Govcon Giants

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: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ [https://federalhelpcenter.com/] https://govcongiants.org/ [https://govcongiants.org/] Connect with Encore Funding: https://www.encore-funding.com/ [https://www.encore-funding.com/]

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: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ [https://federalhelpcenter.com/] https://govcongiants.org/ [https://govcongiants.org/]

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: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ [https://federalhelpcenter.com/] https://govcongiants.org/ [https://govcongiants.org/] Watch the full Youtube episode here: https://youtu.be/3VdqtfH0ivw [https://youtu.be/3VdqtfH0ivw]

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: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ [https://federalhelpcenter.com/] https://govcongiants.org/ [https://govcongiants.org/] Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp [https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp] Watch the full Youtube episode here: https://youtu.be/KIeyIRLL2sI [https://youtu.be/KIeyIRLL2sI]

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: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ [https://federalhelpcenter.com/] https://govcongiants.org/ [https://govcongiants.org/] Join the bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp [https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp] Watch the full Youtube Episode here: https://youtu.be/wlLfhx0XbuM [https://youtu.be/wlLfhx0XbuM]