Partners Co-Located at OED

KATHY WAJER 

Procurement Specialist 
Providing small business counseling to Maryland-based small business in the government contracting arena.
kwajer@umd.edu
410-638-4460 ext. 2522

SITTING DOWN WITH KATHY

1. Tell us a little about your background.

My background is in numbers and customer service!  By that I mean that my experience is in retail and commercial banking, taking care of individuals, small businesses and corporate clients in the Baltimore/Harford County market.  I joined the Harford County Office of Economic Development in 2001 to handle financial transactions and business development for all size businesses.  With the BRAC in 2005, I moved into business development for defense contractors, which led to the management of the County's first technology business incubator. In 2015, I joined the Maryland Procurement Technology Assistance Center in as a Procurement Specialist, providing entrepreneurs and business owners counseling, training and an understanding of the requirements of government contracting.  We focus on the market know-how needed to obtain and successfully perform local, state and federal contracts. In addition, we support government agencies in reaching and working with the suppliers they need.  

2. What makes Harford County a great place for a small business?

The County offers entrepreneurs and small business owners the resources needed to make good decisions and succeed in any type of business. Whether you want to deliver pizzas, work with the Department of Defense, or develop a new technology, the County offers a wide variety of programs to help small businesses grow into thriving, successful companies.

3. What is your role with the Small Business Resource Center?

I work with the many entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in obtaining government contracts.  The SBR is the County's one-stop-shop, offering a central location for individuals to sit down, face to-face with a counselor who can help them establish a new or grow an existing company.  I can assist with understanding the requirements of government contracting, and ultimately deciding if government contracting is something they want to pursue and become a part of.  It is not for everyone. 

4. What’s your favorite part about working with the Small Business Resource Center?

My favorite part is meeting with so many different people, with so many different ideas.  No two days are alike.  I get to partner with the SBDC and HBE, coming up with solutions to problems and celebrating the successes of our small businesses.  It is very rewarding to be even a small part of helping someone reach the next milestone in their journey as a business owner.

5. What is the most important piece of advice you give to entrepreneurs?

Network, network, network.  People deal with people, not businesses.  Make yourself known and take every opportunity to tell the story of how your business can provide a better product, service or solution for their business. 

JACK SCHAMMEL

CEO, Leading Logic LLC
Providing management and mentoring services on behalf of Venture Access and TEDCO
jack@leadinglogic.biz
410-638-4460 ext. 7976

SITTING DOWN WITH JACK

1. Tell us a little about your background.

Jack is a seasoned management consultant and certified business coach who has been helping companies develop the full potential of their workforce and management team, increase profitability, and create lucrative succession and exit plans.

2. What makes Harford County a great place for a small business?

Harford County is a beautiful, vibrant community that is attracting a growing number of people. This growth, coupled with the many dynamic companies already serving our County presents many opportunities for new and existing companies to thrive and prosper.

3. What is your role with the Small Business Resource Center?

I help entrepreneurs start successful businesses by providing guidance and by connecting them with the many resources available to help them make sound decisions about how best to build their companies.

4. What’s your favorite part about working with the Small Business Resource Center?

I meet the most remarkable people. This community has so many bright, creative folks with ideas for improving the lives of others. Our entrepreneurs include high school students, college kids, graduate students, stay-at-home moms, retirees, scientists, engineers, and blue-collar workers who have creative, often tech-based solutions to a broad range of tricky problems.

5. What is the most important piece of advice you give to entrepreneurs?

The first thing I advise everyone is to put together a solid business plan. While many will argue against “business plans,” it’s the planning process that proves invaluable to entrepreneurs, without exception. It is during this process that entrepreneurs develop a complete understanding of the problem being solved by their product or service, precisely who has that problem (customer profile), how much customers will be willing to pay for that solution, how many customers have that problem, and where to find those customers. These are some of the key ingredients for building a reliable revenue model which is just one element of a solid business plan.

443-373-3377

SITTING DOWN WITH RYAN
1. Tell us a little about your background.

Ryan Del Gallo serves as the Business Consultant for Harford & Cecil Counties, as well as the Technology Consultant for the Northern Region of Maryland. Throughout his career, Ryan has worked with the U.S. Army and has consulted businesses ranging from startups to $10M firms. Ryan serves on the board of Cecil Business Resource Partners, Harford’s Business Edge, and is the Advisor for Business Computing & Applied Technology at Harford Community College. Ryan is a Master Accredited Small Business Consultant, Certified Grant Writer, and Certified Business Plan Advisor.
 

2. What makes Harford County a great place for a small business?

Harford County is a fantastic place to do business. The community comes together to support each other. There are resources to assist small business throughout every step.
 

3. What is your role with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)?

Business & Technology Consultant serving pre-venture, start-up, and existing businesses in the realms of money, management, and marketing. 
 

4. What’s your favorite part about working with the SBDC?

Changing lives is the best part of working with the Small Business Development Center. Assisting a community member in bringing an idea to life, seeing an entrepreneur open the door to their new business, or simply knowing that your expertise is helping support a local family; the rewards are endless. 
 

5. What is the most important piece of advice you give to entrepreneurs?

The easiest time to be financed is when you do not appear to need it!