Month: March 2025

In this episode of the Daily Windup, we welcome Stephanie Addo from ACJ Luxury Maintenance, Eugene Tinker from Certified Technical Experts, INC., and Corliss Udoema from Contract Solutions Incorporated.

Each of our guest shares their unique journey and the challenges they faced while building their businesses. Stephanie overcame the obstacle of limited resources and rapidly recruiting a workforce to fulfill the demanding contract, Eugene highlights the hurdles he encountered throughout his 13-year journey, and Corliss discusses her path as a staffing company owner and veteran supporter

Join us  in this inspiring episode as we delve into the trials and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs, exemplifying the spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Register at The Proposal Bootcamp 2025 now: hello@govconedu.com

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into the fascinating story behind the creation of CI Works, a company that combines business acumen with artificial intelligence. We have Mr. Jerry Ladd, President of CI Works, and Jim Babcock, the CEO of the company. Jerry, a seasoned serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, reveals his business background, having been involved with 12 different companies, some publicly traded and others privately held.

Jim, on the other hand, shares his lifelong passion for technology, particularly artificial intelligence, dating back to the 1980s. With decades of experience in various tech companies and cybersecurity, Jim’s expertise complements Jerry’s business acumen. The two reveal how their paths crossed when a mutual friend from Switzerland, Matt, visited the United States. This reunion sparked the idea of creating CI Works, leveraging Jim’s AI expertise, Jerry’s business prowess, and the assistance of Pete, a retired FBI cybersecurity expert. Tune in now to learn more!

Register at The Proposal Bootcamp 2025 now: hello@govconedu.com

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges to achieve their goals. We talk about the importance of self-belief and unwavering faith and the significance of taking action and applying knowledge effectively.

Join us for this brief yet impactful episode as we explore the importance of self-belief, resourcefulness, and persistence in achieving entrepreneurial success. Listen now!

Register at The Proposal Bootcamp 2025 now: hello@govconedu.com

In this episode, we discuss the empowerment and confidence gained from understanding the intricacies of government contracts. We talk about how attending a conference and impressing a potential client by demonstrating knowledge of forecast lists and prime contractors can be vital in scoring contract. This expertise sets you apart from other businesses and solidifies their role in the client’s eyes.

Today’s conversation also highlights the significance of the knowledge gained from resources like GovCon Academy, emphasizing how it enables small businesses to navigate tools effectively and be well-prepared. Lastly, we talk about the importance of bonding capacity to help entrepreneurs navigate this aspect of their business.

Tune in to this insightful episode as we explore the journey of empowerment and trust-building in the world of government contracts, showcasing how knowledge and strategic connections can pave the way for success.

Register at The Proposal Bootcamp 2025 now: hello@govconedu.com

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the emerging market of space travel and the opportunities it presents. In this conversation, we explore the potential of this market, considering the increased accessibility and its parallels to the rapid expansion of smartphone technology. We emphasizes the importance of following the money, highlighting the significant investments the government is making in space exploration and the potential for lucrative opportunities in various sectors.

We also talk about the topic of limited thinking and the significance of expanding one’s perspective. I share my experience interviewing Carol Craig from Craig Technologies, one of the three companies involved in sending objects to space. Join us and listen now to break free from limited thinking to pursue your GovCon dreams and aspirations.

Ever been burned by finance companies, I know I have. So often as small minority owned businesses we do not get the best rates, offers or just out right get taken advantage of because of what we don’t know. Thanks to our new partner, Encore Funding we are now bringing you a trusted source for government contract financing. With more than $500M in funding going to minorities alone in 2024 Encore is here to support your business. Visit encoregov.com for information on how to apply. 

On this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, I sat down with Meghan Leemon, a partner at PilieroMazza and a trusted expert in government contracting law, to break down one of the most important SBA updates we’ve seen in years. The final rule—effective January 2025—loosens the grip on investor control in 8(a) companies, allowing for expanded minority ownership rights. Meghan walks us through how investors can now have defined veto rights, what qualifies as “extraordinary circumstances,” and how this shift opens up real opportunities for outside capital while keeping the qualifying owner in the driver’s seat.

We also get into the weeds on ownership limits, NAICS code restrictions, and how existing or potential 8(a) firms should approach these changes strategically. Meghan clarifies the nuance around owning multiple 8(a) businesses and what kind of due diligence is needed if your company is in a similar line of business. Plus, we touch on the constitutional challenges to the program post-Ultima and what you need to know to stay compliant while taking full advantage of the new rules. Tune in to hear how this affects your investments, partnerships, and business growth inside the federal contracting space.

In this episode of the Daily Windup we have Derek Low from Line Imagery, listen as we discuss the importance of family support and finding a community of like-minded individuals while navigating the government contracting space. Derek shares his experience in video production for small businesses and raises questions about the significance of back-office operations when starting out. 

Derek also recounts his recent proposal experience, highlighting the value of requesting a debriefing and the insights gained from it. We highlight he importance of learning from such experiences and emphasizes the significance of effective communication channels, including email, text lines, and community apps, for staying connected with mentors and experts in the field. Join us and listen to this episode to learn more!

In this episode of “The Daily Windup,” I dives into the world of government contract opportunities, sharing valuable insights and encouraging listeners to leverage the power of networking. We emphasize the importance of active engagement to connect with each other and make the most of the platform. There is a diverse range of opportunities available, intriguing projects such as insurance claims handling, street sweeper training simulators, and artificial intelligence initiatives.

In this episode, I also share the process of sourcing data from sam.gov, a government website, and walks you through the steps I took to discover the contract opportunities discussed. Don’t miss this insightful episode as I provide valuable tips on navigating government contract opportunities and emphasize the importance of networking and engagement. Tune in tomorrow for more on “The Daily Windup.”

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we share an intriguing story of how a chance Zoom call led to a transformative client relationship by Angela Chamberlain. She shares the importance of listening to the universe and recognizing the subtle signs it provides. In her story, she recounts how the initial connection unfolded, with the client expressing her aversion to business development while valuing project management and problem-solving.

Join Maria and Angela in this insightful episode of The Daily Windup, where they highlight the significance of recognizing and pursuing the universe’s breadcrumbs on the path to success.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I engage in a conversation with James Davis, an Air Force veteran and owner of a cybersecurity consulting firm. James seeks guidance on proposal writing and marketing himself effectively to secure backdoor deals. However, I emphasize the importance of having a bigger vision and a grand goal of building a multimillion-dollar company. 

Listen to this episode as I share my advise to James to shift his focus from specific tasks to a more significant purpose, such as becoming one of the leading African-American cybersecurity consulting firms in the Southeast and creating programs to mentor and educate underprivileged youth in the field of ethical hacking and cyber defense. Tune in if you want to learn more!