Govcon Giants

In this power-packed episode, I reconnect with Merry Korn, a returning Govcon Giant who built and sold Pearl Interactive Network Inc. , a 100% government contracting company with 1,300 employees in 31 states . Merry shares the raw truth about what it takes to exit your business the right way—from building a company with social impact (prioritizing hires like disabled vets and HUBZone residents) to...

In this episode, I sit down with an inspiring entrepreneur who shares her journey from uncertainty to success in the world of government contracting. As a seasoned business executive with years of experience, she was no stranger to the complexities of certifications and government processes. However, she found herself hesitating to dive into the world of government contracts, even with her extensi...

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the intricate world of government contracting and explore the challenges entrepreneurs face when it comes to affiliation risks. Our speakers bring their insights to the table as they discuss the complexities of hiring practices, subcontracting limitations, and the impact of executive orders on regulations. The conversation kicks off with a reminde...

In today's episode, our guest shares their journey, from starting out with creative financing to leveraging their unique education background. We kick off with a candid conversation between our guests, exploring the discomfort of not winning in business. The guest reflects on their experience and emphasizes the importance of seeking debriefs after a loss. This valuable lesson, gained through perso...

In this episode, we uncover the secrets to entrepreneurial success. The discussion starts with our guest underscoring the importance of networking before leaping into opportunities by sharing the impact of organizations like the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) on reputation and growth. The conversation reveals the value of relationships and network expansion, echoing in the mention o...

This is one of those episodes that you do not want to sleep on. I sat down with Craig Cohen, VP at Encore Funding—and let me tell you—this man pulled back the curtain on some SHADY tactics banks are using that are crushing small businesses trying to grow in the government contracting space. We talked about companies landing $20M contracts and still getting denied funding because of outdated bankin...

In today's episode, we're unraveling the mysteries surrounding affiliation risks, bonding challenges, and the delicate dance of partnerships in the world of government contracts. Picture this: a classic case where a big player, Contractor A, teams up with the smaller Contractor B for a joint venture bid. Seems straightforward, right? But the plot thickens as Contractor A's grand plan includes shif...

Welcome back to another insightful episode of The Daily Windup podcast. In this episode, we unravel the hidden gems within government contracting – specifically, the indispensable Request for Information, or RFI. Our journey kicks off with a spirited discussion about the importance of RFIs among our speakers. They emphasize how RFIs play a pivotal role in the procurement landscape, helping contrac...

In today's episode of The Daily Windup , we hear a hard-earned lesson from a federal contractor who reveals the hidden pitfalls of the 8(a) program. While many conferences push small businesses to get 8(a) certified, few explain how to actually leverage the designation. Our guest shares how it took years to find a solid mentor-protégé partner—and by the time they did, their certification had expir...

In this episode, we've distilled the essence of an insightful conversation that sheds light on the intricacies of SBA regulatory compliance, subcontracting, and potential pitfalls to watch out for. Our guest, who brings over a decade of expertise, advises caution when small businesses seek assistance from larger counterparts. It's crucial not to assume that the large business fully comprehends the...

In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast , I sat down with none other than Frank Kendall – former Secretary of the Air Force and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. Y'all, this man has managed $215 BILLION budgets, launched strategic missile programs under Reagan, and shaped the future of Air and Space Forces through his modernization and AI initiatives. But what really had me leaning...

In today's insightful episode, we dive deep into the world of government contracting and the importance of identifying your core capability. Our guest, Jamecee, shares her journey as a government contractor and provides valuable lessons for new entrepreneurs in this field. She recounts her experiences chasing after shiny opportunities that ultimately led to rejection and wasted resources. Jamecee...

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of a dynamic business journey that began at an airport and extended into securing critical infrastructure after 9/11. Our first speaker reflects on the unique challenges small businesses face, uncovering their distinctive value propositions.  Starting off at the airport in 1999, we were taken through the remarkable journey of handling monumental proj...

In today's discussion, we delve into the intricate world of affiliation rules and their profound implications on businesses. In this episode, we dissect the labyrinthine concept of affiliation, a term often tossed around but rarely demystified. Our journey begins with a fundamental understanding: when parties or third parties exercise control or have the capacity to control multiple entities, affi...

Today, we delve into the story of a dynamic entrepreneur hailing from Northern Virginia region. Join me as we explore Jamecee's unique journey, from his formative years at Tennessee State University to his impactful presence in the government contracting realm. In this episode, Jamecee reflects on the challenges she and her peers encountered - talented individuals often operating behind the scenes...

In this episode, David Rosenberg delivers a compelling analysis of the surprising strength in the S&P 500—despite fading "tail risks" like trade wars, Middle East conflict, and fiscal cliffs—and reveals that the current price/earnings multiple reaching 22–23 represents a historic 4σ event. He firmly argues that the rally is driven by market psychology and animal spirits, with fundamentals like GDP...

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we meet a successful entrepreneur who shares her journey of starting a business while being an active-duty military spouse. She candidly discusses her initial doubts and fears about entrepreneurship but reveals how her passion for the entrepreneur space eventually led her to take the plunge. Our guest discusses her meticulous approach to learning about the diff...

In this episode of the Daily Windup, join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of architects and entrepreneurs, Daphne and Jose. The couple recounts the pivotal moments that led them to establish their own architectural firm, sharing candid anecdotes of risk-taking and determination. Daphne vividly remembers the moment she faced a career crossroads, with a laid-off position and a young child t...

In today's episode, we dive into the intricate world of government contracts and the surprising challenges faced by companies trying to make their mark in this space. Our guest, Adam Lasky, a seasoned government contracts attorney at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, takes us through the maze of regulations and common misconceptions that entrepreneurs often stumble upon. Adam brings to light the misconception su...

On today's episode of The Daily Windup, our guest shares insights on the shortage of subcontractors, leading to difficulties in finding reliable suppliers for projects, especially in certain regions like South Florida. We discuss the impact of subcontractor performance on projects and explore strategies for handling escalating costs in government contracts. Negotiating fair prices and creating a l...

You ever felt like the rules of government contracting change before you can even understand them? In this episode, I sat down with Emily Murphy—former GSA Administrator and current head of Government Procurement Strategies—to break down everything you need to know about the FAR Rewrite and how it impacts small businesses, AI, commercial solutions, and contract consolidation. We're talking about s...

In this episode of The Daily Windup, Eric Coffie introduces us to a former corporate professional, Yolanda Clarke who struggled to find their place in the competitive job market despite multiple degrees and valuable experience. Yolanda, shares her journey of constantly fighting to reach the elusive "middle" in their career. She discuss the challenges of seeking opportunities in the defense industr...

In this episode of The Daily Windup we delve into the crucial but often overlooked aspect of pricing in contracting. Our guest, a seasoned contractor, shares his experiences of working with small businesses and the constant queries they receive about pricing jobs. He also emphasizes the importance of asking the right pricing questions and how it can make or break a contract. Recounting their journ...

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the crucial role of the New York State Department of Labor and its significance in protecting workers and small businesses alike. Our guest, a former New York State Labor Inspector General, shares invaluable insights gained from 12 years in government service. We explore the origins of the Department of Labor, which was formed as a response to the...

In today's episode of the Daily Windup, we dive into the world of government contracts and how startups can navigate this complex landscape. Our speakers discuss the importance of FedRAMP certification and how it can open doors for small businesses. They share valuable advice on building a track record and finding the right niche to deliver value to government agencies. Our guest, an experienced e...