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Hey everyone, it is Just Nate and DK here.  Wow, what a crazy summer so far.  First let's say sorry for not having new content every week.  We have been trying to get some time in with our families and now we are back to traveling again.  In the past 2 weeks we have been to Albuquerque, NM, Farmington, NM, Durango, CO, Mancus, CO, Silverton, CO then back down to Albuquerque, NM for another event.  Been crazy but we have been having a great time getting out and meeting people and "having the next conversation".  We are starting a bit of a different format to add to the show.  Take a listen and let us know what you think. justnate@thesmalls.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to Owner/CEO of Lucid Optics, Jason Wilson.  Lucid Optics has Weapons mounted Red Dot sights, scopes, binos and other products.  They are located in Riverton, WY.  Jason tells us that to be successful you need to listen to your customer base and figure out how to give them what they want to purchase, makes sense right?  Their products carry a lifetime warranty and they are very easy to work with, as long as you don't be a jerk! One of the biggest tips he gave us is when starting your own business you must give yourself a salary.  Jason gives us some tips about some of the tools he uses including Sales Binder. To find out more about Jason and his company Lucid Optics, visit them on their website at:  www.lucidoptics.com or e-mail Jason directly at jason@lucidoptics.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

This episode has been published and can be heard everywhere your podcast is available. Listen in as your host Just Nate and Dennis talk with Jason Putnam and Ben Avicolli from The Stratagem Group. https://www.stratagemgroup.com/index.html Listen in as Jason and Ben talk about how their business is helping not only the government customer but how they treat their employees. Jason the CEO put's it best, "We work hard to allow people to be human". They tell their story how as a small business you need to seize the opportunity when it presents its self. It is good to have a 3 year plan but you need to be able to shift to say yes sooner rather than later if you want to succeed. Make a Lasting Impact --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to the Owner and President of Alethia Software Solutions, Mrs. Christie Frieg, aka the Goddess of Alethia!  After a short 2 week break the duo talk to Christie about how, why, when and where she started her own company.  Listen in as Christie tells her tale of sitting on the beach in Mexico taking a leap of faith.  Such an inspiring story, this is one you don't want to miss. Alethia Software Solutions is a Certified Women Owned Small Business that has been in business since March 2020.  In this short of time they have multiple contracts and 6 employees developing code for both commercial and gov contracts.   Contact the Goddess of Alethia today to have them develop programs for you.  https://alethiasoftwaresolutions.com/ or e-mail Christie at: christie@alethiasoftwaresolutions.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Wow, it is that time of year again and both of your hosts (Just Nate and DK) are both on vacation again at the same time and they could not find the time record a new episode this week.  So they did what they do best and had a conversation about one of their favorite guests from this year.   Listen in as your hosts "Just Nate", Dennis K along with guest speaker Chris E talk to the CEO and Chief Story Teller of Menlo Innovations, Richard Sheridan.  The Smalls team is a huge fan of Rich and everything that Menlo stands for.  The team talks through all the ups and downs that Menlo Innovations have had in order to break the mold and how they created a joyful place to work.  Menlo's mission is:  "End human suffering in the world as it relates to technology.®"  Rich tells stories throughout this nearly hour long podcast as he talks about how they were all focused on delighting others with the work of our hears, our hands and our minds.  Rich states the key to success and how they have been so successful is they set out to make a culture where your more likely to take action than to take a meeting. A key to Rich's success is he had a different goal than most.  His goal was to try to succeed, where others goal is to try not to fail.  Don't let failure get in your way, run the experiment and if it don't work, try something else and learn from the mistake. It sounds simple, Create a Intentional Culture! We can't suggest Rich's books enough, you can find them at nearly any books store or online, see links to both books below from Amazon. Joy Inc. - https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Inc-Built-Workplace-People/dp/1591845874/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-rsf1_0?cv_ct_cx=joy+inc.&dchild=1&keywords=joy+inc.&pd_rd_i=1591845874&pd_rd_r=d686b69d-d465-4f2e-a0fb-6e8c751ccfed&pd_rd_w=pNf5t&pd_rd_wg=S9ISd&pf_rd_p=e0f994a8-a359-40a9-8917-dadca71c7184&pf_rd_r=QSASTN1ZB45FCMCXDMAK&psc=1&qid=1610928792&sr=1-1-526ea17f-3f73-4b50-8cd8-6acff948fa5a Chief Joy Officer - https://www.amazon.com/Chief-Joy-Officer-Leaders-Eliminate-ebook/dp/B07B2KHQCS/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=joy+inc.&qid=1610928832&sr=8-4 Listen in to the other podcast that Rich mentions the Bossless Office by Tom Ashbrook.  -  https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2013/06/20/bossless-office Read the article that Rich mentions from New York Magazine by Matthew Shaer, The Boss Stops Here  -  https://nymag.com/news/features/bossless-jobs-2013-6/ To find out more about Rich and his team at Menlo Innovations check them out on the web.  https://menloinnovations.com/ To hire Rich to come speak at your event you can book him here:  https://richardsheridan.com/ From the team here at "The SmallsCast Podcast", thank you Rich, it truly was an honor and pleasure having you on the show! