Avoid the Trap: Why 99% of New Government Contractors Waste Time Chasing Red Herrings

05/13/25 • 9 min

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I, your host Eric Coffie, delve into the world of government contracting with expert guest Jamecee Pinkney. Jamecee shares valuable insights and lessons learned from her journey as an entrepreneur in the federal contracting space.

We discuss the importance of identifying and sticking to your core capabilities to avoid falling into the trap of chasing shiny opportunities. Jamecee emphasizes the significance of the capture process and the long game in government procurement.

She shares practical tips for getting ahead of the game and leveraging the government forecast to strategically position your business. Join us as we explore the road to success in government contracting, demystifying the process, and offering advice on building a strong foundation for your contracting endeavors.

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From Laid Off to Landing 3 Government Contracts with American Airlines in 5 Years

In this episode of The Daily Windup, join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Daphne and Jose, two successful entrepreneurs in the field of architecture and interior design. They take us back to the beginning of their entrepreneurial adventure, where they found themselves facing uncertainty and fear of failure.

Daphne shares her bold decision to start her own firm in 1996, with just a dream and determination to succeed. Despite the challenges of being a new mother and having no experience in running a business, she took the leap and secured her first opportunity with a loyal client.

With hard work and the support of a key contract with American Airlines, their business began to flourish, leading them to various other exciting projects in different sectors. Tune in to hear how they built their dream against all odds and how the fear of failure drove them to success. Don't miss this empowering episode of The Daily Windup!

Next Episode

271: How to Get FEMA Work Without Being a Prime Contractor with Jamelyn Austin Trucks

Today’s show was brought to you by our sponsor Encore Funding. Have you or someone you know recently been awarded a government contract and cannot secure funding? Encore Funding has your back, with a recently launched Government division they are funding your receivables so you can just focus on the work. Visit encoregov.com for more information on how to get the money you need to continue growing your business.

In today’s episode, I caught up with Jamelyn Austin Trucks live from a procurement event in the City of Miami. Jamelyn is the Practice Director for Grants, Resiliency, and Master Planning at AtkinsRéalis, and she shares her unique vantage point working with FEMA, DOD, and other federal agencies on disaster recovery, transportation, and planning projects. What stood out was her emphasis on the critical role small businesses play—especially those with niche expertise and community knowledge. She breaks down how firms like hers seek out small business partners and what it takes to maintain long-term teaming relationships—beyond certifications, it’s about communication, quality, and trust.

We also talk shop on real pathways to working with FEMA and other agencies without going through the front door. Jamelyn lays out the kinds of conferences and industry events where firms like hers scout for partners and gives practical advice on how to stand out, get your foot in the door, and keep it there. This is a must-listen if you're a small business looking to team up with prime contractors in the federal space.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamelyn-austin-trucks-cfm-pmp-31325112/

Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atkinsrealis/