271: How to Get FEMA Work Without Being a Prime Contractor with Jamelyn Austin Trucks
Release Date: 05/14/2025
Certified in 2010, Regret in 2020: The 8(a) Government Contracting Mistake You Can’t Afford
Govcon Giants Podcast
In today's insightful discussion, we explore the intricacies of the 8(a) certification process and how to maximize its potential. Our guest shares their journey of seeking out 8(a) certification and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Discover the importance of building relationships with government agencies and the significance of having the right teaming partners to unlock lucrative opportunities. Learn from the experiences of our guest as they navigate the complexities of government contracting, from exploring nix codes to capitalizing on the 8(a) program effectively. Tune in for...
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You Can’t Be What You Can’t See: Why Visibility Matters in Government Contracting
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of The Daily Windup,we bring you the inspiring story of Jamecee Pinkney, a successful entrepreneur based in Northern Virginia. We dive into her journey and the challenges she faced while trying to gain recognition in the competitive world of federal procurement. Jamicee shares how he met me at a conference in Nashville, where we discussed the importance of giving credit to talented individuals who often go unnoticed. With a passion for promoting other entrepreneurs, Jamecee found himself in a position to showcase hidden talents and help them gain the recognition they deserved....
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How One Strategy Landed $683 Million in Government Contracts
Govcon Giants Podcast
Welcome back to another episode of The Daily Windup. Today our guest shares valuable insights on hiring and compensation, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. We explore the idea of offering fair salaries, especially to younger professionals fresh out of college, and the benefits of providing regular raises based on performance and growth. In this episode, we discuss the importance of being nimble and flexible as small businesses in setting our own policies and procedures, unlike larger corporations. Our guest emphasizes the need to follow the money and stay...
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278: Why Private Credit Is the Future of Government Contracting Finance
Govcon Giants Podcast
Ever been burned by finance companies, I know I have. So often as small minority owned businesses we do not get the best rates, offers or just out right get taken advantage of because of what we don’t know. Thanks to our new partner, Encore Funding we are now bringing you a trusted source for government contract financing. With more than $500M in funding going to minorities alone in 2024 Encore is here to support your business. Visit encoregov.com for information on how to apply. In today’s episode of Govcon Giants, I’m joined by Joel, founder of Encore Funding—an alternative...
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Want Government Contracts? This One Tip Will Make Them Take Your Call Every Time!
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of The Daily Windup, I interviews a guest who shares insights into the role of a small business advocate within a larger company. Our guest highlights their responsibilities, which include helping small businesses learn about their company, supporting capture managers during proposal processes, and identifying capable small businesses to form teams for bidding on projects. Emphasizing the importance of networking and connecting small businesses with potential customers or partners, even if it may not directly benefit their own company. The guest also underscores the...
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This Former Developer Cracked the $150M Government Contracting Code!
Govcon Giants Podcast
In this episode of The Daily Windup, I interview a guest who shares their career journey from being a software developer to transitioning into business development in the government contracting industry. The guest discusses their experience managing a CSO (Customer Service Operations) and how it led to an opportunity to work for a government contracting company. We delve into the process of joining an 8(a) company that was graduating from the 8(a) program and acquiring CMMI Level 3 certification, which ultimately attracted the attention of GDIIT (General Dynamics Information Technology). We...
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277: She Was a Stay-at-Home Mom—Now She’s a Government Consultant
Govcon Giants Podcast
In today’s episode, we’re spotlighting Angela Chamberlain, a first-generation Filipino-American and stay-at-home mom who took a bold leap into government contracting—and landed big. With no background in construction, no federal experience, and no traditional “qualifications,” Angela trusted her gut, followed the GovCon Giants blueprint, and turned her mornings into momentum. From hearing me on the Trucking Hustle podcast to closing her first consulting deal and helping a local HVAC company win a $250,000 contract, her story is all about grit, heart, and taking aligned action. Angela...
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276: At 23, He Landed His First Consulting Client—Here’s How!
Govcon Giants Podcast
In today’s episode I'm joined by my 23-year-old son, Branden Coffie, who just locked in his first government consulting client... with no degree and no prior contracting experience. Branden walks us through how he took what he learned behind the scenes—editing my videos, watching coaching calls, and consuming the content—and turned it into a repeatable action plan that landed him a deal with an 8(a)-certified plastics manufacturer. We break down the exact script he used, how he found the opportunity, and why confidence and clarity matter more than credentials. If you’ve ever...
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275: Use This Consulting Hack to Tap Into Multi-Million Dollar Government Contracts
Govcon Giants Podcast
If you’re out there grinding with no past performance, no big contracts, and no traction—this episode is your wake-up call. I break down the exact strategy I used in 2008 to go from zero to six figures by leveraging the consultant model—a proven shortcut to skip the five-year contract cycles and piggyback off other companies’ capabilities. We’re not here to chase $25k crumbs—we’re here to build real wealth, and it starts with thinking differently. I even brought in insight from Dan Peña, who used this same model to build a $50B empire from scratch. In this episode, I walk you...
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274: Turn Your Hustle Into a Government Contracting Consulting Business
Govcon Giants Podcast
In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most asked-about topics in the game—how to become a successful government consultant. Whether you’re doing this full-time or trying to make it work on the side, this episode lays out the real blueprint. I'm walking you step-by-step through everything I’ve learned in the trenches—how to structure your business legally, how to find and pitch to million-dollar companies, how to position yourself as a value-add even if you’ve got zero past performance. I’m not holding anything back. We’re talking capability statements, payment...
info_outlineToday’s show was brought to you by our sponsor Encore Funding. Have you or someone you know recently been awarded a government contract and cannot secure funding? Encore Funding has your back, with a recently launched Government division they are funding your receivables so you can just focus on the work. Visit encoregov.com for more information on how to get the money you need to continue growing your business.
In today’s episode, I caught up with Jamelyn Austin Trucks live from a procurement event in the City of Miami. Jamelyn is the Practice Director for Grants, Resiliency, and Master Planning at AtkinsRéalis, and she shares her unique vantage point working with FEMA, DOD, and other federal agencies on disaster recovery, transportation, and planning projects. What stood out was her emphasis on the critical role small businesses play—especially those with niche expertise and community knowledge. She breaks down how firms like hers seek out small business partners and what it takes to maintain long-term teaming relationships—beyond certifications, it’s about communication, quality, and trust.
We also talk shop on real pathways to working with FEMA and other agencies without going through the front door. Jamelyn lays out the kinds of conferences and industry events where firms like hers scout for partners and gives practical advice on how to stand out, get your foot in the door, and keep it there. This is a must-listen if you're a small business looking to team up with prime contractors in the federal space.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamelyn-austin-trucks-cfm-pmp-31325112/
Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atkinsrealis/