Her Company Is Moving and Shaking in the Government Contracting World
Q: What do you want everyone to know about your company?
A: Avening Management and Technical Services, LLC (AveningTech) delivers expert management and technical support services to federal government organizations engaged in missions related to national security. Our expertise includes systems and network engineering; information, network and systems security; information assurance, program and project management; acquisition support; web development services; and domain expertise in Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C4I). Each member of our executive and management team has more than 20 years’ experience delivering support services to federal government clients, and understands intimately how to identify, train, and supervise employees who support federal government clients. We have managed hundreds of task orders for dozens of customers, and routinely assist our clients in achieving success by providing timely, consistent, low-risk and cost-effective support services. Majority owner Lee Platt is a veteran of the U.S. Army and was selected as a member of the Women Veteran Entrepreneur Corps, is a member of the Military Spouse CEO Experience, and is a participant in the 2014 SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative.
Q: What made you decide to start your own company?
A: After a long career working for both large and small businesses, I decided it was “now or never” to try it on my own.
Q: What has been the greatest challenge with owning your own company?
A: Limiting the number of hours “at work.”
Q: What has been the greatest reward in owning your own company?
A: Being my own boss; contributing to winning contracts; and being invited to team with major large prime contractors on new initiatives.
Q: What’s a mistake you’ve made along the way you want other company owners to learn from?
A: Not being brave enough to do this sooner.
Q: What’s the best advice another company owner/mentor has ever given you?
A: “Go for it!”
Q: What is the most important marketing tool you use?
A: Building and nurturing relationships.
Q: If you were given $200,000 to grow your business, what would you do with the funds?
A: Put it into the bank. Since we do business with the federal government and we’re currently a subcontractor, we need to be able to manage cash flow in order to grow. Payroll comes every two weeks regardless of when our invoices are paid.
Q: In your opinion, what makes a successful company?
A: Positive cash flow, healthy profit margins, increasing revenues year to year, satisfied customers, and a stable, committed workforce.
Q: What’s your favorite business inspirational quote?
A: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford
Q: What do you wish we had asked that we didn’t?
A: If you could write me a check.
Learn more about AveningTech www.aveningtech.com
