2022 WBENC National Conference — Sponsors

“Ampcus Group is thrilled to be this year’s Co-Chair for the WBENC National Conference. For 25 years WBENC continues to manifest its substantial influence in today’s ever-changing dynamic world by hosting educational sessions and networking opportunities with members of Corporate America, Agencies, Non-profits, and WBEs. I encourage each of you to join in the celebration and take the opportunity to re-connect, expand your network, exchange ideas, and actively seek opportunities to work with each other. I look forward to meeting each one of you in Atlanta.”

ABOUT AMPCUS Inc.

Ampcus is a global provider of IT Services that helps organizations improve performance by infusing innovative technology solutions. Ampcus group of companies specializes in Digital Transformation, Infrastructure Modernization, Cybersecurity, Testing, and Staff Augmentation services.

Ampcus was founded in 2004 and has 16 offices in the US, 2 innovation labs, and global delivery centers. Ampcus is certified SOC2 Type II, ISO 9001, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, CMMi ML-3(SVS & DEV) certified and an M/WBE certified company.

Ampcus group employs over 1600 employees and support over 80 Fortune commercial, Federal, State and Local and Non- Profits.

ABOUT ANN RAMAKUMARAN

Ann Ramakumaran is the Founder and CEO of Ampcus Inc .  Ann is a technology-savvy entrepreneur with more than 20 plus years of design, development, and delivery of innovative and leading-edge Technology Solutions and Human Capital Management across the globe. Under her leadership, she has cultivated Ampcus and Ampcus group of companies into a fast-growing Consulting and Professional Services organization. For eleven consecutive years she has been recognized as a top Asian American owned business by USPAACC and for over twelve consecutive years honored as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned and Women Led Business in the CONUS by the Women Presidents Organization. Under Ann’s leadership, Ampcus has made the Inc. 500/5000 list and has been recognized as a Top Diversity Business. Ann was also awarded Women in Technology Entrepreneur of the Year by WIT and most recently was inducted into the Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame . Ann has also received the Chairman’s Award for Inspirational Leadership from CRMSDC and the President’s Award from WPEO, the Global Growth Award from Astra Women’s Business Alliance, Supplier of the Year Award from GMSDC, Top Asian American Business Award from USPAACC-SE and USPAACC-SW, CRMSDC Supplier of the Year, NMSDC Supplier of the Year and NMSDC MBE of the Year, MBDA Minority Business Enterprise of the Year . In 2019, Ampcus became part of the NMSDC’S elite Corporate Plus Program.

Ann serves on the Board of WBENC, CRMSDC Board, WBEC DMV/NY Board ,CWE Board , USPAACC Scholarship Committee. She has been a speaker at numerous National and Local Procurement and Diversity Conferences. In addition, Ann has mentored several women and minority start up’s in an effort to help them grow their business. Ann holds her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business and Commercial Management from India and has completed Executive Management from the Robins School of Business, University of Richmond Virginia, and an Advance Management from the Kellogg School of Management Northwestern University Illinois.

The spirit of entrepreneurship is to dust off the past and move forward with confidence and determination.

About Avacend

Avacend provides integrated Digital Services, Solutions and Innovation consulting in the Cable and Telecom industry with core expertise in 5G, IoT, AI, Advanced Analytics. Avacend Lab focuses on emerging technologies to include Human-Robotics Collaboration, Conversational Computing, Augmented Intelligence and Emotion AI. We work nationwide for Fortune 100 clients. We add both tactical and strategic value over time through collaborative innovation and Co-Creation.

Kanchana Raman

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business?

Stay customer focused and help our customers achieve their goals. Every project opportunity, I challenge our teams to understand the Job To Be Done (JTBD) by the customer and deliver it. Listen to customer feedback and trends in the market place and constantly innovate to be relevant.

What are some of the biggest challenges and barriers you’ve faced as a woman business owner? How have you overcome them? 

