Govcon Giants

In our latest episode, we’re joined by Mohammad “Sam” Elias, the chairman and founder of RELI Group, who shares his extraordinary journey from a small subcontractor to the leader of a federal contracting powerhouse with over 500 employees. Sam's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. He started his career supporting the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) as a senior program manager, where he led teams of up to 50 experts on critical IT health initiatives. His deep domain knowledge spans across Medicare, Medicaid, Healthcare IT, and even the insurance sector, making him a versatile leader in multiple industries.

In 2013, Sam founded RELI Group with a vision to bring innovative solutions to federal IT consulting and systems integration. Through programs like 8(a) and HUBZone, Sam skillfully navigated the challenges of federal contracting, turning RELI Group into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. He openly shares how he leveraged these programs and the critical decisions that helped propel his company to new heights.

But growth came with its own set of challenges. At one point, Sam had to step back from the CEO role to handle personal and family emergencies, an experience that taught him valuable lessons about leadership and work-life balance. Upon his return, he brought a fresh perspective that continued to drive the company’s success.

Sam first shared his inspiring journey at my conference last year, and now, in this episode, he dives even deeper into the strategies and mindset that helped him grow from a modest subcontractor to a key player in the federal space. Whether you’re just starting out or are well on your way in the government contracting world, this conversation will inspire you to take action and scale your business to the next level.

Don't miss out—grab your tickets for our next event where you can hear more stories like Sam’s firsthand!

Book How to Market and Sell to the U.S. Government A View from the Inside: https://a.co/d/9RlqU0e 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/religroupinc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RELIGroupInc Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reli-group-inc/

In this episode, we are joined by Kyle Beagle, the Command Director of the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) for the National Guard Bureau. With over 14 years of federal service, Mr. Beagle brings a wealth of experience and insights into the world of small business acquisition within the Department of Defense (DoD). As the chief advisor on all small business-related matters for the National Guard, Kyle is responsible for overseeing small business acquisition policies, strategic initiatives, outreach efforts, and subcontracting programs that ensure opportunities for small businesses in the defense sector.

During the conversation, Kyle shares his career journey, starting from his work with various DoD commands, including the Marine Corps Systems Command, Naval Research Lab, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and more. He discusses his role in shaping acquisition strategies that support small business growth and highlights the importance of small business partnerships in strengthening national defense capabilities. Kyle also delves into his extensive qualifications as a Level III certified Contracting professional and a Level II certified program manager within the DoD Acquisition Professional Community. 

This episode offers invaluable insights for small business owners looking to engage with the National Guard and the broader defense landscape. Kyle’s expertise and dedication to fostering strong partnerships between small businesses and the federal government provide a roadmap for success in the competitive world of government contracting. Tune in to learn more about the critical role small businesses play in supporting our nation’s security and how the National Guard is opening doors for them to thrive.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNationalGuard 

LinkedIn account: linkedin.com/in/kylejb2456               

Link to your company: https://www.nationalguard.mil/ 

In this episode, we are thrilled to host Krystn Macomber, a dynamic speaker and the founder + CEO of Summit Strategy. Krystn's journey from a Division I college athlete to a powerhouse in the marketing and proposal consulting industry is nothing short of inspiring. Her competitive spirit and growth mindset have driven her to excel in every endeavor, from leading high-performing teams to delivering significant sales growth and improved win rates for B2G and B2B organizations.

With over 20 years of experience, Krystn is renowned for her ability to engage and empower audiences, blending big-picture ideas with actionable takeaways. Her wisdom, humor, and strategic insights captivate diverse audiences, making her a sought-after speaker and facilitator. As a former board chair for the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), Krystn led the organization to one of its most profitable years, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills.

Krystn's passion for forging powerful connections and aligning organizational goals has earned her widespread respect in the industry. She currently serves on advisory boards for the UC-Irvine Customer Experience Program and the UC-Riverside Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Program. Her accolades include being named one of the 20 Most Inspiring Women Leaders by Women Leaders Magazine in 2022 and one of the 10 Most Dynamic CEOs Making Waves in the Business World in 2023 by CIO Business World.

Join us as Krystn shares her insights on strategic planning, branding, proposal development, and the importance of a growth mindset in achieving success. Her expert advice and inspiring stories will leave you motivated and equipped with strategies to elevate your own business endeavors.

