On this episode of The Daily Windup we take a candid look into the challenges, pivots, and surprising wins inside the government contracting world. Hear how our guest, a Native American woman-owned firm built its foundation by securing a help desk contract, training entry-level hires with environmental science degrees, and strategically using "unglamorous" projects as a proving ground for new talent. Our discussion also covers the art of saying "yes" to opportunities outside your comfort zone and building teams that can adapt quickly to new technical demands.

The conversation digs into nine years of experience in the SBA 8(a) program, including the behind-the-scenes story of a sole-source remediation project that took two years to award. Along the way, we unpack the realities of corporate mergers, business "divorces," and surviving the loss of key contracts when the government insources work. From environmental compliance projects with the EPA to offshore energy management with the Department of Interior, this episode is packed with lessons on resilience, strategic hiring, and the grit required to thrive in federal contracting.