Margarita Howard, a trailblazer in government contracting, has made a significant mark as the owner, CEO, and president of HX5. A company providing mission-critical services to the Department of Defense (DOD) and NASA, HX5 exemplifies how integrity, expertise, and strategic foresight can drive success in a competitive field. Under Howard’s visionary leadership, HX5 has grown to employ over 1,000 individuals across 34 states, supporting 90 government locations.

This impressive journey highlights Howard’s commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the complexities within the government contracting landscape.

The Foundation of Success: Leveraging Government Programs

Howard’s journey to success began with strategic use of the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, designed to assist small businesses in breaking into the competitive government contracting market. By securing multiple contracts within a single year, HX5 quickly built a foundation of experience and credibility.

While benefiting from this program, Howard emphasized the importance of diversifying beyond set-aside contracts, saying, “I had that competitive edge or desire, and I knew that I didn’t want to depend on just sole-source awards.” This forward-thinking approach allowed HX5 to build a robust track record and establish a reputation for reliability and performance.

Strategic Relationships: The Key to Long-Term Growth

Central to HX5’s success is its ability to forge and maintain strong relationships with government agencies and industry partners. Howard and her team conduct meticulous research to understand the specific needs of their clients, tailoring proposals that align with these requirements. “We try to always highlight our expertise, past performance, certifications, and other specialized capabilities,” Howard explained.

Networking at industry events and collaborating with complementary companies are other pillars of HX5’s strategy. These efforts enable the company to deliver comprehensive solutions that meet the multifaceted demands of government agencies. The long-term relationships built through trust and credibility have been essential for the company’s sustained growth.

“Large businesses and the government have to meet small business goals,” Howard noted. “When they find a small company that understands the industry and performs well, that makes for a very positive long-term relationship.”

A Focus on Compliance and Accountability

Compliance is paramount in government contracting, and HX5’s rigorous standards reflect Howard’s dedication to this aspect of the business. The company maintains a team of advisers who specialize in navigating the intricate regulatory environment. Whether meeting cybersecurity requirements, adhering to labor laws, or maintaining financial transparency, HX5 is always prepared for audits and regulatory reviews.

Howard emphasized the importance of readiness, saying, “Being prepared for it, knowing our financials are always in order, is critical. As a government contractor, our financials can be audited at any time, at a moment’s notice.”

Building a Team That Drives Excellence

At the heart of HX5’s achievements is its talented workforce. Howard prioritizes hiring experienced individuals with a background in supporting agencies like the DOD and NASA. This expertise ensures that employees understand the unique challenges of the industry.

To keep the workforce at the cutting edge, HX5 invests heavily in professional development, offering training in areas such as cybersecurity, compliance, and industry best practices. Many employees have stayed with HX5 for years, drawn by the company’s sense of community and mission-driven approach.

“We could not do what we do without them,” Howard remarked, underscoring the importance of her team.

Balancing Growth with Quality

As HX5 expanded, Howard adopted a balanced approach to growth. Initially involved in every aspect of hiring, she later delegated responsibilities while maintaining oversight for management positions. This ensured that the company continued to uphold its high standards even as it scaled.

Howard’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in values like honesty, integrity, and loyalty. By assembling a team that shares these principles, HX5 has been able to deliver consistent results for its government clients.

The Future of HX5 Under Margarita Howard’s Leadership

Looking ahead, HX5 is poised to continue its upward trajectory under Howard’s guidance. By remaining adaptable and committed to its core values, the company is well-positioned to navigate the evolving challenges of government contracting.

Margarita Howard’s journey exemplifies how strategic thinking, relationship-building, and a relentless commitment to excellence can create lasting success. Her leadership not only highlights the potential of small businesses in government contracting but also serves as an inspiration for others in the industry.

For more information about Margarita Howard and her work, visit her profile.