I have been an entrepreneur for 23 years, there have been many challenges along the way. Some we overcome, some derailed us. But the spirit of entrepreneurship is to dust off the past and move forward with confidence and determination. Challenges in our industry have been to stay ahead of technology changes and be relevant. Sometimes, for a small business, it can be challenging to constantly prioritize and allocate resources including bandwidth.

Have you partnered with other WBENC-Certified WBEs on contracts or utilized other WBEs as suppliers? If so, what has been the benefit? Why do you feel it is important to work with other WBEs in the WBENC network? 

There is a resource shortage in the industry in technology. So anyone who had a team already, we team with them so we can deliver without any delays on our client projects.

We credit WBENC as the primary reason for our success.

About Tempagenix

Tempagenix is the creator of TempN-Toss, the first and ONLY paper thermometer available on the retail market with no need for batteries or recalibration. Perfect for all ages, the strips contain a medical-grade adhesive to allow for continuous monitoring up to 48 hours and are designed for single use to minimize the risk of contamination. During the pandemic, we were able to provide an American-Made solution while satisfying Supplier Diversity commitments as a WBENC-certified company. Tempagenix is currently on track to launch our next temperature regulating product for the retail market in 2022.

Shelly Heller

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business? 

Tempagenix has a strong commitment to keeping our thermometer strips 100% sourced and manufactured in the United States, more specifically in Ohio. TempN-Toss thermometers are assembled by Adults with Disabilities and by People in Recovery through our partnership with Eastco, Better Living and Goodwill Resources. In 2020, Tempagenix received the Eastway Community Partner Award for “innovation and commitment to community health and safety.” As a result of our local focus and these relationships, Tempagenix kept pace with soaring demand during the pandemic for our disposable forehead thermometers while others faced supply chain issues or competitor products were unavailable.

What is your proudest moment thus far in business? 

Our proudest moment was winning DBJ 2021 Woman-Owned Business of the Year. Tempagenix scaled to meet an unprecedented demand during a time when the global supply chain failed. As a US-made product, we experienced over 1600% growth. Retailers approached with bare shelves and Tempagenix was able to ramp production for the pandemic.

What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs? 

Execute and follow through – don’t let the big picture discourage you. Start with one step, complete that and then move to the next step. Don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way and take advantage of available resources. We received tremendous support from our local Entrepreneur Center!

Make meaningful connections. 

About Corps Team

Corps Team is a nationwide, woman-owned, Professional Recruiting, IT Recruiting and Executive Search Firm. An industry leader since 2005, Corps Team helps companies, from fast growing tech companies to the  Fortune 100, build their teams by recruiting highly skilled direct hire, project based and contract talent into their organizations.  

Corps Team began in 2005 as Mom Corps, a firm dedicated to helping moms get back to work after taking a break from the workforce. Since then, the company has expanded to encompass a wide range of recruitment solutions and nationwide reach.  

Allison O’Kelly

When and how was your business started? OR If you did not start your business, how and when did you come into ownership of your company?  

I always strived to be successful professionally. As a new parent in 2003, I held the same standards for myself as a parent. I reduced my hours to part-time, but I still struggled with finding the flexibility I needed to feel accomplished both professionally and personally. I realized that I was not alone with this need, while at the same time, many companies were looking for new sources of talent. I felt compelled to make a difference in the way that corporate America recruits, hires, and views today’s workforce. This is how Mom Corps® was born!   

How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business? 

I always view our WBENC certification as a foot in the door. Once that door is open, it’s up to us to be better than anyone else in the room. This open door has enabled us to partner with companies including UPS, TIAA, Charter Communications, Polaris Industries, and Electrolux as a Tier 1 vendor. We have also been given the opportunity through our certification to be a sub-vendor to many other organizations that bring in WBENC partners to support their offerings.  

What is your proudest moment thus far in business? 

