In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa sits down with Drew DiSilvestro Jr., CEO of AmeriTech Contracting, for a high-energy conversation on what it takes to build and scale in the federal construction space. From lessons learned during deployment to the unexpected influence of his punk rock roots, Drew shares how discipline, mindset, and structure have shaped his approach to leadership and growth.

We dive into the importance of systems and processes, balancing relentless leadership with people-first thinking, and how Drew has scaled his company by investing in the right team. He also breaks down what it takes to break into federal construction, offering real-world insight for contractors looking to enter or expand in the space. Drew closes with the daily principles that keep him grounded and focused, making this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about growth, grit, and building something that lasts.

00:00 Welcome and Mission
00:38 Drew Joins the Show
01:46 Deployment Lesson on Systems
05:43 Punk Rock Roots
09:10 AmeriTech Growth Mindset
11:26 Relentless Leadership Balance
15:25 Scaling Fast with People
20:08 Breaking Into Federal Construction
24:12 Daily Principles and Wrap Up
27:47 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Connect with Drew DiSilvestro Jr. on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/andrewdisilvestro

Visit the AmeriTech Contracting Website:

AmeriTechContracting.com

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa sits down with John Barnes, CEO of Pendleton Street Business Advisors, to break down what it really means to treat your business like an asset, not just a job. John shares practical insights on financial hygiene basics, why cash flow timing can make or break your operations, and how smart financial discipline lays the groundwork for long-term value.

They dive into the key drivers of business valuation, how to make intentional profit allocation decisions, and the most common exit planning mistakes that business owners make. Whether you’re planning to scale, sustain, or eventually sell, John provides a clear roadmap to help you build a stronger, more valuable business from the inside out. This episode is packed with actionable guidance for GovCon leaders ready to think beyond today and plan for what’s next.

In this episode, Teresa Moon speaks with Shauna Weatherly, President and Founder of Fed Sub-K, about the intricacies of government contracting. Shauna shares her extensive experience in the federal marketplace, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, understanding contract consolidation, and navigating GSA schedules. The conversation highlights key strategies for small businesses to succeed in the federal marketplace, including the necessity of building relationships with contracting officers and conducting thorough market research. Shauna also discusses compliance requirements and the significance of contractor team agreements. This episode serves as a valuable resource for small businesses looking to thrive in the GovCon space.

00:00 Welcome to GovCon Tea

01:15 Meet Shauna Weatherly

02:52 Why FedSub K Exists

05:33 Finding Real Mentors

10:18 Contract Consolidation Explained

15:23 Do Relationships Still Matter

17:16 Three GSA Schedule Must Knows

21:35 Quick GSA Go No Go Tips

24:24 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up

28:52 Final Thanks and Outro

Connect with Shauna Weatherly on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/shauna-weatherly

Visit the FedSubK website:  fedsubk.com

In this episode, Teresa Moon welcomes back government contracts legal expert Chris Griesedieck, Jr , Partner at Venable LLP, to discuss recent developments in federal procurement, commercial solutions, and navigating the complexities of government contracting for small and commercial vendors.

00:00 Welcome and Mission
01:22 Meet Chris at Venable
03:25 Commercial Buying Push
04:23 NDAA Threshold Changes
08:03 GSA Consolidation and Schedules
10:38 Will Reforms Actually Work
14:19 Termination and Compliance Risks
18:24 Barriers for New Vendors
21:28 Supply Chain and DEI Uncertainty
25:32 Pros/Cons for a Diligent Compliant Company and Closing.

Connect with Chris Griesedieck Jr on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/chris-griesedieck-jr-4226b544

Visit the Venable LLP website:

www.venable.com

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa welcomes back Judy Bradt, CEO of Summit Insight, for a strategic and eye-opening conversation about what it really takes to make progress in government contracting. Building on themes from part one, Judy revisits the power of micro-engagements and small solutions development, explaining how these focused efforts help businesses stay visible, build trust, and create meaningful momentum with buyers.

We dig into the critical difference between activity and true progress in GovCon, how to navigate “silent buyers,” and when it’s time to make hard decisions about where to invest your time and resources. Judy also shares how to leverage small engagements into long-term growth and offers thoughtful insight into the evolving role of AI in federal contracting. Packed with practical wisdom and candid advice, this episode will help you shift from being busy to being strategic and ultimately, more successful.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:38 Guest Introduction: Judy Brandt
01:24 The Joys of Helping Businesses
02:53 Recap of Part One: Micro Engagements
03:43 Small Solutions Development
03:58 Staying Visible and Building Trust
06:02 Activity vs. Progress in GovCon
09:13 Handling Silent Buyers
14:14 Making Hard Decisions in GovCon
16:04 Leveraging Small Engagements
22:00 The Role of AI in GovCon
25:30 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Connect with Judy Bradt on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/judybradt

Visit the Summit Insight website:

GrowFedBiz.com

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, we’re joined by Ashley Farrier, Director of the Office of Small Business Programs at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), for an inside look at how small businesses can successfully engage with one of the most dynamic organizations in the federal space. Ashley shares her career journey and the path that led her to supporting small business engagement at U.S. Special Operations Command.

The conversation breaks down what it really means to do business with USSOCOM, including current initiatives, acquisition authorities, and the types of opportunities available to innovative small businesses. Ashley offers practical tips, key resources, and real success stories that highlight how companies have effectively partnered with SOCOM to deliver mission impact. She wraps up by sharing how interested businesses can connect, stay informed, and take the next step toward working with USSOCOM. This episode is essential listening for any contractor looking to understand the SOCOM landscape and position themselves for success.

