Government Coins artwork

Government Coins

91 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratings

Government Coins is a podcast for small businesses that want to scale up their businesses by selling to the government. Government contracting is a largely misunderstood topic, ShaKeia is here to dispel the myths and share play-by-play with guests such as government buyers, prime contractors, and of course government contractors killing it in their industries. ShaKeia is the Founder of GovLia, a supplier management and engagement firm. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Entrepreneurship Business
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Where Real Estate and GovCon Meet

March 21, 2024 18:54 - 16 minutes - 30.5 MB

.. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Calling All Small Diverse Businesses in the City of St. Petersburg, FL with Kourey Hendryx-Bell

March 15, 2024 12:32 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MB

Kourey is a seasoned professional, distinguished by her passion for creating opportunities and fostering inclusion in procurement and supply management. She currently serves as the manager of the Office of Supplier Diversity at the City of St. Petersburg, where she leads a dynamic team of professionals and where she is championing change in procurement processes and policies centered around workforce development, wages, and small and diverse business communities. Armed with a background in i...

Understanding the Role of PCR at the SBA with Jessica Gaskins

March 01, 2024 12:45 - 28 minutes - 39.2 MB

Join us this Thursday featuring Jessica Gaskins, a seasoned professional supporting the SBA Office of Government Contracting Area III in Atlanta, GA. With extensive experience as a Procurement Center Representative (PCR), Jessica's journey began in 2009 with the Army Contracting Command before transitioning to SBA in 2019. She has demonstrated versatility, having served as a PCR and later as a Size Specialist. Jessica briefly explored a role as a Contracting Officer Representative at the J...

Selling Your Products & Services to Homeland Security with Darlene Bullock

February 16, 2024 13:54 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MB

Join us in this insightful interview with E. Darlene Bullock, Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). With over 27 years of experience in procurement, federal assistance, and acquisitions management, Ms. Bullock brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Prior to her current position, Ms. Bullock served as a Division Director and Contracting Officer in the DHS Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), overseeing bil...

Doing Business with the Dallas ISD: Diversity is Our Business

February 09, 2024 13:44 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MB

Welcome to Government Coins podcast, the podcast designed to dismantle entry barriers by educating the small business community and providing them with more insight on how to navigate the government contracting landscape. In this episode, we will delve into the initiatives driving inclusion and opportunity within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) through its Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program. Join us as we explore how DISD is fostering an environment where dive...

Doing Business with the University of Florida

February 02, 2024 13:25 - 48 minutes - 67 MB

Dwan Courtney is the Director of UF Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD), which promotes and facilitates the use of small and diverse businesses by UF departments and academic units. Through collaborative relationships with the campus, the local community, agencies, and business leaders, she develops programs and services aimed at encouraging and supporting small business participation in university procurement opportunities. Prior to returning to the institution, Dwan was the Small B...

Mastering the City: A Guide to Doing Business with Houston Government with Porscha Jackson

January 26, 2024 17:05 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MB

In this episode meet Dr. PJ – Porscha Jackson, PhD – a powerhouse in Houston’s small business ecosystem! As the Business Development Manager at the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), she's not just managing programs; she's the secret sauce for small businesses hungry for success. Picture her as a go-to mentor, helping entrepreneurs navigate the business labyrinth and representing OBO with flair at community events. Beyond her city role, Dr. PJ is an author, penning "Pursu...

How does the City of Charlotte’s Business Inclusion Office Supports Small Businesses

January 19, 2024 10:16 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MB

Michele Torres is the Business Inclusion Manager for the Charlotte Business Inclusion Office, City of Charlotte. Michele provides operational leadership to the Office of CBI, inclusive of office management, budget operations, coordinating outreach events, and serving internal and external committees. In addition, Michele is tasked with planning and coordinating programs and activities overseeing development, compliance, and reporting. Before entering her current role, Michele was the Busine...

Doing Business with the City of Rochester, NY: Navigating MWBE Success with Shemeka Davis

December 15, 2023 23:45 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MB

Shemeka Davis is an MWBE Analyst in transition to become the MWBE Officer for the City of Rochester effective January 15th, 2023. As the MWBE Analyst supporting the MWBE Officer, Shemeka processes the MWBE plans for public works construction, professional services, as well as commodities goods and services. Shemeka gathers and reports all MWBE participation for the City of Rochester. To maintain meeting the MWBE goals, Shemeka's work provides technical assistance to certified MWBE firms to e...

