Medallion Award.

IGH’s humble start in government contracting was a $2,500 contract from Prince George’s County in Maryland. Under Michael’s leadership, today IGH is a global company serving defense and civilian agencies. Michael believes in using a progressive mix of data, technology and human capital strategies to help federal agencies maximize every dollar in order to advance their missions.

IGH’s successful growth received prominent attention when the company landed on the INC Magazine 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies for three consecutive years (2016 - 2018). It was second on the Vet50 2016 list of Fastest Growing Veteran-Owned Companies. In 2016, Michael was a finalist for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs of the Year.

Michael is committed to giving back to veterans and entrepreneurs. IGH was recognized in 2020 and 2021 with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Platinum Level HIRE Vets Medallion Award. Michael serves on the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) Board to help veterans in the government contracting field. He also is on the Advisory Board for the Center for Government Contracting at George Mason University.

Let’s welcome our next Govcon Giant, Michael Sanders.

139: Marti Hoffer - Small Business Lending For All Minority Firms (CDFI) Jul 14, 2022

This week we are excited to bring to you a different type of episode with Marti Hoffer, the Founder and CEO of Lumenomics whom I met at the WBENC conference. I met Marti at WBENC as she was one of the guests on stage speaking discussing financing her small business. Part of her conversation was centered around CDFIs and how they were the first organization to provide her small business with capital.

If you are wondering what a CDFI is, let me explain further. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are specialized community based financial institutions with a primary mission to promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people and communities underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly in low income communities. That is what is said on the website.

The bottom line is these places have money for people who cannot otherwise get access to capital. They also include community development banks and credit unions, and non-regulated institutions such as non-profit loan funds or venture capital funds.

So in this episode Marti shares briefly what she did and how she did it.

So who is Marti Hoffer and what does Lumenomics do? Lumenomics is a natural daylighting company designing, installing, and servicing integrated performance illumination systems for commercial buildings. After over 25 years of experience in the window treatment and lighting control industry, Marti Hoffer, founder and CEO of lumenomics, noticed a problem: customers purchase window treatments to increase the use of electric light, not decrease it.

With her vision to increase the use of natural light by decreasing reliance on the electric light in spaces through integrated shade and lighting systems. So that’s the premise of their business and that’s what they do.

Tune in to this short but sweet episode with our next giant, Marti Hoffer.

138: Meet The SBA Team From Region X Over Alaskan Native Corporations Jun 29, 2022

Hey Govcon Giants Family, in this episode, I pulled down some of the speakers from the 8a Conference, which was recently held at Anchorage, Alaska. So we’re going to meet the gentlemen from SBA to discuss their capacity, what their roles are and how they can help and share with us the things they discussed at the conference here in this episode.

In this very special episode, we have Mr. Steven Brown, the Director of the Alaska District office for the U.S. Small Business Administration. He oversees the delivery of all SBA programs and services in Alaska including technical training and assistance, funding programs, and small business certifications connected to government contracting.

We also have Mr. Mike Fong, Regional Administrator for the SBA and oversees SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s Pacific Northwest region serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Also, we have Mr. Jeffrey Salzer the Deputy District Director for the Alaska District office in the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Tune in to this episode to learn the administration’s priorities, the things that are going on with the 8a program, and valuable tips to help you magnify your business. Let’s welcome our Giants, Mr. Steven Brown, Mr. Mike Fong and Mr. Jeffrey Salzer.

137: Carol Craig - From Earth to Space She Isn’t Afraid to Put it all on the Line Jun 23, 2022

Today we are going to take it back, in this episode, we are going to re-introduce an amazing podcast guest that we had back in September we featured in Episode 69 Carol Craig from Craig Technologies.

If you guys don’t remember, this was a force that you had to know. Listening to this episode was an amazing experience, Carol Craig is the founder and CEO of Craig Technologies and Craig Technologies Aerospace Solutions, which is headquartered in Merritt Island, Florida.

Just a few things about Carol, back in 1999 she started her business just by herself and she grew it to over 450 associates with revenues increasing over 40 million dollars. Also, Carol was the first woman that was eligible to fly and come back in the US Navy, she is also the first female aviator to join her P3C Orion Squadron.

She’s also won numerous awards, broke many records, starting back in the day when she was a trackstar, but her biggest accomplishment has been with her son. Seeing her son being diagnosed with a genetic disorder she has accomplished so much with him and for him.

So here we are again, it is a perfect timing to re-introduce our guest Carol Craig. Listen up and hear Eric and Carol discuss everything from earth to space.

136: Travis Mack - How He Pulled Off A Multi Million Dollar Company Acquisition Jun 10, 2022

Prior to doing the podcast, I met Travis at dinner in Las Olas through a mutual friend Patrick Cohen. Travis recently arrived here in S. Florida and had plans for connecting good people in business together. He wanted a community in S. Florida that would connect finance, developers and entrepreneurs in the same room. A few months later I attended the event sponsored by his company and since that time we’ve exchanged numerous texts, calls and emails back and forth discussing various business deals, partnerships and team members.

But strangely enough it would be another few months before I could get him on the podcast. At the time his company Saalex was in the middle of an acquisition and he didn’t want to say anything that would jeopardize the deal.

On April 4, 2022 the news hit that his company Saalex acquired Rhode Island based Netsimco in a $30 million transaction and so now we would be able to sit down and have a conversation.

As per the article The company's acquisition of Netsimco will allow it to reach annual recurring revenue of $100 million. For context, Saalex CFO Randy Wheeler said the company generated about $5 million in revenue in 2010, and has shown “consistent growth” to reach the $100 million mark.

Saalex Corporation is an Engineering and Information Technology Services firm with core capabilities in the areas of Test Range Operations and Management, Information Technology, Test and Evaluation, Logistics and Engineering Services, founded in 1999 by CEO Travis Mack.

More recently Managed security service provider (MSSP) Valeo Networks of which Mr. Mack is the CEO acquired Next IT, a Michigan-based managed service provider (MSP). The deal marks the sixth and largest acquisition for Valeo Networks and is part of the company’s overall growth strategy. The company previously acquired On Time Tech, a California-based MSP, in November 2021.

Mr. Mack provides executive leadership and direction for Saalex Corporation the parent company for Saalex Solutions and Valeo Networks. He provides oversight and guidance for each division's strategic growth and tactical operational initiatives. His experience includes multi-year service in the U.S. Navy and Senior Technology management positions with Homestore.com, and Modis IT Consulting. Mr. Mack holds a B.S. in Business Management and an Honorary Doctorates Degree in Business from Webber International University.

Valeo Networks is a full-service, award-winning Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that serves State, County, Municipal markets; small-to-medium businesses (SMBs); and non-profit organizations. Valeo Networks provides solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, compliance, cloud, network infrastructure, and managed IT services headquartered in Rockledge, FL,

I promise you will enjoy this podcast as we get into the nuts and bolts of how this veteran built not one but two successful businesses.

How he launched a $50M Real Estate fund?

How was he able to finance acquisitions of this magnitude?

This interview was captured live in Mr. Mack offices downtown Ft Lauderdale, FL a few blocks from Las Olas, you can feel the energy.

Welcome our next Giant, Mr. Travis Mack.

135: Peter Gibbs - Construction Bonding for Infrastructure Projects Jun 02, 2022

Today’s guest Mr. Peter C. Gibbs of Foundation Surety out Maryland is the former Director, Office of Surety Guarantees for the SBA. He served in that capacity for more than 15 years. When he retired last year he went out on his own and started a bonding company.

“Any company who is interested in participating in the infrastructure and jobs act must have Bonding.”

In today’s episode we discuss what it takes to get bonding? Is credit necessary? What about capital? How much capital is needed? What is the difference between an SBA surety versus a non SBA surety

Did you know that you can get a bond from an SBA surety with less cash in the bank than you can with a traditional surety? Most people don’t know that.

I did not know that prior to this lesson with Mr. Gibbs.

In today’s lesson Mr. Gibbs walks us through an example of how to increase your Bonding. If you are a contractor and you’re having problems with bonding or maybe you think you need to increase your bond, the problem may not be you, it just might be the surety. You could potentially double or quadruple your bond just by switching agents.

Tune in today’s lesson with our next Giant, Mr. Peter Gibbs.

134: Adam Oglesbee - Building a nationwide construction firm from the ground up to winning Oklahoma’s Small Business of the Year Award May 25, 2022

Today’s guest was awarded as Oklahoma’s Small Business of the Year by the SBA, he is Adam Oglesbee, the President and CEO of Warfeather, LLC. As the leader of a nation-wide construction services firm, Adam Oglesbee has built a reputation on the safety, quality, and schedule adherence their client projects rely on around the country. Adam utilizes consistent tools, systems, and standards to safely deliver superior results even in the most challenging environments.

Under Adam’s leadership, Warfeather has built a comprehensive portfolio of projects from concept-to-completion that showcase Warfeather’s wide range of capabilities. It is their organization’s commitment to actively listen to the customer’s needs and problems that positions the organization to successfully develop forward-thinking solutions for their clients year after year.

In this episode, you’re gonna hear Adam share his journey in the federal area, and also what it took to become the SBA 2022 award winner, how he compares the 8a program to Eminem lyrics, how to make your government contracting business relevant, his belief about the real reasons why PTAC exist and how you should be concerned, and how he setup his company to be awarded 8a contracts on day one.

Tune in to this episode and welcome our next Giant, Adam Oglesbee.

133: Russell Teter III (Part 2) - 16,000 stories of what works and what doesn’t to get your business where you want it to be May 11, 2022

Today’s guest Russell Teter blew us away on the last episode. If you missed part 1 go back to episode 132 and listen closely. We covered pitfalls to small businesses, where SMB should focus their energy, why are you working so hard, and building a business that works without the owner.

In this episode we discussed really valuable tips for your business like Mapquest: where you are now versus where you want to go, getting your business valuation up to $10M, knowing math or know money, WIT - wildly important things (profitable), changing the people you hang out with, 5 degrees of separation and more.

Mr. Teter III is a Certified Executive Coach & Facilitator, Certified Business Value Builder (CVB), Certified TechVenture Facilitator, Director of Training at SBDC at University of Maryland.

Which university was the first to implement what is now known as a SBDC? Coming up at the very end is a history lesson you don’t want to miss and the answer to that question.

If you’re ready for part 2 with Internationally Certified Executive Coach / Director of Training for SBDC at University Of Maryland, welcome our next Giant, Russell Teter III.

132: Russell Teter III (Part 1) - 16,000 stories of what works and what doesn’t to get your business where you want it to be May 05, 2022

Today’s guest is a special person from SBDC. Russell C. Teter III is an Internationally Certified Executive Coach / Director of Training for SBDC at University Of Maryland.

He has been with the SBDC for 14 years as of this July. He was promoted to Director of the Northern Maryland Small Business Development Center Network in 2003. Russell has personally aided over 13,000 entrepreneurs in improving their economic situation; his assistance has led to the acquisition of tens of millions in equity/debt financing as well as the creation and retention of thousands of jobs.

Three of the last seven "Maryland Small Business Person of the Year" were his clients. In 2008, he received the U.S. Small Business Administration "Innovator & Excellence" Award for Maryland. In 2006 he was officially recognized by Maryland’s Governor and Lieutenant Governor for "[creating] legacy wealth for the minority community by encouraging minority entrepreneurs to be stronger leaders and advocates within their community.”

He is also the 2010 Maryland Minority Business Advocate of the Year. Articles Russell has written for small business owners include The 8 Attitudes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur, Lessons on Entrepreneurism from Martin Luther King, Jr., and Do you own your business or does your business own you?

Mr. Teter has an M.B.A. in Technology Management and is certified by the Kauffmann Foundation (the world’s largest foundation for entrepreneurship) as a TechVenture instructor, certified NxLevel trainer and trained Franklin Covey facilitator. He has been adjunct faculty at Harford Community College and Baltimore Christian College.

Tune in to our next giant, Mr. Russell C. Teter III.

131: Jackson Dalton - Getting started with no past performance, no experience and a big dream Apr 28, 2022

Jackson Dalton and I met at the VIB Conference in San Diego California last year. During that time he was being celebrated as the VIB Advocate for winning the John K. Lopez Award!

Jackson Dalton, a Marine Veteran and owner of Black Box Safety, was providing PPE to government agencies before the Pandemic. As fate would have it when Covid19 struck, his company was in line for the huge tailwind of opportunity coming his way.

But that is not how he started. Jackson a former 3M Corporate Safety Engineer tells the tale of how he first got started with no past performance, no experience and a big dream. Sounds like most of us out here taking a chance on our business and ourselves.

In today’s episode Jackson and I discuss how entrepreneurs can position themselves to be in line for the next wave of opportunity in the government contracting arena.

Founded in 2017 Black Box Safety is authorized by manufacturers to distribute safety equipment such as eye, face, and head protection; hearing protection; respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, and high-visibility garments such as vests and jackets.

Stay tuned for this candid chat with our next Giant, Jackson Dalton.

130: Likia Hawkins - Staying secure online with Steel Point Solutions Apr 13, 2022

Likia Hawkins is President and CEO of Steel Point Solutions, LLC, an Information Technology and Business Solutions provider that specializes in delivering digital transformation, cybersecurity, and professional services. Ms. Hawkins possesses a wealth of business ownership, technology, analytics, policy, an economic insight central to positioning the company as a boutique business disrupter in the public sector space. She represents an award-winning small business that is recognized in the public sector for its customer satisfaction and delivery excellence. Ms. Hawkins has over 25 years of experience managing and delivering enterprise information technology and business services and solutions for DoD and IC clients.

Additionally, Ms. Hawkins is highly experienced with the IC Information Technology Environment And with Digital TransformationTechnologies. She is adept at managing multiple projects while working with various stakeholders to accomplish mission objectives and maintain financial health across contracts with values upwards of $50M. Moreover, she leverages her awareness of automation technology, industry standards, and key partnerships to streamline processes and solve complex customer challenges.

Ms. Hawkins utilizes her experience as a government civilian, federal contractor,and entrepreneur to influence Steel Points Business strategies with a keen focus on operational efficiency, economic stewardship, relationship management, strategic teaming, and delivery excellence. Her leadership hasled other firms to receive several awards and recognitions from clients; sales totaling $37M; several industry certifications; and performance/customer satisfaction ratings of excellence where her firm was the prime contractor.

Some key takeaways from today’s episode to listen out for: talent acquisition ecosystem, strategic teaming, cross-domain solutions. Ms. Hawkins shared some tricks to evaluate cybersecurity companies, her three tenets to business building and how she set up her firm to success before starting her business.

Tune in to our next giant, Ms. Likia Hawkins.

129: Pierce Robinson - How to win IT contracts without traditional RFP process Apr 07, 2022

For the last 7 days I've been at conferences here in Miami as it is Miami Tech Month beginning with Miami NFT week. Followed by Solana Miami, NFT CON in the Metaverse, Bitcoin Miami, and we even had time for a Cybersecurity Summit by DarkTrace. While I did not personally attend Miami Bitcoin I did get a chance to speak at Miami NFT and NFT CON.

So you're probably imagining what Eric is doing at an NFT conference? If you haven’t already heard, I announced the mint (that is bought in Web3 world) of my new project OSDBU. With the intent of expanding our govcon community into the meta verse and bringing the blockchain developers into the govcon world. I figured why not converge the two ecosystems.

Over the last few days I’ve met a lot of computer engineers, solidity and rust programmers, blockchain developers and entrepreneurs. My message is the same: why not bring your talents to the government sector to help serve the mission at hand?

With that said I’ve decided to bring back an episode that we did with Pierce, the CTO of Govcon giants to discuss non RFP contract opportunities for IT companies.

Pierce Robinson is also the Director of Innovation for the Start Center, former US Army Intelligence Analyst and leading the charge on a new venture Safe Source Energy.

I hope you enjoy this upcoming episode between Pierce Robinson and myself.

128: End to End Computing - Cybersecurity, System Engineering, BlockChain, AI/Machine Learning, and DevSecOps supporting DoD Apr 01, 2022

Today I want to introduce you to a company that I admire greatly, End to End Computing.

The company amongst a host of other things specializes in Application Development (DevSecOps), Cybersecurity (continuous defense detection and responses, Cloud & IT (engineering, integration & modernization) as well as Emerging Tech.

Leading the company at the C suite are two amazing founders, Esteve mede and Carlton Harris.

Esteve is a former Federal Chief Information Security Officer with over 17 years of experience delivering results to both the private and public sector. Esteve is a dynamic Information Technology executive with a broad technology, cyber security, operations, and business background in diverse types of organizations.

Carlton has over 12 years of experience in the information security and cybersecurity field supporting a vast number of government agencies including the US Navy, National Security Agency, US Army Intelligence command, and Department of State. Carlton’s technology proficiencies are in SOC implementation, Incident Response, and Cloud Security architecture and design.

There are two reasons why I am excited for you to hear this podcast:

EEC has developed a centralized Security Operation Center (SOC) platform call Singularity to continuously monitor and improve the security of an organization while preventing, detecting, analyzing and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
EEC has created a team within their organization that brings blockchain solutions to the government space. With the launch of my new NFT on the ERC-20 I have now familiarized myself with all things blockchain. I am also seeing the potential it has to solve most of the needs that federal agencies incur.

For small businesses who may also have technical founders, listen to the portion of the interview where we discuss their change in strategy to start winning opportunities.

For IT companies wanting to model EEC success we share initial struggles, how to show the government or client they need what you are selling, also the partnership opportunities in working with EEC.

If you are serving a government client or federal agency throughout the interview We discuss how their solution is solving government client problems right now.

Lastly we meet the founders here about their backgrounds and take a few questions from the audience. This was a live interview that we did last year at the American Cyber League Grand Opening @ Quantico Cyber Hub.

Oh and by the way, they are 8a, SDVOSB, primes on Stars III, Navy Seaport, GSA Schedule 70 amongst other alphabets in the government soup mix.

Warning: It does get really technical in the middle but stick with us throughout (non technical) we do get to the good stuff after the technical piece.

Let’s welcome our next Giant, End to End Computing.

127: Nichelle Early - 8a Stars III Award Winner and CEO of BreakForth Solutions (BSi) Mar 24, 2022

Today’s guest, Nichelle Early of Breakforth solutions previously episode #44 was recently awarded the coveted 8(a) STARS III contract after being in business for just a 8 years.

We decided to bring back her episode because we thought it super important to honor women during this time but also showcase the journey of an entrepreneur as they progress in their business.

For those who are not aware, 8(a) STARS III GWAC (Government Wide Acquisition Contract). This fourth-generation IT solutions GWAC includes a focus on emerging technologies with a contract ceiling of $50 billion.

According to GSA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Associate Administrator, Exodie C. Roe, III. “More than $18 billion has been awarded through GSA’s 8(a) GWACs, and many successful firms have graduated from the SBA’s 8(a) Program to compete on a larger scale.

Nichelle, the CEO of BreakForth Solutions, is a results-focused provider of technical and professional services. Through the knowledge and expertise of their personnel, they execute innovative services within the spheres of Engineering and Integration, Data and Analytics Services, IT Business Solutions, and Professional Services.

Hope you enjoy today’s episode with our next Giant, Nichelle Early.

126: Austin Tsosie - Navajo Nation Diné Development Corporation Mar 18, 2022

Today’s guest Mr. Austin Tsosie is the CEO of Diné Development Corporation, a firm that advances the missions of government agencies and commercial firms by delivering IT, professional, and environmental solutions to elevate the Navajo Nation and its People.

The corporation comprises 4 subsidiaries that specialize in IT (Nova, BRIC, Dine Source, DDC IT), 2 environmental companies (DDC 4C, BRIC) , an Aerospace company (Red Canyon) and R&D company (Seventh Emergence).