I created a multimillion-dollar business. I’ve been on the Today Show & in The Wall Street Journal. I received awards from EY and Staffing Industry Analysts. My company has created thousands of jobs. That said, I am most proud that I’ve done it all while working from home, balancing my career, my passions, and my family. 

Be brave. Nothing comes without risk. Failure is a learning opportunity.

About Cummins Facility Services

 Cummins Facility Services is a national facility management company, continually seeking product, technology, and processes to make sure our clients receive a full range of best-in-class services. CFS has highly trained employees providing janitorial expertise delivering consistent value to our clients. The CFS team delivers the care and trust our clients expect from an independent service partner. 

With our sister company, Facility Genius, and technology partners FDS and Facility InSites, CFS can provide advanced, metric-driven technology to improve transparency, productivity, and efficiency leading to truly evidence-based cleaning and the most advanced technology options to modernize FM practices through proprietary equipment and data analytics. 

Jill Frey

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business?

My philosophy has always been: the best is yet to come. I strive to be better and push those around me to do the same every day. While CFS is always progressing, I attribute its success to perseverance. The bad days when I think the ship is sinking, my employees show me how amazing they are, so I appreciate where I am and who I work with. The passion we all have for CFS runs deep. It’s the people that stand with me that help to make my business successful. We never give up. 

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received? 

I have two pieces of advice I rely on; Trust, but verify. This is a big one. I give a lot of trust, but there are times I challenge a question or check the validity of a statement. The second seems easy, but I have found it challenging; Surround yourself with the best people you can find. This is something I work on every year. I want the best employees for my clients. The best leadership team, the best technology. I try to bring the best of the best to my company every day in every way. 

What do you do to prepare for the National Conference & Business Fair? 

I meet with my team ahead of time and prepare them to focus on the top 15 companies we want to do business with, either from a footprint standard or a company standard. I spend as much time as possible to get around those buyers and expose them to my company. I also send emails out before the conference, letting the client know where my booth is located, what events I will be attending, and asking to meet up with them at the conference. 

Just have fun. It will take some time to be perfect. I like to take full advantage of the resources offered to make the most of my time at the show. I reach out to my friends that are attending, do research on MatchMakers, and to make it fun for everyone I like to set up a party for everyone to connect. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for the contract!

About Exhibits South Corporation

Exhibits South is a full–service trade show provider that includes design, custom fabrication, large format graphic design and production, trade show management that includes warehousing and all logistics.  Our customer base includes small, mid-size and fortune 500 companies throughout the United States. 

Marlene Kelly

How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business? 

Being a WBENC-Certified WBE has been very beneficial to me as a business owner.  I have developed so many great relationships with other WBEs and Corporate Members of WBENC throughout the years. Many of these relationships have helped grow my company’s revenue. I have also benefited greatly through mentorship, education such as the TUCK program. GWBC and our Regional Corporate Members have also supported me with great resources that have helped me expand my business relationships through networking opportunities like POP Market, LACE, Top Corps. Being a part of the WBENC Forum has also provided great opportunities to learn and network with fellow WBEs throughout the whole United States and beyond. Thank you WBENC! Thank you GWBC!

What are some of the biggest challenges and barriers you’ve faced as a woman business owner? How have you overcome them?

A complete industry shutdown in March of 2020 due to Covid-19 was the biggest challenge I have faced as a woman business owner. With the help of God, our customers, family, employees and friends we have survived and we will make it.  BMW was the first customer to kick us off by holding their annual Supplier Diversity Conference in September 2021. Atlas Roofing, one of our long-time customers, who knew our situation came to us with an opportunity to help them with their online incentive program for their contractors and this proved we could work outside our normal core. Most of all it gave our employees hope that things would get better.  Wunderman Thompson who we have worked with for many years provided us an opportunity using our large format graphics capabilities, and I can’t thank them enough for coming through for us, when we needed it the most. Not giving up and taking each day, one at a time, allowed us to see that God was with us.  

What advice would you share with a newly certified WBE looking to make the most out of her certification? 