Doing Business with the City of Gainesville, FL: Insider Tips from Sylvia Warren & Faylene Welcome

December 08, 2023 13:01 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MB

Sylvia Warren, a native Floridian, is a graduate of St. John’s River State College where she received a degree in Business Administration and Management, Santa Fe College where she received a BAS Degree in Organizational Management, and Saint Leo University where she received her MBA. She is also currently a 2023 doctoral candidate. She began her career in the Finance industry, where she gained over nine years of experience. For several years, she served in a supervisory capacity. Sylvia...

Season 5 | Ep. 3 - Empowering Small Businesses with the City & County of Denver, CO with Adrina Gibson

November 17, 2023 13:19 - 1 hour - 88.4 MB

Adrina Gibson joined the City and County of Denver’s Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) in 2019 serving as the Chief Officer of the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO). In this role, she leads DSBO’s key program areas: Certification, Business Utilization, Contract Compliance, Forensic/Investigation, Strategic Development, and Community Engagement/Outreach programs. Fostering a more equitable playing field on public contracts, DSBO encourages and advocates for the ut...

Empowering Small Businesses with the City & County of Denver, CO with Adrina Gibson

November 17, 2023 13:19 - 1 hour - 88.4 MB

Adrina Gibson joined the City and County of Denver’s Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) in 2019 serving as the Chief Officer of the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO). In this role, she leads DSBO’s key program areas: Certification, Business Utilization, Contract Compliance, Forensic/Investigation, Strategic Development, and Community Engagement/Outreach programs. Fostering a more equitable playing field on public contracts, DSBO encourages and advocates for the ut...

Season 5 | Ep. 2 - Doing Business with the City of Fort Worth: Everything you Need to Know

October 20, 2023 15:26 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MB

Sky Williams, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Sky is a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in municipal government. She's not your average professional; Sky is a visionary leader and change catalyst, known for her exceptional skills and dedication to fostering equity and diversity. Sky's journey is marked by a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. Her t...

Doing Business with the City of Fort Worth: Everything you Need to Know

October 20, 2023 15:26 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MB

Sky Williams, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Sky is a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in municipal government. She's not your average professional; Sky is a visionary leader and change catalyst, known for her exceptional skills and dedication to fostering equity and diversity. Sky's journey is marked by a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. Her t...

Government Coins | S5 | Ep. 2 - Doing Business with the City of Fort Worth: Everything you Need to Know

October 20, 2023 15:26 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MB

Sky Williams, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Sky is a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in municipal government. She's not your average professional; Sky is a visionary leader and change catalyst, known for her exceptional skills and dedication to fostering equity and diversity. Sky's journey is marked by a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management and an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. Her t...

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Government Contracts Are Won and Lost with Kevin Jennings

October 06, 2023 18:45 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MB

In this week's episode, we will be guested by Kevin Jennings, founder and CEO of Government Cheese. Kevin Jennings embodies resilience and determination. After facing a complete loss in the 2008 crash, he fought back, carving a niche in real estate and construction, and generating over $350 million in revenue. His tenacity led him to secure significant government contracts and a 10-year Super Bowl deal, with his achievements spotlighted by Rolling Stones Magazine. In 2017, Kevin sold one of ...

Government Coins | S-5 | EP. 1 - A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Government Contracts Are Won and Lost with Kevin Jennings

October 06, 2023 18:45 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MB

In this week's episode, we will be guested by Kevin Jennings, founder and CEO of Government Cheese. Kevin Jennings embodies resilience and determination. After facing a complete loss in the 2008 crash, he fought back, carving a niche in real estate and construction, and generating over $350 million in revenue. His tenacity led him to secure significant government contracts and a 10-year Super Bowl deal, with his achievements spotlighted by Rolling Stones Magazine. In 2017, Kevin sold one of ...