• 00:00 Introduction and Purpose
• 00:38 Guest Introduction: Ashley Farrier
• 01:25 Ashley's Career Journey
• 02:43 Doing Business with US SOCOM
• 03:42 SOCOM Initiatives and Opportunities
• 04:21 Engaging with SOCOM: Tips and Resources
• 08:00 Acquisition Authority and Small Business Engagement
• 23:38 Success Stories and Achievements
• 26:08 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Ashley Farrier on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/ashley-farrier-6b1b9982

Visit the US Special Operations Command website:

https://www.socom.mil

In this episode, Teresa is joined by Lenee Lyte, Government Contracts Advisor at Withum, to discuss how government contractors can stay prepared and resilient during uncertainty. Lenee shares insights on Withum’s GovCon services, the importance of strong partnerships, and key lessons learned from navigating government shutdowns.

They also explore why banking relationships and contract understanding are critical to survival and growth, and how proactive planning can position organizations for future success. The episode wraps with a look at positive outcomes, future readiness, and upcoming opportunities to stay engaged.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:39 Guest Introduction: Lenee Lyte
01:36 Lenee's Background and Expertise
02:53 Overview of Witham's Services
04:07 Importance of Partnerships in GovCon
05:49 Surviving Post-Government Shutdown
06:35 Key Issues During the Shutdown
10:07 Lessons Learned and Proactive Measures
18:07 Importance of Banking Relationships and Contract Understanding
22:30 Positive Impacts and Future Preparedness
27:05 Upcoming Events and Conclusion

Connect with Lenee Lyte on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/leneelyte

Visit the Withum website:

withum.com/industries/government-contractors/ 

In this first episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon for 2026, we sit down with Liseth Velez, CEO of LJV Development, for an inspiring conversation about building a federal contracting business where mission truly comes first. Liseth shares her background and military experience, what motivated her to launch LJV Development, and how those early decisions shaped her leadership style and company culture.

We dive into her journey entering the federal marketplace, including the challenges, early wins, and hard lessons that come with competing in GovCon. Liseth discusses the critical role of collaboration, transparency, and integrity, and how managing the right partnerships has fueled sustainable growth. She closes with powerful reflections on resilience, accountability, and staying grounded in your purpose when the pressure is on. This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a values-driven business in government contracting.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:38 Guest Introduction: Liseth Velez
01:08 Liseth's Background and Military Experience
01:22 Starting LJV Development
03:05 Entering the Federal Marketplace
04:17 Challenges and Successes in Federal Contracting
06:44 The Importance of Collaboration
12:32 Transparency and Integrity in Business
20:24 Managing Partnerships for Growth
27:39 Lessons Learned from Challenges
31:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Liseth Velez on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/lisethvelez

Visit the LJV Development website:

www.ljvdevelopment.com 

As federal budgets tighten and scrutiny increases in FY’26, pricing strategy is no longer just about being the lowest bidder, it’s about demonstrating best value. In this episode, Teresa is joined by award winning GovCon expert, Melinda Colon, who breaks down how federal buyers actually evaluate pricing and why higher-priced bids often win over cheaper ones.

We dive into what “best value” really means in practice, how agencies balance cost, compliance, performance, and risk, and the red flags that signal a contractor may have priced too low to remain compliant or profitable. Melinda also highlights the most common pricing mistakes contractors make and how to avoid them before they cost you the award.

Whether you’re new to federal contracting or planning ahead for FY’26, this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply immediately.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:38 Meet Melinda Colon: GovCon Expert
02:04 Melinda's Journey into Government Contracting
03:48 Understanding Federal Pricing Strategies
04:55 Why Federal Buyers Choose Higher Priced Bids
09:30 Common Pricing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
20:48 Building Long-Term Relationships in GovCon
22:52 Practical Tips for Improving Pricing Strategy
28:47 Legacy Builders Unleashed Podcast
31:02 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect with Melinda Colon on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/melinda-colon

Visit the Your GovCon Opportunity Matrix website:

https://www.yourgovconopportunitymatrix.com

In this episode of Spilling the Tea on GovCon, Teresa is joined by Patricia Young, Executive Director of the Hazel-Pruitt Armory, home of the Hub for Innovators, Veterans, and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) at Shenandoah University. Patricia walks us through the mission and impact of the HIVE, an emerging powerhouse for innovation, veteran engagement, and entrepreneurial growth in the region. She shares how the HIVE’s services and resources not only enrich the university, but also strengthen the surrounding communities through collaboration, education, and opportunity.

Patricia discusses key initiatives available to students, veterans, and local residents, highlighting how the HIVE supports technological advancement, research development, and inclusive innovation. She also outlines the long-term goals for the center, including expanding partnerships, enhancing community programming, and deepening its role as a regional innovation hub. Listeners will learn how to get involved, ways to support the mission, and details on upcoming events they can join or champion from afar.

Tune in for an inspiring look into how the HIVE is cultivating the next generation of leaders, creators, and problem-solvers, right at the intersection of community and innovation.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:34 Guest Introduction: Patricia Young
01:35 Patricia's Professional Journey
07:31 The Hive at Shenandoah University
20:58 Community and Veteran Engagement
27:00 Upcoming Events and Opportunities
29:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Patricia Young on LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/in/patricia-young-2006954

Visit the Hub for Innovator, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE):

https://www.su.edu/experience/hub-for-innovators-veterans-and-entrepreneurs-hive/