256: Why Certifications Are NOT Holding You Back in Government Contracting This 2025!

I had an eye-opening conversation with one of my students last night, and it reminded me of a major misconception in government contracting—many of you think you must have certifications to win contracts. That’s just not true! People are out here scaring you into thinking that without an 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB certification, you don’t stand a chance. But let me tell you, there are plenty of lucrative opportunities that don’t require any certification at all.

In this episode, I break down five specific ways you can sell directly to the U.S. government without jumping through bureaucratic hoops. From product sales on platforms like DLA DIBBS and Unison Marketplace to logistics, catering, and even cybersecurity, I’ll show you how others are winning big by thinking outside the box.

We also talk about a major wealth transfer happening right now—baby boomers selling off their government contracting businesses, and how you can use SBA-backed financing like SBIC and 7(a) loans to acquire these businesses and step into an already-profitable government contractor role. Plus, I share insights from real-life entrepreneurs who have scaled their businesses beyond certifications. If you’re still stuck in the old mindset that certifications are the only way to succeed, this episode will change the game for you. Stop making excuses, start thinking bigger, and let’s get to work.

$10M VA Contract?! Here’s How to Get In On The Biggest Medical Records Upgrade!

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we discuss various aspects of government contracting. From emphasizing the impossibility of a single person knowing all the contracting offices and buying offices in the government to recommendations for government contract attorneys.

We also touch upon the DOE webinar and the importance of understanding the information presented. Generally, I advise businesses to ensure you are procurement ready. Listen now as we simplify government contracting, share valuable lessons, and offer actionable advice to entrepreneurs.

4 Years of Secret Cyber Funding: Inside the DOD’s Hidden Power Play!

In this episode of The Daily Windup, host Eric Coffie engages in a conversation with a Jeff Stutzman, a cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur. Jeff shares his journey, starting from his work at the DOD Cyber Crime Center to building a collaborative Information Sharing environment for defense contractors and banks. They discuss the evolution of cyber attacks, emphasizing their increasing sophistication and the shift towards more user-friendly tools. Jeff also reveals his decision to become an entrepreneur and highlights the challenges faced in the cybersecurity industry, particularly regarding the diminishing value of cyber threat intelligence. 

Join me and Jeff in this insightful episode as we explore the fascinating world of cybersecurity, from its early days to the present, while uncovering the entrepreneurial journey of Jeff and the strategies employed to navigate the evolving landscape.

60 MPH to Zero: How a Military Spouse’s Life Took a Heart-Stopping Turn!

In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we have Chrissy Farrington who shares her journey as a military spouse and how it has shaped her professional experiences. As a military spouse, Chrissy discusses the challenges of not having control over where and for how long they move. Initially working in education as a teacher and director of academic programming, Chrissy transitioned into the world of government contracting and grant writing.

Chrissy highlights the parallels she discovered between teaching and proposal writing, emphasizing the importance of process, strategy, and communication in both fields. She talks about her decision to volunteer for nonprofits and gain experience in grant writing while balancing her role as a military spouse and a mother of three young boys.

Tune in to this insightful episode as Chrissy shares her valuable experiences and provides an inspiring perspective on finding professional fulfillment amidst the challenges faced by military spouses.

Under 10 Minutes to Triumph: The IT Catastrophe That Ignited a Game-Changing Revolution!

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I interview Austin Tsosie, a successful entrepreneur with a remarkable journey, starting with him sharing his experience of growing up on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. He discusses the impact of the sawmill closures, which led his family to move off the reservation. Despite the challenges, his father instilled in him and his twin brother the importance of education and success in fields like medicine, law, and engineering. Fascinated by computers and programming,  Austin pursued a career in IT, navigating the evolving landscape of network engineering and software development.

Tune in to this inspiring episode of The Daily Windup to hear how Austin’s journey unfolded, from the challenges he faced to the pivotal moments that shaped his path as a successful entrepreneur in the IT industry.

Unlock the Ultimate Career Hack: FREE LinkedIn Premium for Military Spouses!

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into an exciting opportunity for military spouses that is often overlooked: free LinkedIn Premium for a full year after they relocate due to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Joined by Chrissy Farrington, we discuss the significance of this offering and how it can benefit military families.

Don’t miss this insightful episode as we shed light on the benefits of LinkedIn Premium for military spouses, share personal experiences, and provide valuable information on how to access this incredible resource. Whether you’re a military spouse or know someone in the military, this episode is a must-listen for those looking to unlock new career possibilities and make the most of their LinkedIn presence.

The Corporate Conspiracy: Why Your Talent Is Being Wasted Every Day!

In this episode of The Daily Wind Up, Ronnette Myers and I explore the importance of talent management in companies and how it often falls short, especially in larger organizations. We highlight the tendency for employees to feel like mere numbers in such companies and emphasizes the need for better utilization of talented individuals. 

Furthermore, we also highlight the community outreach efforts of some companies, such as JLAN Solutions, which leverage their employees’ skills and talents to make a positive impact beyond their regular work. Listen now to learn how you can leverage talent management in your business.

255: Trump Just Shook Up SBA Programs—Here’s What It Means for You!

In this episode, I break down the latest executive orders from President Trump following his 2025 election victory and what they mean for small business owners in the federal space. There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the recent elimination of DEI initiatives and how it impacts SBA programs like HUBZone, 8(a), and Women-Owned Small Business certifications. I clarify the difference between DEI policies and federally mandated small business programs, which are protected under the Small Business Act—not subject to a simple executive order. Plus, I share why a shrinking federal workforce could mean more contract opportunities for small business owners like you.

I also dive into some powerful statistics from 2023—over $700 billion spent in federal contracts, with $180 billion going directly to small businesses. Despite concerns about policy shifts, government spending is only expected to increase, especially in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery. Now is the time to position yourself for success, connect with key decision-makers, and seize the opportunities that are opening up in this evolving market.

The $200K Secret Revealed: Outsmart Cyber Threats on a Budget!

In today’s episode of The Daily Wind Up, we have Former DoD Cyber Crime Director Jeff Stutzman who talks about the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses. He highlights the various risks that businesses face and the standard architecture used to combat these risks. Jeff emphasizes the need to have firewalls and endpoints, training, email protection, and incident response capabilities to safeguard businesses.

He goes on to discuss how small businesses can have affordable cybersecurity solutions. One of his suggestions is using next-generation firewalls with a lot of functionality built-in, such as cloud functionality, DNS filtering, and anti-malware. Jeff explains that these firewalls have a total cost of ownership that is really good and that small businesses can obtain them for roughly $2,000. Listen to this episode now to learn how you can keep your business safe and secured!

How a 3-Day Hustle Landed a Million-Dollar Federal Deal!

In this episode of The Daily Wind Up, we dive into the challenges and lessons learned by Austin Tsosie in the federal contracting industry. Auston shares his experience of starting a small business and the hurdles he faced along the way. From attending conferences to building past performance and landing contracts, he recounts the importance of confidence in navigating the intimidating federal space.

Join us in this insightful episode as we emphasizes the significance of confidence and resilience when starting a small business in the federal contracting arena. Austin’s story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs, reminding them that mistakes are an inevitable part of the journey and can ultimately lead to growth and success.