Season 5 | EP. 1 - A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Government Contracts Are Won and Lost with Kevin Jennings

October 06, 2023 18:45 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MB

In this week's episode, we will be guested by Kevin Jennings, founder and CEO of Government Cheese. Kevin Jennings embodies resilience and determination. After facing a complete loss in the 2008 crash, he fought back, carving a niche in real estate and construction, and generating over $350 million in revenue. His tenacity led him to secure significant government contracts and a 10-year Super Bowl deal, with his achievements spotlighted by Rolling Stones Magazine. In 2017, Kevin sold one of ...

Season 4 | Ep. 15 - Doing Business with the City of Deerfield-Beach, Fl

July 21, 2023 13:20 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MB

Bogdan Avasiloae is a Purchasing Manager at the City of Deerfield-beach Florida. He is working with and under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, this position is responsible for highly specialized, professional administrative and supervisory work to oversee and unify the City's purchasing and contract administration functions; serves as the City's central point of contact regarding the purchase of contracts for commodities, goods, and services for the City departments and outside ...

Season 4 | Ep. 14 - Doing Business with the City of Plantation

July 14, 2023 15:40 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MB

Charles Spencer is the Procurement Director for the City of Plantation. He has been working in the Public Procurement/Purchasing profession for the past twenty-three (23) years. He is a Florida Certified Contract Manager and a Florida Certified Contract Negotiator, Certified Public Procurement Associate, and a Certified Public Procurement Professional. Charles Spencer is an active member of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), the Southeast Florida Chapter of NIGP, and ...

Doing Business with the City of Fort Lauderdale

June 30, 2023 12:38 - 37 minutes - 52 MB

Mr. Marcos possesses close to 30 years of public procurement professional experience, with 25 years at the executive/managerial level. He is known to be a transformational organizational leader, a subject matter expert in his profession, and recognized for his leadership in attaining organizational excellence in procurement. Throughout his career, he has implemented new technologies and software programs; re-engineered business practices; mentored employees and changed the organizational cul...

Season 4 | Ep. 13 - Doing Business with the City of Fort Lauderdale

June 30, 2023 12:38 - 37 minutes - 52 MB

Mr. Marcos possesses close to 30 years of public procurement professional experience, with 25 years at the executive/managerial level. He is known to be a transformational organizational leader, a subject matter expert in his profession, and recognized for his leadership in attaining organizational excellence in procurement. Throughout his career, he has implemented new technologies and software programs; re-engineered business practices; mentored employees and changed the organizational cul...

Season 4 | Ep. 12 - Doing Business with the City of West Palm Beach

June 22, 2023 17:30 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MB

Sandra Hammerstein is the SBE M/WBE Programs Compliance Officer for the City of West Palm Beach. She is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the communications and procurement fields. Hammerstein has had extensive experience in community outreach and education, public relations, and communication strategies to reach diverse audiences. Learn more about the City of West Palm Beach and the work they do: https://www.wpb.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://p...

Season 4 | Ep. 11 - Doing Business with the City of Miramar Fl

June 16, 2023 14:22 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MB

Natalie Richmond Assistant Director of Procurement Learn more about the City of Miramar and the work they do: https://www.miramarfl.gov/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Season 4 | Ep. 10 - Understanding the Importance of Disparity Studies for Small businesses / Colette Holt

June 02, 2023 13:12 - 1 hour - 88.7 MB

Colette Holt represents public agencies and private firms on issues related to civil rights, public contracting, and affirmative action. She has broad experience in conducting defensible disparity studies, expert witness consulting and testimony, drafting legislation and policies, designing programs, managing initiatives, defending affirmative action programs, and counseling private firms on compliance with diversity requirements. Ms. Holt serves as General Counsel to the American Contract C...

Government Coins | Ep. 10 - Understanding the Importance of Disparity Studies for Small businesses / Colette Holt

June 02, 2023 13:12 - 1 hour - 88.7 MB

Colette Holt represents public agencies and private firms on issues related to civil rights, public contracting, and affirmative action. She has broad experience in conducting defensible disparity studies, expert witness consulting and testimony, drafting legislation and policies, designing programs, managing initiatives, defending affirmative action programs, and counseling private firms on compliance with diversity requirements. Ms. Holt serves as General Counsel to the American Contract C...

