Author: Eric Coffie

In this episode of GovCon Giants, I sit down with Devoski Boyd, a 27-year-old trailblazer who’s rewriting the rules for young entrepreneurs in the federal contracting space. Starting as a college pressure washing business owner, Devoski now heads Boyd Construction Group, a thriving government contracting business. He’s landed long-term federal contracts, including a game-changing waste management contract with an Army training base in Alabama—all without certifications. Devoski’s story proves that strategic market research and responding to sources sought notices on sam.gov can lead to massive opportunities.

We discuss how the shrinking pool of small businesses registered on sam.gov—down to less than 70,000—is creating unparalleled chances for new contractors. Devoski also shares his secrets to managing capital effectively and building a legacy for his family. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into government contracting or turn a simple sam.gov registration into transformative contracts, this episode is for you. Stay tuned for insights that could change your approach to federal contracting forever!

In this episode of the GovCon Giants Podcast, we have Astrelain Josue, the managing partner of Astral Appraisal Management, to discuss his inspiring journey from running a traditional real estate appraisal business to becoming a powerhouse in the federal contracting world.

Astrelain shares how he secured 15 federal contracts with the USDA Rural Housing Division and his involvement in a billion-dollar IDIQ contract, all without any federal certifications when starting out. This episode dives deep into the strategies, relationships, and mindset that fueled his success.

Whether you’re just starting in the federal contracting space or looking to take your business to the next level, Astrelain’s journey offers actionable insights and inspiration. Stay tuned for his practical tips on how you can position yourself for success in this competitive market.

Contact: https://www.astroamc.com/contact

In this episode of the GovCon Giants Podcast, we welcome a visionary entrepreneur Delali Dzirasa, founder and CEO of Fearless, a company that creates software designed to make meaningful social impact. Delali shares his inspiring journey of building Fearless from a small two-person operation into a nationally recognized leader in government technology solutions. The discussion dives into the company’s mission to create “software with soul” and its focus on innovative projects that address social justice and empower underserved communities.

Delali opens up about the challenges he faced as a minority entrepreneur in the world of government contracting, often finding himself as the only person of color in the room. Instead of letting these obstacles deter him, he leaned into his mission, breaking barriers and paving the way for others in the industry.

The episode is packed with valuable insights on leadership, scaling through acquisitions, and leveraging focus as a powerful tool for business growth. For anyone interested in making an impact in government contracting or building a purpose-driven business, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in for inspiration and practical advice from Delali’s trailblazing experience that will leave you motivated to pursue your goals.

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

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

Today, we’re diving into a mind-blowing conversation with Kevie Hendricks, a 20-year veteran in the government contracting world and founder of National Materials Supply Company. Known as the DLA Guru, Kevie has secured thousands of contracts for both federal and commercial customers. He’ll reveal how his journey from working at Anheuser Busch and Boeing on multimillion-dollar foreign military sales led him to become a key supplier for the U.S. Military through the Defense Logistics Agency.

Whether you’re new to contracting or a seasoned pro, this episode will open your eyes to the opportunities and challenges in today’s post-pandemic contracting landscape.

In this episode, Kevie shares the strategies that helped him build his empire, insights into how the federal supply chain has evolved, and the biggest mistakes contractors make when starting out. From managing warehouses in St. Louis to navigating lucrative DLA contracts, Kevie’s story is a blueprint for success.

Grab your notebook, sit back, and get ready for an episode packed with actionable advice and insider tips that could land you your next big contract.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thedlaguru

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

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

Twitter X: https://twitter.com/theDLAguru

In today’s episode, we reconnect with a guest who left a lasting impression back in 2019 — Mr. Jon Tellier, founder and president of JetCo Solutions, a trailblazer in the federal contracting space.

If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll remember Jon’s incredible story of building JetCo Solutions from scratch. With nothing more than a small nest egg, a leap of faith, and a lot of grit, he and his wife, Sue, took on the highs and lows of government contracting — one proposal, one client at a time. Fast forward to 2023, and JetCo has earned the prestigious title of Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year.

