ECOMPEX NEWS

2006 News

Inspirational Success Story Told at the Small Business Administration 8(a) Program Orientation Workshop

By Jesse Lake, Communications Manager
Tuesday, February 3, 2006

Hubin Jiang giving speech at SBA

Mr. Hubin Jiang, President and CEO of Ecompex, Inc. (McLean, VA) was invited by the Small Business Administration to present an orientation speech before a conference of newly certified 8(a) companies. Mr. Jiang presented his own personal success story and explained how utilizing the 8(a) Program has assisted him in developing a successful, multi-million dollar company in a few short years.

Six years earlier Mr. Jiang, sat in this same room during his 8(a) orientation, now he is speaking to other small disadvantaged businesses. Mr. Jiang told his story of how he built Ecompex, Inc. from the ground up, to become one of the most successful 8(a) companies in the United States.

The annual 8(a) Program Orientation Workshop is sponsored by the 8(a) Business Development Division and is specifically geared toward small businesses who have recently been certified as an 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business. The U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) Program was created in 1974 to help minority and other disadvantaged businesses grow through a program of federal contracting preferences and set-asides.

At the time of Mr. Jiang’s orientation, his company consisted of two employees. Now Ecompex, Inc. has grown to over 150 employees with offices in three states and contracts with a dozen Government agencies. He accredited a close working relationship with the Small Business Administration 8(a) program as being a valuable asset and advised the audience that “It is very important to work with the Small Business Administration if you want to be a success”. He also provided encouragement to the new 8(a) companies stating that “even our first year in business didn’t go that well, you have to work hard and be dedicated to doing quality work, if you do this, you will be a success.”

During Mr. Jiang’s inspirational speech, he enlightened the audience about four factors for success that he has learned throughout his involvement with the 8(a) program.

Mr. Jiang’s first point, brought to light the paramount importance of networking, strategic alliances, and teaming. He said, “This is very important due to the massive amount of 8(a) companies that are already out there – Government agencies won’t just hand companies work, there is competition for these 8(a) set-asides. Being able to team improves a company’s chances of winning an opportunity”.

Mr. Jiang’s second point, addressed persistence, working hard, and working smart. Mr. Jiang said, as an example, “I spent eight months talking to one government agency and going to their office every week to establish a relationship of trust - that’s what it takes”.

Mr. Jiang’s third point addressed getting that first contract. “The first contract a company will get will be the hardest”. He stated, “as a company, you must be flexible, be dedicated, and sure that you can do an excellent job for the potential customer.”

Mr. Jiang’s final point touched on the importance of establishing an excellent past performance record. He said, “For every contract opportunity a company goes after, you will be required to provide a work history report that will influence the award decision”. He went on to say, “To ensure your success, you will need to establish a very broad and very strong past performance, filled with high quality work”, emphasizing the importance of customer service, and making sure the customer receives the right solution, on time and within budget.

Mr. Jiang’s inspirational speech was warmly received by the orientation conference attendees. The companies appreciated Mr. Jiang sharing what he has learned and his experiences over his six years of being an 8(a) company. Mr. Jiang hopes that his advice and stories will aid in the success of the many new companies entering the field and provide inspiration for them to reach for the sky and achieve their goals.

For further information, contact Ecompex’s Communications Manager, Jesse Lake at jesse.lake@ecompex.com