Click here for more information about Krystn:

Website: https://www.summitstrategywins.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summitstrategywins 

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystnmacomber/ 

LinkedIn corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/summitstrategywins 

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/summitstrategywins/ 

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we explore the foundational elements of starting and scaling a business within the highly competitive world of government contracting. Our guest, Tyrel Rose, the Business Director of Victory Contracting LLC, breaks down the critical steps required to successfully enter this market, including understanding the bidding process, navigating compliance requirements, and building a strong network. With a focus on achieving "past performance," a key indicator of credibility in the industry, Tyrel shares actionable tips on how to land your first contract and build a portfolio that positions your business for long-term success.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on the importance of research and preparation before diving into government contracting, as well as practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles faced by new contractors. The discussion also covers how to leverage small business certifications and set-asides to increase your chances of winning contracts. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to diversify your business or a startup aiming to break into this lucrative sector, this episode provides the guidance you need to confidently move forward.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future of government contracting and the evolving opportunities available for small businesses. Tyrel, with years of experience and a track record of success, offers predictions on emerging trends and advice on staying ahead of the curve. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a seasoned expert in the field and take the first steps toward building a thriving government contracting business.

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

Personal linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrel-rose-45149b158/ 

Website: https://www.victorycontracting.org/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Contact: (706) 570-9696

In this episode, we dive into the massive opportunities available for businesses of all sizes through government contracts. If you're tired of relying on the same old commercial clients, this episode is a must-listen. This episode I reveal nine powerful tactics to help you secure your first or next government contract, offering actionable insights that can transform your business.

I emphasize the importance of laser focus in targeting the right government contracts, ensuring that your efforts are concentrated where they will be most effective. 

By applying these strategies, you can gain a competitive edge and stay ahead of the curve. Throughout the episode, I also include inspiring stories of real people who have successfully used these tactics to secure lucrative government contracts, even without prior experience. These stories illustrate that with the right approach, anyone can break into this market and achieve significant success.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale your contracting business, this episode provides the guidance you need. These expert advice will help you unlock the potential of government contracting for your business. 

For those just starting out, visit Federal Help Center https://federalhelpcenter.com/  for more information. If you're ready to scale your contracting efforts, check out the First Partner Challenge https://www.firstpartnerchallenge.com/

In our latest episode, we are thrilled to welcome Kenneth Kelly, the dynamic founder, President, and CEO of Strativia. Since its inception in 2006, Kenneth has led Strativia to become a powerhouse in the technology, consulting, and services sectors. Under his visionary leadership, the company has expanded to over 300 employees and operates across 19 states in the U.S. and several countries worldwide.

Kenneth is a pivotal force behind Strativia’s strategic planning, business development, and marketing initiatives, earning him features in prominent publications such as Inc Magazine, Black Enterprise, American Express Open, Huffington Post, Washington Post, and Rolling Out.

Before launching Strativia, Kenneth built a formidable career in the hospitality technology sector. He spent over a decade at Visual One Systems Corporation (now Agilysys, Inc), where he managed enterprise software implementation projects for hotels and resorts globally. His expertise further expanded at Micros Systems Inc (now Oracle Micros POS Systems), where he led large cross-functional teams in implementing property management and financial software solutions for major hotel chains like Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Marriott, and Wyndham.

Kenneth’s outstanding professional achievements and dedication to community service have earned him national and local recognition. Black Enterprise magazine highlighted his swift ascent in the Federal Government contracting industry. Join us as Kenneth shares his incredible journey, insights into scaling a business in the competitive tech industry, and his strategies for sustaining growth and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

Website: https://www.strativia.com/ 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/strativia 

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strativia 

LinkedIn corporate: https://linkedin.com/company/strativia 

Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/strativia 

In this episode, we bring back a remarkable guest, Kizzy Parks, joining us from Tulum, Mexico. Kizzy Parks has been a shining star in the federal contracting realm and a successful YouTuber, offering invaluable insights to help small businesses win government contracts. Over the past few years, Kizzy has built an impressive following both online and offline, establishing herself as a giant in her own right.

Listen to our insightful conversation that goes beyond the usual government contracting discussions. We delve into the exciting and adventurous lifestyle of a digital nomad, with Kizzy sharing her experience of living in Tulum for the past two months and planning to stay for at least a year. This episode highlights how businesses can thrive anywhere, even from one of the safest parts of Mexico.

You are in for a treat as Kizzy unpacks her treasure trove of wisdom on manifesting success and the tactical maneuvers of government contracting. She shares her innovative formula for ensuring every contract meets stringent criteria, maintaining excellence, and balancing work commitments with a laid-back lifestyle. The episode offers strategies for leveraging local resources and networks to foster business growth, practical tips for newcomers in the government contracting space, and how manifesting goals can directly influence business outcomes.

Prepare to be inspired by stories of adaptation and success, showcasing the limitless possibilities in today's business world. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Sit back, relax, and join us as they explore these insightful topics and much more on this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KizzyParks/featured 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizzymparks 

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kizzymparks 

Website: https://www.govconwinners.com 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/KizzyKPC 

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we sit down with Mark Masters, the dynamic Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chloeta. Mark brings over twenty years of industry experience to the table, and his journey from a federal wildland firefighter to the helm of a multi-faceted national service provider is nothing short of inspirational.

