Govcon Giants Podcast
Hosted by government contracting expert, 8(a) business mentor, and founder of the Govcon Giants platform, Eric Coffie. With over 250K+ podcast listens, a thriving YouTube channel of 49K+ subscribers, and a LinkedIn community of 19k+ followers, Eric has built one of the most trusted voices in federal contracting. Govcon Giants isn’t just another podcast—it ranks on the U.S. procurement leaderboard and is recognized as the #5 overall creator worldwide in procurement, cementing Eric’s role as a true authority in this space. On this podcast, you’ll discover how to win more contracts, scale your small business into a sustainable government contracting powerhouse, and learn the insider strategies that have helped countless entrepreneurs break into the $700B+ federal marketplace. Through real conversations with industry leaders, agency insiders, and successful business owners, Eric brings you the playbook for success—covering everything from 8(a) certification and set-asides to subcontracting, teaming, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, Govcon Giants is your roadmap to navigating one of the most profitable yet misunderstood markets in the world—government contracting.
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This ONE Proposal Habit Is QUIETLY DISQUALIFYING You!
01/01/2026
This ONE Proposal Habit Is QUIETLY DISQUALIFYING You!
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most common—and costly—mistakes contractors make in proposals: restating requirements instead of demonstrating understanding. Eric explains why copy-and-paste language fails evaluators and how winning proposals clearly show why requirements matter, how work will be executed, and what impact it has on the agency’s mission. Using real examples from a winning proposal, Eric walks through how to turn a PWS into operational reality—showing evaluators that you understand sequencing, mission sensitivity, quality priorities, and unstated but critical requirements buried in the solicitation. From cleaning schedules to Memorial Day staffing nuances, this episode reinforces a simple truth: details win contracts. If you’re serious about improving your technical approach and avoiding proposal-killing oversights, this is a must-listen. Key Takeaways Show understanding, not repetition — explain why requirements matter and how you’ll execute them Translate the PWS into real operations with sequencing, mission awareness, and specific actions Catch unstated but critical details by reading the entire solicitation multiple times If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
/episode/index/show/govcongiants/id/39551335
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308: From 90% Revenue LOSS to 2 Prime WINS: The Relationship Strategy That Worked For Christine Hopkins
12/31/2025
308: From 90% Revenue LOSS to 2 Prime WINS: The Relationship Strategy That Worked For Christine Hopkins
In this episode, Eric Coffie sits down with Christine Hopkins, the CEO behind ASCII Federal Services, a 4PL (fourth-party logistics) company that manages end-to-end supply chain—from procurement and tracking to warehousing, inventory optimization, deliveries, and disposal. Christine shares how an existential crisis during COVID wiped out nearly 90% of revenue, forcing a bold pivot into federal contracting through restructuring ownership, becoming a Woman-Owned Small Business, and leveraging commercial past performance to compete. She walks through her methodical approach: getting registered, submitting “practice bids” for feedback, winning a first prime contract in 18 months, then scaling carefully to protect performance and reputation. The biggest lesson? Relationships and networking are the real differentiator—especially for agencies that avoid risk. Christine also breaks down the conferences, CEO peer network support (Vistage), and learning resources that accelerated her growth—and closes with a reminder that sustained success requires taking care of yourself so you can show up fully. Key Takeaways Relationships are the strategy: Government (and primes) buy from people they know and trust—networking isn’t optional, it’s the edge. Win methodically, not emotionally: Use “practice bids” to learn, protect performance, and scale slowly so you don’t overload your team or reputation. Resilience + restructuring wins: A smart ownership/size restructure plus strong commercial past performance can open the door to prime contracts fast—even after a major revenue hit. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding: Connect with Christine: LinkedIn account: LinkedIn corporate: Website:
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The Quiet Tools Smart Contractors Use to Uncover Locked Doors
12/30/2025
The Quiet Tools Smart Contractors Use to Uncover Locked Doors
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward pulls back the curtain on one of the most frustrating barriers in GovCon: finding the right person to talk to. From leveraging tools like ZoomInfo and federal data sources to dissecting agency budgets and understanding why program managers are intentionally harder to find, this episode shows how winning contractors turn research into access. Eric also explains why relationship-building isn’t about one email or one call—it’s about consistent, informed follow-ups that position you as prepared, professional, and serious long before an RFP is released. Key Takeaways Finding the right contact is often harder than identifying the opportunity Agency budgets reveal priorities before solicitations exist Relationships are built through persistence, not one-time outreach If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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Why Program Managers Don’t Respond—And What to Do Anyway
