Month: May 2025

In today’s episode I’m joined by my 23-year-old son, Branden Coffie, who just locked in his first government consulting client… with no degree and no prior contracting experience. Branden walks us through how he took what he learned behind the scenes—editing my videos, watching coaching calls, and consuming the content—and turned it into a repeatable action plan that landed him a deal with an 8(a)-certified plastics manufacturer. We break down the exact script he used, how he found the opportunity, and why confidence and clarity matter more than credentials.

If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re “qualified” to start, this episode will erase every excuse. Branden didn’t overthink it—he picked up the phone, ran the market research, and made the pitch. Now he’s negotiating terms and walking the walk. Tune in and find out how a Gen Z newcomer proved that when you take action, results follow. This is proof you don’t need experience—you need initiative.

Watch this on Youtube: https://youtu.be/_xuKNWVK6EA

Govcon Coaching: https://www.govconcoaching.com/home63196883

Pricing: https://www.govconcoaching.com/pricing-page 

If you’re out there grinding with no past performance, no big contracts, and no traction—this episode is your wake-up call. I break down the exact strategy I used in 2008 to go from zero to six figures by leveraging the consultant model—a proven shortcut to skip the five-year contract cycles and piggyback off other companies’ capabilities. We’re not here to chase $25k crumbs—we’re here to build real wealth, and it starts with thinking differently. I even brought in insight from Dan Peña, who used this same model to build a $50B empire from scratch.

In this episode, I walk you through the math, the mindset, and the mechanics of becoming a government consultant. Whether you want to get a piece of a $5M contract or land one high-ticket client and represent them in the federal space, I’ll show you why this is the fastest path to revenue. You bring the hustle, they bring the past performance—and both of you win. I’m not teaching theory here. This is the exact model I followed, and it’s the one I want you to adopt. Watch this episode twice if you need to.

Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/g1801TXW3pQ

Govcon Coaching: https://www.govconcoaching.com/home63196883 Pricing: https://www.govconcoaching.com/pricing-page 

In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most asked-about topics in the game—how to become a successful government consultant. Whether you’re doing this full-time or trying to make it work on the side, this episode lays out the real blueprint. I’m walking you step-by-step through everything I’ve learned in the trenches—how to structure your business legally, how to find and pitch to million-dollar companies, how to position yourself as a value-add even if you’ve got zero past performance. I’m not holding anything back. We’re talking capability statements, payment structures, how to charge, and exactly how to get companies to want you repping them in the federal space.

This episode is your no-BS starter kit to making six figures and more as a consultant. If you’re out here watching YouTube videos but not getting real traction, stop. You don’t need more theory. You need a partner, a plan, and a path—and this episode gives you all three. I even break down why companies making $10M, $20M, or $30M a year will listen to YOU if you’ve done the work and know how to speak their language. So grab a pen, take notes, and let’s get to work. It’s time to stop thinking and start consulting.

Watch the episode on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G5y7RROf20

Govcon Coaching: https://www.govconcoaching.com/home63196883

Pricing: https://www.govconcoaching.com/pricing-page 

In this power-packed episode of GovCon Giants, I’m sharing something that could seriously change the game for your business—our First Partner Challenge is back. After a year of demand and dozens of success stories, we’re relaunching our partner program cohort to help companies like yours break into federal contracting the right way. Whether you’re making $5 or $5M, this program is about building strategic partnerships that lead to real contract wins. I walk you through examples of businesses that scaled from $165K to $100M just by teaming up with the right partners—and we’re giving you the roadmap to do the same.

I also unpack the three main paths to success—consulting, services, and products—and how AI and new market research tools are leveling the playing field for small and diverse businesses. From the woman who found a partner at daycare to the guy doing $80K/month using subcontractor “Migos,” these are real people winning with real strategies. Join me as I break it all down and show you how this partner challenge could be your launchpad into federal contracting success.

