28 episodes

Welcome to Unveiled: GovCon Stories, the podcast that brings you the real stories and experiences of small businesses in government contracting. We are your hosts Tasha Jones and Yas Wynn. Join us as we peel back the curtain and explore the often overlooked world of doing business with the U.S. Public Sector as a small business. Through engaging interviews and candid conversations, we uncover the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs that small business owners encounter on their journey. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned government contractor, this podcast provides invaluable insights and practical advice to navigate the complexities of the industry and thrive in the world of government contracting. Get ready to unveil the untold stories of resilience, innovation, and success in the GovCon community.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unveiled: GovCon Stories Tasha Jones

    • Government

Listen on Apple Podcasts
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Welcome to Unveiled: GovCon Stories, the podcast that brings you the real stories and experiences of small businesses in government contracting. We are your hosts Tasha Jones and Yas Wynn. Join us as we peel back the curtain and explore the often overlooked world of doing business with the U.S. Public Sector as a small business. Through engaging interviews and candid conversations, we uncover the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs that small business owners encounter on their journey. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned government contractor, this podcast provides invaluable insights and practical advice to navigate the complexities of the industry and thrive in the world of government contracting. Get ready to unveil the untold stories of resilience, innovation, and success in the GovCon community.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires macOS 11.4 or higher

    Micro Wins, Macro Success

    Micro Wins, Macro Success

    Micro purchasing is often overlooked but the truth is, it is an incredible opportunity to build a competitive advantage and move up the value chain as an entrepreneur. Today we are joined by retired GOVCON consultant, CEO of THINK Acquisition, and founder of MicroMarket.co, William C. Randolph to discuss how micro purchasing wins builds macro success! Tuning in, you’ll hear about William’s government contracting story, why he is a huge advocate for starting your entrepreneurial journey with micro purchasing, his incredible three-pronged approach to starting small businesses, the challenges of getting started in this industry and how to overcome them, and so much more! William even tells us about his incredible businesses before sharing how we can find out more about them and even get involved. To learn all about how hyper-focusing on one or two agencies can reap you so many rewards in a short period of time, press play now!
    Key Points From This Episode:

    Introducing William C. Randolph, CEO of THINK Acquisition. William tells us his government contracting story. Why William thinks micro purchasing is a great way to start your entrepreneurial journey.  William shares his three-pronged approach when coaching/advising small businesses. The challenge small businesses face: getting visibility. The most difficult parts of getting started in this industry for William. Some key considerations that can help businesses overcome challenges in micro purchasing.Why William thinks you can reap benefit in days or weeks by being hyper-focussed. William tells us about MicroMarket.co and what’s next for THINK Acquisition. Where to find out more about his incredible businesses and get involved.  
    Sponsors:
    Withum: withum.com
    Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.
    Twenty39 — Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: twenty39.com
    If your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help! We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.
    Hive39 Community: twenty39.com/hive39-community
    An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business-relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 48 min
    Rev Up, Recapitalize, Exit

    Rev Up, Recapitalize, Exit

    What is recapitalization? And how does it factor into the growth plans of small business owners and government contractors? Many entrepreneurs reach a certain level of success and then hesitate to undergo an organic scaling process. The dream of a significant exit in government contracting often looms large, but it doesn’t always entail selling the business or stepping away as the founder or CEO. In today’s episode, we gain some valuable insight into navigating these scenarios from Michael Polmar, founder of Growth Partners Solutions. Michael sheds light on the various paths to leveling up and strategically exiting while also retaining control and staying in alignment with your goals. Whether it's exploring private equity or considering alternative exit strategies, this episode offers valuable guidance for small businesses aiming to scale, transform, and exit in a manner that suits their goals.
    Key Points From This Episode:

    What recapitalization options are and how they contribute to a business’s growth strategy.Insight into how recapitalization differs from traditional methods of business expansion.The impact this is having on the world of government contracting.Key considerations for small businesses when evaluating the benefits of recapitalization.Defining valuation and why it needs to align with the market.Things to keep in mind when considering whether to exit or expand.Advice for navigating a successful founder or CEO transition.
    Links:
    Growth Partners Solutions Website: https://www.growthpartnerssolutions.com/ Michael Polmar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-polmar-397a801/
    Call(s) to Action:

