Month: May 2025

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.  

In this episode, I sit down with UCLA professor Dr. Chris Tang, a global supply chain expert with 40 years of experience, to unpack the real-world impact of the US-China trade war, the CHIPS Act, reshoring, and how global supply chain shifts are playing out on the ground. Dr. Tang breaks down why reshoring manufacturing isn’t as easy—or as affordable—as we think, and how automation, tariffs, and labor shortages are rewriting America’s industrial future.

We also dive into the deeper issue affecting our society—why men are falling behind in education and the workforce, and what that means for the next generation. This episode goes beyond economics—it’s about rebuilding America with intention, strategy, and heart. Whether you’re a small business owner trying to navigate red tape, or just someone wondering how global events affect your day-to-day, you’ll want to hear this.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophertang1/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/informs-2/ 

Website: https://www.informs.org/ 

In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we sit down with Jackson Dalton, the President and Owner of Black Box Safety, a distribution company that delivers healthcare products to government agencies, including prisons and healthcare facilities. Jackson shares his inspiring journey from serving in the Marine Corps during the 9/11 era to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the health and safety industry.

We dive into Jackson’s early struggles after a life-changing injury and how it led him to develop a passion for ensuring workplace safety. Join us as he discusses his pivotal decision to start Black Box Safety, overcoming the challenges of forming relationships with big manufacturers, and the role of the Healthcare Industry Distributors Association in his company’s growth. Learn how being a service-disabled veteran-owned small business provided unique advantages, and how Jackson’s dedication to making a difference in people’s lives has driven his success in this engaging and informative episode of The Daily Windup.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore the significance of building strong relationships for business growth and success. Our guest emphasizes the power of community and networking within organizations like the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) to create lasting connections and gain valuable insights. Learn how representing your company and establishing a recognizable brand can open doors for future opportunities.

The guest also shares their plans for the next five years, including expanding their footprint in the federal marketplace and opening an office in Texas. Discover the benefits of having reliable teaming partners and staying updated on upcoming opportunities. Tune in to learn the value of relationships, creative networking strategies, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the federal marketplace. Don’t miss this insightful episode of The Daily Windup!

In today’s show, we feature the inspiring story of a successful entrepreneur who navigated through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and turned them into opportunities for growth. Our guest, a distributor of personal protective equipment (PPE), shares how their business took an unexpected turn when the pandemic hit.

Initially, their focus was on government contracts, particularly supplying safety products to high-hazard industries such as prisons. However, when COVID struck, their phone started ringing off the hook, and they rapidly adapted to meet the soaring demand for PPE. The company’s sales skyrocketed from $300,000 to an astonishing $10 million in gross revenue, a 3000% growth. 

Join us as we learn from this entrepreneur’s journey, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they employed to keep their business afloat during the crisis. Discover how creativity, diligence, and daily cash flow management helped them survive and thrive amid uncertainty. 

Today’s episode delves into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Our guest shares their valuable insights, drawing from their diverse educational background and experiences.

Discover how they tackled the hurdles of not winning contracts and the importance of seeking debriefs for growth and improvement. Join us as we explore the significance of education, both formal and self-taught, in shaping an entrepreneur’s mindset. Learn about the early stages of financing projects and the strategies employed to manage low overhead costs.

In this candid conversation, gain practical tips on leveraging past experiences as your own past performance when starting out. Our guest’s unique journey of transitioning from a subcontractor to a prime contractor will inspire aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in to The Daily Windup and hear how creative financing, prudent financial management, and prioritizing staff can propel your business towards success. Don’t miss this enriching episode!

In today’s insightful discussion, we explore the intricacies of the 8(a) certification process and how to maximize its potential. Our guest shares their journey of seeking out 8(a) certification and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Discover the importance of building relationships with government agencies and the significance of having the right teaming partners to unlock lucrative opportunities. Learn from the experiences of our guest as they navigate the complexities of government contracting, from exploring nix codes to capitalizing on the 8(a) program effectively.

Tune in for valuable tips on making the most of the 8(a) certification and avoiding common pitfalls. Join us for an episode filled with practical insights to propel your business in the federal marketplace. Don’t miss this episode of The Daily Windup!

In this episode, we dive into the world of government contracting, demystifying essential concepts like RFIs (Request for Information) for first-time listeners. Our guests share valuable insights on the significance of RFIs and how they can be a game-changer in winning government contracts.

Discover how responding to RFIs helped our guests secure contracts, and why contracting officers value proactive engagement. We explore the importance of market research through sam.gov and various contract vehicles, empowering you to find opportunities that match your business capabilities.

Tune in for expert advice on thriving in the government contracting space and learning from challenges. Join us for a quick 10-minute session packed with actionable tips to enhance your contracting journey. Don’t miss this episode of The Daily Windup!

In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with Daphne and Jose, founders of a successful government contracting company. They share their inspiring journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they encountered while building their business.

Daphne and Jose discuss the importance of knowing your value proposition and unique offerings in the government contracting space, especially for small businesses. They reflect on their early days at the airport, solving complex issues and differentiating themselves from competitors.

The duo reveals how their commitment to providing exceptional service and embracing difficult tasks led them to secure significant contracts, including a critical project for Jackson Memorial Hospital after 9/11. Join us as we explore the power of resilience and dedication in the world of government contracting. Don’t miss this episode of The Daily Windup, your 10-minute dose of motivational insights!

Today’s show was brought to you by our sponsor Encore Funding. Have you or someone you know recently been awarded a government contract and cannot secure funding? Encore Funding has your back, with a recently launched Government division they are funding your receivables so you can just focus on the work. Visit encoregov.com for more information on how to get the money you need to continue growing your business. 

In today’s episode, I caught up with Jamelyn Austin Trucks live from a procurement event in the City of Miami. Jamelyn is the Practice Director for Grants, Resiliency, and Master Planning at AtkinsRéalis, and she shares her unique vantage point working with FEMA, DOD, and other federal agencies on disaster recovery, transportation, and planning projects. What stood out was her emphasis on the critical role small businesses play—especially those with niche expertise and community knowledge. She breaks down how firms like hers seek out small business partners and what it takes to maintain long-term teaming relationships—beyond certifications, it’s about communication, quality, and trust.

We also talk shop on real pathways to working with FEMA and other agencies without going through the front door. Jamelyn lays out the kinds of conferences and industry events where firms like hers scout for partners and gives practical advice on how to stand out, get your foot in the door, and keep it there. This is a must-listen if you’re a small business looking to team up with prime contractors in the federal space.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamelyn-austin-trucks-cfm-pmp-31325112/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atkinsrealis/ 

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I, your host Eric Coffie, delve into the world of government contracting with expert guest Jamecee Pinkney. Jamecee shares valuable insights and lessons learned from her journey as an entrepreneur in the federal contracting space.

We discuss the importance of identifying and sticking to your core capabilities to avoid falling into the trap of chasing shiny opportunities. Jamecee emphasizes the significance of the capture process and the long game in government procurement.

She shares practical tips for getting ahead of the game and leveraging the government forecast to strategically position your business. Join us as we explore the road to success in government contracting, demystifying the process, and offering advice on building a strong foundation for your contracting endeavors.