Watch the episode on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/b1ARb6dfT_Q?si=rtbzsy37zn6Cs7pP 

Govcon Coaching: https://www.govconcoaching.com/home63196883

Pricing: https://www.govconcoaching.com/pricing-page 

In today’s episode, we sit down with an accomplished entrepreneur who shares valuable insights into starting and growing a business. Our guest, a diverse supplier and service-disabled veteran, emphasizes the importance of key resources for any business owner – your accountant and your attorney. He vividly recalls his early entrepreneurial ventures, from selling scuba gear to offering mobile car detailing services during high school.

The episode delves into the critical role of professional organizations like the Veterans in Business (VIB) Network and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in helping entrepreneurs like our guest connect with valuable opportunities and support. Join us as we uncover the journey of a remarkable entrepreneur and learn actionable tips to build a successful business. Tune in for a powerful dose of motivation and entrepreneurship wisdom on The Daily Windup. See you tomorrow for another inspiring story!

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into the minds of successful entrepreneurs as they share their experiences and strategies for making the right decisions and dealing with rejection. Our guests shed light on a valuable tactic of using rejection letters to their advantage, leveraging them to gain credibility and support in securing funding. They emphasize the importance of making data-based decisions rather than waiting for a perfect solution, acknowledging that being wrong is part of the journey.

The key is to be decisive, seek input from diverse perspectives, and adapt when needed. Join us as we gain insights into the resilience and leadership approaches that have driven these entrepreneurs forward, and learn how they embrace challenges and setbacks as stepping stones to success.

In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into the world of certifications and team-building for small businesses. We start with the importance of distinguishing between federal, state, and local certifications, as well as understanding the value they bring when marketing to large primes and agencies. Our guest, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his experience as a subcontractor and explains how obtaining these certifications serves as a powerful marketing tool and helps in establishing relationships with key players in the industry.

Moreover, he sheds light on the challenges faced by small businesses in hiring top-tier talent and suggests a practical approach to building a capable team without breaking the bank. He advises starting with independent contractors, commonly referred to as 1099 personnel, and explains how this approach allows for flexibility and cost-effectiveness during the early stages of a business. Join us as we explore the intricacies of certifications and team building, empowering small business owners to make informed decisions that drive success.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with Travis Mack, CEO of an aerospace and defense contractor, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to managing a company with 800 employees. We dive into Travis’s early days, when he started with just two employees and faced financial challenges while trying to grow his business.

Travis shares valuable insights on navigating through pivotal moments, embracing change, and making strategic pivots to adapt to shifting business environments. He emphasizes the importance of seeking alternative financing mechanisms and leveraging resources like SCORE and small community banks to secure funding and support business growth. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the real possibilities of entrepreneurial success, even for those starting with small teams, in this exciting episode of The Daily Windup.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I had the pleasure of speaking with an experienced entrepreneur, who started his journey by writing a business plan and tapping into valuable free resources. Our guest highlights how a well-structured plan can serve as a starting point, helping entrepreneurs organize their thoughts, articulate their vision, and prove their concept to potential stakeholders.

Travis also discusses the benefits of seeking guidance from organizations like SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and the SBA (Small Business Administration). Drawing from his own experience, he emphasizes the importance of leveraging all available resources to lay a solid foundation for business growth. Join us as we explore the journey from business planning to accident hazard investigations and gain valuable insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in this exciting episode of The Daily Windup.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with Travis Mack, Chairman and CEO of the S Corporation, which comprises two distinct entities – Saalex in the federal vertical (Aerospace and Defense) and Vallejo in the commercial IT space. Travis shares his journey of building a robust organization, supporting test range management, logistics, and IT solutions primarily for Department of Defense customers, generating an annual revenue of around $100 million with 800 employees nationwide.

We delve into Valeo’s roll-up strategy, discussing their recent acquisition of Net Simco and their plans to expand capabilities in cybersecurity and cloud solutions through a partnership with a leading minority investment banking firm. Join us as we explore the challenges and rewards of growing in the GovCon space and the exciting prospects for Vallejo’s future in the cybersecurity and IT landscape.