    Request to join the Hive39 Community on LinkedinHelp spread the word shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories
    Sponsors:
    Withum: withum.com
    Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.
    Twenty39 — Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: twenty39.com
    If your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help! We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.
    Hive39 Community: twenty39.com/hive39-community
    An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business-relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 46 min
    OSDBU Unveiled: Beyond Policies

    OSDBU Unveiled: Beyond Policies

    Small business program offices play a pivotal role in fostering connections with small businesses and maximizing their impact across federal acquisitions. And in this world, policies play second fiddle to the people who are driving them. Today’s episode explores the human side of government contracting. We are thrilled to be joined by the Program Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Unit (OSDBU), Wendy Bray. By hosting small business development training and many other initiatives, Wendy’s work involves transforming mission statements into world-class opportunities and she walks us through her GovCon story today. We discuss the mission of OSDBU, why it serves both army affiliates and civilians, how it prioritizes its projects, the standard lifecycle of a business’s relationship with OSBDU, and how Wendy’s role as a program specialist plays out differently at the organization. We also dive deep into the VA’s approach to communication, how local collaborations and larger initiatives differ, the drawbacks of working with multiple departments at the same time, and everything small business owners need to know to optimize their relationship with the VA’s OSDBU. To end, Wendy explains what the VA has planned for the near future and why we should all be excited about it! 
    Key Points From This Episode:

    Welcoming Wendy Bray from VA OSDBU as she shares her GovCon story. The mission of OSBDU and why it serves both veterans and civilians. A brief exploration of “the rule of two”; how the VA prioritizes its projects and partners.  Wendy’s role as a program specialist and how it plays out differently at the VA. The life-cycle of a small business’s relationship with OSBDU and what owners need to know.How the VA approaches feedback and communication in general. The differences between local collaborations and larger, national initiatives. Assessing the highs and lows of working with multiple departments simultaneously. Important VA-specific considerations for new small business entrants. How to get the most out of Wendy and the team at OSBDU. Noteworthy takeaways about working with the VA and what it has planned for the future.
    Sponsors:
    Withum: https://www.withum.com/
    Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.
    Twenty39 – helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: https://www.twenty39.com
    If your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support we are here to help. We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.
    Hive39 Community: https://twenty39.com/hive39-community/
    An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts; and meet new partners, identify small business relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small business, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 47 min
    Coming Full Circle: Returning to Small Business Leadership

    Coming Full Circle: Returning to Small Business Leadership

    Today’s guest is one of those rare individuals who has excelled in leadership positions that include not just public sector government service but the private sector as well. We are joined by Rob Brown, the current Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of Systalex, a company providing commercial and federal agencies with contemporary solutions. Prior to his roles at Systalex, Rob worked at several private companies and spent seven years at the US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), first as Division Chief and then as CTO. He has a strong background in IT and business and has extensive experience in the field, from managing technical teams and corporate IT strategies to completing large-scale IT deployments. In this conversation with Rob, we discuss his experience of navigating both the public and private sectors, what it’s been like returning to small business leadership, and his advice for others considering this type of transition. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the challenges of transitioning between these worlds, the regulations and dynamics that govern each sphere, valuable lessons that can help agencies be better small business partners, and much more!
    Key Points From This Episode:

    An overview of Rob’s experience as CTO at USCIS.What made him return to the private sector.A rundown of the various roles that he occupies at Systalex.Navigating the transition between the public and private sectors.Rob’s reflections on contracts, networking, timing, and re-establishing connections.Top takeaways on cultivating a growth strategy and getting buy-in from your team.How Rob managed his relationships during his transition to the private sector.Finding balance: the demands of occupying an executive role and delivering resources.Rob’s advice for federal employees looking to transition into the private sector.Human-centered design, AI products for government, and what’s next for Rob and Systalex.A recap and summary of what we covered today.
    Sponsors:
    Withum: withum.com
    Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.
    Twenty39 — Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: twenty39.com
    If your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help! We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.
    Hive39 Community: twenty39.com/hive39-community
    An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business-relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 48 min
    Insider Tips: Thriving In Uncertainty