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to Charlie Hargett, the CEO and Found of FP&C Consulting.  Charlies company, Federal Procurement and Contracting Consulting helps small businesses that want to get into government contracting build a pipeline and a Business Development Approach. Charlie tells his life story and explains what his biggest challenges have been as a business owner.  He thinks that managing peoples expectations is one of the most difficult things to do, but he is good at just that.  Charlie discusses with the smalls when is it ok to contact the government contracting officer and when is it ok to contact the government program manager and he explains why.   FP&C's staff of contracting and program management professionals provide expert guidance and assistance on any situation with which you are confronted as it pertains to the Federal procurement space. Their staff members are uniquely experienced to give you insight and contextual information from the Government's point of view...because they've been on that side and know what is driving the decision-making process.   Their experts can advise on everything from proposal strategy to purchasing system reviews. Whether it is business development strategy, document review, capability statement, and website review, or assistance with communicating with government representatives, FP&C is your ace in the hole! To contact Charlie or his team check them out on their website at FP&C Advisors or you can call Charlie directly at (407) 803-3434 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and Dennis K talk to the CEO and founder of RECRO, Robert "Rob" Lataille.  RECRO is a small business that specializes in DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) work.  They pride themselves on hiring Gen "Z" employees and finding the best talent on the market. We discuss how degree's and certifications don't necessarily mean you are smarter employee.  Some people don't want to go to college but simply have a passion for what they do.  RECRO specializes in many things, see below for just a few. CYBER SECURITY Recro Protects Your Data; Our cyber security services identify and mitigate risks before they escalate and protect your data from any and every threat. We keep your mission secure so you can do what you do best. DIGITAL SOLUTIONS Recro Delivers Solutions; The future of IT is vast, and Recro can put you at the front of the pack. We handle it all, from concept to operations. Our solutions meet the security needs of even the most restrictive environments and provide seamless uninterrupted user experiences. ANALYTICS Recro creates information; We only turn to more innovative solutions and strategies to transform your data into actionable information, that creates a roadmap for your organization to move forward. CONSULTING Recro transforms Businesses; From strategy to implementation, Recro is next to you through it all. We’ll work to understand your unique needs, develop solutions to solve the problems of today, and position you for long-term success. RECRO is currently sitting around 50 employee's and plans on adding more soon.  Listen in as Rob tells his story from employee to CEO/Owner. To learn more go to:  www.recro.com or e-mail Rob directly at Robert.Lataille@recro.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK chat with the Executive Director of Space ISAC.  ISAC is the Information, Sharing and Analysis Center.  They are co-located with the National Cyber Center (NCC) in Colorado Springs, CO. The Space ISAC serves to facilitate collaboration across the global space industry to enhance our ability to prepare for and respond to vulnerabilities, incidents, and threats; to disseminate timely and actionable information among member entities; and to serve as the primary communications channel for the sector with respect to this information. Space ISAC is the only all-threats security information source for the public and private space sector. It will be the most comprehensive, single point source for data, facts and analysis on space security and threats to space assets. Space ISAC will also provide analysis and resources to support response, mitigation and resilience initiatives. If you would like to become a member all the information is on their website. To learn more go to:  https://s-isac.org/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK are on location up in the western part of Denver at the Marriott West Denver recording a episode in the lobby with Rocky M from Flatwater Group.  Flatwater group is a subsidiary of Hochunk Inc. Listen in as the crew discuss what it take start up a brand new 8(a) Tribally owned company.  Rocky discusses his history of military service (Thank you) to his role as a PM with Flatwater and helping grow the new 8(a).  Flatwater does everything from furniture to software maintenance.   It was a great time sitting in a closed down lobby at 9pm and watching our CEO almost fall asleep on air.  :)   To get a hold of Flatwater or the mother ship Hochunk Inc, go to:  http://www.flatwatergroup.com/ or https://hochunkinc.com/.  If you want to call Rocky and speak to one of the nicest people on the planet, he can be reached on his cell phone at:  (402) 210-9554 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to Aileen and Tia from 5Star Bank.  Aileen is the Sr. Vice President and Tia is the Business Credit Manager.  The ladies discuss with our Small Business Government Contractor audience the value of their new product called "Supply Chain Financing"  Listen in to learn more about how this new service is making waves and helping both you as a small business and your small business supply chain (vendors/suppliers).  This new service is really helping out by giving you a customized vendor portal that you can approve all your invoices from one location. Check out 5Star Bank at:  www.5Star.bank Aileen also talks about her other gig, Colorado Government Contracting Forum You can get in touch with Aileen at (719) 637-4017 and Tia at (720) 571-6054 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your host Just Nate and DK talk to Mo.  