Austin is an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience in the technology and project and portfolio management (PPM) sectors. With a background in software engineering and network administration, he worked as a project manager and analyst in managing large-scale teams across the world.

Great story, how I came to meet Austin was through Diné Development Corporation. I met the Capture specialist Tashina Atine and president Calista Pinnecoose at the 8a conference in

Florida. We connected from there and the rest is history. What makes this interview unique is that Mr. Tsosie is part of the Navajo tribe.

As a Principal Consultant, he directed IT portfolio development for global organizations spanning technology, engineering, and outsourcing industries such as American Express, Boeing, Disney, Epson, and Bank of America. In the interview we discussed: abandoned uranium mines, competitive strategy before exiting the 8a program, architecting a $100 million dollar a year federal company, the difficulty of tribes accessing capital, meeting the new SBA administrator Isabell Guzman and his journey from technologist to CEO and finding his way back to the nation.

Tune in to this episode and welcome our next Giant, Mr. Austin Tsosie.

125: Ronnette Meyers - 8a Stars III Award Winner and CEO of JLAN Solution Mar 11, 2022

Today’s guest, Ronnette Meyers president/CEO of JLAN solutions was recently awarded the coveted 8(a) STARS III contract.

On 2/23/22 GSA issue the notice to proceed for the second cohort of 8(a) STARS III GWAC (government wide acquisition contract). This fourth-generation IT solutions GWAC includes a focus on emerging technologies as well as performance outside of the continental United States (OCONUS). The STARS III contract has a ceiling of $50 billion.

According to GSA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Associate Administrator, Exodie C. Roe, III. “More than $18 billion has been awarded through GSA’s 8(a) GWACs, and many successful firms have graduated from the SBA’s 8(a) Program to compete on a larger scale.

Four of our PAL members also made the cut. Congratulations to them and if you want to get close to awardees like this and more visit our website govconedu.com/courses to find out how you can become a member of our PAL program.

I decided to bring her episode back because I thought it was important to highlight the mindset of where she was at in 2020 and what she has achieved today.

We have the luxury and privilege of having interviewed her back in 2020 just two years earlier before COVID and before the prestigious award.

Hope you enjoy this episode with our next giant, Ronnette Meyers.

124: Jeff Stutzman - Former DoD Cyber Crime Director discusses Russia Ukraine Cyber threats Mar 03, 2022

Just a few days before this recording Russia invades Ukraine. Within moments I was scouring my contacts to search for someone to discuss the story. All of my experts who worked previously overseas were activated to help provide expertise to our Government on the matter.

Fortunately for me I met a charismatic guy at the 8a conference who knew a few of my podcast guests had some great stories of Ransomware cases and wanted to talk about Cyber security. Unbeknownst to me he was the former DoD Cyber Crime Director Jeffery Stutzman. His new company Trusted Internet is helping keep small business computers safe from hackers and attackers.

I believe that this episode is a must listen to by all SMB. I was always on the fence about CMMC and NIST but after engaging with Jeff for 90 minutes my mindset has completely changed. Just look up the website “shodan.io “ and click under Filters Sheet Sheet on “Hacked Websites” and you will see what I mean.

If you think like me that Cyber is like insurance Jeff will explain why that thought process is wrong. Insurance only pays out money after something has happened: it does not restore your system, bring back your data or build customer trust in your company. One of Jeff clients testified to Congress last year on the prohibitive cost of CMMC for small businesses. Jeff and I discuss both DIY and paid for you affordable solution for small firms to stay protected and work towards compliance.

He (along with DC insides) believe that Russia is about to up the anti on Cyber and Ransomware attacks on American firms. Learn how to protect yourself in today’s episode. Don’t forget to tune in until the end to hear our govcon history fact of the day.

Go grab your notepad and welcome our next Giant, Jefferey Stutzman.

123: Eric Coffie - Bid No Bid Decision Framework | Sources Sought | IDIQ | Capability Briefing | Two Must know FAR clause Feb 24, 2022

Welcome to the Govcon giants podcast. I am your host, Eric Coffie and in today’s podcast episode we cover a lot of territory; bid no bid decision framework, sources sought, capability briefing debriefing, how i won an IDIQ from another firm and why they lost it - PLUS two must know FAR clauses.

This entire 90 minute episode is centered around two FAR clauses:

FAR 15.201 Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals and FAR Part 10 - Market Research.

FAR 15.201 Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals

So this entire episode is predicated on the two clauses we just covered but with more Excitement, more vigor and my quirky personality.

Just a quick reminder, at the end we will be sharing a piece of government contract history that you don’t want to miss out. So stay until the end for the quick piece of Govcon trivia.

Now that you have context for the conversation sit up, buckle up and get ready for the ride.

122: Chrissy Farrington - Military spouse and teacher turned government contractor Feb 17, 2022

Today’s guest, Chrissy Farrington is a military spouse and senior proposal specialist at H2L solutions. For those who may remember back to episode #40 H2L solutions CEO Jonathan Hard came on to our show and shed light on CMMC and NIST requirements.

She is also the Co-Founder of Spouse 360, a non-profit organization dedicated to reigniting the traditions of the past while building the Military Family's future.

In our show today, Chrissy brings her own unique voice to the show discussing the role she plays in the helping position H2L for future success, an outsider view of the world of federal procurement and sheds light on issues that face military spouses around the world.

Also, about mid way through she shares a free resource that even I didn’t know existed for military spouses, which led to her landing the position with H2L. As a former teacher she offers a fresh perspective to a procurement world that so many of us call normal. It is great to hear outside views on how we can improve and provide access to so many more small businesses in the federal arena.

I want to welcome our next Giant, Chrissy Farrington

121: Austin G. Johnson - Doing business with the Marines Corps System Command Feb 10, 2022

Today’s interview, we feature Mr. Austin G. Johnson also known as AJ who is the Deputy Associate Director of the Marine Corps Systems Command out of the infamous Quantico, Virginia.

This episode is a little bit different than our traditional podcast guests because we are interviewing the associate director of the small businesses, Mr. AJ himself and he is going to describe to us what his command does, what they buy, how they buy and also how you can participate in supporting their particular sub agency.

Now for some context, the Marine Corps System Command is a 2500 person organization and they spend 2 billion dollars per year. One famous or well known project they have is the MRAP Vehicle.

As an organization they have over 220 contracting officers and 200 program managers supporting that 2 Billion dollar per year, so let’s tune in to the episode with our next giant, Mr. Austin G. Johnson.

120: Eric Coffie - How to use SDVOSB, 8a, EDWOSB, HUBZone Feb 03, 2022

Today’s podcast episode was a Youtube live that I recorded a few years back that was widely popular. It was entitled how to use SDVOSB, 8a, EDWOSB, HUBZone all the small business certs.

This episode is very strategic in that I discuss a plan of attack for small businesses who want to make the most of their certifications.

We teach you how to make a plan. How to become prepared and what is a plan of attack that I use in order to scale, grow and create duplicatable results in the federal marketplace.

Just a warning. If you don’t want actionable items that lead to results than you might want to skip today’s episode of the podcast.

119: Yolanda Clarke - Knowing what it takes to start and grow small businesses successfully Jan 27, 2022

In this episode, we have the current Chief Executive Officer of Powder River Industries, Yolanda Clarke. She is responsible for all aspects of the firm. She began operations in June of 2016. After just 9 weeks PRI broke even and became profitable – nearly unheard of for a start-up in any industry and continues to experience growth year over year. PRI offers devsecops and infrastructure-as-code to US Government customers. Prior to leading PRI to early growth success, Yolanda worked as an enterprise portfolio manager for Lockheed Martin supporting a defense agency. She managed up to 53 projects at once with operations occurring simultaneously around the world at up to 83 different locations at one time.

The scope of her projects was in engineering, installation, test, and acceptance. Her projects ranged from a blend of large-scale computing, services, cyber, transport, gateways, wireless, and satellite communications.

Yolanda and I talked about creating project plans before starting a business, how to price a job your wrap rate and creating a board of advisers. She also talked about how she increased her business sales and how she changed her mindset so that she can be a thriving successful business.

Tune in to our next Giant, Yolanda Clarke.

118: Eric Coffie - My crypto journey and what the government is trying to do with crypto wallets Jan 21, 2022

With all the buzz circling the universe around crypto NFT’s Web3 and Defi I thought it fitting that we make a video detailing my ventures into the crypto space.

It was not long ago 2017 that I was hearing the buzz about bitcoin. A new type of currency being traded amongst really smart tech people or friends of tech people in this underground type of manner.

Without having any prior knowledge I realized that this was going to be the next big deal and I wanted in.

Today’s podcast highlights some ups and downs of my adventures in the crypto space. But also more importantly what is the government role in this new marketplace. We look at some recent public requests from the government to curtail people hiding money in wallets and finding ways insert themselves into the next internet wave of the future.

Hope you enjoy this next 90 minutes with me on my Crypto journey.

Click here to view the Youtube Video.

117: Rebecca Wilson Pselos - GSA Strategies for beginners Jan 12, 2022

Our guest for this week’s podcast, Rebecca Wilson Pselos, the President of Kite Tail Strategy. She began her career auditing Departments of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security (DHS) major acquisitions. She then worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Inspector General, reviewing the agency’s approaches to leasing underutilized property, requirements development for Earth Science programs, and contracting services.

More recently, she served as the Deputy Associate Administrator for the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Congressional and Interagency Affairs where she represented many GSA programs and significantly influenced major legislation. With almost 15 years of expertise in government contracting and government affairs, Rebecca is dedicated to helping small businesses strategically pursue federal contracts and advocating on their behalf.

This is a one of a kind interview getting some inside knowledge and information from a former GSA and GAO personnel who has gone on to start her own organization, Kite Tail Strategy.

We talked about the policies and programs of the General Services Administration (GSA) Marketplace, U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO) and The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) compliance, requirements and many more.

Tune in to this episode now with our next Giant, Rebecca Wilson Pselos.

116: Jackie Santisteban - From medical technology company to combat and weapons training Jan 07, 2022

For our inaugural January episode. We bring you Jackie Santisteban.

Maria Martinez the host of Making a Giant podcast met Jackie at a Miami SAME event where she led the training session for contractors. Of course in typical Giant form she invited her to be on our show.

Ms. Santisteban's held sales and management positions with major medical technology companies such as Abbott Laboratories and Somanetics. As the Military/Government Business Development Director for a major physical security company Ms. Santisteban developed a worldwide market and led a team that achieved $15 million in sales.

As a result of her success, Ms. Santisteban realized that a broader market for similar business development and consulting services existed. Consequently, she started JBS Business Consulting to provide new or existing GSA contractors with a resource who can readily identify markets and sales opportunities in order to rapidly win incremental government business.

Since its inception seven years ago, JBS consulting has worked with clients with specialties in physical security, antiterrorism and protection, aircraft maintenance and enhancements, logistics, IT, and more. As a spinoff she founded Anzen that trains military personnel in close quarters combat, weapons and defensive driving.

Today Jackie and I get into what it takes to be a successful contractor at any level. She discusses how she sets up meetings for her clients with Admirals, Generals, KO, program managers and end users.

Welcome our next Giant, Ms. Jackie Santisteban.

115: Martha Daniel - School of hard knocks lands more than $350M in contracts Dec 22, 2021

My guest in this week’s podcast, Martha Daniel whom I had the pleasure to meet at the VIB Conference San Diego transformed Information Management Resources, Inc. (IMRI) into an award winning service disabled veteran business.

She originally founded the company with a partner and after they separated she had to buy the company back from the original partner. With no money, she had to find a creative way to pull it off. Learn how she was able to raise the capital necessary to buy her ex partner out and take full control of the company.

In 1996 she entered the 8a program winning her first contract with DISA. At one point she remembers a CO asking her what type of vehicle she had and thought what a strange question when we are discussing my company’s capabilities.

Does this sound familiar? If you're like most of us, the beginning stages are a whirlwind of mumbo jumbo, but you must stay the course.

I asked her what changed since being in the business for 30+ years. What training did she have that helped her succeed all these years, and what should successful entrepreneurs fear the most personally, professionally and emotionally.

She tells me the two things that were hard when she started, that still remain a challenge today, how she obtained her first past performance, when did she start hiring people and recommendations for the next generation of small businesses.

As an industry veteran you would be wise to open your ears, close your mouths, relax your mind and focus on Martha’s wisdom for the next 90 minutes.

Let’s welcome our next Giant, Martha Daniel.

114: John Bowen - How to build your business credit and paydex score Dec 17, 2021

In this episode, my guest John Bowen is the President of Maintenance Services 360. Maintenance Services 360 LLC is an SBA HUB-Zone, FDOT DBE & Minority-Owned Economically Disadvantaged Small Business.

John’s company is an established distributor for national manufacturers in industrial electrical parts, low voltage applications used for electric power transmission and OEM equipment solutions for rail automation and rail electrification. They also offer a comprehensive range of digital products and solutions, which are flexible and individually tailored to customer needs.

He is also the Vice President of Credit360, which was established to assist individuals restore their personal credit and to offer a complete line of business credit solutions. Credit360 is a financial services firm specializing in credit restoration and business consulting services. Through their guided strategies they have helped thousands of families and businesses to strengthen their financial portfolio.

Stay tuned in this episode as John shares really important information on how you can build your business credit and paydex score.

113: Talia Fox - Leadership strategies, building your network and transforming leaders Dec 08, 2021

My guest for this week’s podcast episode is Talia Fox, the CEO of KUSI Global, Inc. A leadership strategist and a legacy builder, she has transformed thousands of executives over the last two decades in every sector, including major corporations in health, higher education, technology, and government.

Talia has assisted leaders in the development of innovative strategies for some of the most critical and complex missions globally, including defense, wealth inequalities, racial and social justice, aviation, and healthcare. She helps organizations maximize human potential by leveraging strategic intelligence and helps individuals and organizations foster connected cultures and promote conscious equity.

She has facilitated and designed thousands of interactive learning experiences that support cultural competence, organizational intelligence, productivity, and leadership strategies. Her trainings are widely sought after, and she has been invited to share her expertise in leadership and business strategies globally.

Tune in to this episode as Talia shares valuable tips from her leadership strategist experience, building your network, the importance of communications, and more.

112: Eric Coffie - Diving into the SBA Programs: SBIC, 7a and 504 Dec 02, 2021

In today’s episode, a previous Youtube Live video of me talking about the SBIC Program. An SBIC or Small Business Investment Company is a privately owned and managed investment fund that’s licensed and regulated by the SBA. So I have discussed some of the leading providers of the SBIC Funds and if you’ve never heard of a fund, you'll probably recognize some of the household names who have benefitted from these programs.

The SBIC program is one of the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) financial assistance programs. An SBIC, or Small Business Investment Company, is a privately owned and managed investment fund that's licensed and regulated by SBA. An SBIC uses its own capital, plus funds borrowed with an SBA guarantee, to make equity and debt investments in qualifying small businesses.

I also talked about the 7(a) Loan Program, SBA’s most common loan program, which includes financial help for small businesses with special requirements. This is the best option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for short and long-term working capital, refinance current business debt and purchase furniture, fixtures, and supplies.

The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Key eligibility factors are based on what the business does to receive its income, its credit history, and where the business operates. Your lender will help you figure out which type of loan is best suited for your needs.

Tune in to this episode now to know more about the SBA Programs.

111: Eric Coffie - Special Thanksgiving Episode Nov 25, 2021

Listen to this week’s podcast, as I talk about the things that I am thankful and grateful for this year in this special episode.

My message is to be mindful of the things you consume, to be mindful of your thoughts and your beliefs and actions and to focus your energy and time on the things that really matter that will bring you the success for yourself and your business.

In this episode, I shared about how your perspective in life will affect the way you live your life. As a great example, I talked about my recent podcast episode with Rochelle Bell Bonty on how she was about to be laid off from her job to offer her newly formed corporation to perform the work under her company name.

And as always, we’re going to keep doing what we do in 2022. We're still going to finish up this year strong and looking forward to setting up a whole new group of entrepreneurs and hitting their six figure contract, hitting their first seven figure in revenues and hitting their five million dollar mark.

Thank you so much as always, enjoy the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!

Making A Giant 013: Maria Martinez and Rochelle Bell Bonty: The amazing comeback story of a woman thriving in the mechanical field Nov 17, 2021

Today’s guest is Rockstar Rochelle Bonty of Missouri. Rochelle is a mother of 6 who started out working customer service jobs which she hated. From there she got a job with the union as a laborer and then moved up to carpenter. After being laid off from that job she moved to another company and worked in HVAC. But this time around she knew that it could happen again and so she started learning what it took to create her own business.

Please do not tune out as I promise this will be one of the best comeback stories you hear for the rest of 2021. Her desire manifested into one of her senior managers showing her the paperwork necessary to start her business and become a women owned minority supplier. She completed all the paperwork and got her business certified as a license mechanical contractor.

As luck and fate would have it, that second company informed her that she was going to be laid off. She informed one of the executives at the company that she in fact had all the paperwork and was a registered minority supplier. Once they learned she had a company they then offered her newly formed corporation a 6-figure subcontract to perform the work under her company name.

I don’t want to spoil any more of the story because it gets better from there. I just want you to tune in and make sure to show Rochelle some love in the comments because she chose herself the second time around. Hope you enjoy this episode of Making a Giant with Rockstar Rochelle and Maria Martinez.

110: Jean Ibañez Payne - A navy veteran with a passion to help people work better together Nov 09, 2021

Today’s guest, Jean Ibañez Payne is the founder and owner of TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC). Jean is a navy veteran with nearly 20 years of workforce training, culture assessments, strategic communications, program and risk management, diversity and inclusion programs

TIVC is a SBA 8a and 100% Hispanic, Service Disabled Veteran and Women Owned Small Business with three business core capabilities; Workforce Development, Translation and Interpretation and Workplace culture organization their mission is to “Help People Work Better Together”.

To be honest I didn’t know what that meant in terms of a business model, but throughout the interview Ms. Ibanez Payne offers examples of how corporate and government clients use her teachings and workshops to retain great employees, win top talent, and improve the bottom line.

TIVC has earned the trust of customers such as Dominion Energy in Virginia, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of Treasury, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Homeland Security, NASA and many others.

What I can appreciate about her as an owner is that prior to us opening up for the interview she said to me I could ask any question that I wanted and she was not afraid to be vulnerable.

Throughout the interview we discuss her morning routine, the latest Amazon purchase that made her happy, examples of translation service for the government, and life experiences that shaped her as a person and set the company on a path to success. Her firm is a GSA contract holder, Navy Seaport awardee, ISO certified and part of the SBA’s exclusive 8a group.

Hope you enjoy today’s interview with our next Govcon Giant, Jean Ibañez Payne.

Making A Giant 012: Maria Martinez and Stephannie Addo: Going from a daycare center owner to government contracting Nov 03, 2021

Today’s guest Stephanie Addo Principal Owner at ACJ Luxury Maintenance LLC. ACJ provides janitorial services in the NYC/NJ area to commercial and government entities.

Stephannie Addo is what you would call a ‘serial entrepreneur’. Not only does she strive to succeed at achieving her own business and life goals, she is on a mission to inspire and counsel other women to pursue their own dreams by overcoming the fears that may be holding them back.

A veteran of the United States Army, Stephannie was the recipient of the Army Achievement Medal for her dedication to serving her country. Stephannie was mentored by CEO’s from the Nation’s Top Fortune 500 Companies through the University of Connecticut at their Veteran’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp Program. She was chosen out of 1,200 Veterans to be a part of the mentoring program and went on to win the Most Innovative Pitch Award for her business presentation.