12/29/2025
Why Program Managers Don’t Respond—And What to Do Anyway
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down one of the most overlooked but powerful strategies in government contracting: using industry day materials to identify and connect with real decision-makers before opportunities hit the street. Randie explains how experienced contractors mine industry day PDFs for program managers, division chiefs, and project leads—and how those early relationships create warm introductions, credibility, and access that most small businesses never get. This episode reinforces a critical mindset shift: relationships are built through preparation, persistence, and professionalism—not instant replies. Key Takeaways Industry day PDFs are contact goldmines—if you actually read them Starting with the small business office increases your credibility Non-responses and rejection are part of the process—keep moving If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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Why “Just Submitting the Bid” Is a Losing Government Contracting Strategy
12/26/2025
Why “Just Submitting the Bid” Is a Losing Government Contracting Strategy
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward walks newer contractors through the unsexy but critical research process most small businesses skip—how to identify the real decision makers behind a federal requirement. From tracking solicitation numbers and awards in SAM.gov to using LinkedIn, forecast lists, and small business offices, Randie shows how winning contractors play investigator long before submitting a bid. The episode reinforces a hard truth in GovCon: if you don’t know who the customer is, you’re not competing—you’re guessing. Key Takeaways The solicitation number is your fastest path back to the real requirement Small business offices can open doors—if you show you’ve done your homework Finding the end user beats chasing the contracting officer every time If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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Why Contracting Officers Aren’t the Real Decision Makers
12/25/2025
Why Contracting Officers Aren’t the Real Decision Makers
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, Randie Ward breaks down the critical difference between tactical and strategic contracting. Randie walks through how experienced contractors identify expiring contracts, research incumbent awards, and uncover the real people behind the requirement—before the RFP ever hits SAM.gov. The episode reinforces a core truth in federal contracting: winning isn’t about reacting to opportunities, it’s about positioning early through relationships with the program office and end users. Key Takeaways SAM.gov is a tool—not a strategy Contracting officers sign awards, but program offices drive decisions Expiring contracts are your best window to build relationships early If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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307: After 32 Years as a CONTRACTING OFFICER, Here’s Why Most Small Businesses LOSE with Shelley Hall
12/24/2025
307: After 32 Years as a CONTRACTING OFFICER, Here’s Why Most Small Businesses LOSE with Shelley Hall
In this episode of the Govcon Giants Podcast, Eric Coffie sits down with Shelley Hall, a former warranted contracting officer with 32 years inside the federal government and now VP of Client Services at Skyway Acquisition Solutions. Shelly shares a rare behind-the-desk perspective—from her time supporting Air Force and Space Force missions to helping contractors navigate today’s chaotic procurement landscape. She explains why not all agencies shut down, where opportunities still exist, and why contractors who stay flexible and informed continue to win—even when others panic. The conversation goes deep into real contractor mistakes that quietly kill opportunities: overestimating capabilities, chasing everything instead of focusing, abusing NAICS codes, and misunderstanding how FAR rules actually apply across agencies. Shelly also breaks down how small businesses can influence outcomes before the RFP drops—through market research, RFIs, and smart engagement with small business liaisons. Her message is clear: success in GovCon isn’t about bidding harder—it’s about showing up earlier, sharper, and more strategically. Key Takeaways Stay in your lane: Overstretching capabilities is one of the fastest ways to lose credibility with contracting officers. NAICS overload is a red flag: Too many NAICS codes signals confusion, not versatility. Market research wins contracts: RFIs and early engagement shape requirements long before proposals are due. If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding: Shelley's Linkedin:
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Why Most SAM.gov RFPs Are TRAPS (And How to Avoid Them!)