Mo is the founder and CEO of Momentum Business Advisors. Peer Advisory Group Designed for Tech Leaders Cohorts of up to 12 Founders, Presidents and CEOs meet virtually once a month for a professionally facilitated business advisory meeting. All members are associated with B2B tech industries. Topics are selected by the cohort based on the exact issues facing the members – not a predetermined curriculum of topics. All discussion will be relevant to your cohort. Each member receives a monthly one-on-one business consulting session to work on accountability, strategic planning, business model, vetting opportunities or any topic of your choice. Members can invite team members and staff to join him or her at their discretion. Subject Matter Experts are invited as guest speakers for each topic to add to learning and provide expert direction. No direct competitors are represented in each cohort so you can speak frankly about business issues. Confidentiality is paramount. TABA funds associated with SBIR grants are a perfect use for your m.b.a. membership to work on business and operational elements of your business. Membership commitment is one year and by invitation only. To learn more, visit https://my.timetrade.com/book/3R52G or call Mo at • 303.946.9533. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your host Just Nate and Chris E. talk to Russ Decker (Co-Found, President and CTO) and Chad Wagner (Operations Manager) from PPE.EXCHANGE The Blockchain-Enabled Wholesale Marketplace Solving pandemic driven issues by providing seamless technological solutions and promoting supply chain transparency.   Automated Sourcing Our network of over 1,000 verified PPE and testing vendors compete for your business with our Automated Bidding Technology. Our platform enables you to initiate, distribute, and score any bid sourcing formats including: Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotes (RFQs). The Healthcare Supply Chain Experts Navigate complex state and federal testing requirements with our team of industry experts. Source, plan, and execute your COVID-19 testing needs with our Testing Advisory Services. Listen in as we discuss how this company went from a start up in March 2020 to selling $Millions their first year.  One of my favorite comments from this episode is "Keep Supply Chain Nimble and Diverse".  We learned so much about Business 2 Business payments online. To find out more check them out online at:  https://ppe.exchange/ To check out the B2B side of things, check them out here:  https://www.mercero.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your host Just Nate and guest host Chris E talk with Founder and CEO of The 3D Printer Store Debra Wilcox.  Debra came prepared this week when she showed up in person with show n tell.  We were blown away with the quality of the 3D prints that she brought to show.  Debra started her company with just an idea.   To get something printed, customers can meet with Debra and her team with a simple idea.  After you discuss your idea, Debra's team can help develop the CAD models and then off to the printer it goes.  Her team can currently print products that are 30"x30"x30" in size.  They even have a 3D scanner that can make your idea come to real life. Check out The3Dprintingstore.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK chat for nearly an hour with the Founder and CEO of Vigilant Technologies, Carl Ingram and his Director of BD and SW PjM Dan Huffman.  Vigilant has been around for 17+ years and they are experts at what they do.  Data Center, Disaster Recover, Web Hosting, MSP and recently detailed Software Development.   Their bread and butter so to speak is in the "Intelligent Workspace", i.e. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The duo talks to us about their #1 issue they have faced as a small business of 10 people.  "SCALING"  As with many small businesses in our world scaling is a difficult problem to have, you need to figure out how to scale whatever you do, if it is a product and you need to make a million widgets next month or building software programs and you need to double your output next month.  Carl put it best in his quarterly announcement when he coined the term "Finding the right busy"  Carl explains this to the smalls team, find the right busy, don't be busy just to stay busy, make sure when you do something there is a end goal behind it.   Dan and Carl both state that "The Client should always be your partner" Check Vigilant Technologies out at their website:  https://www.vigilant1.com If you would like to contact the team either contact Dan @ Daniel.huffman@vigilant1.com or you can use their info e-mail:  Info@vigilant1.com "Giving the world time back" --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to Ed Kase from EKase Consulting.  EKase Consulting helps you turn your ideas into revenue.   The team discuss with Ed all the products that he offers in his consulting business.  Ed is a team of one normally (he will bring in Subs if need be) to give each and every client top notch quality and ensure that they get what they are paying for.  Ed discusses with us all the in's and out's of SBIR's and STTR's.  The list below is what his business can help you with: Strategic planning consulting, facilitation, and execution Business development SBIR/STTR support, including topic selection & proposal review SBIR/STTR commercialization plans SBIR/STTR Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) Proposal development Marketing plan creation and execution Business plan development Investor pitch creation / review Customer discovery & market requirements gathering Channel development / partner recruitment Facilitate Business Model Canvas / Value Proposition Canvas Market assessments Pricing and product positioning New product launches Contact Ed now at his website:  https://www.ekaseconsulting.com/ Or find Ed on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/edkase80301/ Or find Ed on the SBDC website as one of their Tech Consultants:  https://bouldersbdc.com/ed-kase/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to Kenneth Geyer, the co-founder and CEO of Liteye Systems Inc.  