Mark is a proud tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. His career began in the rugged and demanding field of federal wildland firefighting. Over eight years, he served in various capacities, including as an aerially delivered firefighter, also known as a heli-rappeller. 

His tenure with the Bureau of Indian Affairs National Interagency Fire Center (BIA-NIFC) honed his skills in crisis management and incident response.

In 2009, Mark transitioned from his federal role to entrepreneurship, founding Chloeta from very humble beginnings. Under his leadership, Chloeta has expanded significantly, becoming a national service provider across multiple domains: emergency management, environmental consulting, healthcare, security, aviation, and wildland fire management.

Mark’s expertise and insights have made him a highly sought-after public speaker and media commentator. He has shared keynote stages with prominent figures like Congressman Tom Cole and has been featured in live interviews on major networks including CNN Newsroom, CNN Money, and The Weather Channel.

Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit and achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2012, he was honored with the National Young Entrepreneur of the Year award by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additionally, he received the National American Indian Center for Enterprise Development (NCAIED) “40 Under 40” award. His contributions to entrepreneurship were further acknowledged when he served as a panelist on President Obama’s Subcommittee on Small Business, Young Entrepreneurship Series (YES), an event broadcasted live on WhiteHouse.gov.

Join us as Mark Masters shares his incredible journey, the challenges he faced, and the strategies that led to his success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, emergency management, and the power of resilience and determination.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamChloeta/ 

LinkedIn account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdallasmasters/ 

LinkedIn corporate: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chloeta/ 

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/teamchloeta/ 

Twitter handle: https://x.com/teamchloeta 

Website: https://www.chloeta.com/ 

In today’s episode, we have a special guest returning to the show—Peter Gibbs, President and CEO of Foundation, Surety, and Insurance Solutions. Since his last appearance, Peter's company has achieved groundbreaking status as the only African American-owned surety agency with a national license in all 50 states.

Today, he shares the latest advancements at Foundation Surety and Insurance Solutions that can help small businesses better understand and navigate the often intimidating world of surety bonds. With industry experts like his wife, Nakia, a former F-35 fighter jet program worker, joining his team, Peter's insights are richer than ever.

Peter and I discuss the evolution of his team and how strategic hiring can dramatically improve business operations and financial health. You'll discover essential steps to building a trustworthy reputation in federal contracting, learn about the critical importance of financial integrity, and get straightforward advice on how to handle business growth responsibly. For those who missed Peter’s first episode, he has an extensive background with the SBA, where he led their bonding program. His experience there, which included maintaining an extremely low default rate on bonds, provides him with a unique perspective that he now brings to the private sector to help people like you and me.

This conversation is packed with practical steps for small businesses to protect themselves from unscrupulous characters in the industry and make informed decisions that can help grow, sustain, and build their business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, understanding bonding can transform your approach to business growth in the competitive world of federal contracting.

So, tune in to this episode to gain valuable lessons and actionable tips from Peter Gibbs. Let’s learn how to make decisions that best help grow, sustain, and build our businesses. Thank you for listening, and please join me in welcoming Peter Gibbs, our next giant, to the stage.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gibbs-0a9a9a31 

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundation-surety/ 

Website: https://foundationsurety.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FoundationSurety 

Email: [email protected]

Contact: 240-835-0865

In this episode of the Govcon Giants podcast, we are honored to welcome Robert Schroder, the founder of SteerBridge. With a distinguished background that spans both military and private sectors, Rob's journey is a testament to the value of veteran leadership in federal projects. As a retired Marine Corps Harrier pilot, Rob has seamlessly transitioned his extensive operational, congressional, and acquisition experience into the private sector, founding SteerBridge with a mission to elevate the role of veterans.

Rob's leadership extends beyond his company. He has served two terms as the Finance Chairman for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, showcasing his dedication to supporting the educational pursuits of Marines and their families. His commitment to the military community is further reflected in his roles on the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association board and the USAA advisory group.

Rob's academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a B.S. from the Naval Academy and M.S. degrees from both the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Marine Corps University. Adding to his robust educational background, Rob earned his M.B.A. from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and a Global Supply Chain Management Certificate from the University of North Carolina's Kenan Flagler School of Business.

Join us as Rob shares his insights on integrating veteran expertise into federal projects, the importance of leadership in both military and civilian spheres, and his vision for the future of SteerBridge. This episode is a deep dive into the experiences and strategies that have shaped a remarkable career dedicated to service and excellence.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robschroder/  

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steerbridge-strategies/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true 

Company Website:  https://www.steerbridge.com