279: GovCon in Crisis: What’s Coming, What’s Working, and What to Ditch!

Are you positive that you have the best financing in place? Ever question the charges or fees you’re paying? Do you know what is industry standard versus excessive. Recently I had our partner Encore Funding look at 3 of my students previous agreements with finance companies and found many ways that they had been taken advantage of. For far too long this has become the industry norm and now with a trusted ethical company on our side we can rest assured that we are getting the best overall rate. Visit encoregov.com to have them review your current agreements at no charge to see if in fact we can help you keep more money so you can focus on what matters most, growing the business.

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with my good friend Michael to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes in GovCon right now—and let me tell you, it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. From canceled contracts and government workforce cuts to the rise of unsolicited proposals and tax incentives in manufacturing, we dive into the new terrain contractors are navigating in 2025. Michael shares how his company is weathering the storm, what it takes to buy and build in uncertain times, and why being lean, agile, and real about your valuation is more critical than ever.

We also get into the M&A landscape, private equity interest in $10–20M firms, and the cautionary tale of companies shrinking from $20M to $5M in one year. If you’re thinking about scaling, selling, or simply surviving, this conversation is full of battle-tested wisdom. The game is changing—procurement cycles are stalling, FAR rules are shifting, and a lot of people are frozen in fear. But if you’re ready to pivot, innovate, and lead, now is your time. Let’s get into it.

Michael Sanders’ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvaldezsanders/

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

Website: https://interactivegov.com/

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/vpKzzFpbAOw 

278: Why Private Credit Is the Future of Government Contracting Finance

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 today’s episode of Govcon Giants, I’m joined by Joel, founder of Encore Funding—an alternative lending powerhouse that’s now stepping into the government contracting space. We talk real talk about capital: how hard it is to come by as a small, minority-owned business, and how traditional lenders often leave us behind. Joel shares how he bootstrapped his first venture back in 1998, and how Encore has now funded over half a billion dollars just for minority-owned businesses in 2024 alone. This is game-changing, especially for folks trying to scale in federal contracting without the cash flow headaches.

We dig deep into how private lending works, the evolving world of alternative credit, and how Encore is creatively funding not just operations—but acquisitions. Joel also drops knowledge on staying in founder’s mode, being laser-focused, and the true power of surrounding yourself with a rockstar team. Whether you’re already in GovCon or looking to break in, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about growing with the right financial partner behind them.

Joel Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-adelman-cleveland/

Encore Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/encore-funding/

Website: https://www.encore-funding.com/ 

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

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

277: She Was a Stay-at-Home Mom—Now She’s a Government Consultant

In today’s episode, we’re spotlighting Angela Chamberlain, a first-generation Filipino-American and stay-at-home mom who took a bold leap into government contracting—and landed big. With no background in construction, no federal experience, and no traditional “qualifications,” Angela trusted her gut, followed the GovCon Giants blueprint, and turned her mornings into momentum. From hearing me on the Trucking Hustle podcast to closing her first consulting deal and helping a local HVAC company win a $250,000 contract, her story is all about grit, heart, and taking aligned action.

Angela breaks down her journey—from waking up at 5AM to study while her kids slept, to attending matchmaking events, forming strategic partnerships, and getting her client ready for bonding and bidding. You’ll hear how she turned curiosity into clarity, made connections at preschool fundraisers, and proved that intuition plus execution is a winning formula. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to jump in—this is your sign. Let’s dive into how she built her confidence, launched her consulting biz, and changed not only her life, but someone else’s too.

Watch the episode on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/iDoWRgp99fA 

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

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