One of the stories that you will hear in today’s episode is the story of Stephanie working alongside one of our podcast guests to help support a federal facility in crisis due to the pandemic. I’ll give you a hint, the guest is Chris Dambach, episode 46. But you’ll have to listen to get the whole story. We share her story of going from a daycare center owner to government contractor in this episode of Making a Giant.

109: Molly Mayhew - Taking momentous leaps from the military to starting her own business Oct 27, 2021

Today’s podcast guest Molly Mayhew is the founder and President of Mayhew Technology Solutions, a small business systems integrator supporting customers in the federal, state and local marketplace. She began Her career in the US Air Force as an Information Systems specialist, where she was introduced to the world of government contracting from the buyer perspective. Post-military, Mayhew was a leading member of the team who received the 1999 Tinker AFB Business Management Award, and the 2001 Air Force Productivity Excellence Award. Mayhew also was Verizon’s South Area B2B Sales ICON winner in both 2013 and 2014.

Molly was a Subject Matter Expert and program manager for a $35 million DoD communications platform consolidation that centralized operations at Andrews Air Force Base and integrated several systems and communications programs. After years of working as BD Manager, Sr. Account Exec, Strategic Mgr, Sales Mgr of Government sales for multiple entities she decided it was time to take the leap on her own. In 2017 she founded Mayhew Technology Solutions (MTS).

MTS provides installation services for fiber optic, telecommunications, ISP, OSP, physical security, low voltage, audiovisual systems, and network management and operations services. They also have additional services that include facilities support, all other business support, consultation, analysis, design, and turn-key deployment, long-term service and maintenance, and temporary staffing services. MTS’s contracting expertise spans the federal, state, municipal and commercial market places.

On today’s show you will hear how your skills from the military to private sector like Verizon and Graybar to being a mother are all transferable. You will learn how Molly came to the realization that it was time to make the leap and why she decided to do it now. Tune in for this upcoming episode with our latest Giant, Molly Mayhew.

Making A Giant 011: Maria Martinez and Mike Cantave - Building a product based business in the aviation industry from the ground up Oct 19, 2021

In today’s episode, Mike Cantave shares his background story as an immigrant to this country who was raised in Canada. He came to the United States for college where he would eventually meet his lovely wife. Later he went on to eventually become a pilot and start his government contracting business. Today he has 3 planes and is continuing to grow his contracting business with his wife and kids plus a sales staff that he built from scratch.

Mike is the President of the 2Lyons Aerospace LLC, since 2014, they have been in the business of supplying airlines worldwide quality aviation spare parts in a timely, cost effective manner. They cater and provide spare parts, repair management, professional services or government procurement.

When 2Lyons Aerospace first started out, Mike’s vision was to contribute honesty, personal pride, hard work and transparency to an industry where things are not always so transparent.

They now serve customers literally all over the world, now able to turn their passion into what they do everyday. Looking for innovative ways to serve our clients and their business needs.

Enjoy this episode with Mike Cantave while he is interviewed by Maria Martinez

108: Venus Quates: Highlighting the importance of technology, people, and work values Oct 13, 2021

We are bringing you an earth shattering govcon superstar in today’s episode. Venus Quates if you’ve never heard the name is a servant leader, forward-thinker and proud veteran of the US Air Force. Her company LaunchTech where she serves as the CEO solves the presentation and launches the future of technology in the space, financial services, healthcare and public sectors. Her firm was ranked #66 on the 2021 Inc 5000 list with a 3 year growth rate of 5,682%.

Venus, with over 20 years of domestic and international experience, has acquired a wealth of technical and business knowledge across a wide range of demanding roles and sectors. She has led several engineering, technology, and data-driven initiatives with major Fortune 100 and 500 companies, global banking giants, and leaders in the Intelligence and Defense industries.

Venus has traveled all over the world and educated the masses on technology innovation in business, diversity, and inclusion in STEM, the utilization of data science, and how implementing all can benefit community and economic growth.

What I love about this interview is how Venus was very specific in describing what her company does well. We discuss her sources for wisdom and inspiration, mentors and more. Which one of her previous jobs impacted her Govcon Journey the most and lessons learned.

Stay tuned for what is sure to be a fan favorite episode for our next Giant, Venus Quates.

Making A Giant 010: Maria Martinez and Demetrius Walker - Finding your niche and sticking with it Oct 07, 2021

On today’s episode with Making a Giant, our guest is Demetrius Walker, a Marine Corps veteran and the CEO of Fhito Logistics. Demetreus’ company specializes in logistics services, facilities support and management services, and supply chain management.

Originally from Alabama Demetrius worked odd jobs prior to the military. Including being a DJ in Atlanta. As a veteran Marine he thought like many others that he would be guaranteed a job for the post office or State worker. That didn’t pan out so well. So he went off and found work in a manufacturing facility on the Assembly line.

This episode takes you from the beginning stages of founding Fhito Logistics all the way to the point of winning his first 5 contracts. I hope you enjoy this episode with Maria Martinez and Demetrius Walker.

107: Meghan Leemon - SBA’s suspension of Bona Fide Place of Business Requirements for 8(a) Construction Contracts Sep 30, 2021

In this episode, we're discussing the all new, effective immediate policy: the SBA deciding to suspend bona fide place of business requirements for 8(a) construction contracts.

We have Meghan Leemon from PilieroMazza, a business law firm that serves a strategic partner to government contractors and commercial business from across the United States in numerous industries.

Meghan counsels on a broad range of government contracting matters. She advises companies on small business procurement matters, particularly on issues related to eligibility and participation in small business federal procurement programs, such as the Small Business Administration’s Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs), 8(a) Business Development, and HUBZone programs as well as the All Small Mentor Protégé Program and the VA’s VetBiz VIP program. She also assists clients in maintaining compliance with the FAR and small business regulations.

Meghan discussed what does this policy mean, how does it impact small businesses, what is a bonafide office in the first place, why was it created and we also got into the other rules and changes that have been implemented recently that may be affecting you and your small business.

Stay tuned for this episode, as Meghan shared helpful insights that would help your business.

106: Eli LaSalle - Investing and Understanding Commercial Real Estate Sep 22, 2021

Our guest for this week’s episode, Mr. Eli LaSalle, is a GovCon Edu student that is into the commercial real estate investing. Eli shared his knowledge about a lot of new and interesting concepts of real estate investing that will peak your interest.

This episode may not be directly related to Government contracting but for the vast majority of folks that are very successful at the GovCon realm, the next arena that we go into is real estate investing.

Eli has founded Dynamic Property Concepts in 2012 as an independently owned and operated real estate, project management and construction services firm. Dynamic Property Concepts LLC (DPC) is a full service Real Estate development and Government Contractor.

Their portfolio now includes residential, multi-use, and commercial development initiatives with the core value to deliver quality service to every client, every time, and everywhere.

Stay tuned in this episode with Eli and learn more about investing in commercial real estate.

105: Jerry Ladd & Jim Babcock - Implementing Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity solutions in Federal Contracting Arena Sep 15, 2021

Our guests for this week’s episode are the President and CEO of CIWRX. CIWRX has people, processes and technology to create full life-cycle business and technology solutions, customized for each organization. With access to business and technology leaders, they help businesses thrive in the most hostile business climate.

Jerry and Jim who have been in technology for multiple decades are now combining their skill sets to leverage their knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and bring that into the federal contracting arena. With access to more than 50 patents, their solutions are currently being tested by several agencies for applicable / practical use in the federal sector.

Their decades of work in Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery are especially timely during and after this coronavirus pandemic. As a sought-after consultant, they help organizations harden their security infrastructure. Jim has also given seminars and training in the Darknet, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies.

Stay tuned to learn all about CIWRX and how you can harness an idea or invention, and start your technology company doing federal business.

104: Margery Newman - Understanding construction law with complex construction litigation and related business litigation Sep 07, 2021

Our guest for this week’s episode, Margery Newman is an income member at Bryce Downey & Lenkov. Her practice encompasses construction mediation, arbitration and litigation in both the private and public sectors, and related business litigation. Her clients include owners, general contractors, subcontractors, specialty trade contractors and disadvantaged business enterprises.

Margery counsels clients on drafting and negotiating construction contracts—including dangerous subcontractor clauses—mechanics’ lien claims and foreclosure actions, construction defects, MBE, WBE and DBE certification and compliance. She has been recognized by Chambers USA, Super Lawyers and Leading Lawyers for her work in construction law.

In today’s episode, we sit down and go over some of the dangerous subcontractor clauses, however, as we talked about in our previous episode, they are favorable if you’re the prime and they are only dangerous if you’re the sub.

We also got into some interesting topics because she had done seminars and presentations on post-Covid 19 construction contract clauses, implicit bias and its impact on diversity, construction industry, returning to work issues following covid and much much more.

103: Eric Coffie - 7 Risky Construction clauses to look out for Aug 31, 2021

We are doing something a little different in this episode, we do not have a special guest, but what I will be discussing is about the seven construction contract clauses that pose special challenges for contractors.

This is a Youtube live that I streamed back in July this year and the reason why I streamed it was as a response to the deadly collapse of the deadly Florida building and the reason for the episode is because I want for all the small business construction contractors and subcontractors out there to be aware of some of these potentially dangerous construction contract clauses.

I listed seven in this particular video but I discussed four other areas of concern outside of these seven construction clauses.

We decided to make it into an official podcast as we have a different audience to reach more people and so I hope as a result of listening to this episode, you may want to do something different and revisit some of your contracts.

I also give you strategies and things to consider and ways of approaching that. So tune in to this episode and get your notes ready.

102: Tomas Santos – Alejandro - From a small startup firm turned an idea into a successful growing business Aug 26, 2021

In today’s episode we want to feature a newly minted 8a company that is doing things the right way.

Tomas Santos – Alejandro, CEO, Founder and Principal Engineer of Advent services of Florida began his roots in Mayaguez Puerto Rico. Advent Services empowers federal, state, local and private sector clients and partners to solve problems, manage risk and advance their corporate objectives. Certified 8(a), HUBZone and SDVOSB.

After working as a software engineer he founded a company that was eventually purchased by a tribal firm where became the manager for a firm that he once owned. The silver lining of the story is that during that stint of working for a large native corporation he learned how to grow and scale a business. After leaving the company he set his sights on bigger targets which eventually led him to creating Advent Services.

Funny thing is that when our resource specialist Erika set up this interview with Tomas he already met me in person 2 years prior. We knew each other from a NPS event in Orlando Florida that we both attended. The point I’m making is that if you keep showing up eventually the dots will start connecting.

Be prepared to hear the journey of how a small startup IT firm turned an idea into a successful growing business.

I want to welcome our next Giant, Tomas Santos Alejandro.

101: Eric Coffie - Reflections, my extraordinary guests, and the two year journey of the Govcon Giants Podcast Aug 12, 2021

Over the course of the last two years in this podcast, it’s been a journey. And now a community with seven thousand people who go through our free course and training and six hundred people going through the paid course. We’re making a big impact in the government contracting world.

Doing this podcast has been really life-changing not only in the sense that it put me in a better place career-wise and my path towards everything that I want to achieve professionally, but it’s introduced me to a lot of extraordinary people that I’ve now become friends with, I’ve now become colleagues with and we talk to a regular basis and it’s given me a new set of relationships that I didn’t have before that are tied directly to my industry.

So to anyone who is considering launching a podcast, don’t worry about the money, don’t think about it in terms of dollars and cents and how much you’re going to make in terms of doing a podcast, think about it in terms of being able to shape and design the next five years of your life. The people who you want in your life, in your world, in your space, and being able to shape what that looks like for you.

I want to thank everyone who listened to my podcast and downloaded my show, everyone who gave reviews and it has been an incredible journey and I’m looking forward to the next hundred episodes.

100: Adam Austin - How to prepare Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification with Totem Technologies Aug 04, 2021

In this episode I wanted to discuss a topic widely anticipated that is going to impact all small businesses around the world, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification or more commonly known as CMMC.

To do that, I enlisted my friends Adam Austin and Alli Bay over at Totem Tech to help me discuss where the government is on this matter and more importantly how can you, as a small business, certify your business without needing a 10 or 20k consultant.

That’s right, DIY CMMC. Because of the contracts that Haight Bey & Associates had with the government they were forced to become an early adopter of CMMC even before it was mandated to all contractors. As a result they went through the exercises themselves as contractors and are now coming on to tell us all about what that experience was like.

Over the next 90 minutes we cover Level 1 thru 3, NIST and they also give out a bunch of free goodies to help contractors understand this process as best as possible. Today’s lesson is so great that if it wasn’t on YT would qualify for a CEU credit. Grab your paper and pen. This is content rich learning today.

By the way, if you don’t make it to the end they have an extensive list of downloadable links. Visit: https://govconeric.com/cmmc for a list of all things CMMC.

Now let’s welcome our next Giant, Adam Austin.

099: Judy Bradt - What is a micro purchase and how to use them Jul 29, 2021

So many people ask the question about needing past performance and how to start without certifications. Well, Micro purchase is one of the tools that are commonly used for small businesses to win contracts. People think that set aside is the key to winning but SAP also known as simplified acquisition can be an even more powerful tool.

Learn how easily a Federal buyer can purchase up to $10,000 from you immediately (and up to $20,000 or even more in times of emergency response). Not just products, but services, too! You’ll learn how to create new low-risk offerings that can get you ahead of the competition. What an advantage – not just at fiscal year-end, but all year long, even when other buying is slow!

Imagine fast, easy, wins without expensive complicated proposals, opening the doors to bigger contracts. They can be closer than you ever imagined!

With more than $24B spending using SAP it is a method that most people commonly overlook strategies in their toolbox. This is the final part of our 4 part series with Judy Bradt. If you missed the first three go back and watch episode 98, 95 and 96. She is the CEO of Summit Insight and a 32 year government contracting wiz.

This episode was pre recorded on a YT live session that I hosted so you will hear us answer questions from the audience. Stay tuned and enjoy this power packed session with Judy Bradt.

098: Judy Bradt - How to prepare for your call and get invited back Jul 22, 2021

You got your meeting...now what? We're going to be talking about the hidden wins you need to create, from contact to contract. You’ll discover the concept of micro-wins (not micro-PURCHASES; something that comes even before THAT!) learn about the two types of wins you need to create with your buyers, and get the three GovCon checklists you’ll use to get you from takeoff to landing, so your business can soar.

In today’s interview with Judy Bradt we are discussing how to prepare for your call and get invited back. That’s right! Not just call call call, you want someone to call you back on the other end. Well in today’s 90 minute session Judy and I are going to discuss practical techniques and strategies for accomplishing just that. Stay tuned for today’s episode with my colleague Judy Bradt.

We have not covered 3 of the 4 part of my series with Judy and boy has it been a blast. If you missed the first parts, go back and look at episode 95 and 96. How to Win your Meeting and the 5 people you want to meet.

If you love Judy’s message, make sure to check her on her website summit insight, she is a regular on LI and puts on webinars, does coaching and a whole host of wonderful things for the Govcon community.

097: Elizabeth Jimenez - Why small businesses should consider managed service provider when scaling their business Jul 14, 2021

This week we bring you another managed service provider, Elizabeth Jimenez of NeoSystems. Neosystems is a full service IT integrator, managed security, cloud managed hosting, and managed services accounting, HR and IT.

Elizabeth Jimenez is the Executive Director, Strategic Development for NeoSystems, she is responsible for building and managing strategic relationships with partners, government agencies, industry influencers, and clients, as well as driving NeoSystems' brand vision, value, and culture.

She is also co-founder of The Cyber Guild, a non-profit, which is focused on transforming cyber groups into a cohesive human-centric organizational fabric, and the Executive Director and Advisory Chair of the Uniting Women in Cyber, an annual conference dedicated to celebrating women in cybersecurity, where she is instrumental in the organization's annual conference. She has a bachelor of arts degree from Radford University and is a registered practitioner of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program from the Department of Defense.

In this episode, Elizabeth will explain the concept in full detail of why small businesses should consider MSP as a viable option when scaling their business. Listen to our next Giant, Elizabeth Jimenez.

096: Judy Bradt - How to get in front of your Federal Buyer and “Win” your meeting Jul 08, 2021

This is part of 2 of her 4 Part series that she filmed with me on our YouTube channel. For the month of July we are bringing back our resident superstar, Judy Bradt. For over 32 years, she’s been an expert in federal contracting. We are so lucky to have Judy come on our show and share tidbits of the wisdom that she has accumulated over the last 3 decades.

Today’s session, How to get in front of your federal buyer and win your meeting. This was a live session that we taped earlier this year and so you will hear Judy and I go for about 90 minutes fielding live audience questions. This is part of 2 of her 4 Part series that she filmed with me on our YT channel. Last week we discussed who are the people that you want to meet. If you missed it go back and listen as it was excellent.

Grab your paper and pen Judy is about to break it down into palatable pieces. If you have not had the chance to catch up to some of her earlier recordings on YT make sure to check them out as people raved about how great her message was.

095: Judy Bradt - 5 People you need to meet & the Players and Layers Method Jun 30, 2021

Today’s guest I want everyone to meet Judy Bradt, CEO of Summit Insight. For over 32 years she’s been an expert in federal contracting. We are so lucky to have Judy come on our show and share tidbits of the wisdom that she has accumulated over the last 3 decades.

Today’s session, 5 People you need to meet & the players and layers method we discuss getting in front of the right people sooner. This was a live session that we taped earlier this year and so you will hear Judy and I go for about 90 minutes fielding live audience questions. This is part of a 4 Part series that she filmed with me on our YT channel ▪How to get in front of your Federal Buyer and Win your meeting ▪How to prepare for your call and get invited back ▪5 People you need to meet & the players and layers method ▪5 Federal Lead Sources you Need to Know

You don’t want to miss this next podcast episode with the always sweet, Judy Bradt.

Making A Giant 009: Maria Martinez & A Govcon Alumni - Understanding the value of time and harnessing your potential through learning and determination Jun 23, 2021

Today’s guest, Student Ash was researching the government market and quickly discovered what we call the certification trap. All of the agencies, so called experts and gurus, preached getting certifications as the pathway for small businesses to be successful. After doing some mental calculations Ash figured that if you make the pool smaller and smaller for businesses and we the 90% are all chasing the 20% pool who is really making the money?

She quickly learned that this was not a winning strategy and continued researching online for someone who taught a different methodology. That is where she ran across one of my YT videos that said, you don’t need a certification to win a contract. My counter intuitiveness is what attracted her to me and Govcon Giants.

A self-proclaimed political enthusiast, this student came to us in the middle of COVID-19, after she was drawn into the Federal Government’s Coronavirus Daily Briefings and what she perceived to be a constant request for supplies to help the U.S. combat the global pandemic, and although it wasn’t a direct personal call-to action, she credits this as the best misunderstanding of her career.

Having NO previous experience with government contracting, she used the early on-set of the Stay-at-Home orders as an opportunity to learn how to do business with the government. Her GovCon journey started out with suggestions on the importance of becoming certified as a WOSB or 8A, but this path required past performance and were proving to be too long, and because she knew the chance to provide solutions to the government for COVID-19 would have a short window, she couldn’t devote a lot of resources and time into obtaining certifications as a way to do business with government.

So, she decided to look for a path that provided a simpler method of doing government contracting, and she ultimately came across the GOVCON Giants (GCG) community in August 2020 and after coming across the GCG community, she found out the government had so many needs and request outside of just COVID-19 supplies.

As she continued watching our content and absorbing she decided to reach out to me directly for a few paid 1-on-1 sessions and eventually purchased our 2.0 program. From the onset I immediately knew the type of person she would become because she was investing her time and money in learning all the possibilities that existed. She took advantage of our business credit building program and Tuesday team calls.