Network and listen!  Get to know people in your region and develop relationships.  Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself in a new space.  You’re smart, you have your certification, and now you can go to work using it to open doors. 

Don’t miss out on opportunities that come your way. Network, network, network!

About GMI Group Inc.

GMI Group is a female minority-owned commercial janitorial service company based in the Greater Atlanta Area since 2005.

With over seventeen years’ experience in the janitorial services business, we operate as far north as Virginia, west as Kansas and south as Florida. We use products all made in the USA and specialize in GREEN cleaning for corporate facilities, commercial buildings, multi-tenant, medical/surgical suites, universities, schools, government agencies, and manufacturing plants.

As a female minority business owner, I ensure a diverse workforce unlike many of our competitors. We help our clients achieve peak performance by maintaining a healthy workplace.

If you are looking for a partner that thinks beyond and becomes part of your team then GMI GROUP is the company for you!

Kayla Dang

How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?  

I have been able to gain immense knowledge and experience with fellow business owners, as well as the opportunity to learn about certifications that further support GMI Group, Inc. Since 2005, GMI Group, Inc. has been a certified Women’s Business Enterprise with WBENC. With the certification and programs, I had the opportunity to take professional courses to expand my business knowledge like the Tuck-WBENC Executive Program and Greater Women’s Business Council Protégé.

WBENC certification has allowed me to meet supplier diversity program participation and RFP mandatory set-aside for WBEs. For example, we submitted a bid on an RFP for municipality and award was based on low bid. GMI was not the low; however, because we are WBENC-Certified, the municipality discounted GMI’s bid by 0.5% of the lowest price offered. Therefore, with the discounted 0.5%, GMI Group was given the opportunity to match the lowest price offered and was awarded the contract for 5 years.

What are some of the biggest challenges and barriers you’ve faced as a woman business owner? How have you overcome them? 

I believe the biggest challenge that I face as a female entrepreneur is my own self-doubt stemming from my negative past relationship and experience. Insecurity can get the best of us and lead to a less-than-supportive community of women. It is only when women support each other that we remove our self-doubt, take a risk and be confident in our new endeavor(s). Present-day, I’ve learned to surround myself with positive females and influences and to allow myself to be vulnerable around others in similar walks of life. Through this, I have been able to create my own support system while empowering others.

What is your proudest moment thus far in business? 

My most significant and greatest moment by far, has been running my company on my own as 100% owner and shareholder. Ever since a civil dispute with my partner in business of more than 14 years, I have had to go through the obstacles of transitioning to a new, and much more, directly hands-on role within the company. I had previously been used to being the quiet operator behind the scenes but had to adapt very quickly to become more present. With this, there has been much that I have learned, and much that I must continue to learn so it has been a very humbling yet life-changing experience for me.

Value innovation from an inclusive way of thinking and appreciate differences and commonalities of all people, all backgrounds and all perspectives.

About HJI Supply Chain Solutions

HJI Supply Chain Solutions is a certified WBE and MBE 2nd generation family owned business.  Our purpose is to enrich the lives of our people, our community and provide peace of mind for our customers.  We do this by providing solutions to your supply chain challenges.  The solutions we offer include order fulfillment, kitting, assembly, line side sequencing and contract warehousing in the industries of automotive, food & beverage, healthcare, consumer goods and government. 

Lynn Houston Moore

When and how was your business started? OR If you did not start your business, how and when did you come into ownership of your company?  

HJI Supply Chain Solutions was the result of an intentional and persistent commitment to diversity, and inclusion that the automotive industry embraced almost 50 years ago. A purchasing agent at one of the local Ford Motor Company Plants was serious about the company’s goal of making their supplier base look like their customer base. They provided our ownership group with an opportunity to add value to Ford’s supply chain.  The opportunity was originally presented by offering inbound transportation services.  We evaluated the current mode of transportation and supply chain demands and realized that the product was weighing out before the trailers were full.  We provided a solution which included building a rail spur, providing ISO container management return, warehousing the product, and sending the materials into the plant on a “Just In Time” basis.  The combined solutions saved the customer millions of dollars in transportation and detention costs, and increased the efficiency of the entire system. This led to expanded opportunities in material management, order fulfillment, sequencing, kitting, assembly, and customized solutions for the automotive industry and other industries.  

