233: Leveraging 8(a) and HUBZone for Multimillion-Dollar Growth: Insights from Sam Elias

Govcon Giants

In our latest episode, we’re joined by Mohammad “Sam” Elias, the chairman and founder of RELI Group, who shares his extraordinary journey from a small subcontractor to the leader of a federal contracting powerhouse with over 500 employees. Sam's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. He started his career supporting the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) as a senior program manager, where he led teams of up to 50 experts on critical IT health initiatives. His deep domain knowledge spans across Medicare, Medicaid, Healthcare IT, and even the insurance sector, making him a versatile leader in multiple industries.

In 2013, Sam founded RELI Group with a vision to bring innovative solutions to federal IT consulting and systems integration. Through programs like 8(a) and HUBZone, Sam skillfully navigated the challenges of federal contracting, turning RELI Group into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. He openly shares how he leveraged these programs and the critical decisions that helped propel his company to new heights.

But growth came with its own set of challenges. At one point, Sam had to step back from the CEO role to handle personal and family emergencies, an experience that taught him valuable lessons about leadership and work-life balance. Upon his return, he brought a fresh perspective that continued to drive the company’s success.

Sam first shared his inspiring journey at my conference last year, and now, in this episode, he dives even deeper into the strategies and mindset that helped him grow from a modest subcontractor to a key player in the federal space. Whether you’re just starting out or are well on your way in the government contracting world, this conversation will inspire you to take action and scale your business to the next level.

Don't miss out—grab your tickets for our next event where you can hear more stories like Sam’s firsthand!

Book How to Market and Sell to the U.S. Government A View from the Inside: https://a.co/d/9RlqU0e

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