On today's episode of The Daily Windup, our guest shares insights on the shortage of subcontractors, leading to difficulties in finding reliable suppliers for projects, especially in certain regions like South Florida. We discuss the impact of subcontractor performance on projects and explore strategies for handling escalating costs in government contracts. Negotiating fair prices and creating a level playing field for subcontractors are essential considerations. We also explore how to build the...
Jul 03, 2025•12 min
You ever felt like the rules of government contracting change before you can even understand them? In this episode, I sat down with Emily Murphy—former GSA Administrator and current head of Government Procurement Strategies—to break down everything you need to know about the FAR Rewrite and how it impacts small businesses, AI, commercial solutions, and contract consolidation. We’re talking about sweeping changes being implemented within 24 hours , missing references to small businesses in key pa...
Jul 02, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 282
In this episode of The Daily Windup, Eric Coffie introduces us to a former corporate professional, Yolanda Clarke who struggled to find their place in the competitive job market despite multiple degrees and valuable experience. Yolanda, shares her journey of constantly fighting to reach the elusive "middle" in their career. She discuss the challenges of seeking opportunities in the defense industry and the difficulties faced by military spouses in finding stable employment. She reveals how a piv...
Jul 01, 2025•5 min
In this episode of The Daily Windup we delve into the crucial but often overlooked aspect of pricing in contracting. Our guest, a seasoned contractor, shares his experiences of working with small businesses and the constant queries they receive about pricing jobs. He also emphasizes the importance of asking the right pricing questions and how it can make or break a contract. Recounting their journey of learning the intricacies of pricing, including the mistakes made along the way, and the need t...
Jun 30, 2025•7 min
In this episode of The Daily Windup, we delve into the crucial role of the New York State Department of Labor and its significance in protecting workers and small businesses alike. Our guest, a former New York State Labor Inspector General, shares invaluable insights gained from 12 years in government service. We explore the origins of the Department of Labor, which was formed as a response to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and how it continues to advocate for the rights and safety...
Jun 27, 2025•8 min
In today's episode of the Daily Windup, we dive into the world of government contracts and how startups can navigate this complex landscape. Our speakers discuss the importance of FedRAMP certification and how it can open doors for small businesses. They share valuable advice on building a track record and finding the right niche to deliver value to government agencies. Our guest, an experienced entrepreneur, shares the story of how they secured their first government contract and the valuable l...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min
Ever wonder why you keep losing government contracts while the big guys stay winning? It’s because 95% of opportunities never even hit SAM.gov — they’re locked up in existing contract vehicles you don’t know how to tap. Today, I brought on Ryan Atencio, a boots-on-the-ground expert who learned federal contracting from the inside as a special operations buyer. He’s revealing exactly how veterans and folks with base access can skip the line and win sole-source deals — even with zero past performan...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 281
In this episode of The Daily Windup, Eric speaks with Brian, an entrepreneur and compliance officer, about his experiences in the government contracting industry. Brian's firm specializes in working with government agencies on various projects, focusing on compliance and driving opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses (MWBEs). Brian shares how his office in Manhattan transitioned to remote work during the pandemic, and he emphasizes the importance of living near an airport to serve...
Jun 24, 2025•8 min
Welcome to a new episode of The Daily Windup! Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Yolanda Clark, CEO of Powder River Industries, a small business that has successfully navigated the world of defense contracts and specialized in DevSecOps and infrastructure as code services. Yolanda shared her journey of bringing stability to her business by establishing headquarters in Wyoming while her spouse serves in the military. In our conversation, Yolanda explained the intricacies of DevSecOps, cla...
Jun 23, 2025•7 min
In this episode of The Daily Windup, we sit down with Brian Savage based in New York, to discuss his role as the principal leader of regulatory compliance and investigations. Brian sheds light on his team of 20 individuals, who specialize in forensic compliance and investigative work, catering to both government and private entities. Brian's team plays a crucial role in helping large corporations meet their compliance goals and ensure they are in line with the government's regulations. They iden...
Jun 20, 2025•6 min
In this episode of the Daily Windup, I sit down with a group of experienced entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges faced by small businesses in the government contracting space. We dive into the importance of understanding your target market and crafting effective capability statements. Many businesses make the mistake of trying to market to everyone, but our guests emphasize the need to be precise and focused on your audience. We also explore the significance of networking and attending events...