It was on one of our members' calls that she met another GCG alumni and started pursuing projects together. They successfully won those projects and others moving forward. In fact they were working at the white house during the time of the insurrection.

But Ash did not stop there. She actually pursued multiple private sector jobs landing two large projects. As of the date of this recording her company was $70K shy of hitting the $1M mark for Q1 2021. In her email she writes to our team, if I didn’t have the tools I would still be sitting around creating my 5-year plan with the hope of generating $1M for the year.

This is one of my most powerful student episodes to date. I know that you will enjoy this episode through the journey of one of our very own GCG alumni.

094: Joshua Duvall - The value and importance of debriefings and using it as your business strategy Jun 16, 2021

Joshua Duvall is the founder and managing partner at Matross Edwards LLC, a Washington, DC-based government contracts and business law firm serving government contractors nationwide.

Josh is trusted counsel and outside general counsel to small and mid-size government contractors, where he counsels clients in complex government contracts matters, including bid protests (agency level, GAO, COFC), disputes, teaming agreements, subcontracts, joint ventures, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity. Josh received his law degree from The George Washington University Law School and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

He also has his own blog at GovConJudicata.com which provides news, insights, and legal analysis for anyone interested in staying current with government contracts and cybersecurity issues and finally, he enjoys all things coffee and golf.

In this interview we discuss everything about debriefings, pre-award and post award debriefings. The value and importance of debriefings and how to use debriefings as a business strategy and more.

Making A Giant 008: Maria & Nicole Sharp - The importance of creating your vision, achieving personal goals and overcoming imposter syndrome Jun 08, 2021

Today’s guest, Nicole Sharp founded her company Griffin Consulting Partners in 2017. Though she formed the corporation, it wasn’t until a few years ago that she decided to go full time and really work on the business.

GCP offers solutions in the fed health space and work with companies looking to grow and get into the space. With the mission to combine analytical thinking and intuitive understanding to unleash the full potential of their customers by delivering uniquely tailored consultancy services that are research-based, practice-informed, and results-oriented. Her current clients include VA, military health services throughout DOD, State and local hospitals.

Prior to founding her business Nicole worked at Accenture, B A H, and Kelly Services three large defense contractors. But it was her decision to quit her job and focus on growing her business that changed it all. For the first 6 months she did spend time with friends and simply focused on learning everything about the business. She created a vision board, set her 12 month, 5year and 10 year goals and went to work.

What is so humbling about Nicole was that even after winning her first contract she wondered how she got here. If that seems like an all too familiar circumstance of imposter syndrome stay tuned to this episode to hear what she did next and how she overcame it. I hope that you enjoy this upcoming episode as we take you through the journey of one of our very own GovconEDU alumni.

093: Sarah Dunn- Employee Benefits & Insurance Specialist with The Capital Group/GovTech Insurance, Founder of Women in GovCon Jun 01, 2021

Sarah Dunn started her career in the insurance industry by chance. She complimented a woman’s shoes at a recruiting expo which led to her landing a spot in the highly competitive and prestigious Aetna Healthcare’s Group School reserved for the top 1% of applicants after graduating early from college. After graduating as one of the top recruits from the Aetna Group School program, it landed her in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia insurance market as a national Aetna consultant for insurance brokers who catered to small and middle market companies, many of which were government contractors. She surprised Aetna management by singlehandedly revitalizing the sales of Aetna health insurance plans by the broker consultants she was assigned to.

Sarah’s professionalism, quick wit and her ability to soak in knowledge of the insurance industry and specifically the GovCon industry did not go unnoticed. If fact, within two years of her starting her position at Aetna, she had over 10 job offers to join brokerage companies in the D.C. marketplace alone, many of which were prestigious and highly selective as to whom they brought on board. After much consideration she joined The Capital Group, which is the premier GovCon- specialized insurance brokerage company. The Capital Group has over 800 GovCon clients and offers employee benefits, 401K consulting, compliance, technology, dedicated service team, in-house attorney access to scrub and review contracts at no cost to clients, commercial insurance. The Capital Groups also owns and operates an exclusive captive commercial insurance company for small and mid-size GovCon IT service providers called GovTech. GovTech offers up to 40% off commercial insurance policies which no other brokerage firm has access to offer. Thus, Sarah now had the backing of a diverse team of experts to dive further into the GovCon rabbit hole. Going further to help small businesses specifically, Sarah has created a simplified checklist of all appropriate lines of insurance and benefits benchmarked by company size and industry. She offers free consultations to ensure each group is fitted with the right care which is a big deal as insurance and employee benefits is the #2 largest expense for most companies.

Sarah’s passion to help small and mid-size government contractors is now going above and beyond her ability to expertly and uniquely help with their employee benefits and insurance needs. She also now has founded and personally runs a unique and very needed organization in the GovCon industry. It is a group for GovCon Women C-Suite executives simply called Women in GovCon. Women in GovCon is a group of GovCon owners and C-level executives getting together at exclusive events for the purpose of winning more contracts, providing mentorship opportunities and growth strategies. Sarah has partnered with Ferrari of Washington for example, to bring members out on test drives followed by a catered lunch at The Salamander Resort. There are currently 70 members in Women in GovCon and growing. Many members in this group are primes looking for qualified subcontractors which Sarah is happy to speak to small businesses interested in getting involved.

Speaking of, to schedule a meeting with Sarah please reach her via email at: sdunn@capgroupfinancial.com or via cell phone (203)751-0158.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-dunn-61380a138

The Capital Group website: https://www.capgroupfinancial.com

GovTech Insurance website. A reminder that GovTech Insurance is the only insurance company specializing in insuring government contractors and can save GovCon IT companies up to 40% off their commercial insurance policy : https://govtechinsurance.com/

092: Ariela Wagner - Protecting Construction Lien & Bond Claim Rights for Subcontractors and Supplier May 25, 2021

Ariela Wagner is the president and founder of SunRay Construction Solutions. She has over 14 years of construction industry experience. With the mission to be the best and easiest construction document service in the USA, SunRay secures the lien rights of general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers nationally and helps them get paid.

For a nominal fee SunRay ensures that each required Preliminary Notice, Lien and Claim on Bond is carefully, thoroughly and timely executed as per the rules/laws of that state. Many small businesses are left with very little recourse once they run into a problem with a not so great contractor so they provided the solution by maintaining state-of-the-art Preliminary Notice/Notice to Owner system that ensures requests are sent on time, securing lien rights for subcontractors and suppliers throughout the country.

In this episode, Ariela and I discuss how small companies can stay protected during these difficult times when money is a scarce resource. I can tell you from someone who personally went through multiple instances of having to fight to get paid, this solution made a ton of sense to me. Her and I dig into her journey and back story of business hazing, litigation and climbing her way back to the top.

Before we started recording Ariela assured me that nothing was off the table that was the green light I needed to ask away. Listen to my interesting conversation with our next giant, Ariela Wagner.

091: Roberta Moore - Learning from the reality of failures, challenges, & difficult moments that shaped her character May 18, 2021

Today’s show is part 2 of a two part series with Roberta Moore. She had so many stories to share that we could not get the all into one single episode.

For those of you who do not know, Ms. Moore began her career as a DoD civil servant for 10 years before opening her business, Amoorer Inc. embarked on her government contracting journey, providing healthcare staffing services back in 2002. She graduated from the 8a program in 2014 but prior to that was part of a group of business owners who all spun out of the same company. Presently that group have all started federal government contracting businesses.

The reason why I decided to bring Roberta back on the show was because she did not get into the details of some of her failure stories. I wanted her to fully explain some of the difficult moments during her journey.

So in this interview we dive right into some of the challenging times stories that seams like its from out of a book. More soap opera and drama, but very real because it involves the harsh reality that one can face when hiring friends and not the best candidate.

We are all growing our companies, and for that reason can learn life lessons from a variety of stories. This interview I believe will help someone make more sound decisions when growing out their team. I hope that you enjoy this episode with our next Giant, Ms. Roberta Moore.

090: Mike Melo - Serving people in the arena and highlighting values of leadership, integrity and hard work May 11, 2021

Mike Melo president and CEO of ITA International started his company with his wife. Interestingly, it was Melo's father who inspired the name of his company, ITA. It is derived from a passage in a 1910 speech by Teddy Roosevelt referred to as "The Man in the Arena" in which Roosevelt praises those who work hard and demonstrate values of leadership, integrity, and hard work rather than simply sitting on the sidelines.

ITA International LLC works toward a secure, stable and sustainable world. Their mission is to improve the lives of all people, especially their customers. They operate in over 20 locations worldwide.

Founded in 2005, Mike and his wife’s company is a provider of integrated service in the areas of Operational Support, Marine Engineering, Cyber Operations and Data Analytics for those serving “In The Arena” in support of the US Government, Commercial Customers and Non-Government Organizations operating globally.

In today’s episode, we discussed how Mike’s view on federal contracting shifted since first starting out, we discussed his recent acquisition and the methodology used to determine the good versus bad purchase in the business, the future of ITA and where the company is headed. We also dived into the beginning phases of growth, cash flow and contacts.

089: Roberta Moore - How pure determination and a chance event lead to a whirlwind of character building experience May 06, 2021

Roberta Moore founded AMOORER, Incorporated 19 years ago in 2002 as a recently divorced, single parent of three boys. Amoorer Incorporated is an 8(a) graduate, HUBZone Certified, Woman-Owned Healthcare staffing small business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Strayer University and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland University College.

Roberta began her career as a DoD civil servant for 10 years before opening her business, Amoorer Inc in 2002 and embarking on her government contracting journey. A journey that would take her through many whirlwind experiences, some adventure and many character building.

In this episode we discuss how a chance event led to her successfully winning her first contract which was OCONUS and met her 2nd mentor. A woman who gave Ms. Moore a back office which then allowed her business to really take off and begin to thrive.

Ms. Moore has a reputation as a creative problem solver and effective manager capable of making a significant contribution to the corporate bottom-line. Ms. Moore Is a 2019 graduate of the Veterans Affairs Vetbizladies genesis cohort. In 2016 she graduated from the United States Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Emerging Leaders, accelerated streetwise MBAprogram.

She has in-depth skills in the development of operational and strategic business planning as well as operations and marketing experience relating to all aspects of business development. Ms. Moore won several multi-million dollar healthcare staffing contracts with the federal government and private industry. She is responsible for setting revenue targets and managing P&L for divisions. She has extensive management experience in developing and defending budgets in support of government programs.

Ms. Moore has detailed experience in financial and business planning and developing policies and procedures appropriate for management of government and private industry programs. Ms. Moore’s philosophy is “Commitment, Integrity, Personalized Service and Value for your money.

088: Matthew Schoonover - Representing small firms, understanding joint ventures, and discussing the new Mentor Protege program. Apr 27, 2021

With more than $247M dollars thrown at training and education of small businesses and little thrown into marketing we try and help showcase the ups and down of the business of govcon. Each week we bring on a speaker who has been involved in either growth as a small business, supporting small and medium size businesses or creates opportunities for either of the two categories

In this episode, we bring you a 2-time guest, Matthew Schoonover, Principle of the law firm Schoonover and Moriarty. Matt has been supporting small businesses for more than a decade speaking, authoring legal news on the subject. On our first interview, episode 006 Back in 2019 we discussed Joint Ventures and Mentor Protege.

Matt has a wide experience representing individual and corporate clients in a range of litigation matters, including commercial litigation, insurance-defense actions, and intellectual property litigation. He practiced in pretrial litigation, and have experience preparing and responding to pleadings; conducting informal fact investigations and formal discovery, including taking and defending party and non-party depositions; motion practice; and advocating for clients at hearings and in mediation.

With that, we talked about expanding on the concept of joint ventures and the new Mentor Protege program. New rule and policy changes from the SBA and how it impacts small firms.

Listen to this valuable interview as this is a free knowledge lesson into how a small medium size business can really grow leveraging the current 2021 SBA programs. So, take notes and you will definitely pick up very important knowledge from this week’s guest.

Making A Giant 007: Maria & Miguel Sanchez - Embracing inexperience and ignorance and taking one step at a time Apr 20, 2021

In this episode we feature Miguel Sanchez. After discovering my videos while living in New York Miguel decides he wants to get into truck delivery providing courier services to the government. After months of no results he decided to switch gears and pursue the consulting route.

In his research he learned that IT was a major marketplace with opportunity galore. I know how some people can see it as intimidating considering the size and scale of the contracts. Not Miguel, he decided that’s exactly where he fit in and went on his journey to find a partner company that was up for the task.

After a few tries he found a partner who was currently doing IT projects but not maximizing their capabilities. With the knowledge he gained working directly with Maria hand in hand he was able to start pursuing some fairly substantial projects.

Without spoiling the rest of the story he ended up landing something major. The part that I want to share with folks is that when you invest in yourself and your education it pays back dividends. If you are sitting on the sideline waiting for all the answers, for some magic bullet to show up, trying for years unsuccessfully maybe it’s time you found a new approach.

Followed a mentor that has been where you’ve been, experienced some of the same setbacks. We showcase these real human stories to give you a sense of what’s possible. But none of this would not have happened if they did not invest in self education.

087: Emily Harman - Diving deep into emotions, mindset, and positive intelligence as a government contractor and entrepreneur Apr 13, 2021

Today’s interview, we talk about something very different. Emily Harman, has 38 years of service to the country as both a Naval Officer and civilian federal employee. Working hard and ultimately, retiring as a member of the Senior Executive Service in May 2019, the equivalent of a two star Admiral.

In her retirement, Emily did the inner work and learned a very valuable tool: listening to the guidance of her inner voice and her authentic self, to create a roadmap for an authentic and fulfilling life. In this episode, we talked about several things about mindset, finding your niche, discovering what you really want and the importance of positive intelligence.

Many of us are interested in only hearing the tactics and the technicalities in government contracting but it is really the mindset that we must first master before we can truly realize our authentic self and eventually pave our way into the ocean of opportunity that the government contracting has to offer.

Making A Giant 006: Maria & Raffa Gibbard - On building your experience, creating your momentum, and winning bigger contracts Apr 06, 2021

In today’s Making A Giant episode, our guest Raffa Gibbard is the CEO of Brave Once Contract Agency. She has over ten years experience in both construction and contracting with the Army. With her experience, Raffa understands what the customer needs and she knows how to supply it in a timely efficient manner.

In 2019 Raffa came on to the scene as a GCG helping share her knowledge of the VA Entrepreneur / Employment Track. As a veteran she was able to successfully have the government help reimburse her for her training that we provided.

Since that time, Raffa has partnered with several GCG students to get her first and second contracts. Following that initial past performance, she received a call from a federal agency for her first direct award. But that’s not where her story ends, Raffa continued to build on the successes of the past leading up to 7 contracts during a pandemic and now is being approached by a large company to partner on even bigger contracts.

Stay tuned to hear a powerful conversation between Maria Martinez and Raffa Gibbard on momentum propelling future success.

086: Helleni Moon - New entrepreneur breaking in the federal arena through agile and streamlined data management support services Mar 30, 2021

Helleni (Donovan) Moon , CEO of EIDOS Technologies from Manassa, founded the company in 2015. Just a couple years later, EIDOS was nominated for the 2021 Prince William Chamber business award. She has over 20+ years of successful service delivery for both federal and civilian agencies and has contributed to their mission-critical government programs.

Helleni provides strategic direction on corporate growth strategies, company culture, workforce and recruiting initiatives to capture top talent which is at the core for providing great customer support, quality service, and impactful changes.

She firmly believes that organizations must invest in mature business practices and top talent to ensure we deliver with pique performance. The company is also certified in ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems and ISO 20000-1:2018 for Technology Services. These two disciplines are at the forefront of their company culture.

In this episode, Helleni and I discuss what it takes to grow a small business in the IT sector. What was hard now that still remains difficult today, how to prepare for the pressures ofbusiness, challenges, her past experience working for GD, Lockheed and much more in this conversation.

Making A Giant 005: Maria & James Lee - How an active soldier turned and idea into 2 sources sought wins Mar 23, 2021

In today’s episode Maria interviewed James Lee, an IT professional who decided it was time to make his mark on the world. Without spoiling the story I will tell you that James had a little special someone who help spark the idea for pursuing laundry service contracts. That’s right! He did not pursue any sexy or sleek big money idea, it was something so simple that most people overlook.

James always had ideas but the fear of failure always stopped him from moving forward. Since retirement, he knew that he was right around the corner and he needed to start looking at what his next journey would be after the military. After 16 years of military service, he finally decided to take a leap of faith in the entrepreneur field by creating Home Away From Home Laundry-Services.

Now his company is a full-service linen supply and dry-cleaning company with multiple employees at various locations. They offer several services like dry cleaning, laundry, wash, dry and folding, alteration, pick up and drop off delivery services, and bidding on both federal and local state laundry services contracts.

Pay particular attention to this episode because James does not live on the continental U.S. but his contracts are in Florida and California. Stay until the end to see what tips James shares about how he was able to pull off winning a contract from a tropical island.

085: Wade Watts: Uniting the Defense, the academia, and entrepreneurial innovators in solving national security problems Mar 16, 2021

Wade Watts serves as the inaugural National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) University Program Director (UPD) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). In this role, Wade is responsible for building collaboration between academia, the venture/business community, and the DoD by expanding defense innovation.

To this position, Wade brings significant entrepreneur and academic experiences as the former founder, CEO, and COO of two startup companies, and an award-winning executive with more than 15 years of experience in management consulting positions at Booz Allen Hamilton and other firms. He served as CEO of his management consulting firm by establishing marketing campaigns and Internet presence for businesses through process engineering and strategic planning to maximize profits and customer satisfaction. He also worked as Chief Operating Officer of an Internet-based international business magazine that set up business opportunities and ventures between U.S. firms and businesses in Taiwan and managed offices in both locations.

In his capacity with Booz Allen Hamilton, Wade was key to the international firm winning a $1 billion government contract, the largest in its history at that time. As the company's transition planning expert, he developed and authored a firm-wide Transition Strategic Plan, which standardized new procedures and implementation plans to move and integrate new business from incumbent companies/contractors to the firm's new contracts and business.

Wade has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, and a Master of Airpower Art and Science from the Air Force’s premiere strategy school, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Additionally, he has Project Manager Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certifications.

In the academic world, Wade developed and taught graduate courses in Business Consulting and Project Management as Adjunct Faculty at Creighton University and served as a Capstone course mentor for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Midland University in Omaha, Nebraska.

His other leadership experience includes time in a senior Program Management capacity for Omaha-based Fiserv. He also worked as a Cybersecurity Initiative Program Manager for a financial services firm in Lincoln, NE, where he formed, led, and managed a Program Management Office.

Wade is a veteran of the Air Force, having served in various aviation and staff positions throughout the globe, including assignments to United States Strategic Command and the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

084: Aliahu "Alli" Bey - How A Multi-million dollar government contract opened opportunities into the Cybersecurity and Compliance space Mar 09, 2021

Aliahu “Alli” Bey started his government contracting journey in 2015 after he was awarded a multi-million-dollar U.S. Air Force tactical weapons support contract. One portion of the contract provided cybersecurity on ruggedized deployable laptops.

Mr. Alli Bey reached out to a former business colleague, Adam Austin, owner of a cyber company in Pennsylvania. Mr. Austin’s experience and involvement was a no-brainer and he was promptly brought on as a partner that led to developing Totem’s Cybersecurity Planning Tool, a revolutionary organizational software that meshes perfectly with cybersecurity and compliance requirements for our existing DoD contracts.

Mr. Alli Bey, CEO of Haight Bey & Associates took expertise in supporting meteorological stations into a business. The veteran owned company specializes in industrial, commercial, and government systems sustainment and cybersecurity engineering solutions.