But here’s the kicker: a lot has changed since we last spoke. In this episode, we dive into the next chapter of Jon’s journey. From growing his team to navigating the most significant shifts in the government contracting world — like the rise of AI, new cybersecurity requirements, and staying competitive in an evolving market — Jon shares his hard-earned insights.

You’ll hear how JetCo adapted their strategies, won even bigger contracts, and maintained their scrappy, success-driven mindset. Plus, stick around for Jon’s exclusive tips for businesses just starting in government contracting and the one question he wishes he had asked at the beginning of his journey.

And that’s not all! We’ll also get into his thoughts on the future of government contracting, including a game-changing emerging trend no one is talking about — yet.

This episode is packed with inspiration, actionable advice, and strategies to help you level up your business. So grab your notebook, tune in, and learn from a true giant in the industry. Let’s jump right in with Mr. Jon Tellier!

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jetco-solutions/

Episode 38: https://govcongiants.org/038-jon-tellier

In this episode of the GovCon Giants podcast, I’m bringing back a true powerhouse in the world of government contracting — Michelle Burnett, Executive Director of the HubZone Contractors National Council and President of HubZone Council, Inc. If you’ve ever wondered why billions in HubZone contracts go unclaimed or how to position your business for success, this episode is for you.

Michelle breaks down the real challenges facing small businesses trying to tap into HubZone opportunities. We talk about new regulations, the power of teaming, and why small firms (even with less than 10 employees) can still win big. She shares game-changing strategies on how to “flip the script” and position your company as a must-have partner for larger contractors.

We also dig into the true mission behind the HubZone program — it’s not just about landing contracts, it’s about revitalizing communities and creating jobs where they’re needed most. Plus, Michelle shares success stories of businesses that have leveraged these strategies to change their entire trajectory.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, insider tips, and a fresh perspective on HubZone opportunities. If you want to learn how to turn overlooked set-asides into wins, you need to tune in.

Hubzone Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hubzone-contractors-national-council/

In this episode of the GovCon Giants podcast, we sit down with Fergal McGovern, CEO of Visible Thread, a trailblazer in government contracting and software innovation. As the first guest of his kind on the show, Fergal shares his remarkable journey from launching his first company, Still Trace, to leading the development of Visible Thread — a revolutionary tool designed to simplify the review and interpretation of complex government documents. His career is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the ability to transform industry challenges into groundbreaking solutions.

Throughout the conversation, we delve into the nuances of language in government contracts, highlighting the most common linguistic mistakes that even seasoned professionals make. Fergal reveals how automation and software can significantly streamline the document review process, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce the risk of costly errors. He also emphasizes the critical role that storytelling plays in making proposals stand out in the competitive federal marketplace.

Fergal’s unique approach to proposal review is transforming how companies navigate government contracts. His insights provide a fresh perspective on how technology, clear communication, and strategy can give contractors a competitive edge. From his experiences building software companies to his game-changing work with Visible Thread, Fergal offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, automation, and the future of proposal management.

This episode is a must-listen for government contractors, proposal writers, and anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of federal contracts. Stay tuned to the end, where Fergal reveals the ultimate language hack that could change the way you approach your next proposal.

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

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

In this episode, we welcome Ed Tuorinsky, a veteran cybersecurity thought leader and CEO of DTS, a company excelling in both the federal and commercial sectors.

Ed shares his inspiring journey from military service to founding a successful company, overcoming challenges in IT, and navigating the highly competitive world of federal contracts. But his story goes beyond winning contracts—it’s about leading with integrity, building a solid team, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Whether you’re an experienced government contractor or exploring opportunities in federal contracting, this episode is packed with actionable advice and wisdom to help you grow your business. Stay tuned to find out the answer and gain valuable insights from our latest giant, Ed Tuorinsky.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-tuorinsky-78a6774/

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

Website: https://consultdts.com/

Contact: [email protected]