Margarita Howard, the brilliant mind behind HX5, has carved a niche for herself in
the government contracting arena, proving that gender is not a barrier to
success. As the sole owner, president, and CEO of HX5, Howard has demonstrated
remarkable leadership skills, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment
to excellence, reshaping the government contracting landscape.
In the United States, there are approximately 14 million women-owned businesses. A recent
survey revealed that 75% of these businesses consider corporate and government
contracting crucial to their growth strategy. Margarita Howard embodies this
statistic, leveraging her business acumen to meet the needs of military requirements.
Howard’s journey to success has been marked by determination and perseverance. In the early years
of starting HX5, she faced numerous obstacles, including difficulties in
obtaining financial support. However, she remained resilient, knocking on
countless doors and meeting with bankers to secure the necessary funding. Her
unwavering determination paid off when she found a bank that believed in her
vision and supported her from the beginning.
One pivotal moment in Howard’s success story came when she joined the Small Business
Administration’s 8(a) program. This program provided mentorship and support to
entrepreneurs facing social and economic disadvantages. As a first-generation
American and a woman, Margarita Howard met the program’s criteria and gained eligibility to
compete for multi-million-dollar government contracts. This certification
opened doors for HX5, and they secured four contracts within a year, propelling the company to new heights.
Howard’s military background and experience in implementing the ”Tricare Program”, a major initiative in managed healthcare for the
military, gave her a unique perspective on government contracting. Working with
various subcontractors and navigating the intricacies of government operations,
Howard honed her skills and developed a competitive edge.
From the outset, Howard made a conscious decision not to rely solely on sole-source awards,
setting HX5 apart from many small government contractors. Instead, she focused
on building a robust infrastructure that allowed the company to compete for and
win contracts. By prioritizing compliance, financial discipline, and fostering
strong relationships with government agencies, HX5 established a solid
foundation for sustainable growth.
Margarita Howard’s journey with HX5 exemplifies the power of business acumen in meeting military
requirements. Through her leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence,
she has built a successful company that continues to thrive in the government contracting
sector. As a woman-owned business, Howard’s story is a testament to the
potential and contributions of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth
and meeting the needs of corporate and government buyers. Visit this page on LinkedIn, for related information.
More about Margarita Howard on https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Hx5