Mr. Alli believes that proper cybersecurity and compliance are much more than pretty packaging and eye-catching graphics. As they have been awarded and currently execute government contracts, they help others customize a plan to get their company up to speed. Their company also provides cybersecurity consulting and training services to help others get compliant and secure through a very competitive cost.

Making a Giant with Maria and Liseth Velez. Women, veteran, CEO talks about her first win and the future Mar 03, 2021

In today’s episode of Making a Giant we present to you veteran business owner Liseth Velez, CEO of LJV Development. She has recently become a superstar at the Govcon EDU breakout sessions as her company continues to land contract after contract both at the federal and state government levels.

Started out in the military as an HVAC Technician, Liseth is no stranger to hardwork or the construction industry. When she formed her company LJV, she immediately started to win small projects and dove into the private sector flipping homes. Yet even with her past experience and revenue under her belt, the government sector was risk averse and wanted to see more.

I remember the very first time meeting her at a conference here in South Florida where I moderated a panel discussing government contracting. Miss Velez attended the conference while she was supposed to be recovering from a recent surgery and was walking on crutches. She literally Uber-ed 45 minutes from her hotel to Miami to attend an event in another city exposing herself to like minded individuals which I would say is pretty remarkable.

Many of us out there would rather make excuses than to do the hard work. Liseth did the opposite. She took advantage of her time off and used it to help catapult her business, I knew at that point she would be a star in the making. Learning that she was in the construction industry serving New England as do I, we exchanged information and has been friends since that day. I’m so happy for her success and can’t wait to see what the next few years has in store for LJV.

Over the next 60 minutes, Maria and Liseth discuss her early beginnings as a newly formed company with no federal past performance doing all that she can to get early wins. Enjoy this episode with the two of my favorite students Maria and Liseth.

083: Anthony Closson - How A USAF veteran built a massive contracting company from the ground up Feb 23, 2021

Anthony Closson is a USAF Veteran and the Founder and CEO of Colossal Contracting- an SDVOSB Value-Added Reseller and IT Solutions Provider that has broken away from the pack bringing them to the forefront of the Defense and Civilian Industries by embodying their foundation as a company built upon military core values.

Anthony brings to the table more than a decade of executive leadership experience and over 15 years of managing IT integrations. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a Master’s of Business Administration with a Specialization in Project Management.

While deployed in Iraq and when working stateside at Joint Base Andrews, Closson learned first hand about the value of the relationship between government employees and civilian contractors. Taking that knowledge, experience, work ethic and sense of responsibility for the success of any of their customer’s missions, Anthony established Colossal as a dynamic force within a crowded and challenging industry.

A decade later, Colossal now supports mission-critical systems and services across dozens of government agencies on a global scale, growing the company every year since its inception in 2009. Colossal now holds five GWAC’s and an array of agency specific BPAs and IDIQs.

Anthony’s intensity and motivation are equal in business and philanthropy as Colossal is an avid sponsor for nonprofit organizations. Last year Colossal was selected as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Small Employer of the Year for their efforts in hiring and supporting the members of our armed services. The company is proud to claim that more than 1 in 4 employees are veterans, reservists or members of the national guard. Anthony led Colossal’s first ever “22 For You Day” partnering with Mission22, a non-profit dedicated to veteran suicide prevention and raised over $30,000 for the cause.

As his company continues to expand, Closson has not lost sight of the importance of taking care of your customers personally and specifically embodying the role of a servant leader by guiding the entire company to operate with intentionality and integrity. He is humbled by this opportunity to share his journey, his successes, his mistakes and the lessons he has learned with other small business owners and industry professionals so they can too can succeed.

Making a Giant with Maria and Alex Omeke. Applying your knowledge to the real world: A cab driver’s son story of winning his first contract Feb 16, 2021

Hey listeners, this is Eric! As some of you may know from listening to the last few week’s episodes we have a new podcast entitled Making A Giant. The show featured the students of GovCon EDU who recently won their first contract. It is a much different perspective from our traditional podcast format where we interview experts in contracting.

This show features everyday people who decided to take the plunge into the world of federal procurement and was successfully awarded with their very first contract. Many of my listeners had a difficult time identifying with the multi-million dollar business owners and wanted to hear from the person who is just starting out.

This week’s episode of Making A Giant I want you to meet Alex. Alex’ dad was a cab driver so he was part of running the operation by answering the house phone since he was a kid. He was contracted out by a big company that did I.T. stuff overseas where he started at the bottom, got a good mentor and was able to work himself to the top. Then he realize that he could do much better contracting and make money for himself so he did just that.

He is now in Hawaii doing what he did for others but for himself, meet today’s guest making a Giant with Alex Omeke.

082: Melissa Burant - The free government resource that all small businesses should use, PTAC Feb 09, 2021

For the first time ever we are interviewing someone from APTAC (Association of Pocurement Technical Assistance Centers).

If you have never heard of APTAC or PTAC for short, the non-organization has offices around the country in every state that provide free and low cost training and technical assistance for small businesses. They host workshops and matchmaking events, offer one-on-one counseling and can provide you with resources to reach federal, state and local government agencies. My recommendation is that every small business owner should at the very least try and get acquainted with their local PTAC. If not for the fact that the organization is funded bytax payers, so to do a free consultation is a no brainer.

Our guest today, Melissa Burant is a Government Contracting Specialist with the Iowa Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) serving clients in Scott and Clinton counties. Before working at PTAC Melissa served as a federal contracting officer at the Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, and has more than 15 years of federal service.

In this episode she shares:

▪how to help small businesses avoid pitfalls

▪some of the service offered by PTAC

▪small business horror story and more

Making a Giant with Maria and Leilani Lacusong. From Accountant to 8a Contractor Jan 26, 2021

In our second episode of Making a Giant Maria sits down and speak to Leilani Lacusong.

Leilani is an accountant that saw the great opportunities in government contracting. She made some bold moves from applying for her 8a, to contacting Eric for help and driving from state to state “for the love of contracting”. Today she has won a few sole source with the help of the Govcon Giants community.

Listen as she tells us her journey to win her first contract.

081: My next guest needs no introduction… Steven Koprince of Koprince Law Jan 19, 2021

Today’s guest needs no introduction...

Mr. Steven Koprince of Koprince Law founded the blog SmallGovCon, where he has written more than 1,100 posts on government contracting legal issues. The site is viewed by thousands of readers each month and is one of the official must read websites for learning about new rules, changing policies and court findings in federal procurement.

Steven is the author ofThe Small-Business Guide to Government Contracts(AMACOM Books, 2012) and Steven has also written comprehensive handbooks entitledJoint Ventures,SBA Size and Affiliation Rules, and The 8(a) Program.

Steven has been quoted in several national news outlets, has appeared on numerous radio programs and podcasts, and has spoken to dozens of audiences across the country on government contracting matters.

In today’s conversation we discuss:

▪his background and personal journey into the world of government

▪small business tip learned from years of experience

▪top 5 mistakes all businesses make when tackling government contracting.

As a nine-time speaker at the national conference of the Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, Steven knows a thing or two about government contracting. We are so happy to finally have him here on our show. Turn off all your devices, grab a notepad and be prepared to take copious notes.

REPOST: Episode 001: Narjis Ali – Launching a NASA Award Winning IT Security Company Jan 14, 2021

We are taking you back to our very first episode...

Narjis B. Ali is the President and CEO of Sure Secure Solutions, an 8a Woman Owned Information Technology (IT) Security company founded in 2004. The companies core capabilities include Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Content Management and Information Management.

She has received numerous awards dating back to 2012 and most recently the prestigious 2016 US Small Business Administration and NASA Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year award 2016 and 2017.

For show notes visit https://govcongiants.com/podcast/01

Making a Giant with Maria and Chris Facey: The mad guitarist lands a 21 Million IDIQ in transportation Jan 06, 2021

Hey GovCon Giants today, we are mixing things up a little bit. Starting this month, we will be featuring an all-new podcast that we call Making A Giant. That's right, Making A Giant. This podcast will showcase persons, businesses who got their very first win, not their 10th contract, not some large multi-million dollar contract, but their very first one.

In today's very first episode of Making A Giant, we feature someone who I know as the Mad Guitarist. Chris Facey joined Govcon EDU, and on our weekly Tuesday calls always has a guitar or series of guitars and his background. He's a freight broker and was helping my company, Evankoff ship out critical PPE during the midst of the global pandemic. Well, one day while Chris was watching a video clip from Wesley, the 16-year-old military contractor, he became inspired to stop just learning and decide to take action. He found a transportation readiness contract on beta.sam, that his team qualified for, and he decided to pursue it. With my help and the sample proposals from inside the courses, he was able to a respond and qualify for the final awardees list. And a few weeks later, he was notified that he at one, a spot on the $21 million IDIQ, transportation readiness contract.

Stay tuned for this upcoming episode between Maria and Chris discussing all of the details that took place in between.

080: Robb Wong - Best tips and advice from the Former Associate Administrator, Govt. Contracting & Business Development Dec 29, 2020

In today's episode. We meet with the man who spent the last four years fighting for the little guy. Robb Wong was sworn in as Associate Administrator Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, GCBD, in March of 2017, where he advocated for small businesses and represents them on behalf of the President of the United States. Historically the Associate Administrator Government Contracting Business Development overseas over $500 billion and total federal spending, helps ensure that small businesses can compete for federal opportunities. Robb strategy was straightforward. #1, make SBA certifications more useful. #2, Increase the supply of contracts reserved for the various small business programs and #3 improved GCBD customer service. Highlights of the team's three-year accomplishments include small business contract opportunities grew a total of 33%, HUBZone program revamped for the first time in 20 years, WOSB formal certification, improving teaming opportunities for all 8a, HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB's, subcontract and goals increase to create more opportunities. Rob's philosophy is cemented. And the belief that Small businesses are the job generators that will help make America great again.

In today's episode, we talk about Rob's accomplishments at the SBA. What changes are needed to ensure small businesses continue to win at receiving government contracts? What he would like to see happen after his retirement to push the needle forward for small firms. He continues to give to small businesses. He regularly meets with and counsel small business farms weekly at a local breakfast spot down the street from his residence. Stay tuned for our next Govcon Giant.

079: Judy Bradt - Fierce, Determined and Best Selling Author of Government Contracts Made EasiER. Dec 16, 2020

Judy Bradt needs no introduction in the government contracting world. For more than 32 years, she's been helping people in federal contracting as a consultant, speaker and author. She's helped thousands of businesses from solopreneurs to multi-million dollar corporations find their fast track success in the federal arena. Judy says there's no such thing as doing business with the federal government, instead of asking what can I bid, winners focus on the right question, Who's my buyer? That's because winners know you do business with people whose needs, fears and priorities aren't in those databases. Today, we go over her story and journey coming into the govcon world and how she led 5,000+ Canadian firms to win more than $250 million in US government contracts, publish guides on US federal solicitations, market for technology architect engineering services and her latest book. Please welcome our next Giant, Judy Bradt.

078: Brian Henry - Former truck driver builds successful top contractor company Dec 10, 2020

As a special guest, Mr. Brian Henry, President of Henry General Contractors, who was a former truck driver turned multi-million dollar general contractor. His journey began as a dump truck operator when a good friend approached him about doing more. The business owner was a former employer of his cousin and asked Brian, who's going to be the next MBE and the area. Realizing that his time spent sitting in the dump truck waiting on loads could be more effectively used in managing projects and teams. Brian set out to get his construction supervisor's license. Eventually, he worked his way up until the 8a program and four years later had surpassed the $10 million annual revenue mark.

In today's story, we share Brian's lessons learned from his father, the trial and errors of running a business, viable lessons from building a multimillion-dollar business, speaking with multi-billion dollar executives, how he views a general contractor as a traffic director, and much, much more. This is an eye-opening episode to listen to for those of you who may want to pivot markets for those who believe they are stuck in one particular area. And for those persons looking for direction. Brian was first introduced to me by one of our Govcon EDU students. I remember meeting him in Florida at a National Parks event where he attended and we discussed his ambitions. He's a regular guy who decided that he wanted more out of life. I think that we could all relate to that.

077: Believing in yourself is first step to become what you dreamed for yourselves, INC 500 list champion Kizzy Dominguez proves it Dec 03, 2020

The time that we've ever hosted a guest for a back-to-back episode. But when we finished the interview, I had only gone through about half of my questions and we still had a lot of stones to turn over. For those of you who caught my interview with Kizzy Dominguez last week, today will be more of her wisdom, insights and knowledge. If you're not familiar with Kizzy, She always knew that she wanted to be an entrepreneur from an early age, eventually landing herself to founding K Parks Consulting, INC, KPC. KPC Provides staffing professional and in IT training curriculum development for the government. What I like most about Kizzy is that she comes from a down to earth perspective on government contracting.

In today's episode, we discuss, what do you need to do to win versus making a profit in govcon the other side of staffing businesses, the good and bad of bidding. Her experience in bidding on an RFP for 40 secretaries, the three camps, when it comes to 8a, making errors as a small business can be unforgiving and stereotype bias of being socio-economic set aside. I have her take on things, which is the reason why we are featuring her in back-to-back episodes, but don't think that just because she's down to earth, that she's not a successful entrepreneur, her company continues to be a consistent winner on the INC 500 list for 2017, 2019, and 2020, ranking 185, clocking a whopping 69%, three year growth. Stay tuned for this heartfelt episode with Kizzy Domingez.

076: Kizzy M. Dominguez, Ph.D. - The hustle gets her company to the INC 500 list Nov 26, 2020

Telltale signs of entrepreneurship often begins when we are children and today's guest Kizzy Parks Dominguez KParks Consulting Inc.

As a kid, she cleaned golf balls located in an alley behind her friend's house and resell them through a fence to golfers. She used the money to buy FUNYUNS® and Nutty Bars. Kizzy always knew she would become an entrepreneur and earn an advanced degree in psychology. Her entrepreneurial spirit meshed well with her inquisitive nature as an adopted child who always wanted to, and then met, her birth family. Driven to be the successful business owner she always knew she would be. Kizzy went on to earn a Ph.D. and establish KPC over a decade ago.

KPC is an award-winning woman and minority-owned small business. At KPC, we make difference makers through their instructor and web-based training, curriculum development, executive coaching, and analytics.

075: Frank Spencer III -Turns $1,000 investment into multi million dollar construction firm Nov 17, 2020

Today's podcast guest is Frank Spencer III, President of Aztec Contractors Inc. When he first started in construction, his father offered to sell him a dormant construction business for just a $1,000. He essentially just purchased the rights to the name, but the story does not end there. His father also charged him rent to use the space where he set up his first office. Even knowing that Frank had very little funds to work with. To hear the rest of the story tune in all the way to the end on the show. But all I can say is that today Aztec contractors is now a prominent construction company in El Paso, Texas, who is working on several high-profile school projects.

In today's episode we discuss family kids and what he values the most. How long it took him to win a contract after becoming 8a certified, the how, who and how it was given it to him.

Even after interviewing more than a dozen construction companies, it seems like their stories never get old. Each one is like a movie in which a protagonist overcomes the unfathomable to become the hero of their own story.

074: Cesar Nader - Practical Advice on how to grow your company in the federal arena Nov 10, 2020

Today's guests, Cesar Nader, CEO of X Corp solutions of Virginia is leading the charge and helping the small firm grow to the mid-tier level, harnessing the power of federal contracts. Mr. Cesar Nader is a highly sought out speaker and thought leader in the government contracting space. You may have heard him speak at the National 8a Conference, HUBZone, Veterans in Business or Amex Open events.

In 2011, mr. Nader retired from the Marines. And shortly thereafter started teaching military veterans how to transition at X Corp. He began his career as the director of business strategy. And over the next four years worked his way up to the president and CEO.

In today's episode, we discuss a wide range of topics, including how to break into an agency, how to land over 182 awards, why he made it his purpose to go after prime contracts relevant to capacity, how to handle matchmaking events, the importance of spending RFIs and the marvel name that they call X Corp employees. X Corp solutions is a leader in the federal marketplace tackling the areas of intelligence, security and cyber, professional management integration facility, property management, training, and educational development.

073: Teresa Jacobsson – Alaskan Women driven with a purpose to help Alaska Native Corporations and Tribes succeed Oct 28, 2020

In today's episode, we turn the tables around and interview another service provider to the government contracting space, Teresa Jacobsson, CEO of JW Industries Group, an Alaska Native spent the better part of a career serving the people and communities of Alaska as the founder and president of the nonprofit organization, the Alaska Tribal Administrators Association established in 2013 to support successful and healthy tribal administration and Alaska, the Alaska women's leadership forum, which teaches engaging and empowering women to lead Alaska and the Jacobsson Foundation. Mrs. Jacobson extends her schedule way beyond the typical nine to five job. In her pass she's held positions as CEO, business manager, vice president division director and contract administrator for several ANCS a corporations tribes and tribal entities today, Teresa continues to help the Alaska Native corporations develop strategies and a plan for promoting successful and healthy tribes, as well as utilizing their socio-economic status to build businesses. And today's interview, we discuss some misconceptions. People typically have about ANC's what areas she could improve in her own business. Some of the challenges of living in Alaska, how and why she started so many organizations and much more

072: Marie Gill - Supporting Small Businesses in the Past, Present and Future. Oct 20, 2020

Today's guest is Marie Gill of MGill and Associates. Her story is like most entrepreneurial journeys where it has the shares of bumps and bruises. Today her organization operates the MBDA Export Center, one of only four in the entire country and the only one in Florida. She has been making an impact helping small businesses since the early 90's and continues to be a difference maker all the way through the global pandemic. I can tell you that I've known of her organization since I first learned about contracting her MEDweek events were always epic and she helped many of us, small businesses get our first start and the world of business. This was a fan interview for me, as I got a chance to interview one of the greatest advocates of small businesses that I've personally ever met in my life. Get your pen and paper out, turn off all distractions. You're going to want to hear this episode in its entirety with the renowned Giant, Marie Gill.

YT Live 9/28: How to Build BUSINESS CREDIT and your Paydex Score! Oct 16, 2020

Many suppliers want to know how do we get business credit? During a Mastermind Monday YouTube Live session I sat down and interviewed my friend and credit expert John and we discussed ways of starting getting business credit. Business credit is very inportant when starting and building a business so be ready to take notes and action during this episode.

Learn EVERYTHING You Need About Government Contracts Here https://govconedu.com

071 - Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner - the women behind the vision and mission of the VIB Network Oct 08, 2020

Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner had a crazy idea back in 2016 of how to connect with a veteran business owner easily. And from that idea was born the VIB network. The VIP network today has grown into a national organization, launching their own industry conference, the national veteran business conference, connecting veteran entrepreneurs to contracting opportunities. And fact, if you are listening to this episode, when it first comes out, you still have time to register for the 2020 event that takes place October 12th and 13th, visit the VIB network.org VIB that veterans and business network. What's awesome about the VIP network is that it is totally free to join. So, there's absolutely no excuse for someone not to participate. As we discussed in all of my teachings, the key to this industry is relationships, relationships, and of course, relationships. How do you build more relationships by being in the same room with people who are actively doing this every day?

Rebecca is proud to be one of the catalysts for the VIB Network and excited to help bring a streamlined and professional approach to connecting to the Veteran business community.

Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner is Vice President and Co-Owner of Diego & Son Printing a successful SDVOSB/DVBE second-generation printing business in San Diego. She has over twenty-five years of experience in sales and marketing and has been essential to the growth of the 48-year-old family-owned business.