12/23/2025
Why Most SAM.gov RFPs Are TRAPS (And How to Avoid Them!)
Not every RFP on SAM.gov is worth chasing—and bidding the wrong ones can drain your time, money, and momentum. In this Federal Help Center episode, Ryan Atencio breaks down how to spot “pre-wired” solicitations, why ultra-specific requirements are often a warning sign, and how smart contractors win by understanding the end user, not just the contracting office. From badge flipping strategies to targeting the real technical decision-makers, this episode pulls back the curtain on how contracts actually get awarded—and how small businesses can position themselves to win without burning out. Key Takeaways Most RFPs are already shaped for someone—learn when to walk away instead of forcing a bid Highly specific personnel and past performance requirements are major red flags Winning often starts with the end user, not the contracting officer If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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The Federal Contracting Mistake That Keeps You INVISIBLE!
12/22/2025
The Federal Contracting Mistake That Keeps You INVISIBLE!
Federal contracts aren’t won by chasing contracting officers or blindly responding to solicitations—they’re captured by getting to the customer first. In this episode, Ryan Atencio explains how large integrators lock in work by identifying key stakeholders, shaping requirements early, and turning services and supplies into unbeatable solutions. From becoming an “unbeatable incumbent” to using custom kits, access control strategies, and technical point-of-contact leverage, this episode reveals how contracts are quietly secured long before competition ever begins. Key Takeaways Contracting officers process paperwork—the customer shapes the outcome If you win a contract and lose the recompete, something went wrong Getting the requirement first lets you control the competition If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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Why the “BORING” Government Contracts Quietly Make the MOST Money
12/19/2025
Why the “BORING” Government Contracts Quietly Make the MOST Money
Professional services may get you in the door—but supplies are often how you scale faster inside federal agencies. In this episode, Ryan Atencio breaks down why selling services as supplies can dramatically reduce friction, shorten buying cycles, and unlock easier revenue. From packaging services into supply contracts to exploiting the government’s preference for fast, low-complexity buys, this conversation exposes the gray-area strategies experienced contractors use to move millions while others stay stuck in slow, painful service procurements. Key Takeaways Service contracts are slow—supplies move fast Packaging services as supplies keeps opportunities alive The “boring” contracts create the most consistent revenue If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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The SIMPLEST Government Contracting STRATEGY Most Contractors Overcomplicate
12/18/2025
The SIMPLEST Government Contracting STRATEGY Most Contractors Overcomplicate
In this episode of the Federal Help Center Podcast, we have Ryan Atencio, a former Army Special Operations veteran turned government contracting insider, to break down how federal contracts actually get created, evaluated, and awarded. Drawing from years spent as the end user, COR, and technical evaluator, Ryan pulls back the curtain on why supplies move faster than services, why construction is the most dangerous lane for small businesses, and how contractors can win by understanding how customers think—not how solicitations are written. Key Takeaways Supplies are the fastest, lowest-friction path to federal revenue Professional services offer scale without construction risk You don’t need product expertise—just access to the customer If you want to learn more about the community and to join the webinars go to: Website: Connect with Encore Funding:
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306: Veteran Entrepreneur Strategies: Why Doing It Alone Cost Him $100K with David Pere
12/17/2025
306: Veteran Entrepreneur Strategies: Why Doing It Alone Cost Him $100K with David Pere
In this episode, Eric sits down with David Pere, a veteran entrepreneur and real estate investor, for a brutally honest conversation about the real price of trying to do business alone. David breaks down how skipping mentorship led to six-figure losses, failed flips, lawsuits, and years of unnecessary stress—mistakes that could have been avoided by simply having the right people to pressure-test decisions. The discussion expands beyond real estate into VA benefits, VA loans, disability claims, business acquisitions, SBA pitfalls, and why so many veterans and entrepreneurs leave massive opportunities on the table. At its core, this episode is about environment: why the people you surround yourself with matter more than the tactics you learn, and how community, accountability, and experienced feedback shorten the path to success while protecting you from avoidable failure. Key Takeaways Mentorship is cheaper than mistakes: one bad deal can cost more than a decade of guidance. Most people don’t lack opportunity—they lack the right environment. Don’t take advice from people you wouldn’t trade places with. Learn more: Connect with Encore Funding:
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Most People Fail in GovCon Because They Never Leave the House
12/16/2025
Most People Fail in GovCon Because They Never Leave the House
In this episode, Eric breaks down how fast your situation can change in government contracting when you stop letting your current circumstances define your future. He shares the real story of going from financial desperation to landing a multi-million-dollar subcontract by taking responsibility, showing up consistently, and positioning himself where opportunity lives. Eric also introduces one of the most overlooked strategies in GovCon: proximity. Whether it’s working from Starbucks, being on base, or simply showing up in the same places every day, relationships are built through presence. You don’t need money, certifications, or a perfect plan — you need to leave the house and put yourself in rooms where decisions are being made. Key Takeaways Where you are today does not determine where you’ll be tomorrow Proximity to decision-makers beats online networking every time Real relationships are built through consistency and showing up Learn more:
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SAIC VP Exposes How Small Businesses Actually Get In the Door
12/15/2025
SAIC VP Exposes How Small Businesses Actually Get In the Door
In this power-packed conversation, Eric sits down with Shawn Kingsberry, VP of Cybersecurity & Treasury Account Executive at SAIC, one of the largest integrators in federal contracting. Sean explains exactly when small businesses should approach primes, how their small business intake process works, and what capabilities large primes are actively looking to partner with right now — especially around cybersecurity, AI, and innovative tech solutions. He breaks down how SAIC selects partners, what small firms often lack when approaching primes, and how to stand out in a crowded environment by bringing real insight and problem awareness from within agencies. If you want to get into SAIC’s ecosystem, start here. Key Takeaways: • Do your homework — know SAIC’s work & come prepared with capabilities + value. • Cyber, AI, automation & agentic AI solutions are actively needed — bring new ideas. • Relationships + insights matter — if you know agency pain points, you have leverage. Learn more: Watch the full Youtube episode here:
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97% of Small GovCon Businesses Will Fail When Funding Returns — Don’t Be One of Them
12/12/2025
97% of Small GovCon Businesses Will Fail When Funding Returns — Don’t Be One of Them
If you're a small business tired of losing to the same primes, submitting proposals into a black hole, or waiting for 8(a) magic that never arrives—this episode is your wake-up call. Eric sits down with four real former federal contracting officers who awarded contracts for AI weapon systems, billion-dollar construction, and tech transformation programs—and they openly share what agencies really look for, why small businesses get ignored, and the strategies that actually work when government spending spikes again. From how they're stalking your LinkedIn before reading your email, to why capability beats certification, to the power of relationships, partnerships, and diversifying into state/local/commercial pipelines—this conversation unlocks the playbook that will separate the 3% of winners from the 97% about to get shut out. Key Takeaways Certifications ≠ contracts—relationships, capability & visibility win. Know your customer deeply: agency needs, expiring contracts & program managers. Diversify now—state/local/commercial work keeps you alive when federal slows. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube episode here:
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You Got 8(a)... Now What? Why No Contracts Are Coming
12/11/2025
You Got 8(a)... Now What? Why No Contracts Are Coming
In today's episode, Eric sits down with Venus Quates, President & CEO of LaunchTech, to unpack the real truth about certifications—how they open doors, how they fail you when you rely on them alone, and why hunger and capability win long-term. Venus shares how she landed her very first state contract by responding overnight, expanded the work, underpriced herself, lost money, and still used the opportunity as a launchpad to scale. She also breaks down why certs don't equal contracts, the danger of relying on 8(a)/SDVOSB status without capability, and how partnerships, pricing strategy, and operational readiness matter far more than a badge on paper. Key Takeaways Certifications open the door — capability, hunger & execution keep you inside. Underpricing kills margins — learn pricing, back-office operations & contract math early. 8(a) ≠ automatic revenue; partnerships & performance create real opportunity. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Episode here:
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305: AI Is Coming for Your Job: Why Most Workers Won’t Survive Without New Skills with Justin Vianello
12/10/2025
305: AI Is Coming for Your Job: Why Most Workers Won’t Survive Without New Skills with Justin Vianello
In this episode of Govcon Giants, Eric sits down with Justin Vianello, CEO and equity partner at SkillStorm, to unpack how federal agencies and large integrators can stop recycling the same expensive talent and start building net-new cleared technologists. Justin shares his global journey from chartered accountant at PwC to scaling multiple companies and exiting, and how that experience led him to a “hire, train, deploy” model that develops new talent instead of bidding up the same résumés. He breaks down why traditional degree requirements are outdated, how certifications and apprenticeships are creating better ROI, and where the real opportunities are in cybersecurity, AI, cloud, and platform-specific roles like Salesforce, AWS, and Palantir. You’ll hear Justin’s take on why big consulting firms and government need to rethink workforce strategy, how SkillStorm pays people during training to focus on learning, and why soft skills—communication, leadership, and presentation—are the real differentiators in an AI-powered world. Eric and Justin also explore the gap between college promises and reality, the power of apprenticeships and military “cool”/GI Bill pathways, and what agency heads must do now if they want lower costs, better teams, and faster delivery on critical missions. Key Takeaways: Upskilling & reskilling are the real moat: certifications + platform skills (cloud, cyber, AI) + soft skills beat generic degrees in today’s federal tech market. Custom-built teams > resume recycling: Skillstorm’s “hire, train, deploy” model creates new cleared talent, reduces costs, and gets billable teams productive on day one. College is optional, not mandatory: for many roles, apprenticeships, technical certs, and on-the-job training now offer better ROI, especially for veterans and career changers. Learn more: Encore Funding: Join the bootcamp: Justin's LinkedIn: Justin's Twitter/X:
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Stop Wasting Your 20s: The 7 Skills That Actually Make You Rich
12/09/2025
Stop Wasting Your 20s: The 7 Skills That Actually Make You Rich
In this reflective and brutally practical episode, Eric reveals the seven lessons that turned his messy, uncertain 20s into the foundation for multiple million-dollar businesses. From mastering high-value skills to buying back his time, building quietly, learning real money math, and valuing relationships, Eric walks through the decisions, mentors, and mindset shifts that created his construction, real estate, and digital-product success. He shares vulnerable stories—like missing his aunt’s final moments due to work—that reshaped his priorities and led him to build a life centered on freedom, not just income. This episode is a blueprint for anyone who wants to avoid wasted years, build wealth intentionally, and design a life that actually feels good. Key Takeaways Skills outlive job titles—sales, persuasion, and leverage are the $10M skill sets that pay forever. Buy back your time early: outsource, document, delegate, and focus on high-value work. Freedom is the real finish line—build income that supports your life, not a life that serves your income. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Episode here:
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The Government Doesn’t Care About Your Small Business—Here’s How You Win Anyway!
12/08/2025
The Government Doesn’t Care About Your Small Business—Here’s How You Win Anyway!
In this brutally honest episode, Eric tears down the myths that keep small businesses broke and frustrated in government contracting. He breaks down why the system was never designed with small businesses in mind, how weighted goals inflate the government’s success numbers, and why relying on SAM.gov or SBA programs alone will keep you invisible. Eric exposes how top primes and politically connected companies dominate the market—and shares what small businesses must do right now to compete despite the odds. If you’re ready to stop complaining and start winning, this episode is the wake-up call. Key Takeaways The system isn’t broken—it's working exactly as designed, and small businesses are not the priority. Relying on SAM.gov, set-asides, or “fairness” guarantees failure—real winners learn the full landscape of 90+ opportunity portals and power relationships. You can still win big, but only once you accept the reality, stop waiting for help, and actively learn how the game truly works. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Episode here:
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You’re Approaching Primes Wrong—SAIC VP Reveals What Actually Works!
12/05/2025
You’re Approaching Primes Wrong—SAIC VP Reveals What Actually Works!