Season 4 | Ep. 9 - Understanding how sponsorships work with Enovia Bradford

May 26, 2023 13:32 - 1 hour - 91.4 MB

Leveraging entrepreneurial vision and drive, Enovia Bedford thrives in startup and early-stage environments, working to drive profitable growth by coordinating clients with industry-leading companies, partners, and sponsors. Her experience encompasses diverse industries, with a special talent for marketing, p.r., social media branding, event planning, and relationship building. Enovia prides herself on developing and implementing engaging and impactful influencer programs, workshops, and cam...

Season 4 | Ep. 8 - Winning PROFITABLE Federal contracts with Kizzy Parks

May 19, 2023 15:14 - 1 hour - 93.4 MB

Dr. Kizzy M. Parks is the President of GovCon WinnersTM As a kid, she cleaned golf balls located in an alley behind her friend's house and them through a fence to golfers. She used the money to buy FUNYUNS® and Nutty Bars. Today, she owns and operates multiple businesses and has over $60 million in federal government contract awards. She’s been featured in Entrepreneur® Magazine has a successful YouTube Channel and served on the National Guard (NG) Joint Diversity Executive Council (JDEC)....

Doing Business with the City of Palm Beach Gardens

May 12, 2023 09:19 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MB

Km! Ra was born in Jamaica. Previously he worked with the State Department, Immigration and naturalization service, the Department of Homeland Security, and Miami-Dade County. And currently the Purchasing & Contracts Director at the City of Palm Beach Gardens since 2012. Km! enjoys playing classical piano, among other things. Learn more about the City of Palm Beach Gardens and the work they do: https://www.pbgfl.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...

Season 4 | Ep. 7 -Doing Business with the City of Palm Beach Gardens

May 12, 2023 09:19 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MB

Km! Ra was born in Jamaica. Previously he worked with the State Department, Immigration and naturalization service, the Department of Homeland Security, and Miami-Dade County. And currently the Purchasing & Contracts Director at the City of Palm Beach Gardens since 2012. Km! enjoys playing classical piano, among other things. Learn more about the City of Palm Beach Gardens and the work they do: https://www.pbgfl.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...

Season 4 | Ep. 6 - Doing Business with Corporations with Danie Spikes

April 27, 2023 21:22 - 54 minutes - 100 MB

“Everything I do is in service of others. Every single thing I do, I was born to do.”  Danie Spikes is a certified professional relationship coach, public speaker, and award-winning businesswoman. As CEO of Beloved Inc., Danie approaches every business and project as an opportunity to fulfill the basic needs and desires most humans share: self-love, fulfilling relationships, confidence, and healing.  This approach has led her to create a number of businesses. BeLoved Box, a fragrance hous...

Season 5 | Ep. 5 - Researcher/Social & Behavioral Scientist received $349,000 in gov. grants her first year of business

March 24, 2023 14:09 - 37 minutes - 68.2 MB

Dr. Lauren Josephs is a Social/Behavioral Scientist and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Visionary Vanguard Group, Inc. –a consulting firm which uses research, evaluation, training & technical assistance to help organizations eliminate disparities and achieve equitable outcomes. Her work has been done on the national level for both private corporations and governmental entities. In previous roles, she was a Health Disparities Researcher at the Center for Health Futures at Florid...

Season 4 | Ep. 5 - Researcher/Social & Behavioral Scientist received $349,000 in gov. grants her first year of business

March 24, 2023 14:09 - 37 minutes - 68.2 MB

Dr. Lauren Josephs is a Social/Behavioral Scientist and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Visionary Vanguard Group, Inc. –a consulting firm which uses research, evaluation, training & technical assistance to help organizations eliminate disparities and achieve equitable outcomes. Her work has been done on the national level for both private corporations and governmental entities. In previous roles, she was a Health Disparities Researcher at the Center for Health Futures at Florid...

Season 4 | Ep. 4 - Tapping into local federal resources to get more government contracts with Althea Harris

March 10, 2023 09:53 - 1 hour - 97.6 MB

Althea A. Harris has been helping businesses her entire federal career which began in 1993 at the U.S. Department of Commerce with the late Secretary Ronald H. Brown; there, she traveled worldwide in support of small and medium-sized exporters.  Then she helped small business owners compete for federal contracts while at the U.S. General Services Administration in the Office of Enterprise  Development. Having held several positions within the SBA office in Miami since 1999, Althea now serve...