070 - Lincoln Tyson and Tyson Project Management Group: Leading the Path in Government Construction, Relocation and Logistics Sep 29, 2020

Today's guest is Lincoln Tyson. Lincoln is the managing principal and founder of Tyson Project Management Group (TPM Group), which is one of the most well-known and prolific construction, relocation, and logistics government consulting firms in the nation’s capital. His company, TPM group is 8a and HUBZone. He's been awarded contracts working at the White House.

Today's episode Mr. Tyson tells us how he started off his journey, attended college at North Carolina A&T but moving from there, he started off working at Gill Bane company, managing projects, both for federal and private sector clients, including the FDA American Red Cross and NIH following his departure from Gill Bane. Tyson worked in project management, becoming a principal and founding his own company, the TPM group today's conversation. We're going to talk about how TPM group grew out their business to moat type million dollar contracting firm servicing numerous federal state, local agencies, as well as private sector clients. They specialize today in the areas of relocation, construction, facilities, management, and information

069: From Earth to Space Carol Craig Isn’t Afraid to Put it all on the Line Sep 21, 2020

Carol Craig, founder, and CEO of Craig Technologies earned a BA in Computer Science from Knox College and a BS in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Illinois. Following college Carol was accepted into the Naval Flight Officer Program, spending 3 and a half years in the Navy and becoming the first female aviator to join her P-3C Orion squadron. Following a medical discharge due to a training injury, Carol earned an MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Carol worked in the private sector as a software engineer until 1999 when Carol started her own federal government contracting business, growing it to the $50M dollar company that it is today. She has spent the last decade focusing on aerospace and defense with a concentration on commercial opportunities culminating in the creation of Sidus Space Technologies, a framework, and platform for on-orbit in space testing, making possible a one-of-a-kind Space 2.0 company.

Sidus will leverage existing small satellite and space systems engineering, manufacturing, testing, and certification capabilities to fulfill the needs of the United States and international partners. From project definition to operation, Sidus is a one-stop-shop for customers looking to research, develop, and demonstrate new technologies.

068: Patrick Heffler - Family-Owned Construction Company Grows 10,000% Using 8a BD Program Sep 08, 2020

Today’s podcast guest Patrick Heffler, President of Heffler Contracting Group. Patrick is a San Diego native and he shares his incredible journey as a construction contractor who benefited greatly from the power of federal procurement. When he entered the 8a BD program in 2012 his revenues were roughly $320,000 and he had 1 employee. As of December 2019, he hit $32,000,000 in sales and now has more than 96 full-time employees. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities, training, and partnership SBA has provided throughout the years and for that reason wanted to give back and share his story here with us.

In today’s podcast, we discuss how he learned the secret of maximizing the 8a BD program and how you can do the same. He did not just jump in with 2 feet blind, he actually did a small research study to find out what works and what doesn’t. The lessons you learn from today’s episode if utilized will be invaluable for any current or future 8a contractor looking to maximize his or her potential in the program. Patrick is a loving husband and father of 4 children, 3 boys, and 1 girl I want to welcome to the stage our next Giant.

IG LIVE: College student drops out to pursue government contracting and it works Sep 01, 2020

August 20, 2020, IG Live: College student drops out to pursue government contracting and it works. Lands his first contract in 3 months 1 week before not knowing how to pay his rent.

IG @govcongiants

IG LIVE: College student drops out to pursue government contracting and it works Sep 01, 2020

August 20, 2020, IG Live: College student drops out to pursue government contracting and it works. Lands his first contract in 3 months 1 week before not knowing how to pay his rent.

IG @govcongiants

067: Denita R Conway - Award-winning Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation Executive Aug 26, 2020

Denita R. Conway, Founder, and CEO, Proven Management has proven that you can be the change you want to see.

During the interview, she tells the story of the founding of her company. Without giving away too much of the story, the basis was often times when employees were working management was not available to offer direction or leadership. That situation frustrated so much she made the decision to establish her own standards and set out on her own that pathway.

Ms. Conway founded PROVEN Management in 2011 since that time has managed to grow at a rate of 25% each year – including during the shutdown in 2013. PROVEN has remained profitable and has grown from just 1 employee in 2011 to 102 full-time employees and now provides service to 29 government agencies in 48 cities.

Ms. Conway continues to make strides as evidenced by her winning the 2020 Washington Business Journal Minority leadership award. 2020 Enterprising women’s award, 2018 SBA Washington DC Small Businessperson of the year, 2017 USDA/Aphis HUBZONE small business contractor of the year, American Express OPEN 2016 Woman Contractor of the Year. In 2014, she was recognized with Washington DC's Smart CEO BRAVA! Award, and that same year, her firm was named Small Business of Year in Prince George’s County, MD.

In today’s episode, you will find out how has her business adjusted for COVID, where did this entrepreneur journey began, what is it like working at the Pentagon, her daily practices, success habits and much more

066: Raj Sharma - Creating “open government markets” for $10 trillion in global public procurement spending Aug 18, 2020

Raj Sharma is a social entrepreneur focused on creating “open government markets” for $10 trillion in global public procurement spending

Raj founded Public Spend Forum and is now working to democratize market data and make it freely available through an open market platform GovShop. By making market data more accessible, Raj’s goal is to reduce the information asymmetries that exist in government transactions, thereby creating more market transparency that leads to better buyer/supplier matches.

Raj also founded Censeo Consulting Group, a firm recognized nationally for its focus on using management as a tool for delivering public and social outcomes.

Raj learned that nations all over the world shared the same problems with public procurement. Which led to him founding PSF. Raj’s work has also been published or highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and Governing magazine.

065: Heather Blease -SaviLinx, CEO – Four-Time Inc. 5000 Honoree Builds Company Devoted to Helping People Aug 11, 2020

Heather D. Blease is founder, President and CEO of SaviLinx. The company is Woman Owned Small Business and HUBZone certified.

As CEO of SaviLinx, she has ushered the company through rapid growth serving both commercial and federal clients.

SaviLinx was recognized in 2017 as the 28th fastest-growing company in the United States by INC. magazine and has ranked within the listing in 2018 and 2019.

Heather has more than 25 years of experience working with the contact center industry.

She founded a contact center company called EnvisioNet in 1995 that grew to employ more than 2,500 employees in Maine.

SaviLinx has built a track record for providing world-class customer service from shared and dedicated queue environments. The company’s ability to deliver personalized customer service and tech support at scale has powered its growth within the Contact Center Services industry.

064: Rick Grams II - Building and Growing Multiple Successful ANC and Tribal 8a firms Aug 04, 2020

Rick Grams is the Vice President of Miami Technology Solutions (an SBA certified Tribally owned 8(a) company. For 21 years, Rick has been working with American Indian and Alaska Native companies in the Federal contracting market. After spending a decade serving in the US Navy, Rick tailored his service experiences to specifically focus on revenue generating activities for this unique area of the Federal contracting market.

Rick’s talents and experience have landed him various roles which include General Manager, Director of Operations, Executive Director, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. His primary focus areas seek to ensure an operating structure that is efficient, generates profitable revenue, and transparent along the way.

During his time in Alaska, Rick has contributed volunteer service time as a Chairman of a government ethics committee. Likewise, during his time in Virginia he has served as a member of the Fairfax County Government Information Technology Board,

063: Ryan Atencio - Part 2:-Understanding contracting acquisition from the side of the government end use Jul 28, 2020

Welcome to part 2 of Ryan Atencio interview with me.

This interview was recorded live on YouTube in front of an audience. During part 2 of my chat with Ryan we take user questions and discuss some of the comments he made on my YouTube posts. Ryan answers questions like when you should ask for an extension, who is the actual customer when doing a procurement, how do you influence procurement decision, how agencies misuse the word construction and how to change requirements. Let’s bring back my guest, Ryan Atencio.

Part 2 - Question and answer period from users, Ryan’s comments on my post and much much more

YT LIVE: What is an RFI/Sources sought, the rule of two and why does it matter? Jul 27, 2020

YT LIVE: July 27, 2020

What is an RFI/Sources sought, the rule of two and why does it matter?

IG Live: How much can I make doing government contracts? July 22, 2020 Jul 23, 2020

How much can I make doing government contracts? Today we talk with a student about how much to charge using government contracts. What would I do if I had to start over? Why would I choose staffing business? Also we take a look at the GovCon Giants podcast guests and highlight their stories.

062: Ryan Atencio - Part 1: What is contract acquisition from the customer perspective Jul 22, 2020

I first met Ryan on YouTube as someone who frequently commented on my posts. But he was not just a normal commenter, his comments were articulate and well though responses at a much higher sophistication level. So I told him since he had so much to say, to come onto my podcast and share some of the ideas he had developed from working on the inside of government.

Ryan started out as he explains it a shooter, door kicker ranger who turned into a contract acquisition professional. Today as he works at special operations unit learned the delicate battle between user, customer and military installation contracting command.

In this episode we dive deep into roles and responsibilities for each person during the acquisition process, how the government operates in silos, how government customers write requirements, what options do you have if the statement of work is wrong, why people get mad at the KO and much more. This is a deep dive into a behind the scenes look into the world of government contracting as we know it.

YT LIVE: Are you ready to win a contract, prepare your corporation for success using IDV Jul 20, 2020

YouTube Live: July 20, 2020

Today we talk about preparing your company for success. Reach out to the PTAC and ask about IDV. Do not let them blow smoke about stuff you already know, cap statement, NAICS, SAM and beta.sam.

@23:56 Eric loves 8a

@29:49 Explain IDV

@38:42 How to prepare your company for contract actions using IDV

@50:12 Top mistakes preventing companies from winning first contract

IG Live: How do you start a business with no employees? July 15, 2020 Jul 16, 2020

How do you start a business with no employees? In this episode we talk about starting a business with 0 employees. Making your first hire and my attempt at winning a contract building the wall.

061: Wesley Ross the 16 year old military contractor Jul 14, 2020

Occasionally you run across a story that just catches your attention. That was the case when one of my friends forwarded me the story of Wesley Ross. A 16 year old military contractor.

The purpose of the news story was to provide some positive news during the midst of the mayhem ensued following the murder of George Floyd. With all the news coverage focused on riots, looting, removal of confederate statues everyday seemed like gloom and doom.

When we first opened the group chat I immediately thinking to myself, we have to get that kid on the show. So we reached out to him via Instagram and he confirmed.

Over the next 60 minutes you will hear a story of someone much wiser than their age suggests. You will learn about overcoming adversity, the power of having a vision, ingenuity of working as business owner who is under the age for most things. This has been the most shared story on my channel all year. I know that you will enjoy this interview with a bright young man who gives me hope for future generations and all that they can accomplish.

Welcome our youngest Giant... Wesley Ross

IG Live: First IG live with special guests. July 8, 2020 Jul 09, 2020

First IG live with special guests Laurie joins us and talks about building a world class business, guest legendario ask questions about canceling a client and transferring the information to another.

060: Dr. Ramsey Smith - Helping engineers and researchers find applications for their technologies Jul 07, 2020

Today’s guest, Ramsey Smith, BS Chemistry, Ph.D in Atmospheric Chemistry. Was a Postdoctoral Fellow at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GFSC) where his research spanned the areas of laboratory atmospheric chemistry to ground based remote sensing of planetary atmospheres. Today he is the CEO/Founder of Geaux Innovation Agency - provides strategy, R&D, and commercialization services for science and technology-based entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders and investors.

In today’s episode we discuss how he helped engineers and researchers find opportunities both then and now.

059: Bobby Brown, Broco Oil -Building a major oil company one truck at a time. Jun 30, 2020

Bobby Brown, CEO of Broco Oil is a FT firefighter and manages to build a Veteran-owned small business company of the year in 2019. For all those that think you have to pick between a FT job and growing a business think again. Bobby says that 80 – 100 hour weeks are normal. Not one to run away from hard work that’s all he ever knew. He actually says that he just puts his head down and just works hard. One thing that sets him apart from competitors is he puts his face out in front of the company. You will get him or one of his employees to show up to your location. This story goes in many directions, we take you from Broco Oil servicing hurricanes and disaster relief efforts, summer camps, posting on IG, how he acquired his latest facility and the hidden treasure that came with the purchase.

Starting with an old fuel truck and $25,000 SBA loan him and his wife went to work building Broco Oil. No banks would approve him, so he hustled his way to success. Today the company has more than 35 trucks and 50 employees. He is one of the humblest guests I’ve interviewed this year. Let’s give it up for first responder and Govcon Giant, Bobby Brown.

058: Ronnette Meyers - How She Launched a Successful Federal Government Contracting Firm Jun 23, 2020

Ronnette Meyers founder of JLAN Solutions story mirrors that of many entrepreneurs who got their first start from their parents. But unlike those who have severed ties, grew apart or could no longer work together, her and her mom hatched out a plan to increase their net worth, build generational wealth and capitalize on a skill set they had acquired over the previous decade. While growing out her mom’s multi-million-dollar firm, JMA Solutions. Mom and daughter got together and said how can we grow bigger, do more, help others in greater numbers. The solution; separate into two different organizations.

Today Ronnette and JLAN is off to the races and has made a name for themselves winning the DC Chamber of Commerce 2020 Women in Business and Washington Business Journal 2020 Minority Business Leader honoree. Today’s episode highlights her upbringing with a single mom, the opportunities afforded to their family via the military, her upbringing in Germany, building her mom’s business, launching JLAN and investing in Hotels, Broadway shows and Condo’s.

057: Black Proud and Successful Business Owner Eli Smith shares his journey to millions Jun 17, 2020

In today's episode, we feature our guests, Eli Smith, the son of a Black Panther, following two weeks of racial tension and protest across America. After the death of Mr. George Floyd, I thought this would be the great episode to follow considering that Eli Smith, a black business owner has not only built one successful business, but he's built multiple successful businesses across the country. And he's changing the idea of what people view Black Americans as in terms of their success and in terms of what we can accomplish despite all obstacles, Eli Smith, ESmith, Contractors, SGTR. He is now also in spite of everything, building his own development in Syracuse, New York, where it was formerly a waste site.

I hope that you enjoy today's episode. As we transform the minds of people, we share with him the story of how he found his partner and how various programs help change his life and shape who he is. On top of all that we talk about race, because again, this is the time that we're dealing with and the situation at hand. This may be difficult for some people to hear, but it is a candid conversation. And I think that it needs to be heard. Mr. Smith talks about how, when he started his company cleaning out basements in New York, the only people that would work for him were people of color, were felons or people who needed sometimes second, third, and fourth chances. I think we all could use an extra chance. Hope you enjoyed today's episode.

056: U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC) founder Margot Dorfman Jun 09, 2020

Today’s guest, Margot Dorfman is the CEO of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce (USWCC). A not for profit trade association that she founded back in 2001.

Their focus is economic growth for women and small businesses; access to capital, affordable benefits like healthcare. What makes USWCC different from other organizations as per Margot is that they are sponsored by the interests, aspirations, and needs of our members — not by big corporate sponsors who would moderate our voice or blunt our independent work. This independence powers our ability to always say and do what is right for our members. Women-led. Progress for all.

In today’s episode we talk about:

What makes Margot Dorfman tick?
How USWCC has evolved and grown over the years?
What keeps you up late at night pondering?
Do you have any aspirations to become the SBA administrator? ▪Her five simple steps to grow your business?
How Best in class is hurting small businesses
When do you feel like the fight will be over, when _______ happens

055: Doing Business as an Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC) with Sonia Mundra Jun 02, 2020

Ms. Sonia Mundra is the President of Chenega Analytic Business Solutions (CABS), a newly 8(a) certified, Alaska Native Corporation (ANC). As President, Ms. Mundra manages strategic partnerships, business development and company operations. CABS provides Administrative, Enterprise IT, Training and Intelligence professional services for the federal government.

Ms. Mundra volunteers her time and expertise for various organizations, to include CompTIA, ISACA, PMI, and NCMA. She was recently recognized by DCA Live as a “Top 40 Federal Entrepreneur” for her efforts and accomplishments in the federal contracting community. She also received a 2018 Stevie “Women in Business” Award for her contributions to Chenega and the small business community at large.

054: Christoph Mlinarchik - Acquisition Policy Advisor, Attorney and Expert Witness May 27, 2020

Christoph Mlinarchik, is an attorney, professional instructor, consultant, an expert witness who has provided opinions and reports, research concerning damages, key findings, and case strategy for complex contracts litigation.

Today, we discuss when to suggest evaluation factors, federal acquisition institute, lowest price technically acceptable, tradeoff source selection, AF Space Command and his new book, Government Contracts in Plain English.

053: Stephen Halasnik - Serial entrepreneur teaches how to build a $10M revenue firm May 20, 2020

Today’s episode features serial entrepreneur Stephen Halasnik.

Over the last 25-years, Mr. Halasnik has built 7 companies in the $5 to $20 million annual revenue range. His businesses have covered a wide variety of industries; staffing, finance, software and real estate.

Today’s interview is a little different. We are bringing you someone who has created a formula for scaling companies to the $10M revenue mark. This is great for us small businesses out there to learn what it takes to build a scalable brand.

Special Episode: What emerging industries will accelerate as a result of Covid19? May 15, 2020

What emerging industries will accelerate as a result of Covid19?

In this special episode we hear what new ideas are resulting during this Pandemic.

052: Staci Redmon - Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Veteran Advocate, Innovator May 12, 2020

Staci Redmon is Strategy and Management Services (SAMS) Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Her energetic leadership, passion, and vision has propelled SAMS to the transformation and digital solutions provider it is today; helping organizations improve operations and enhance the customer experience by utilizing advanced technology to securely integrate, and fully optimize their systems, data, and devices.

During the episode we discuss her Redmon’s rules. Weekly rules and tips on leadership, management, business growth and strategy. How SAMS is helping the healthcare providers' push the digital limits, the gig economy and much much more

051: Nicole Tripodi - Government Contracting Small Business Executive Coach May 07, 2020

Nicole Tripodi, is the founder of FedInform an organization that empowers companies to find and win new business with the federal government. If you are a subscriber to my YouTube channel you might have seen her in one of my most popular YT live sessions.

Nicole Tripodi has coached over 50 small business executives to achieve and surpass their expectations for top line business growth in Government Contracting. Her client firms have won over $300 million in federal contracts.

050: Veterans Helping Veterans with Eric "Doc" Wright, Founder of Vets2PM Apr 29, 2020

Eric “Doc” Wright, PhD, is a decorated Military Veteran, Founder of Vets2PM, LLC, Co-Founder of the 501(c)3 Veteran Project Management Mentor Alliance. His work has helped thousands of military veterans achieve meaningful, lucrative post-service careers by successfully transitioning between two of the most disparate organizational cultures around: the US Military and Corporate America! In fact, Vets2PM is the 2019 Department of Labor Gold Award Winner for its veteran hiring initiatives!

You can find him on Twitter, Facebook, & LinkedIn with the handle “docwright2012”, or at www.vets2pm.com.

Special Episode: How does the CARES Act, PPP and EIDL program work? Who is eligible? Apr 22, 2020

Join the conversation with us to discuss the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs both through the $2.3 Trillion dollar CARES Act.

For today’s special podcast we bring you three guests to help fuel the conversation. Senen Garcia, SG Law Group, , former SCORE Counselor, chair of SCORE Miami, GG episode 47Orlando Espinosa, Emineo Media, Emerging Leaders teacher, advisor toSBDC, GG episode 13 and Althea Harris, SBA office S. FL District.

49: Delali Dzirasa, CEO of Fearless with a Mission is to Build Software with a Soul Apr 15, 2020

Delali Dzirasa is the founder and CEO of Fearless (https://fearless.tech), a full stack digital services firm in Baltimore, Maryland with a mission to create software with a soul - tools that empower communities and make a difference. Fearless delivers sleek, modern, and user-friendly software designed to push the boundaries of possibility, to create a world where good software powers the things that matter.

