Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Melinda Milheim, founder of Phoenix Canyon and Christopher Zebra International.

Melinda shares her unconventional path into government contracting from pizza delivery driver to managing $7 billion in contracts and how an ethics crisis led her to build businesses that prioritize training, integrity, and long-term student support.

On this episode, we discuss:

• From delivering pizzas to handling missile systems and major weapons contracts
• The financial reality of leaving government for the private sector
• Why integrity sometimes costs more than money — and why it’s worth it
• Why practical GovCon training matters more than theory
• How certifications like CFCM can dramatically increase salaries

Timestamps:

[07:53] - Melinda’s unconventional entry into GovCon

[21:44] - First day trauma and managing $7B in contracts

[27:21] - Transitioning to private sector: pay gaps and ethics dilemmas

[33:16] - Launching her consulting journey and leaving Moss Adams

[38:33] - Building Phoenix Canyon and Christopher Zebra International

[45:34] - Resume tips, buzzwords, and certifications for career growth

[01:03:29] - Business commitments and student-first philosophy

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Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Melinda Milheim’s LinkedIn Profile

• Phoenix Canyon Website

• Christopher Zebra International Website