What are some of the biggest challenges and barriers you’ve faced as a woman business owner? How have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me has been that I didn’t have anyone in the industry who could guide, mentor, or give me advice and support. The nature of our business and expertise often places us in direct competition with larger organizations with more name recognition, facilities, employees, opportunities, and capital. The ability to overcome these challenges has primarily rested in our persistence, performance, people, and constant pursuit of perfection based on a firm belief and demonstrated and quantitative evidence that if provided the opportunity that we would not only meet or exceed customer expectations but become a value-added partner in assisting them to meet their corporate, employee, and community objectives and goals. Our philosophy is based on honesty and candor, and the willingness to confront difficult situations, and projects or by openly and honestly admitting that we may not be the appropriate “fit” for a particular situation. The combination of competency and candor has made us a trusted company that is able to provide our customers with peace of mind by knowing that if you engage HJI, you will not have to worry about it!  

What is your proudest moment thus far in business?

I think my proudest moment was in 2016 when our major customer launched a completely new and redesigned vehicle line. HJI, in addition to being awarded business from them, was able to more than double our revenues with customers who were supplying the OEM.  In a period of just over 6 months, we purchased and redesigned another facility, hired, trained, and deployed over 125 employees, and assisted our new customers (some of whom were new to demands of this particular plant) in meeting the expectations and demands of the ‘just-in-time” production requirements. The pride was in witnessing our ability to scale, perform, and deliver during what is traditionally a very demanding, stressful, and high visibility environment that is a part of a “launch” or introduction of a new product line. Aside from this, I believe that just the ability to still be in business after the 2001 and 2008 economic downturns is itself a real accomplishment! 

Business success isn’t easy. It doesn’t happen in 40 hours a week. It doesn’t even happen in a year or five years. But it is the most exciting adventure you will ever have and the greatest gift you will ever give yourself. 

About InfoMart

If you want to Get the Whole Story, you have to get to know InfoMart, a global Identity and background check company. We have been innovating the screening industry for over 30 years, providing our customers everything from criminal searches to record monitoring to random drug tests. We offer a full suite of services powered by our proprietary platform. Everyone from startups to the Fortune 500 rely on our technology, industry leading turnaround times, and industry experts. If you want to Get the Whole Story, you will love InfoMart’s customizable approach to background screening programs. 

Tammy Cohen

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business? 

We have guiding rules in “the House of IM.” The first rule of the house: respect. Respect is the foundation of all success; everyone has the one thing they can contribute better than anyone else. They have a skill that’s unmatched by all other people. We help each other find that one thing. The person you least suspect might be the most outstanding company cheerleader, an incredible writer, or your best public speaker. Everyone matters and contributes in a unique way when given the chance to explore and shine. 

What advice would you share with a newly certified WBE looking to make the most out of her certification?

Get involved. WBENC runs an exceptional calendar of events, and that is where you will find success. Attend meetings. Meet other WBEs. Join the webinars. Participate in pitch competitions. And, most importantly, follow through on every opportunity. 

What tips do you have for WBEs to get the most out of their time at the National Conference & Business Fair? 

The National Conference & Business Fair is a not a vacation – it’s the greatest business opportunity you will have all year. Don’t let a single event pass you by. Get up early and attend the morning sessions. Stay up late and network. This is where you’re creating the relationships that will fuel your business for years to come. 

Show up.  It’s very simple. There is no magic pill or potion. You have to be present.