In today’s episode we discuss the digital services coalition an organization focused on the long game of changing government through digital transformation. Find challenges within a city and how do we bring technical solutions to them - Hack Baltimore the story behind the Purple Cow and how his company colors are purple based on the book by Seth Godin. Building the HUBZone map for the SBA

Special Episode: 30 Day Challenge: Help someone other than yourself Apr 07, 2020

Eric Coffie is giving us a 30 Day Challenge..

5 ideas in which I think that you can make a difference while waiting out the storm of COVID to pass us over.

Volunteer
Find Solutions
Be a Sounding Board
Donate to others
Entertain Us

Special Episode: Eric tells us the top 3 things we should be doing during the COVID pandemic Apr 01, 2020

In today's episode, we are going to switch it up this particular week given the recent events that's been happening lately impacting all of us globally, both the markets and also economically we are in a new era. Something that we've never seen before, a global pandemic that's impacting everyone across the world. It's changing all of our lives, how we do business.

So today made sense for me to talk about what's going on out there. I don't want spend a lot of time focusing on the news side, but more on the aspects of what I'm seeing in terms of contracting and business world. So that's what the conversation's going to be like today.

Listen and take notes on the top three things:

Learn the marketplace
Work with other people.
Finding a partner you want to work with

048: Dr Joseph Grant NASA in Space Technology Mission Directorate discuss the ins and outs of SBIR/STTR Mar 24, 2020

Dr. Joseph Grant – Dr. Grant is employed with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Space Technology Mission Directorate. He currently serves as the Deputy Program Executive in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Dr. Grant has worked with NASA for the last 28 years and has held various positions in the field of Optics and Photonics research before going to NASA headquarters to work with the SBIR program. Dr. Grant has more than 15 years research and development experience in the area of Optics and Photonics. Dr Grant earned his PhD from Alabama A&M University in Applied Physics.

In today’s interview we go beyond the SBIR/STTR program rules and requirements. We discuss the do’s, don’ts, mistakes and habits of successful SBIR winners.

Dr. Grant and I talk about the vast opportunity for small businesses & universities to fund high risk projects and perform important research utilizing these vehicles. During his tenure at NASA Dr. Grant spent many years attempting to recruit minority participation into these programs a storywhich he shares and the formation of the NASA roadshow.

047: Attorney and Former SCORE Chair Senen Garcia Discuss Small Business Struggles During Growth Phase Mar 17, 2020

Today’s guest, Senen Garcia speaks along the lines of small business startups. He shares some of the pitfalls and cautionary tales that he has experienced in working with them. Mr. Garcia reveals the truth about small business failures and talks about the struggles that firms experience during their growth phases not just during the launch as most people suspect. Mr. Garcia is a Certified SCORE Counselor and was the Chair of SCORE Miami Chapter. As an experienced attorney based in Miami, Mr. Garcia has gained valuable knowledge in corporate law, real estate, property insurance, & estate planning matters representing clients as a Senior Partner for more than ten years at SG Law Group. In addition to his work at SG Law Group, Mr. Garcia has also contributed his time to many organizations.

046: Marine Veteran Chris Dambach Builds Multi-Million Dollar Landscape Business Mar 10, 2020

Chris Dambach joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007 as an Infantry Scout with the 4th Light Armored Reconnaisance Marine Corps unit in Mattydale, New York.

While on deployment on the Iraq Syrian border, was ejected from his vehicle and suffered numerous injuries. During his recovery he bootstrapped a residential lawn service in 2010 by plastering his New York neighborhood with flyers and taking $5,000 from savings to buy used equipment. Conveniently he named the business Veteran Lawn Care. At the time he and his wife Meghan had a combined annual income of less than $22,000.

The very first year Chris started bidding commercial and government contracts to expand his business. Ten years later his firm has contracts with the VA Healthcare System, National Cemetery Administration, New York State Dept of Corrections and the MTA. This year Industry Standard USA is well on it’s way to hitting the 8 figures mark which is truly an accomplishment for a company with such humble beginnings in lawn care.

Over the next 40 minutes you are going hear how Chris dealt with physical, mental and leisure health. We discuss work life balance and the tole that it took on his marriage. We also dive into the reason behind changing his companies name which is I think is invaluable to new firms and finally the founding of his newest venture Empire Material. Chris is high energy and offered up no less than 7 book recommendations. He has four sons and married his high school sweetheart.

045: Regis Johnson, expands his mindset and increases his opportunities overnight Mar 03, 2020

Today we are discussing mindset.

In previous editions of the show we feature all of these wonderful people who have built, started, or grown their small businesses into amazing outfits. Well today’s guest is a little bit different.

Today we want to feature someone who is probably is a lot like many of our listeners out there listening shy, timid, afraid, fearful and basically “brain wrestling” every decision action. You might likely be your worst enemy. Not the person you are trying to sell, not the agency you want to do business with, not the bank that wants to lend you money. Often time the cure to success is fighting through the analysis paralysis. And today’s guest is a perfect example of that. The story starts off with him coming to Miami event with a negative attitude and false sense of reality. I quickly dismissed his perceived reality as nonsense and set him on a new path that changed his life.

Listen in to the story or Regis Johnson a Govcon student who change his mindset and is now on his way to building his dream business

044: Former IT Program Manager on Building Her Own Brand with Nichelle Early Feb 25, 2020

Nichelle L. Early is the President and CEO of BreakForth Solutions, Inc. (BSi). With nearly 20 years of management experience, Ms. Early founded BSi in May 2012. Having received its first large systems integrator client in 2014, within the following two years, BSI more than tripled its six-figure revenue and to date has acquired more than $9.5M in federal and commercial contract awards. Ms. Early was honored as a 2017 Virginia Businesswoman of the Year Finalist and is a Smart CEO Brava Award Recipient.

During today’s episode we discuss her first sole source contract, the 8a program, her first large systems integrator client, False Evidence Appearing Real, the road less traveled and some of the unique thing’s she did on her road to 8 figures.

043: Luis De La Cruz - Strategies for High Stakes Construction Contracting Feb 18, 2020

Mr. Luis De La Cruz founded his company, Andale construction back in 2006 after years of working his way up the construction food chain. He remembers while working as a laborer that people would tell him to hurry up saying “An-da-le, an-da-le” and for that reason decided that if he ever opened a company it would be called Andale construction because it was like his second name. Fast forward to 2012 and his 20-person person lands an $80M federal contract with a JV/MPP partner Sundt construction. In his professional life I’ve strived to be one who can apply and support the TEAM concept. TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More)

This is a heartfelt story where Mr. Cruz talks about being a former Marine to founding the company of his dreams. Today he is working on expanding programs and access for those underserved and people from his community.

042: Laurie Sayles - Chicago native, Marine & Woman Finds a Multi Million Dollar Professionals Consulting Firm Feb 11, 2020

Laurie Sayles owns Civility Management Solutions a professional consulting services firm. She served in the USMC & is an outspoken advocate for Veteran’s on the Hill 3 times. Awarded as MD Women Veteran Entrepreneur, Above & Beyond, 1 of 100 Minority Business, Compassionate Business Leader. CivilityMS participated in 8(a) accelerator program, Goldman Sach’s 10,000.

I must admit that I’ve listened to this interview multiple times. The jewels that she offers are so vast that I quickly publicized a few of them the day after we recorded this session. I can easily make a list of more than 15 key takeaways from this interview that would be invaluable to share with thousands of business owners looking to find their path. Please listen to the complete interview because even at the end she answer the questions of where we see contractors falling short.

041- Shaun Hartman - GSA Customer Service Director Feb 04, 2020

For those who may not know, GSA is America's only source solely dedicated to procuring goods and services for government. As an integral part of GSA, the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) deliver comprehensive products and services across government at the best value possible.

In today’s episode we are talking with Region 4 GSA Customer Service Director (CSD) for Space Coast, Shaun Hartman. CSDs provide assistance, resolve problems and answer questions from GSA's customers. CSDs also host seminars on a variety of useful topics, and are a valuable source of information on all of GSA's program

040: Jonathan Hard talks DoD Cybersecurity Certification requirements Jan 28, 2020

Today we are having a conversation with Jonathan Hard who frequently speaks on the topic of Covered Defense Information in compliance with DFARS 252.204.7012 clause. Which is the safeguarding covered defense information and cyber incident reporting.

Jonathan is the CEO and President ofH2L Solutions, Inc. (H2L).H2L specializes in Cyber & Information Assurance and provides Cyber Security solutions for government and commercial customers. Jonathan has presented at various regional conferences on the subject including Infragard, ISACA, ASIS, NCMA,NCMS to name a few

039: Mark Masters - Firefighter turned Inc 5000 Award Winner Jan 22, 2020

Mark Masters of the Cherokee Nation founded his company Chloeta in 2009. Just 10 years later he was placed on the list of fastest growing companies in the U.S., #606, Inc 5000 award winner.

Mark is a wildfire firefighter. Mark started fighting wildfires at age 18 and was part of the most tragic events in our nations history including, Superstorm Sandy and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Mark didn’t have to look far to choose his calling as he is a 3rd generation wildfire fire fighter.

In today’s interview your’e going to hear about his heroism and his resiliency in starting a successful business around a career that he loved.

038 : Jon Tellier of JetCo Solutions - An Extension of the Sales and Marketing Team for Businesses Jan 14, 2020

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Jon Tellier is the President at JetCo Solutions. In this position, he recruits and leads a growing team of employees who help businesses sell to all levels of government. Jon also leads all capture efforts for JetCo Solutions.

JetCo Solutions has earned a positive, strong reputation among the Michigan defense industry community, winning contracts valued at over $4 billion. Jon has developed relationships with industry, academia, and government and is viewed as a leader in military, veteran, and business affairs.

037 - Andy Wells of Wells Technology from $1,400 to $90M Jan 07, 2020

For my inaugural 2020 episode. I would like to take you back in time to before there was a Scorecontracts or Govcon Giants.

My original idea was to launch a podcast, not a YouTube channel. So I reached out to a few SBA award winners and the first person to ever email me back was Andy Wells III President of Wells Technology.

Andy Wells is a member of the Red Lake Ojibwa Tribe where he still maintains his family farm on the Red Lake Reservation.

As of the time of this interview the companies revenues were averaging upwards of $90 million annually.

In today’s episode Andy shares some of his toughest time for the business, why he chose to resign from a 20 year teaching career, overcoming struggle and ideas for new upstart companies.

036: Merry Korn - From Social Worker to Experienced Businesswoman Dec 31, 2019

In this last interview of 2019, our guest Merry Korn from Pearl Interactive Network

Tells us how she went from social worker to an experienced businesswoman in the federal arena. She encourages everyone to dream big and have a vision. Merry takes us through her journey of her own vision turned to accomplishments.

Merry Korn, owner, an experienced businesswoman with a master’s degree in social work, honed her business skills as senior vice president of marketing for American Health Holding, Inc. As part of a team of four founders, Merry grew American Health’s business from a startup company in 1993 to a firm that today has over 300 employees and 20 offices nationwide. In 2004, she founded Pearl Interactive Network, a social enterprise that blends a for-profit business with a social mission that provides work opportunities to the most challenged populations. Through Merry’s leadership, the company is scaling to 1,100 employees, and registered in 40 states. Pearl gained traction among the world’s largest federal government contractors and positioned the company as an expert comprehensive contact center and telehealth solutions firm that provides federal prime contractors with mandated certifications and DCAA-compliant accounting system. Merry and her team have launched Pearl TLC, a supportive care and remote monitoring solution, an end-to-end telehealth solution that combines people, process and technology to address the needs of patients with multiple chronic conditions.

For show notes visit: www.govcongiants.com/podcast

035: Eric Coffie on BEB Podcast - Going Broke Twice To Over 5 Million In Govt. Contracts Dec 24, 2019

In today's episode, the table's a turn. You're going to hear me being interviewed as a guest on another show with Jay Jones from the BEB podcast. Listen, as he asked me all the tough questions, including how did I get started? How did I make millions of dollars in contracts? Where did I learn all this stuff from? And the most important question, what led me to teaching it on YouTube.

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

034: Emily Harman - Former Director of the Navy's Office of Small Business Programs Dec 17, 2019

Emily Harman has 38 years of service to her country as both a Naval Officer and civilian federal employee.

Emily served as a Contracting Officer for 14 years working at NAVAIR and NAVSUP. Served as the Director of Small Business Programs, Naval Air Systems Command a position that she says she initially did not want, but ultimately thoroughly enjoyed and received great satisfaction from.

In today’s interview we discuss some of the challenges Emily has faced personally and professionally. We also talk shop about contract bundling, NAVY, breaking down the barriers for small businesses, her new role as a personal life coach as the host of a new show Onward Podcast.

I find Emily to be the one of the most open guest to do this show un afraid to tell her truth.

033: Lourdes Martin-Rosa - Spearheading the American Express Open, White House Small Business Taskforce and more Dec 10, 2019

Today’s Giant, Lourdes Martin-Rosa, has been featured in over 790 media publications including FOX News, MSNBC, CNN Money, the Washington POST, the New York Times, Hosts a Monthly Blog on GovWin and Money, Inc. Magazine.

In 2012, Lourdes served as a Small Business Programs expert guiding The Whitehouse Small Business Taskforce towards increasing awareness & outreach to small businesses across America. From 2009 to 2019, she spearheaded the development of the American Express OPEN for Government Contracting & Grow Global programs. She also served as WIPP’s National Partner where she promoted advocacy among women-owned small businesses through the Small Business Administration, American Express and WIPP’s ChallengeHER co-sponsored program. The combined efforts connected over 150,000 small businesses resulting in $8.3B in contract awards

This is one episode you do not want to miss.

For Show Notes: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/2019/12/10/033/ ‎

032: Dr. Robert L Wallace - Technology CEO - Public Speaker, Author & Consultant Dec 03, 2019

On today’s episode of the Govcon giants podcast we are featuring a dynamic speaker, author and serial entrepreneur Dr. Robert L Wallace.

We are honored and privilege to have Dr. Wallace come on our show and share his journey of traveling the entrepreneurship path. From his humble beginnings in the 1990’s working out of a 2 bedroom row home, transitioning through dot.com boom, Y2k to Black Enterprise Top 100 List 2019

In today’s interview we discuss his latest book, a block chain partnership that was created based on his daughters traveling to Thailand, fear of success, his 4 quadrant model, triad and principles of success

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/2019/12/02/032/

031: Raffa Gibbard & Renona Riddle Brown - Women Entrepreneurs Discuss VA Veteran Employment Track Nov 26, 2019

Even if you are not a veteran, chances are likely that you know someone who is, and they may be able to take advantage of the programs that exist for military service members coming back from duty who want to re-engage with the workforce in a unique way.

Now in today’s episode we are doing things a little differently. Instead of featuring one guest, I am interviewing two. Two unique business owners, both women both veterans that have leveraged the Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program to build their businesses. Raffa Gibbard owner of Brave One Contract Agency and Renona Riddle Brown owner of Hurmar Solutions.

What makes them unique is that they used two different Vocational Rehab Veteran employment tracks to accomplish their goals.

In this episode we explore each of their stories and how they were able to design their own path to entrepreneurship while the Department of Veteran Affairs supported aided them along their journey.

030: Amber Hanlon - Sr. Project Manager at Collins Aerospace Nov 19, 2019

Today’s guest Amber Hanlon has been a Govcon Giant for many years advocating on behalf of small businesses as the SBLO for what was formerly known as Rockwell Collins.

In that role, Amber has responsibility for building Rockwell Collins’ participation in the Department of Defense Mentor/Protégé Program, leading Rockwell Collins’ Small Business Executive Steering Team, training internal employees on opportunities for small businesses and assisting small business suppliers in expanding their reach.

In today’s episode we common mistakes that small businesses make when attending seminars and events. Experiences of small firms working with Rockwell Collins, and the process that she uses to bring firms into the fabric of the organization.

029: Pierce Robinson - Introducing a New Product, Idea or Technology to the DOD Nov 12, 2019

I'd like to welcome you to our latest and greatest Giant Pierce Robinson.

One of the commonly asked questions That I received often from my subscribers is, how do I introduce my new technology to the government? A lot of people want to do what's called unsolicited proposals, but there are other ways in which the government is seeking out people who have a new technology or an invention. In today's episode I interview Pierce Robinson. Pierce, is the mastermind behind GovCon Giants and also our technology resident experts, and what he's going to discuss in today's episode is ways in which you can take an innovation, a technology, a product, and or new service, a way that you can help improve our government systems and how they are seeking out people like herself. With Pierce we discuss, broad agency announcement, crowd sourcing innovation, or the transaction authorities, and of course the SBIR, NSTTR programs.

028: Angela Terry - SBA Subcontracting Program Manager Nov 05, 2019

Today’s guest, Angela Terry is the SBA Subcontracting Program Manager. Many of you have probably heard of the SBA SubNet platform it is the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Subcontracting Network System for all federal government subcontracting opportunities.

In today’s episode with Angela we discuss Electronic Subcontract Reporting, SBA Subnet and new changes to the program and website that will allow for more compliance amongst prime contractors. Which ultimately should create more opportunities out there for small businesses.

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

027: Jennifer Schaus -Principal of JSchaus & Associates Oct 29, 2019

Today’s guest has been assisting small businesses navigate the US government marketplace for nearly 2 decades.

Jennifer Schaus & Associates is synonymous with government contracting. She provides support, marketing, business development services for US federal government contractors.

She has nearly 250 videos on YT and has been featured or presented in dozens of magazines including, WSJ, Forbes/CNN, Success, Entrepreneur, FOX News, Washington Post and Government Product News.

In this interview we discuss GSA, her experience helping private sector companies come into the government arena, her strategies and best practices for winning contract

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

026: David Rambhajan- President of Industria Construction Services - How to leap past the competition using Joint Ventures Oct 22, 2019

Today’s Giant is David Rambhajan is the sole owner and President of Industria Construction Services.

David and his firm have consulted on many municipal and private projects. Past and current projects include work for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Navy, General Service Administration, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Veteran Affairs, O’Hare and Midway International Airports. His firm is a graduate of the SBA 8a Small Business Development Program and participates in various small and veteran‐owned business programs

Enlisting at age 17 to serve his country, David served 8 years in the US Marine Corps. He remains active in a number of professional and civic organizations. Daivd is a big supporter of Small and Veteran Owned firms, he allocates time as an advisor to mentor and support fellow entrepreneurs.

In this interview we discuss the way in which he approached utilizing socio economic programs as it was non-conventional. I’ll give you a little hint. Instead of trying to do things on his own he leveraged relationships and partnerships. This the first guest who really took JV and Teaming to new heights maximizing the 8a program’s potential leap frogging the competition. You will also, hear the factors, influences and experiences that shaped his thinking leading to the creation of a long-standing successful firm.

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/2019/10/22/026/

025: Alexander Hassan - Professor of Contract Management Oct 15, 2019

Today’s Giant is Alexander Hassan. He serves as the Acting Director of the Acquisition Services Divisionat Defense Acquisition University. This is a mandated certification courses required for everyone in acquisition at the federal level.

Before this, in 2014, he relocated to the DC metro area and supported the program office for the F-35 engine procurements for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lots eight through ten, with contract awards, which were individually valued over $2 Billion.

Today Alexander shares a wealth of knowledge from his experience and insights.