In this power-packed conversation, Eric sits down with Sean Kingsbury, VP of Cybersecurity and Account Executive for the Department of Treasury at SAIC, to reveal exactly how small businesses can partner with one of the biggest integrators in the game. Sean breaks down when to approach primes, how SAIC vets potential partners, the role of their small business POC, and what capabilities are in highest demand—especially around cyber, AI agents, automation, and risk reduction. If you’ve ever wondered how to get noticed, when to reach out, or what SAIC actually looks for in a teaming partner… this episode gives you the blueprint. Key Takeaways Approach SAIC early and after RFP release—both windows matter. They actively evaluate small businesses through a dedicated intake and vetting process. Come prepared. Do your research, know SAIC’s missions, and clearly articulate capabilities, past performance, and where you fit in their ecosystem. Cyber + AI are high-priority needs. SAIC is looking for innovative small businesses with solutions that reduce risk, workload, and cost through measurable outcomes. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Episode here:
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If You Don’t Know About Vendor Pools, You’re Losing Money Every Month
12/04/2025
If You Don’t Know About Vendor Pools, You’re Losing Money Every Month
In this episode, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—entry points in government contracting: local vendor pool contracts. Using Miami-Dade County as an example, Eric shows how pre-qualification pools work, why they offer low competition, and how one of his students used this exact method to go from $0 to $90,000 per month in revenue. From finding underpopulated pools, to leveraging mandatory site visits, to understanding why local vendors have a massive advantage, Eric gives a step-by-step roadmap anyone can follow—even with no licenses, no certifications, and very little capital. Key Takeaways Vendor pools = small competition + long-term contracts. Many city and county pool contracts run 5–8 years and allow late entry, giving local businesses repeatable opportunities with far fewer bidders than federal work. Local vendors have built-in advantages. Proximity, mandatory site visits, and the ability to estimate real competition make these contracts ideal for beginners with limited resources. Start with low-risk, high-demand categories. Rental equipment, debris removal, installation/maintenance, and simple supply items can be fulfilled using vendor credit (Home Depot, rental companies) with minimal upfront cost. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Episode here:
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304: From Zero GovCon Experience to Buying a 20-Year Federal Contractor with Mario Antwine
12/03/2025
304: From Zero GovCon Experience to Buying a 20-Year Federal Contractor with Mario Antwine
On this episode of the GovCon Giants Podcast, Eric sits down with Mario Antwine, Yale and Howard grad, M&A strategist, and new owner of Pearl Interactive Network, to break down how a finance guy bought an eight-figure federal contractor and is now scaling it like a private equity platform. Mario shares why he targeted GovCon specifically, how he acquired Pearl sight unseen, and the operational upgrades he’s made to modernize a 20-year-old business process outsourcing company serving HHS, DOD, VA, and DHS. You’ll hear how he thinks about systems, advisors, and culture, why he’s aggressively hunting small-business teaming partners, and why the future of GovCon belongs to companies that pair mission-driven work with tech-enabled innovation. Key Takeaways: Buy, don’t just build: Mario used acquisition—backed by strong advisors and a clear thesis—to enter GovCon and rapidly step into large, long-term federal contracts instead of starting from scratch. Teaming as a growth engine: Pearl is actively looking for small-business partners in digital transformation, cloud/ServiceNow, behavioral health, automation, and IT help desk across HHS, Defense Health, VA, and DHS. Platforms > one-off contracts: The winners in the next phase of GovCon will be those who build repeatable systems, tech-enabled delivery models, and mission-focused platforms that agencies and primes can’t imagine operating without. Learn more: Encore Funding: Join the bootcamp: Tony's Linkedin: Website:
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Why Your Community Is Your Greatest GovCon Advantage
12/02/2025
Why Your Community Is Your Greatest GovCon Advantage
In this episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric reflects on why he left Florida to plant himself in the heart of federal activity—because real opportunity often sits closest to the fire. Joined by seasoned former senior executives from NIH, USDA, and major federal organizations, the conversation touches on the importance of showing up, investing in community, strengthening your credentials, and positioning yourself inside key socioeconomic and professional groups. Eric pulls back the curtain on why proximity, collaboration, and continuous self-development will determine who thrives as new coalitions and high-level industry connections are formed. Key Takeaways Proximity creates opportunity: Being close to federal decision-makers accelerates relationship-building and access. Sharpen your credentials: Use downtime to update certifications, join associations, and stay active in professional groups. Engage the ecosystem: Chambers, NCMA chapters, and socioeconomic organizations open doors most small businesses never tap into. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Live here:
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Why Your Federal Meetings Aren’t Working — Harsh Truth Ahead!