Season 4 | Ep. 3 - Earn Big in Construction with Government Contracts with Dudly Etienne-Harvard

February 24, 2023 15:54 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MB

Mrs. Dudly Etienne-Harvard is the President of Dudly’s Professional Services (DPS). DPS is a certified small and woman-owned business within the tri-county areas in South Florida and Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard has been providing Community Engagement, Project Control, Technical Services, and Project Administrative and Small Business Support within the construction industry since 2010. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard's expertise spans both individuals as well as organizations. Mrs. Etienne-Harvard...

Season 4 | Ep. 2 - Doing Business with DHS- Office of Procurement Operations

January 27, 2023 13:50 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MB

Ms. Tisha Blue-Warren is currently the Industry Liaison for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Procurement Operations (OPO). Her role as the Industry Liaison is to interface with the industry, to the maximum extent practicable, to increase awareness of OPO initiatives and priorities and to provide insight on how to do business with DHS.    By trade, Tisha is a seasoned acquisition professional, a contracting officer with over 20 years of experience, and over 10 years of lea...

Season 4 | Ep. 1 - What is a Shareable Contract with Mariel Reed

January 20, 2023 14:32 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MB

Mariel Reed is co-founder and CEO of Pavilion, a venture-backed marketplace for state and local public procurement. Pavilion enables public servants to save time and money by purchasing from suppliers that have been pre-qualified by other public entities, and helps reduce the cost of selling into the $2T state and local public sector for businesses.  Before founding Pavilion, Mariel served at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office, where she worked on two of the greatest challenges and opportunit...

What is a Shareable Contract with Mariel Reed

January 20, 2023 14:32 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MB

Mariel Reed is co-founder and CEO of Pavilion, a venture-backed marketplace for state and local public procurement. Pavilion enables public servants to save time and money by purchasing from suppliers that have been pre-qualified by other public entities, and helps reduce the cost of selling into the $2T state and local public sector for businesses.  Before founding Pavilion, Mariel served at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office, where she worked on two of the greatest challenges and opportunit...

Season 3 | EP. 17 - Government Contracting Assistance From Start to Finish with Tan Wilson

December 02, 2022 13:19 - 57 minutes - 78.4 MB

Entellect is a full life-cycle Business Development boutique company that works with companies to help scale their current processes and resources. Our cadre of experts helps companies scale up by augmenting their current resources and elevating their marketplace status to make them more competitive. In addition, we offer tailored solutions to expand a company’s capabilities and efficiently support enduring success.    Entellect has aided dozens of businesses in understanding the federal pr...

Season 3| EP. 16 - How I Won my Janitorial Contract & the Lessons Learned Since With Jakayla Leathers

November 24, 2022 17:30 - 39 minutes - 54.9 MB

Jakayla Leathers is an entrepreneur, mom of 3, and the owner of Transform Floor Care & JS LLC. Transform is a DBE WOSB Facilities Maintenance firm that provides flooring solutions, installations, maintenance, janitorial services, and more.    Jakayla’s journey with the government included mistakes and lessons that she and her partner ultimately used as a stepping stone to their success. With lots of commitment, Jakayla went on to win her first Subcontract with a Military Housing Company and...

Season 3 | EP. 15 - Startups, Impact & Government Contracting with Zach Berke

November 17, 2022 17:30 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MB

Zach Berke, Founder & Managing Partner at Exygy Zach oversees Exygy's strategy, design, and engineering work. He serves as the Account Manager for clients such as Children’s Council, CARE, REDF, Benetech, and the SF Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. Zach founded Exygy in 2004 with a vision: innovation and technology will accelerate progressive social change. This vision led Zach to build Exygy, the market-leading innovation agency in the for-purpose sector. Zach wrote his...

Season 3 | EP. 14 - Doing Business with the Department of the Interior

November 11, 2022 14:01 - 32 minutes - 44 MB

Colleen Finnegan is the Executive Director for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI).  She is responsible for oversight of programs that promote small business participation in DOI procurements, with special emphasis on socio-economic programs including Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Women-Owned Small Businesses, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, and Businesses located in Historically Underutilized Busi...