Liteye is a 21 year old company. Liteye's AUDS (Anti-UAV Defense System) is a Counter-Drone Defense System that is designed to disrupt and neutralize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) engaged in hostile airborne surveillance and potentially malicious activity. Kenneth discusses how he is a serial entrepreneur and has a passion for business.  When the company first got their start with military contracts they were able to take down over 1000 drones and later 'The Day The Drones Stopped' was put in the military history books. Kenneth gives some great advice to companies starting out in DoD space... "Don't focus on only one opportunity". To learn more about Liteye, check them out at:  https://liteye.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your host Just Nate and Dennis K call into The Cam & Otis Show to be guests on their show.  We spent nearly and hour talking to Cam and Otis about How we "Prepare" and how we keep "Focus" in times like 2020.  "A father-son duo working through business and life problems together. What can you gain from a 30 year span of life’s experiences and perspectives. Enjoy a unique chemistry between the dad, Otis, a former Green Beret and his youngest son, Camden, the Entrepreneur, as they explore the dynamics of life and business. Discussions around life, business, and coaching provide an entertaining way of approaching life and leadership from two generations." What did we learn?  What are your hosts words of wisdom?  Just Nate - Never turn down a conversation!  Dennis - Everything we do today prepares us for tomorrow! The team even tells the story of modloutdoors.com. "The person with the biggest dreams is more powerful and successful than the person with all the facts" - Just Nate Check out "The Cam and Otis Show" website here:  https://thecamandotisshow.buzzsprout.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to Crystal Volmar (Business Relations Specialist) from the Pikes Peak Work Force Center.  Crystal is so full of knowledge and so happy to discuss the 11 offerings that they have for the community.  These services are FREE (well, if you ask Crystal she will tell you they are pre-paid).  Anybody can use the Pikes Peak Work Force Center as long as you live in El Paso County, but if you don't live in the same county, don't worry look up your local Work Force Center. Check them out at www.ppwfc.org, they have so many resources and they are all PRE-PAID! If you prefer to call, they can be reached at (719) 667-3700 If you want to call and speak directly with Cyrstal her Business cell is (719)499-3753 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as the original duo, Just Nate and Dennis talk to Dr. Cameron Ward-Hunt and his counterpart Stefanie Malone from Guidehouse.  Guidehouse helps commercial and public clients address their most important challenges with innovative solutions that advance conventional thinking and create value for their stakeholders, build trust in society and shape a new future.  From the Guidehouse.com website directly:  "At Guidehouse, our CSR mission is to engage, inspire, and empower our professionals to solve big problems and to make a positive impact on our communities where we work and live. We lead the way forward by guiding, supporting, and nurturing our communities. It is a responsibility and a privilege to use our skills and experience to support the communities that support us. As industry leaders and dedicated innovators, our business is founded on the idea that no problem is too large or complex to solve. Our passionate team combats some of our communities’ most pressing challenges through active volunteering and thoughtful giving; advising non-profits through board participation and offering pro-bono consulting services; and promoting environmental sustainable practices and solutions. Our efforts at Guidehouse extend well beyond our client work and far past our office walls." Listen in as they explain what they do and how they can be of assistance to your and your team, either large or small. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support

Listen in as your hosts Just Nate and DK talk to all three co-owners/founds of a new firm called ignite AI, a company Transforming Intelligence.  ignite AI can introduce you to some of the Artificial Intelligence technologies, framework applications, and process improvement templates that make Ignite- AI what it is today.  The team talk to Doug, Dennis and Bran. From Ignites website directly:  Who we are? At Ignite-AI we help organizations across the private/public/governmental sectors, increase productivity and efficiency through the application of technology, business processes and leveraging data knowledge. From the C-suite to the front line, we partner with our clients to empower their organizations in ways that matter. We do this by offering deep industry knowledge and expertise. We deliver digital solutions and AI that help unlock productivity and boost efficiency. Industry Depth and Clarity Our team is here to provide the power of expertise and insight gained from decades of industry experience. We provide the right fit, every time to meet your needs. Flexible Options Not every client fits perfectly into a specific solution. We focus on providing flexible technology solutions with payment options tailored to your needs. Our Purpose At Ignite-AI we believe it is our purpose to help build a better tomorrow through the application of technology. Our team is dedicated 100% to that task. Our Strategy Our strategy is simple. Provide the best technology and customer service on the planet. Nothing less will do. In summary, ignite AI is a "Integrator of Technologies" Contact ignite AI today:  https://www.ignite-ai.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thesmalls/support