Month: January 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.

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

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

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.

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.