For show notes visit: www.govcongiants.com/podcast

024: Dr. Krystal Nerio - From Air Force to President of Prosperitus Solutions, a Multi-National Medical & Logistics Staffing Firm Oct 08, 2019

This next guest did not even want to start a business. After spending time serving our Nation, she returned to the United States, worked for a diverse group of both small and large businesses and then eventually helped manage and oversee the Air Force Mentor Protege Program. It was her last employer who successfully graduated from 8a that encouraged her to take the leap of faith and start her own business, but Krystal kept pushing it off saying she was not ready and wanting to continue on her course with the PhD. Fortunately for her, he sold his company and she was left deciding what to do with the next chapter in her life. That is when she started Prosperitus Solutions. They medical logistics staffing for them. The company has more than 35 years experience in business and contract management, business development and leadership. Their skill sets include medical services, information technology, logistics, finance, marketing and human resources. During the interview we discuss how she first got her pushed into the business world. The role that family played in her life, the Air Force Mentor Protege Program, and much more.

023: Maria Martinez – On Landing Her First Client, Winning 2 Projects and a Sole Source Oct 01, 2019

Today were having a conversation with Maria Martinez. A lot of you know her, she is the back engine of Scorecontracts and Govcon Giants and making things work. She actually recently landed her first consulting client and I thought it would be great to share in on that experience of what she went through, how she did it, what was in her mind, kind of, you know, some of the ideas behind her thought process behind what it took to do that. A lot of you out there may be facing some of the same experiences and I thought this would be a great way to reflect on her taking her first step towards her govcon journey and experimenting with the idea of taking on a consulting client. Let’s not forget Maria was just a teacher before all this. Today she has nearly $200,000 in projects between the 2 clients, has started working on her first project and is bidding a 4th project. We here at Govcon Giants could not be more proud of superstar Maria for making the commitment to doing what it takes to succeed. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll keep you posted as she aims for the $1 million dollar mark.

022: Corliss “Mama U” Udoema - The most inspiring CEO great grandmother of all time talks business, faith and timeless wisdom Sep 24, 2019

Corliss Udoema aka Mama U as many people call her holds a special place in my heart, Corliss is witty and humorous but the joke stops at the door of outside her office b/c when it comes to business she is as tough as they get. Her motto, “deliver excellence” and she expects that from all of her employees at Contract Solutions Inc. She is the Inc 5000 winner 2019 for the last consecutive 3 years, 2019 USDA SB Contractor of the year, 2017 Virginia State Small Business Person and has received 2 congressional awards. But more than her accolades she is a down to earth mother, grandmother, great grandmother, business owner and community leader.

Corliss has over 35 years of contracting, training, and business development experience in the private and government sectors. In her professional career prior to founding CSI, Corliss traveled the world doing procurement for the US government in place like Japan, Italy and Puerto Rico. Her experiences include Legislative and Executive Government Acquisition, Business Development, Planning, Project Management, Logistics, Procurement Assessment, ResourceDevelopment, Career Development and Contractor Business Facilitation.

This episode is heartfelt, will make you laugh, teach you life lessons and business best practices. I would like to give a warm welcome to our next Giant, Corliss Udoema.

021: Patricia Bonilla - Building a world class Construction firm on Faith Sep 17, 2019

Today we are bringing you a treat with another woman “Giant” that is kicking butt and taking names in the biz. Patricia Bonilla, President of Lunacon Construction Group is from my 2nd favorite country in the world behind the United States, the Dominican Republic. She founded “Lunacon” in 2007, now has 5 office locations including Puerto Rico and serves more than 300 customers worldwide.

She is tremendously special for what she has accomplished (Woman Contractor of the Year, State of Florida Minority-Owned Business Person of the Year, Government Contractor of the Year, Good to Great, ABC’s in Excellence) and how she continues lead from giving back to her community.

Over the past decade, Lunacon has built an impressive resume of diverse company experiences, a long list of satisfied and repeat clients, and a bonding capacity of $15M single and $50 aggregate. Lunacon serves their clients with a commitment to excellence in every service that we deliver, and strives to be considered among the best construction contractors in the industry.

During the interview she discusses walking away from her job at a not so convenient time and the role of faith in her life and business.

020: Elliott Branch - Former Director of Contracts Naval Sea Systems Command and SES Member Sep 10, 2019

Elliott Branch is truly a once in a lifetime individual who is absolutely brilliant.

He was the Director of Contracts for Naval Sea Systems command, which is the largest or next to largest single buying activity in federal government. And our team over here at Govon Giants just happen to catch him a cool 6 weeks out of retirement at the time of this interview so we got lucky to be the first ones to have him on our show.

During the interview we discuss 4 critical “to-do’s” for small businesses. 1.Special emphasis programs vs socio economic programs. 2.How the government buys inputs 3. Ross Perot firm EDS 4. Democratization of work and the acronym Noggis a term that I will quiz you about if you ever meet me in person and reference this episode.

For show notes visit: www.govcongiants.com/podcast

019: Vicky Mangano International Consultant for U.S. Procurements in Italy Sep 02, 2019

One of the interesting things about Social Media is how far your voice travels.Apparently, there are no boundaries and I found this out by becoming acquittances with our guest.

“Buongiorno Eric” the email reads, along with the subject line “From Italy”

Vicky Mangano reached out to me back at the end of 2018 all the way from Europe, Sicily, Italy to be specific. She was a consultant helping companies do business with the U.S. Government over in Italy, and she has been quite successful.

Her story is remarkable. She is well versed in our procurement process as well as in international registration.

In today’s episode we discussed how to do business internationally as a foreign entity. Vicky tells us about the international bid sites that are available and most importantly how American Firms can participate in working internationally.

Vicky generously gives of her skills, knowledge and resources. We can definitely all learn a lot from this Giant.

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

018: Charles Jones - Baltimore Powerhouse Commissaries Aug 27, 2019

Today's guest is Charles Jones. He started out in the mortgage industry back in 2008 until the market crash and everything's shut down. It was during those difficult times that he formed his company C&S Jones group to start assisting with cleaning up all the abandoned properties on behalf of asset managers. Today his business looks very different and Mr. Jones is responsible for managing Military commissaries throughout four states. If you or anyone you know as part of the military family and you've probably heard of the commissaries before, that's where you can purchase discount of groceries and other household goods for active duty, reserve, and guard members as well as their family members, which you probably didn't know was the person behind the success of managing and maintaining them such as companies like C&S Jones Group headed by Mr. Charles Jones.

In today's episode you will learn how do you continue to meet your HUBZone requirements while growing your business. How did Mr. Jones first learn about writing proposals? What is his win percentage to stay ahead of the curve and continue growing, his favorite books, training recommendations, and much more.

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

017: Alex Hernandez - Marine turned CEO builds a $50 Million Dollar National Construction Firm Aug 20, 2019

Alex Hernandez founded Hernandez Consulting & Constructionin 2005 and currently serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Hernandez Consulting & Construction is a project management firm and general contractor specializing in design, construction, design-build and real estate development. Under Alex’s leadership, the firm has grown exponentially and now actively operates in a large portion of the United States.

The firm has been named to the Inc. 500/5000list six times and Alex was named Louisiana’s2017 Small Business Person of the Year.

Alex began his career as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corpsspecializing in Logistics Operations. He has sat on the Board of Directors for the Veterans Services of America,Inc. and the TulaneAlumni Association. Alex is also Managing Partner of the New Orleans Redevelopment Fundand Albert Architecture. He holds both a BA Cum Laude and an MBA from Tulane University.

In this episode we discuss how he came to learn about government contracting How he began his career cleanup projects after Hurricane Katrina. How to be a great subcontractor, build great teaming arrangements, and how he raised capital for his firm.

I hope that his story inspired many people out there not to quit and to continue the fight because it is well worth the effort in the end. As he said when dealing with a time where others would have given up, he learned in the USMC that quitting simply was not an option.

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

016: Janetta Brewer ESQ - Government Contracts Compliance Expert  Aug 12, 2019

Today's guest, Ms. Janetta Brewer, is the owner of Blue Alchemy Consulting. She has an extensive federal contracting background, which includes roles with the Office of Secretary of Defense, US Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Air Force, Department of Homeland Security and in her last federal, she was a senior member of the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy staff, which means she developed acquisition regulations and guidance for approximately 35,000 contracting professionals that streamline acquisition process across the federal government and improve contract execution outcomes for and in excess of $400 billion in annual contract spin.

In today's episode, we discuss how heavily the government relies on industry to help with the process of implementing change to both the FAR and DFARs considering the impact from small businesses. We also discuss merges and acquisitions, False Claims Act, program office versus small business office.

For show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

015: Dee Kivett - Queen of Quality, CEO/President of Next Gen Supply Chain Integrators Aug 06, 2019

Today's guest, Dee Kivett is the CEO and president of NextGen Supply Chain Integrators. NextGen specializes in helping companies seeking certification to ISO 900 and 1345, AS 9100 and 9120, TS 16949 standards, as well as the rigorous requirements of Boeing.

Dee grew up sitting on tires at the race track watching her father and uncle, the world famous Wood Brothers, race their cars around the circuit. Maybe that's where she picked up a keen appreciation of quality control. She is an adjunct professor at Clemson University specializing in design and manufacturing project management for the automotive industry. In today's interview we discuss examples of why the government pays $75 for a screw and how a small firm can become certified to provide mission critical parts to the Department of Defense. I'd like to welcome Dee Kivett.

For Show notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

014: Beverly Kuykendall - On Consulting, Being Intentional, Prime Contracts and Supplier Diversity Jul 30, 2019

Beverly Kuykendall, President of Government Business, leads AMD’s expansion into key areas aligned with the firm’s long-term strategic goals. She has a background in relationship development and government contracting, and brings a facilitative approach to understanding and proposing solutions to difficult economic issues.

In March 2016, AMD was awarded a $1.2 billion government contract for the provision of medical supplies to more than 60 VA Medical Centers from Florida to Maine.

Throughout a career that has spanned more three decades, Ms. Kuykendall has earned numerous honors including being named one of the 50 Most Powerful Minority Women in Business and Entrepreneur of the Year by the Black Business Association of Los Angeles. Her relationship-driven, facilitative approach and keen understanding of economic issues has resulted in the development of key initiatives involving organizations in both the private and public sectors.

For Show Notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

013: Orlando Espinosa - State of Florida Small Business Advocate of the Year Jul 23, 2019

Orlando Epinosa is the recipient of the U.S Small Business Administration South Florida District and State of Florida Small Business Advocate of the year for 2016 and 2018. In this episode, we talk about the SBA Emerging Leaders program as well as other valuable resources.

Orlando is the co-founder of Emineo Media, an organization that designs, develops and implements business and outreach curriculums for government agencies, municipalities and organizations to market their brand by educating and training businesses. He speaks on brand-building entrepreneurship, leadership, sales and marketing.

For Show Notes visit: https://govcongiants.com/podcast/

012: Ashley D. Bell - Region IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration Jul 16, 2019

Today's guest was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule as the newly-appointed SBA regional administrator, to talk with us. Ashley D. Bell was appointed Feb. 2018, by the White House, to serve as regional administrator for the US Small Business Administration, Region IV, serving nine district locations and eight southeastern states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

In today's interview, we discuss the decline of the 8a program, the new measures him and his team are putting together to curb that decline, and we briefly talk about the Opportunity Zones and funds instituted last year, and how small business owners should be taking advantage of them.

For show notes visit: www.govcongiants.com/podcast/

011: Donnie Harris - Unlimited Warrant to Write Billions in Contract Actions Jul 09, 2019

Donnie Harris, former senior contracting officer with an unlimited warrant, meaning he could sign off at any size contract. Over the course of his 20 years in government he managed complex and high-profile procurements totaling over $3 billion, that's billion with a B, from the acquisition phase to the pre-award for three DC agencies.

His government customers where Mr. Harris provided procurement support included the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Aviation Administration, the Veterans Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Commerce, SBA, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, DOE, National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Labor.

What I like the most about this interview with Mr. Harris was that he shared some truths about how the government works from the inside. These are things that are rarely heard outside of the government workplace.

For show notes: www.govcongiants.com/podcast

010: Dr. Karen Vieira – Medical writing, proposal writing, CEO and SBA Award Winner Jul 02, 2019

Dr. Karen Vieira owns The Med Writers, is an author and speaker. The Med Writers formed in 2011, writes content for medical and scientific clients in the fields of pharmaceutical, healthcare, supplement, and biotech.

Her doctorate is in biomedical sciences, with a Masters in Management. Last year, she was awarded the Small Business Administration Miami's Women-Owned Small Business Person of the Year.

Her company writes capability statements and proposals for many companies, tools we all need in our arsenal. She's a doctor/CEO, something that I've rarely heard of before.

In this episode, we talk about self-doubt, lessons learned, and what it takes to write proposals for other people.

For show notes visit: www.govcongiants.com/podcast

009: Darcella Craven - Veteran Resource Business Center President and Chief Fear Conquer Jun 24, 2019

With more than 18 million veterans in the US, either you or someone you know will be able to benefit from the information we share in this upcoming episode.

Darcella Craven is the Chief Fear Conqueror and President of the Veteran Resource Business Center, the nonprofit economic development agency assessing challenges and developing solutions to grow successful veteran-owned businesses and also immediate family members of veterans. Her organization services the areas of Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa region, but they're part of a larger nationwide network of veteran business outreach centers known as VBOC.

For show notes visit: www.govcongiants.com/podcast

008: Michelle Burnett – The Passionate & Driven Executive Director behind the HUBZone Contractors National Council Jun 18, 2019

In 2018, Ms. Burnett was appointed the Executive Director for the HUBZone Contractors National Council, a member-based non-profit organization established to advocate, educate and promote the HUBZone Program. Ms. Burnett’s knowledge of the HUBZone Program and expertise on government contracting stems from 10 years supporting the HUBZone small business community both as a contractor for SBA and small business consultant. In 2013, Ms. Burnett was recruited by the council as a subject matter expert and she has remained actively involved since.

This episode is filled with many great topics, advice, ideas, strategies and laughter.

For show notes visit: www.govcongiants.com/podcast

007: LTC Gabriel Ruiz – Army Veteran, System Integrator, Mentor and SBA Award Winner Jun 11, 2019

In this episode, LTC Gabriel Ruiz (Ret) brings us an incredible story of success through hard work, perseverance, learning and giving back.

LTC Gabriel Ruiz is President and CEO of Advanced IT Concepts, Inc. (AITC), was recently awarded the 2017 North Florida Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Ruiz was also recognized as the 2016 North Florida District Minority-Owned Small Business Person of the Year.

Gabriel Ruiz was born in Puerto Rico, he served in the U.S. Army for 26 years as a Communications and Technology Acquisition Officer. In 2006 he proudly retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. This is when he then launched his business with the guidance of his mentor.

Since 2013 AITC has delivered $70M+ programs. The company is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and currently 8a certified.

After this powerful episode I promise you will walk away with lots of ideas, advice and guidance to become your own success story.

For show notes please visit www.govcongiants.com/podcast

006: Matthew Schoonover – Joint Venture and Mentor Protégé Guru Jun 03, 2019

Matthew Schoonover is a partner at Koprince Law LLC, a boutique law firm in Lawrence, Kansas, that works exclusively with federal government contractors. As part of his practice, Matt counsels contractors on the unique issues they face working for the federal government from compliance with the FAR and the SBA’s regulations, to representing clients in bid protests and claims.

Matt is a frequent contributor to SmallGovCon.com, and has been interviewed by Law 360, Bloomberg, and Westlaw Journal, among others.

In today’s episode Matt breaks down the Mentor Protégé Program and Joint Ventures. He presents us with valuable advice, guidance and tips about the programs.

For show note visit govcongiants.com/podcast

005: Angela O’Byrne - Award Winning and Internationally Known Architect May 28, 2019

Angela is President of Perez APC, an international design-build-develop firm. She was named New Orleans 2016 Small Business Person of the Year and first runner up for National Small Business Person of the Year, by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

She is a passionate advocate for women in architecture and construction, and works with professional and non-profit organizations dedicated to the advancement of women in the industry.

Angela is a licensed architect in 15 states, a licensed general contractor in 2 states, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and a LEED Accredited Professional. She has successfully led complex design and construction projects around the world, including a $500 Million USAID contract in Afghanistan—the largest infrastructure construction contract awarded to a women-owned business to date by the USAID-Afghanistan Mission.

004: Jennifer Namvar - The Billion Dollar Capture Manager May 27, 2019

Jennifer Namvar is a Capture Director for Leidos with 16 years of experience in all phases of the federal government business development life cycle. Her previous 4 employers are all consistently on the DOD Top 100 list.

Jennifer built her reputation in the GovCon industry by bidding and winning large, strategic opportunities within the Defense and Federal Civilian agencies with a focus on emerging and next generation technologies and solutions. Prior to joining Leidos, Jennifer held Capture positions at leading Federal Government Contractors: CSRA (legacy CSC), Engility, and NCI, where she successfully closed >$1B in new and re-compete business.

In this episode we discuss how she got her start, was is the role of a capture manager, how they integrate small businesses into the process.

She offers up simple practical solutions that small businesses can implement immediately to increase their winning % of contracts.

Including resources for assistance in proposal writing.

All recommendations and suggestions will be included on our website, govcongiants.com/podcast.

003: Linda Rawson Country Girl Turned CEO Technology Entrepreneur May 20, 2019

Linda Rawson is a technology entrepreneur, author, inventor, and C-level executive. Since 2006, she has owned and operated DynaGrace Enterprises, a Women-Owned Small Business in rural Morgan, Utah. She started as a software engineer in the eighties when it was not typical for a woman in Utah.

She has received several awards for Davis/Morgan business of the year and wrote a very vulnerable book about grief. Her background as a software engineer, combined with her corporate executive experience, merges the technical with the business world. She has exceeded expectations and never let various challenges and obstacles associated with being a woman impede upon her path to success

In this episode we discuss her adventure navigating the 8a program. How she experienced success after finding a mentor/partner who showed her the ropes. Life after 8a and her latest invention; a weather station called the WeatherEgg. She educates children about weather science through her coloring book and finds balance in life by traveling and participating in outdoor activities. She is pivoting her company into air quality.

002: Robert Wink - Contract Specialist with USACE former FEMA Contracting Officer May 20, 2019

Robert Wink is the CEO of Integrity Lion Acquisitions. Robert comes with a vast experience working from within government. He retired from the US Army with multiple deployments to Iraq, was Contracting Officer with FEMA and is currently a Contact Specialist with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Robert is also written two books “Small Business Starter Guide to Federal Government Contracts & Searching for Solicitations” and “Secrets to Noncompetitive Government Contracts”

He opens up about his experiences working with FEMA after a large natural disaster and how the rules are not the same as many of the federal agencies.

001: Narjis Ali launched a NASA award winning IT security company May 20, 2019

Narjis B. Ali is the President and CEO of Sure Secure Solutions, an 8a Woman Owned Information Technology (IT) Security company founded in 2004. The companies core capabilities include Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Content Management and Information Management.

She has received numerous awards dating back to 2012 and most recently the prestigious 2016 US Small Business Administration and NASA Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year award 2016 and 2017.

For show notes visit govcongiants.com/podcast

#000: What is the Govcon Giants Podcast about? May 10, 2019

After the real estate market crashed in 2007 Mr. Coffie launched a successful consulting company helping small business owners earn millions in revenues via federal small business programs. In 2012 he launched Evankoff Construction, a steel erection company building airplane hangars and metal buildings for government agencies around the country. In 2017 Mr. Coffie launched Scorecontracts @ YouTube a channel to help other small businesses achieve their revenue goals using the power of federal contracts.

The podcast Govcon Giants is dedicated to showcasing the scalability of growing a business harnessing the power of federal dollars. The marketplace is wide open for all that want to gain a piece.

Meet some of the world’s greatest masterminds behind the trillion-dollar behemoth.

We interview small firms, large firms, past and current contract officials, government agencies and their representatives all in the name of helping the small business get a leg up in the industry.

If you want to participate in this market then you are in the right place.

For show notes visit govcongiants.com/podcast

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected