Navigating Government Contracting: A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey
Meet Theos From Montgomery, Alabama
At just 27 years old, Theos, an ambitious young entrepreneur from Montgomery, Alabama, has stepped into the world of government contracting with both enthusiasm and determination. The owner of Boy Construction Group, Theos has carved a niche in the waste management sector, an unexpected yet pivotal industry within government contracts. He’s frank about his journey and the lessons learned, which can inspire many aspiring contractors, especially those who may feel overwhelmed entering this competitive arena.
Finding Opportunity in Unexpected Places
The story of how Theos transitioned from general construction and remodeling work to specializing in waste management stems from seizing opportunities presented on Sams.gov—the federal government’s procurement website. “I was exploring what was out there, and the opportunities just seemed vast,” he recalls. “I thought, ‘Why not pursue the waste management sector?’ It was a unique direction that aligned with my skills, and I followed the method that I learned about: responding promptly to Source Sought opportunities.”
The Path of Persistence
Securing a government contract involves much more than just filling out paperwork. Theos emphasizes the importance of networking and developing relationships with contract officers. With keen pursuit, he called a contract officer about an opportunity he found online. “I introduced myself and asked to stay in the loop,” he explains. This simple gesture paid off — he received an email on a Sunday night about an upcoming solicitation.
“The key is to act swiftly,” he advises. “Those who delay trying to gather subcontractor prices during the solicitation phase often find themselves at a disadvantage. When everyone is scrambling for quotes, responses can be lackluster.”
Challenges Along the Way
Despite his success, Theos acknowledges that the journey hasn’t been without challenges. A particularly difficult experience involved delays in payments. “I had a vendor billing me for two or three months while the government hadn’t paid anything. It was tough,” he admits. “I found myself begging and pleading just to hold onto my contract.”
Fortunately, after nurturing a strong rapport with his clients, payment timelines improved significantly. The transition from delayed payments to receiving invoices almost immediately was a result of persistent communication and relationship building. As Theos explains, “I learned the hard way that you need some capital to fund projects upfront since you often perform the work before receiving payment.”
The Importance of Certifications
Interestingly, Theos currently operates without any formal certifications, basing his success solely on being registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). “I hear people discuss certifications like they’re a golden ticket,” he shares. “But the truth is, even without certifications, as long as you can solve a problem for the government, they will hire you.”
He encourages young entrepreneurs not to feel daunted by the expectation of formal certifications. “It’s about the service you provide, the quality of your work, and your ability to meet the government’s needs. They have to move that trash; they need repairs—it’s non-negotiable.”
The Journey Ahead
Beginning his entrepreneurial journey in 2018 with pressure washing while still in college, Theos held a job as a lobbyist focused on governmental affairs. This background offered him a unique vantage point to understand the inner workings of government contracts. “When I made the decision to pivot to full-time contracting, my boss offered his full support, which was invaluable,” he recalls.
Current Operations
As for how far he’s stretched his company, Theos has worked throughout Alabama, from the beaches of Gulf Shores to the northern city of Florence, covering a broad swath of the state. His focus continues to be on waste management services, notably securing a contract with an Army training base that will run through 2028.
A Call to Young Entrepreneurs
Theos shares his experiences and challenges not to deter young entrepreneurs but to highlight what’s possible. “Too often, people see barriers rather than the opportunities in front of them,” he says. "I want others like me to envision their potential in the contracting world."
With unwavering determination and a little creativity, young professionals can carve their path in the government contracting space, just as Theos has done. His story serves as a testament that with persistence, networking, and a willingness to tackle unforeseen challenges, success is within grasp.
In Theos’s own words: "If I can do it, why can’t you?"