12/01/2025
Why Your Federal Meetings Aren’t Working — Harsh Truth Ahead!
In this episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric is joined by Danielle and Amy for a tactical breakdown on how small businesses can still win—even in a slow, uncertain GovCon climate. They share real-world strategies on how to secure meetings with federal officials (including the “red dress recognition trick”), why tenacity beats desperation every time, and how to build winning teaming partnerships by actually knowing your partners—not just swapping capability statements. From conference strategy, to LinkedIn visibility, to choosing partners you’d survive a six-hour road trip with, this conversation reveals exactly how to grow your GovCon network and pipeline even when the industry feels frozen. Key Takeaways Stop chasing — start showing up: Conferences, industry days, associations, and LinkedIn circles open doors faster than cold outreach. Build partnerships you trust: Choose teaming partners you actually like, know deeply, and communicate with often. Tenacity > salesiness: Relationships that close deals take time, consistency, and authenticity — not pressure. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Live here:
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Why Your Capability Statement Is Quietly Costing You Contracts
11/28/2025
Why Your Capability Statement Is Quietly Costing You Contracts
In this episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric sits down with Danielle, Amy, and Diane to break down the most overlooked moves small businesses should make during slow periods in GovCon. The panel shares actionable strategies on strengthening your brand visibility on LinkedIn, fixing the gaps inside your capability statement and pitch deck, refining your tech stack, and—most critically—truly understanding your customer before you send a single email. Whether it's researching expiring contracts, aligning with agency pain points, or showing up prepared at industry events, this conversation reveals how to prepare now so you’re positioned to win the moment the government reopens. Key Takeaways Know your customer before you outreach: Study expiring contracts, agency pain points, and program priorities—don’t pitch blindly. Fix what’s broken now: Update your capability statement, pitch deck, and internal systems while competition is slowing down. Stay visible and valuable: Use LinkedIn consistently, show thought leadership, and refine your brand so you’re in the room when opportunities arise. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Live here:
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The #1 Reason Small GovCon Firms Fall Behind During a Shutdown
11/27/2025
The #1 Reason Small GovCon Firms Fall Behind During a Shutdown
In this timely episode of The Eric Coffey Show, Eric sits down with Danielle and Amy to unpack what small businesses should be doing right now as the shutdown slows federal acquisition. They break down the practical moves contractors can execute today—strategic partnerships, diversifying into state and commercial markets, staying visible online, and tightening your brand and capability positioning. The panel also stresses the importance of joining (or creating) think tanks, keeping LinkedIn current, tracking regulatory changes, and sharpening your understanding of your customer as agencies prepare for major reorganizations once the government reopens. Key Takeaways Diversify & Pivot: Explore state, local, commercial, and adjacent markets to keep revenue flowing while federal spending slows. Stay Visible: Keep networking, update LinkedIn and capabilities, and join (or build) think tanks to expand your circle and opportunities. Prepare for the Reopen: Monitor regulatory changes, study agency reorganizations, and understand your customer deeply so you’re ready the moment doors open. Learn more: Join the bootcamp: Watch the full Youtube Live here:
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303: The Hard Truth: Your Market Doesn’t Know You (or Trust You) with Tony Gray
11/26/2025
303: The Hard Truth: Your Market Doesn’t Know You (or Trust You) with Tony Gray
