In this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed, Melinda sits down with Terry McKee, a veteran procurement leader in Knoxville, Tennessee, with 38 years in local government procurement. Terry pulls back the curtain on what really happens on the buyer side, why procurement rules exist, and how business owners can stop guessing and start winning.

If you sell services, construction, or any kind of solutions to public agencies, this conversation is a reality check in the best way.

What you will learn in this episode

• Why procurement rules exist: fairness, transparency, and equal treatment for every vendor
• How to think about government agencies: treat each agency like a separate company with its own culture, rules, and buying habits
• Why vendors struggle: thousands of agencies, different bid thresholds, vendor registration systems, insurance requirements, and processes
• Co-ops and piggyback contracts explained: how smaller agencies leverage bigger agency pricing and reduce workload
• What makes a vendor stand out fast: following directions, clean submissions, correct formats, and strong quality control
• Common mistakes that kill bids: sloppy copy-paste errors, wrong agency name, ignoring pricing format, missing signatures or bonds, and last-minute questions
• The #1 mindset shift: procurement is not trying to block you, they are trying to protect the process
• Red flags that raise alarms: evasive answers, forcing your own format, being unprepared (insurance, licenses, bonding, equipment), and weak subcontractor management
• Pricing truth from the buyer side: buyers want you to be profitable, not desperate, because “cheap” can become “bankrupt”
• What vendors should ask more often: “Why is this requirement here?” and how to challenge specs the right way
• Pre-RFP relationship building: training sessions, demos, outreach events, reverse trade shows, procurement month events, and budget-season vendor fairs
• Major trends vendors must prepare for:
  • COVID-era funding drying up in many places
  • Online portals becoming the standard (bids, insurance certs, renewals, signatures)
  • AI becoming a tool on both sides, with a warning: use it, but control it

Terry’s straight-talk advice

• Read the bid. Then read it again.
• Ask questions early. Not five minutes before the deadline.
• Do what the solicitation says. Portal means portal. Email means email.
• Don’t assume government is your “right.” Show up like a partner.
• You can disagree without being disagreeable.

Final takeaway

Government contracting is not new, and it is not going away. If you want stable revenue and real enterprise value, the fastest path is not chasing every bid. It is learning the buyer, building relationships, and showing up as a professional who respects the rules and executes with excellence.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!

In this episode, Melinda sits down with Gavin Coyle, founder of Coyle Group, joining from Ireland, to talk about what it really takes to build a strong, efficient service business that lasts.

Gavin brings 25 years of experience in health and safety across power generation, wind energy, utilities, and engineering, plus a sharp business brain shaped by real life lessons. This is a practical conversation about building the right systems, setting boundaries, and using innovation (especially AI) to remove bottlenecks instead of adding more people and more chaos.

What you will hear in this episode

• What Coyle Group does and why the market demands high-level, project-based health and safety leadership
• Why Gavin wrote Workplace Safety on a Budget, and the truth that “good safety” does not have to mean big spending
• A simple but powerful belief: Good safety is good business
• Lean principles in plain language, and how Toyota’s thinking applies far beyond manufacturing
• Why small teams can run big operations when roles are clear and waste is removed
• The biggest early business lesson Gavin learned watching his father’s business: know your numbers and protect cash flow
• Why niching down creates a “moat” and helps you avoid competing as a commodity
• How to think about premium markets, and why low-end mindset clients drain teams over time
• Innovation with purpose: why the wrong software can become a time-sucking monster
• Why AI is different and how it can remove admin burden when used correctly
• A game-changing example of AI in trades and construction: faster quoting, clearer scope, and fewer delays
• The most underrated strategy in business: old-school conversations with your team (no surveys, no fluff, just straight talk)
• The hidden risk most owners ignore: your best people getting “poached” because standards and culture slip
• Gavin’s advice for 2026: build crisis readiness, create “gates” that protect the business, and maintain a living risk register

Key takeaway

If your business feels stuck, it is usually not a “motivation problem.” It is a systems problem. Fix the system, reduce waste, and use AI to remove busywork so your people can do real work.

Links Mentioned

Gavin Coyle’s book: Workplace Safety on a Budget https://bit.ly/3Z04eeR
Gavin’s podcast: https://www.imthegaffer.com/
LiveSwitch, a real-time video communication platform: https://join.liveswitch.com/gavincoyle
Hustro, the safety software tool link: https://www.hustro.com/gavin
Safety Hub (free templates and weekly alerts): https://www.etsy.com/shop/GavinCoyleSafety

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!

In this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed, Melinda sits down with Luis Medina, Director of Procurement and Contracts (Aviation) at Ontario International Airport, to break down what public sector procurement really looks like behind the scenes.