About InTandem Promotions

InTandem Promotions’ is a top tier promotional products company based in Kennesaw, Georgia. InTandem’s mission is simple – Brand With Purpose. This means every interaction must make an impact for our clients whether it is for a board member, employees, clients, prospects, or recruiting. Our clients’ brand is their most important asset and remains long after an event has passed. We develop customized products that have specific and targeted results and provide the vehicle that drives impact for our clients. 

Sara Webb

When and how was your business started? OR If you did not start your business, how and when did you come into ownership of your company?  

Over 20 years ago, I received my first swag bag and was hooked on the promotional products industry. I never intended to be a CEO and if you go back even further, I never intended to be salesperson either. However, once I started in the industry, I couldn’t imagine not being an account executive. In June of 2013, I took on this new role of CEO. The transition from a salesperson to then CEO however, has not been without its challenges 

Now in our sixth year, InTandem Promotions has grown from its humble beginnings of one assistant and me working from our home office to becoming one of the top promotional product organizations. 

How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business? 

WBENC provides a close-knit network of education, strength, insight, support and mentorship that I have received – all of which have contributed to the success of InTandem Promotions. As a woman business leader, simply knowing that I am not alone has given me the confidence to keep moving forward during the times when I needed the support the most.  Some of my closest friends have come directly from my involvement with WBENC. Likewise, the many business opportunities afforded to InTandem Promotions since becoming a WBENC-Certified WBE have directly and immensely impacted the success of our company as well as the development of our employees. 

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

I have received so much advice over my career and I have done my best to incorporate different parts and pieces into my work. As InTandem continues to grow, the daily stress and pressure can often become overwhelming.  I recently received the advice to set my day and to begin with mediation. Being able to set my day and meditate on what I am already grateful for, my successes already, and the vision that I see for my company has made a monumental impact on me and my career this year.  

You have one shot to establish yourself in your market and build credibility with your customers and vendors. Do the right thing all the time, even if it means losing some business.

About InterJet West Inc.

InterJet West, Inc. is an FAA Part 125 Contract Operator. We provide exclusive air cargo transportation to the manufacturing industry.   IJW specializes in supply chain movements by transporting time critical components and materials that keep assembly plants running. We understand the importance of just in time movements and we aim to minimize the impact by being wheels up in 2hrs from the time you say “GO”. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to accommodate your request throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America.  

About Kendra Robinson

When and how was your business started? OR If you did not start your business, how and when did you come into ownership of your company? 

InterJet West was created in 2014 but it took 15 months to put the operation together. We opened our doors in June of 2015.  

After spending 10 years in a family aviation business, I noticed there was a gap in the market that we couldn’t fill. With an idea in mind and years of studying the manufacturing industry. I decided to branch out and expand into the large aircraft business. My focus was to offer exclusive air transportation to the automotive industry and target large and heavy volumes of freight. Today Interjet West is one of seven large aircraft operators providing dedicated “On Demand” air cargo transportation to the manufacturing industry in the U.S. and Mexico and the only one owned by a woman. 

How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?  

Being WBENC-Certified provides you with critical tools to operate your business and improve it. I view WBENC as my mentor; they want to see you succeed. They provide a lot of useful and relevant materials like classes, and webinars. It has motivated me to regularly evaluate all aspects of my business and make adjustments when needed. They also encourage you to connect with other entrepreneurs that are like minded thinkers through networking events, and conferences. This is important because you want to surround yourself with people that are on a similar path. WBENC, has also helped me recognize the difference between running the day-to-day business and working on your business. You need time to forecast, develop, and review your operation.       

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business?

Our business philosophy is to be solution –minded to our customers and to one another. Roadblocks are inevitable, so we like to encourage a cohesive work environment where individuals feel comfortable asking for support from one another. This creates an outside perspective when facing an obstacle or developing a new idea. This also allows individuals to step forward and showcase a personal strength that the company was unaware of. This has helped both our customers and InterJet by being able to find solutions sooner and recognize any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Work smarter not harder.  