In this episode, Eric sits down with Tony Gray from the Global Business Development Association to completely reframe what business development really is—and why most companies get it wrong. Tony explains how he built the Business Development Body of Knowledge after years of struggling to “break into BD,” why traditional labels like B2B/B2C/B2G are less important than intent and trust, and how purpose, empathy, and truth literally create the brain chemistry that drives deals. He breaks down the difference between sales and true business development, shows how untrained teams cause massive revenue leakage, and shares practical tactics like open-book BD certification, community-led growth, and agile proposal methods that stop relying on overworked SMEs and start producing cleaner, clearer, more winnable bids. Key Takeaways Trust is the first principle of BD – purpose, empathy, and truth drive the brain chemistry that leads to real, lasting relationships and referrals. Everyone in your company is a business developer – if your team can’t spot customer pain points and route them back to leadership, you’re leaking revenue. Community-led growth beats going solo – partnering with aligned experts and building niche communities gets you into new markets faster than cold outreach alone. Learn more: Encore Funding: Join the bootcamp: Tony's Linkedin: Website:
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One Wrong Subcontractor Cost Them Everything—Here’s How They Survived
11/25/2025
One Wrong Subcontractor Cost Them Everything—Here’s How They Survived
In this episode of The Eric Coffie Show, Eric sits down with longtime student-turned-power player, Randy Ward, to unpack the real-life wins, losses, crises, and comebacks behind her remarkable GovCon journey—including how she landed $17M in contracts during COVID, survived a rogue subcontractor who tried to sabotage her, and how relationships inside federal agencies saved a major project from collapsing. Eric and Randy share unfiltered stories from the field, the mindsets that separate winners from pretenders, and why the upcoming women’s group inside the community is becoming a must-have space for rising GovCon leaders. Key Takeaways Relationships beat credentials—Randy’s FAA contract survived because of agency trust, not paperwork. Subs can make or break you—one greedy subcontractor nearly killed a multimillion-dollar project. You don’t need perfect credit or bonding—Randy still won contracts worth over $17M during COVID. Learn more: Watch the full Youtube Live here:
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Listen! If You Wait for the Shutdown to End, You Already Lost
11/24/2025
Listen! If You Wait for the Shutdown to End, You Already Lost
In this episode of The Eric Coffie Show, Eric challenges listeners to stop waiting for the shutdown to end and start preparing now—because when the government reopens, only the ready will win. He breaks down why agencies like DoD, CIA, FBI, and DHS are still fully funded and still awarding contracts, and shares real examples of entrepreneurs who are writing proposals, hiring staff, and securing wins during the shutdown. Eric and Randy also address community needs—including the launch of a women’s group—and emphasize the importance of staying engaged, sharing ideas, and building the confidence to step into rooms with major agencies and primes. This episode is a push to stop hesitating, start preparing, and recognize that underdogs belong at the table just as much as anyone else. Key Takeaways Shutdowns don’t stop DoD, intel agencies, or funded departments—opportunities are still active. Winners prepare during downtime: proposals, readiness, relationships, and strategy. Community matters—sharing ideas, building confidence, and creating spaces (like a women’s group) accelerates growth. Learn more: Watch the full Youtube Live here:
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The Scary Truth: Why Most Small Businesses Aren’t Ready for Real GovCon Opportunities
11/21/2025
The Scary Truth: Why Most Small Businesses Aren’t Ready for Real GovCon Opportunities
In this episode of The Eric Coffie Show, Eric reveals why so many small businesses struggle in GovCon—not because opportunities are scarce, but because most aren’t procurement-ready when it counts. He highlights how high-level relationships with major primes like SAIC, Encore Funding, Collins Aerospace, and federal agencies open doors to subcontracting opportunities even during market slowdowns, and he shares the powerful story of winning a $5M subcontract with bad credit, debt, and zero bonding by leveraging partnerships and vendor credit. Eric also breaks down the revamped Federal Help Center, now built to help beginners get foundational tools in the Starter Group while serious contractors get advanced deal-making strategy inside the Pro Hub, backed by lenders, CDFIs, and industry insiders committed to helping small businesses win. Key Takeaways Most businesses lose in GovCon because they’re not procurement-ready when opportunity arrives. You can win major contracts as a subcontractor—even without capital, bonding, or great credit. The right community and prime relationships unlock opportunities no bid website ever will. Learn more: Watch the full Youtube Live here:
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