If you have ever thought government contracting is “slow,” “rigged,” or based on who you know, Luis sets the record straight. The process has guardrails for a reason: taxpayer dollars, transparency, and defensible decision-making.

You will walk away with a clear understanding of what procurement teams care about most, and how to position your business as a credible, reliable partner long before the award.

What you will learn

• Why public procurement is not slow “because they want it to be”
• The real reason guardrails exist (and how they protect you, too)
• Why the “good old boys club” idea is one of the biggest myths in GovCon
• What signals professionalism instantly: consistency, deadlines, and detail
• The 3 common scoring sections Luis sees across agencies (and what firms miss)
• Why your proposal must match your interview team (and how disconnects kill trust)
• How to communicate with public agencies without info overload
• How to use the RFI and pre-bid process strategically (and ethically)
• What thoughtful pricing looks like (and why “we’ll figure it out later” backfires)
• The internal systems you must have to perform after award: compliance, controls, capacity
• Luis’s best advice for entering public sector procurement the right way

Memorable quotes

• “Procurement isn’t a handshake deal. It’s a process heavy by design.”
• “Silence is the fastest way to lose trust.”
• “Measure twice, cut once.”

Action step

Pick one public agency you want to work with. Find their procurement portal, register, and review one active solicitation this week. Not to bid yet, but to learn the structure, timelines, and requirements.

About the guest

Luis Medina serves in public sector procurement leadership in the aviation environment, overseeing procurement and contracts operations and helping ensure transparent, accountable spending of taxpayer dollars.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!

In this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed, Melinda Colón sits down with Mike Bagley, Director of Purchasing for Jefferson County, New York, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about government procurement.

Mike oversees centralized purchasing for more than 30 county departments, including an international airport, and manages decisions that directly impact taxpayers and local communities. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how procurement officers actually think, evaluate vendors, and build long-term trust.

If you have ever considered government contracts, submitted a proposal, or wondered why bids get rejected, this episode is essential listening.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- What a county Director of Purchasing actually does day to day
- How procurement teams balance quality, price, and taxpayer responsibility
- Why most vendors disqualify themselves before evaluation even begins
- The difference between cost savings and cost avoidance, and why it matters
- What makes a proposal instantly stand out, even from a first-time vendor
- The most common red flags that force procurement to pass on a proposal
- Why mathematical errors and missed deadlines are non-negotiable
- How trust is built after a contract is awarded, not just before
- The one simple question vendors almost never ask, but should
- How e-procurement and paperless bidding are transforming government contracting
- What business owners should prepare for as costs, tariffs, and inflation shift

Key Takeaway:

Government procurement is not about shortcuts or gaming the system.
It rewards preparation, accuracy, integrity, and follow-through.

Procurement officers want vendors to succeed, but they must follow the law, protect taxpayers, and ensure reliable delivery. Vendors who respect the process are remembered. Vendors who do not are quietly filtered out.

About the Guest:

Mike Bagley is the Director of Purchasing for Jefferson County, New York. With a background in healthcare and medical sales leadership, Mike brings a consultative, values-driven approach to public procurement. He is passionate about transparency, modernization, and breaking down barriers between government agencies and the business community.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!

In this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed, Melinda Colón sits down with Danielle Thompson, MBA, MCA, Director of Procurement at the North Texas Tollway Authority, for a rare, behind-the-scenes conversation from the buyer’s seat.

Danielle brings decades of experience across state and local government, aviation, and large public agencies to explain how procurement teams actually evaluate vendors, proposals, and partnerships.

This is not theory. This is how decisions are made in real life.

You’ll hear what separates government-ready businesses from those that never make it past review, why integrity matters more than promises, and how contractors unintentionally disqualify themselves before pricing is even considered.

If you’ve ever wondered what government buyers wish contractors understood, this conversation delivers clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What government buyers really care about when reviewing vendors
• The difference between passion and value in a proposal
• Green flags that signal a company is government-ready
• Red flags that cause buyers to pass on a bid immediately
• Why mastery beats trying to “do everything”
• How integrity shows up during conflict, not perfection
• Why canned proposals hurt your credibility
• The importance of reading terms and conditions before bidding
• How pricing, market research, and economic awareness affect evaluation
• Why government contracting is a long-term strategy, not a quick win
• How AI and technology are changing vendor expectations

About the Guest

Danielle Thompson, MBA, MCA is the Director of Procurement at the North Texas Tollway Authority. She has led procurement and contract management teams across multiple state and local agencies, including major aviation and municipal organizations.

Her work is rooted in operational excellence, integrity, and expanding access to opportunity through fair and ethical procurement practices.

North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA): https://www.ntta.org/procurement/procurement

Danielle Thompson, MBA, MCA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellethompsonmba/

Important Disclaimer

This episode is for educational and informational purposes only.

