Month: June 2019

009: Darcella Craven – Veteran Resource Business Center President and Chief Fear Conquer

Posted on by Eric Coffie

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

Posted on by Eric Coffie

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

Posted on by Eric Coffie

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

Posted on by Eric Coffie

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