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...

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....

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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"...

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...

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...

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...

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...