Take Risks–Failing your way to success is really learning.

About InterJet West Inc.

Kolar + Kolar Experience Institute™ is an award-winning brand and interiors strategy firm with a focus on unlocking data-driven solutions. We specialize in building brand experiences derived from data to develop strategies and deliver measurable business results for your space. With over 30 years of experience, our woman-owned enterprise is passionate about finding new and innovative ways to connect people, places, and brands – to unleash best-in-class environments. Our team is committed to delivering purposeful and transformative design. We design to inspire people and change lives. Kolar unleashes the soul in space. 

Kelly Kolar

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business? 

The Kolar team is a creative collective made up of artists, design thinkers, strategists, architects, interior, graphic and industrial designers working together as change agents. Our award-winning design agency builds experiences at the intersection of people and place, making a positive impact by unleashing the soul to spaces for our clients and communities we serve. 

We are a passionate about finding new and better ways to connect people, places, and brands—from healing environments focused on the patient and family experience to global workplaces that blend corporate and cultural identity. You can find our work in mixed-use development, where placemaking and art is breathing life into urban areas; in financial institutions where, new technologies are redefining immersive experiences. We design to remind people why they do what they do every day, to change culture and, sometimes, even to change lives. 

What is your proudest moment thus far in business? 

A moment of great pride was at a dedication of Cincinnati  Children’s Hospital Critical care building. We were part of creating the building branding and dedicated a family lounge for the parents when they stay in the hospital.  As I stood there with our team, I remembered how grateful I am for this opportunity to serve others in need.  I was a new mother 25 years before and this institution saved my daughters life and now we are in a position to make a difference in the lives of other patients.  It does not get any better than that full circle moment—changing lives.  

What advice would you share with a newly certified WBE looking to make the most out of her certification?

Build your network and honor the sisterhood by always paying it forward. If you are new to the WBENC community, my advice for you is show up and participate. You can’t do this alone. You have no idea who you might meet, who can provide insight or an opportunity. You still have to earn your own business, but the WBENC network equals your net worth.   

Focus on long term customer relationships that provide value and build trust. Invest in your customers just as you ask them to invest in you.

About Lexair Electronics Sales Corporation

Lexair Electronics Sales Corporation is a WBENC–Certified, Tier 1 Supplier-Partner specializing in the supply and support of communication devices, communication technology and managed services for customers wanting a centralized acquisition and delivery solution. From headsets, VoIP and conferencing devices to voice solution design, implementation or UC deployment consulting, Lexair has been a trusted source for over 20 years.  We provide product supply, support and service options throughout our customers’ enterprise.  We support customers that operate multiple facilities nationally or globally ranging from 4 to more than 1700 site locations with 10,000 to over 400,000 employees.  

Paula Edwards

When and how was your business started? OR If you did not start your business, how and when did you come into ownership of your company?  

Lexair was founded as an in-home start-up in 1998 in Washington.  In 2000 I relocated to NC and incorporated in NC in 2001. When I began, a spare bedroom was my office and the living room/dining room was the warehouse.  My initial capital investment was $100.00 and my philosophy has always been “Customer First.” 

Lexair started as a “Headset Specialist.”  Over the past 20 years we have grown into an industry-recognized leader in communication technology and device supply and support. Lexair is headquartered in Greensboro, NC with operations in Canada and Europe.  

What is your proudest moment thus far in business? 

By far, expanding globally has been a very proud evolution. Growing from an in-home start up twenty years ago to becoming a global supplier today has opened new opportunities with current and potential customers.  It has also provided a platform to showcase my Lexair Team. I am beyond proud of these amazing individuals! 

What advice would you share with a newly certified WBE looking to make the most out of her certification? 

Use your WBENC certification as a tool, not a crutch.  Your certification is important as a baseline to becoming a corporate supplier.  You will still need to be tenacious in identifying the key stakeholders within your potential customers and make the case as to why they should choose to do business with your company.  Competitive pricing, value-added services, financial viability, customer references, company size, and several other vital factors may be considered during their selection process. 