Season 3 | EP. 13 - Doing Business with the City of Banning CA

November 03, 2022 17:30 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MB

Nicole Jews grew up and currently lives in the small city of Rialto, California. Nicole has been in the field of Purchasing for over 15 years. She started her career as a part-time clerical aide with the City of Rialto, moved on to a non-profit as an Accounting Assistant, then worked at the San Bernardino International Airport as a Purchasing Supervisor.    To gain additional contract background Nicole worked for Transportation Corridor Agency, which operates the toll roads, then moved on t...

Season 3 | EP. 12 - Connecting with your Regional and District SBA Offices with Allen Thomas

October 28, 2022 13:20 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MB

Allen Thomas Regional Administrator Southeast Region  As Region IV Administrator, Allen Thomas will oversee SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s Southeast region, serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.   Mr. Thomas is a former three-term mayor, businessman, entrepreneur, and leader in public and private enterprise. As mayor of Greenville, one of North Carolina's largest cities, Mr. Thomas led the post-recession ...

Season 3 | EP. 13 - Connecting with your Regional and District SBA Offices with Allen Thomas

October 28, 2022 13:20 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MB

Allen Thomas Regional Administrator Southeast Region  As Region IV Administrator, Allen Thomas will oversee SBA programs, offices, and operations in the SBA’s Southeast region, serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.   Mr. Thomas is a former three-term mayor, businessman, entrepreneur, and leader in public and private enterprise. As mayor of Greenville, one of North Carolina's largest cities, Mr. Thomas led the post-recession ...

Season 3 | EP. 11 - Strategies to Winning State & Local Government Contracts w/ Al Gordon

October 14, 2022 14:07 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MB

Al Gordon serves as CEO of National Strategies (NSI).   Since he founded the firm in 1996, Al has helped companies successfully navigate the complexities of legislative, regulatory, and procurement issues in the state and local government market.  Under his leadership, NSI has helped generate over $33 billion in new revenue, as well as executed dozens of successful legislative and regulatory programs, for its clients.  The key to NSI’s success is Al’s strategic approach to the government m...

Season 3 | EP. 10 - Doing Business with Broward County, FL

October 07, 2022 12:22 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MB

Sandy McDonald has been the Director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small BusinessDevelopment (OESBD) since June 2013. In alignment with OESBD’s mission to stimulate economic development, Mr. McDonald is committed to supporting the growth and development of small businesses in Broward County, which are a great asset to our local economy.   Mr. McDonald also serves as Broward’s designated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer (DBELO) and works to support the County’...

Season 3 | EP. 9 - Types of Small & Diverse Business Certifications

September 29, 2022 17:30 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB

Liz Whitehead, CEO, 12PointFive Co-Mastermind, Diversity Masterminds® Liz Whitehead is the CEO of 12PointFive, a business development consultancy that specializes in building business development strategies so that diverse business owners can leverage certification and ultimately win new business. She supports her clients in reaching their goals through facilitation, consulting, and one-on-one coaching. Recognizing that diverse businesses need a program to give them the information they n...

Season 3 | EP. 8 - Government Contracting Podcasts Unite!

September 22, 2022 17:30 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MB

One of the biggest challenges Government Contractors face is selling their services to the Federal Government. In a market worth billions, competition is high and the sales cycle is long. Small Businesses must be smart about how to spend their time and resources and arm themselves with information that can help them win more at a lower cost.    Often, companies feel they don’t have enough information to make sales decisions, although the Federal Government makes more information available t...

Season 3 | EP. 7 - Doing Business with Pinellas County with Corey McCaster

September 16, 2022 17:28 - 39 minutes - 54 MB

Corey McCaster is the Director of the Office of Small Business and Supplier Diversity at Pinellas County Economic Development. There he leads one of the top Small Business Development Centers in the State and a rapidly expanding Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program that connects small business owners to more than $500,000,000 in government contracting opportunities annually. The SBE Program includes a sheltered market created for qualified vendors that allows small businesses to place bi...