Nothing shared in this conversation should be interpreted as a promise, guarantee, or assurance of winning a government contract. Government procurement decisions are governed by strict rules, competitive processes, and ethical standards designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity.

Success in government contracting depends on many factors, including compliance, qualifications, pricing, past performance, and agency-specific requirements. Ethical bidding practices are essential, and no strategy, relationship, or insight can or should override those standards.

Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence, follow all applicable procurement regulations, and pursue opportunities responsibly and ethically.

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!

From the Olympics to the World Cup — The Contract Boom Nobody’s Talking About.

Discover how once-in-a-lifetime global events are opening massive government contract opportunities across the U.S.

🔥In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

💡 How major events like the LA 2028 Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and America 250 are fueling trillion-dollar government spending — and what that means for service-based businesses right now.

🚀 The GovCon Sales Strategy that wins contracts — including the 5 proven steps Melinda uses to help her clients land multi-million and billion-dollar government deals.

🔥 Why 2026 will be the most profitable year for prepared business owners — and how to position yourself today to benefit from this historic wealth and infrastructure boom.

🛠 Resources & Links:

🔗 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞!

Break into government contracting with confidence. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!

Secure your spot now: https://www.govscaleinsidermasterclass.com/

🎙 Subscribe & Review:

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcast https://bit.ly/4hfyYA5. It helps more entrepreneurs discover game-changing strategies!

👥 Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-colon/

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!

Bottlenecks to Breakthroughs: How Automation Unlocks Your Next Level

Why systems and SOPs—not hustle—are the real keys to scaling your business.

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

⚙️ Why Automation is Really About Scaling, Not Tech – Learn how to move from being the bottleneck in your business to creating systems that free you up to focus on growth.

📋 The Power of SOPs Before Software – Discover why documenting processes first leads to smoother automation, higher adoption rates, and long-term sustainability.

🚀 How to Leverage AI and Tools Without Overwhelm – Get practical strategies to evaluate your tech stack, choose the right tools, and implement automation that fuels revenue and customer experience.

🛠️ Resources & Links:

🔗 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞!

Break into government contracting with confidence. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!

Secure your spot now: https://www.govscaleinsidermasterclass.com/

🎙️ Subscribe & Review:

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcast https://bit.ly/4hfyYA5. It helps more entrepreneurs discover game-changing strategies!

👥 Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-colon/

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!

From Struggle to Strategy: Turning Setbacks into Systems with the 5FT View

Kamar and Stephanie share how faith, clarity, and process can help entrepreneurs rise above challenges and scale with confidence.

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

🌱 How to Turn Setbacks into Growth – Kamar and Stephanie open up about their personal and business struggles and how those hard moments became stepping stones to purpose.

🛠️ The Power of Systems and Structure – Learn why entrepreneurs often fail without processes, and how the 5FT View helps leaders gain clarity and sustainability.

🙏 Why Faith and Alignment Matter in Business – Discover how leaning on God, embracing obedience, and staying aligned with your vision can keep you moving forward even when challenges hit.

🎯 Featured Guest:

Stephanie’s legacy is one of transformation, of businesses, leaders, and people. Through 5FT View and the Fractional Expert Collective, she is proving that companies don’t have to choose between affordability and excellence, or between vision and execution. She is leaving behind a new model of leadership flexible, accessible, and human-centered that allows organizations to scale without burning out their founders or their teams.
Her mark is also deeply personal: she is equipping individuals with the skills, tools, and clarity they need to succeed, while fostering workplaces rooted in accountability, passion, and equity. Beyond the growth of any single company, Stephanie’s legacy will be measured in the ripple effect of leaders she has empowered, businesses she has stabilized, and communities she has strengthened.
Above all, she is showing future generations of entrepreneurs that success is not just about building profitable companies; it’s about building sustainable ones where people and performance thrive together.

Connect with Stephanie at https://www.5ftview.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniewarlick/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579261754103
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5ftv_consulting/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniewarlick5

🛠 Resources & Links:

🔗 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞!

Break into government contracting with confidence. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬!

Secure your spot now: https://www.govscaleinsidermasterclass.com/

🎙 Subscribe & Review:

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcast https://bit.ly/4hfyYA5. It helps more entrepreneurs discover game-changing strategies!

👥 Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-colon/

Support the show

Thanks for tuning into this episode of Legacy Builders Unleashed! If you enjoyed today’s conversation and are ready to take your business to new heights, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

If you found value in today’s episode, please leave us a review and share it with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale.

Remember, building a legacy isn’t just about success—it’s about creating lasting impact. Let’s continue to build the future, one strategic move at a time.

Stay connected with us on YouTube and visit our website for more resources.

Until next time, keep building your legacy!