Jun 19, 2025•11 min
Are you relying only on SAM.gov? You might be missing 95% of federal contract opportunities! In this rapid-fire solo episode, Govcon Giants founder Eric Coffie condenses 15+ years of hard-earned experience into 50 essential, no-nonsense tips to help you avoid rookie mistakes and win more contracts — fast. From decoding task orders, IDIQs, and sole source awards to smart pricing tools, secret portals, and the power of debriefs, this is your ultimate shortcut to cracking the federal marketplace. W...
Jun 18, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 280
In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore a fascinating conversation with our guest who shares his journey of learning and how he found inspiration from thought leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk and James Altucher. He talks about the concept of "idea sex" and how combining different industries, like government contracts and crypto, can lead to innovative solutions. We explain the importance of engaging with the crypto and NFT communities, as they possess the expertise to solve complex problems ...
Jun 17, 2025•9 min
In today's episode of The Daily Windup, we dive into the world of certifications and team-building for small businesses. We start with the importance of distinguishing between federal, state, and local certifications, as well as understanding the value they bring when marketing to large primes and agencies. Our guest, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his experience as a subcontractor and explains how obtaining these certifications serves as a powerful marketing tool and helps in establishing rela...
Jun 16, 2025•8 min
In this episode of The Daily Windup, I sit down with Travis Mack, CEO of an aerospace and defense contractor, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to managing a company with 800 employees. We dive into Travis's early days, when he started with just two employees and faced financial challenges while trying to grow his business. Travis shares valuable insights on navigating through pivotal moments, embracing change, and making strategic pivots to adapt to shifting business...
Jun 13, 2025•9 min
In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore the significance of building strong relationships for business growth and success. Our guest emphasizes the power of community and networking within organizations like the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) to create lasting connections and gain valuable insights. Learn how representing your company and establishing a recognizable brand can open doors for future opportunities. The guest also shares their plans for the next five years, in...
Jun 12, 2025•8 min
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with my good friend Michael to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes in GovCon right now—and let me tell you, it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. From canceled contracts and government workforce cuts to the rise of unsolicited proposals and tax incentives in manufacturing, we dive into the new terrain contractors are navigating in 2025. Michael shares how his company is weathering the storm, what it takes to buy and build in uncertain times...
Jun 11, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 279
Today's episode delves into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Our guest shares their valuable insights, drawing from their diverse educational background and experiences. Discover how they tackled the hurdles of not winning contracts and the importance of seeking debriefs for growth and improvement. Join us as we explore the significance of education, both formal and self-taught, in shaping an entrepreneur's mindset. Learn about the early stages of financing proj...
Jun 10, 2025•10 min
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 c...
Jun 09, 2025•8 min
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...
Jun 06, 2025•6 min
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 proc...
Jun 05, 2025•9 min
In today’s episode of Govcon Giants , I’m joined by Joel, founder of Encore Funding—an alternative lending powerhouse that’s now stepping into the government contracting space. We talk real talk about capital: how hard it is to come by as a small, minority-owned business, and how traditional lenders often leave us behind. Joel shares how he bootstrapped his first venture back in 1998, and how Encore has now funded over half a billion dollars just for minority-owned businesses in 2024 alone. This...
Jun 04, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 278
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 partner...
Jun 03, 2025•8 min
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...
Jun 03, 2025•7 min
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 ...
Jun 01, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 277
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 opportu...
May 31, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 276
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 us...
May 30, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 275
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. ...
May 29, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 274
In this power-packed episode of GovCon Giants , I’m sharing something that could seriously change the game for your business—our First Partner Challenge is back. After a year of demand and dozens of success stories, we’re relaunching our partner program cohort to help companies like yours break into federal contracting the right way . Whether you’re making $5 or $5M, this program is about building strategic partnerships that lead to real contract wins. I walk you through examples of businesses t...
May 28, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 273
In today's episode, we sit down with an accomplished entrepreneur who shares valuable insights into starting and growing a business. Our guest, a diverse supplier and service-disabled veteran, emphasizes the importance of key resources for any business owner - your accountant and your attorney. He vividly recalls his early entrepreneurial ventures, from selling scuba gear to offering mobile car detailing services during high school. The episode delves into the critical role of professional organ...
May 27, 2025•13 min
