The Journey of a Small Town Girl to Winning a $300,000 Government Contract

An Unexpected Email Moment

The moment I opened that email felt surreal. There it was, an award letter announcing that I had won a $300,000 contract with the state of New York, and the tears began to flow. Who would have thought that a small-town girl from Buffalo would accomplish something so monumental, all without having to be on-site? It was an emotional moment, one that brought the weight of struggle and self-doubt crashing down.

Navigating Challenges: The Desire to Quit

My journey has not been easy. There were numerous times I wanted to throw in the towel. I found myself pointing fingers and blaming external circumstances for my setbacks. However, the truth is that the journey is filled with challenges and more often than not, we are our own greatest obstacles.

The Power of Mindset

What resonated with me throughout this journey was the idea that “whatever you are thinking that is good, you need to think bigger.” This mantra helped to reframe my mindset. I realized that I was capable of so much more than I previously believed. The words of a mentor, Kizzy, echoed in my mind: “Anything is possible.” It was as if I had the guidance of a hidden hand pushing me forward.

Starting in Logistics

My background is in logistics as a freight broker. I launched my logistics company amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 when freight rates were incredibly high. But by 2022 and into 2023, the landscape began to shift drastically. Rates plummeted, and many companies found it hard to maintain their profit margins. I didn’t want to be part of that statistic. So, I had to ask myself: how could I pivot while keeping my logistics business afloat?

Discovering Government Contracting

That was when I honed in on government contracting. I had my SAM.gov registration for over two years but had done nothing with it. I returned to Ky’s videos, searching for a path forward. The logistics field, predominantly male, is challenging, but I felt a surge of confidence as I embraced my niche as one of the few women in this space.

The Night Shift Hustle

I took on a third shift job, working from 11 PM to 7 AM, which allowed me to spend my days bidding on contracts. I researched heavily about government contracting, absorbing every educational resource I could find. I learned how to navigate federal bids, even if it meant stumbling a few times along the way.

First Steps into Bidding

My first attempts weren’t successful; I bid on federal contracts in California, only to be met with rejection. It took four tries before I hit my first local success. I bid for a 20-foot container, and while I lost that first bid, I was fortunate enough to receive constructive feedback. That debrief was a goldmine; it allowed me to adjust my proposals based on what I learned. Networking also played a crucial role—I realized that government contracting has its nuances similar to logistics.

Winning the First Contract

I eventually received a call from a contracting officer in Erie County. They needed my help after a previous contractor dropped the ball. What I initially thought was a minor contract under $25K turned out to be my stepping stone into larger projects.

Manifestation and Confidence

The award of that first contract came just in time for the New Year, serving as a firm reminder to trust the process. I had envisioned winning big and placed a symbolic fake check for $362,000 on my vision board. When I secured the contract for $320,000 with New York State, it felt like proof that dreams can indeed manifest into reality.

The Importance of Safety and Communication

Tasked with providing tents for an upcoming football season at a local college, I dug deep into research. I uncovered safety issues tied to previous contracts—knowledge that helped me craft a more compelling proposal. It was critical to convey that my solution would ensure safety for attendees. This understanding of real-world implications set my proposal apart.

Building Relationships and Networking

Establishing connections in the government contracting space proved invaluable. I kept the communication lines open with the contracting officer, readily available and eager to answer any queries. This responsiveness played a pivotal role in solidifying my professional relationship, and I made sure that they remembered me, often with small tokens of appreciation like coffee shop gift cards.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

I also attended various networking events to better understand the industry. I attended a government contracting matchmaker event where I learned about bonding as well as proposal writing. Each course and event added to my toolkit, allowing me to take informed actions and decisions.

The Next Chapter: A Year of Opportunity

My first significant contract was a one-year project, a lucrative shift from one-time purchases. Unlike short-term contracts, the long-term project offered ongoing income. My sights are now set on future opportunities, aiming for both state and federal contracts as I continue to scale my business.

A Community of Support

The journey has taught me the importance of community and mentorship. The support I’ve received from mentors in this space has been invaluable, helping me navigate the complexities of government contracting. It’s a reminder that we are often stronger together than apart.

Embracing Fear and Growth

Fear is a natural part of any business journey. It often stands as a barrier to growth. But I discovered that on the other side of fear lies tremendous opportunity and beauty. Instead of allowing it to paralyze me, I leaned into fear and used it as a catalyst for growth.

This journey has turned into an inspiring narrative of resilience, learning, and unending possibilities. It serves to remind us that even from humble beginnings, great achievements can unfold through determination, education, and a community that believes in you.