    Insider Tips: Thriving In Uncertainty

    Are you looking to master the art of the unexpected? Then look no further, as today we dive into proven strategies to help you succeed in ambiguous situations, gain insights into effective communication, and learn how to turn adversity into an advantage. Joining us is Shenell Glover, dynamic leader and CEO of Ambitious Strategies. Shenell has extensive experience in public policy, business development, project management, and financial management. With this episode, we aim to share expert advice and real-world anecdotes that will empower you to lead confidently, even when the journey ahead seems uncertain. Tune in to discover what makes Shenell Glover unique, hear exclusive tips for thriving amidst uncertainty, and more!
    Key Points From This Episode:

    Who Shenell Glover is and insight into her GovCon story.The challenges of government contracting: anticipating unexpected opportunities.Specific scenarios in which Shenell worked to actively mitigate anticipated risks.Her recommendations for companies on how to mitigate similar risks.How to build relationships with clients to get support: the most effective communication strategies and consideration for regulation.Critical behind-the-scenes steps to take to overcome hurdles with customers.Useful considerations for accepting a contract or submitting a response.What’s over the horizon for Shenell and Ambitious Strategies.A quick recap of our key takeaways from today’s conversation!
    Call(s) to Action:

    Request to join the Hive39 Community on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12645189/Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories:https://shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-storiesDo you want to be a guest or recommend a topic that you would like to learn or hear about on the podcast? Let us know at our Guest Feedback and Registration Form!
    Sponsors:
    Withum: https://www.withum.com/
    Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.
    Twenty39 – Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: https://www.twenty39.com
    If your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help. We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.
    Hive39 Community: https://twenty39.com/hive39-community/
    An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 44 min
    CEO’s Journey: Adversity to GovCon

    CEO’s Journey: Adversity to GovCon

    Today on Unveiled: GovCon Stories, we explore the incredible journey of Joseph Lee, a business owner who came from the 9th Ward in New Orleans and navigated through adversity to succeed in government contracting. As the President and CEO of JLGOV LLC, a commercial and government contracting firm specializing in IT and cybersecurity solutions, Joe knows a thing or two about hard work! This remarkable CEO story highlights the resilience needed to overcome foundational obstacles, build diverse relationships, and succeed against all odds. In this episode, we explore the challenges of transitioning from humble beginnings to the complex world of government contracting, shedding light on the value of having a hustle mentality, the importance of diversifying your opportunities, and key strategies to help you scale, win more contracts, and find business development support. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to expand into the lucrative world of government contracts, this episode is for you!

    Key Points From This Episode:

    The defining moment that allowed Joe to navigate through adversity and find success.What led him in the direction of cybersecurity in the government contracting space.Navigating foundational challenges that many small businesses encounter along the way.Why it’s important to stay open to opportunities outside of the federal arena.How building relationships with diverse individuals has contributed to Joe’s success.Strategies he used to scale his business, including complementary partnerships.Why good business development support costs more than you think!Insight into what the future holds for Joe and JLGOV LLC.An overview of the key takeaways from today’s conversation.

    Call(s) to Action:

    Request to join the Hive39 Community on Linkedin: linkedin.com/groups/12645189Help spread the word about Unveiled: GovCon Stories: shows.acast.com/unveiled-govcon-stories
    Sponsors:
    Withum: withum.com
    Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm that offers a range of services including business advisory, forensic and valuation services, accounting and assurance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and tax consulting.
    Twenty39 — Helping small businesses be successful in GovCon: twenty39.com
    If your business is considering government contracting and needs expert advisory, business development, proposal management, and/or operations support, we are here to help! We provide end-to-end enablement for pursuing government contracts.
    Hive39 Community: twenty39.com/hive39-community
    An inclusive online community for GovCon Small Businesses and Consultants to learn, share, and grow. Receive free resources to support your business in pursuing government contracts, meet new partners, identify small business-relevant events and cost-appropriate vendor resources, stay up to date on policy and legal changes impacting small businesses, and share 1099 and partnership opportunities. Join today!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 53 min

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