I am proud to have the tenacity to push through the difficult days, keep myself motivated, and make the business thrive.

About Praxis Strategic Solutions

Praxis Strategic Solutions is a dynamic consulting firm that delivers capacity building solutions in three related segments.  

Segment 1: Funding Navigation Solutions 

We solve the “Access to Capital” puzzle by providing funding navigation services to expanding businesses that require capital solutions to scale.  

Segment 2: Supply Chain Financial Risk Mitigation Solutions 

We provide funding solutions to high growth and at-risk corporate suppliers that require an infusion of capital for expansion or stabilization.  

Segment 3: Capacity Building Training Solutions 

We deliver training solutions on financial and funding fundamentals, organizational and leadership development, client experience, as well as soft skills coaching solutions.  

About Praxis Strategic Solutions

When and how was your business started? OR If you did not start your business, how and when did you come into ownership of your company?  

The business was started in 2016 after leaving a 20-year banking and lending career. I decided to fulfill my faith-based life assignment and felt led to start my consulting firm.  

During my banking tenure, I successfully helped business owners acquire millions of dollars in capital to grow their businesses. However, most companies struggle to acquire the funding needed to maintain or scale their businesses.  

By curating a network of funding options and partners, my firm becomes a catalyst to fuel business growth. We provide the expertise needed to help entrepreneurs navigate the difficult funding landscape.  

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business? 

Keep the Faith! God is the CEO in my business model, and I function as the President. I check in with the CEO consistently for guidance and direction. That gives me a level of confidence to take calculated risks and an assurance that all things will eventually work together for my good.  

What advice would you share with a newly certified WBE looking to make the most out of her certification? 

 Your certification is more than a piece of paper. You should become an active member of your Regional Partner Organization, attend as many events as possible, and make yourself known by networking and participating. People like to do business with people they know and trust. 

 Of course, you should also plan to attend the WBENC National Conference & Business Fair every year!  

Differentiating yourself as an expert in your industry requires innate passion for the field and a love of learning.

About STEMHUNTER

STEMHUNTER is a next-generation job board that bridges the gap between innovative corporations and scientific, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals. With STEMHUNTER, employers can find and attract highly qualified technical talent for their roles, while job seekers can be confident that they are putting their resume in the right place. Through powerful matching, innovative search technology and messaging that matters, STEMHUNTER is an all-in-one hiring solution that makes hiring the right person fast and easy.  

About Gabrielle Christman

What is your business philosophy and how has it impacted your success as a business? 

The values of harmony, integrity, respect and excellence guide my business acumen. Harmony is a value that allows me to collaborate with others to enhance creativity, innovation and excellence. The values of integrity and respect guide my business decisions as I always strive to be upright, honest and straightforward while understanding co-workers, customers and job seekers for their individual beliefs and intentions. My business philosophy is “hard work wins – always”. I learned as a child and grandchild of entrepreneurs that work ethic coupled with integrity can lead people and companies to achieve business results and better serve the community. 

What are some of the biggest challenges and barriers you’ve faced as a woman business owner? How have you overcome them?

Barriers to entry are still a real challenge for women-owned businesses. Through WBENC, I’ve been able to turn that challenge into a strategic and valuable asset to build relationships and contribute to the community. Another challenge faced as a business owner of a staffing firm is market saturation. With grit, our team has been able to differentiate ourselves from the competition in the market by seizing each opportunity with intense focus on speed and quality of service delivery. 

8) What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

“Get ahead of the train.” My father used this mantra throughout my childhood and it still rings true as excellent career advice. The concept of “getting ahead of the train” involves continuous learning and adoption of a growth mindset in which you preserve in the face of challenges and adversity through grit and diligence. In my career, I’ve used this advice to continuously learn and leverage that information to forecast trends and prepare Hunter’s workforce to evolve.