214: Behind the Scenes of Defense Business and Contracts: Expert Insights from Darren Whiddon

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the strategic insights of a true powerhouse in the realm of defense and business, Darren Whiddon of DKW Consulting LLC. You might remember last year's episode with Gene Moran, where we delved into the importance of early engagement with government customers. Well, following that episode, Gene invited me to speak at his event, the Ringmaster, where I had the pleasure of connecting with Darren. What makes Darren's story fascinating is his journey from being an Armor Officer in the US Army to now running DKW Consulting LLC, where he assists US small businesses and international mid-size businesses with business development, marketing, and competitive intelligence. Darren's specialty? Pyrotechnics, explosives, munitions—you know, the real War Dogs kind of stuff. With over 12 years of experience, including a tour in Iraq as an Infantry Advisor to the Iraqi Army, Darren has a wealth of knowledge to share. He held significant roles within the defense industry, serving as VP of Programs and VP of Business Development for companies like Chemring and Nammo. In fact, he was responsible for hiring and promoting 10 program managers during his tenure. In today's conversation, Darren shares invaluable insights on what makes program managers successful, the art of crafting winning proposals, and how to navigate past performance questionnaires. He sheds light on the challenges of being the incumbent in manufacturing and emphasizes the importance of a strong BD team and having the right program managers in place for success. Despite his demanding schedule—traveling 40 weeks last year—Darren's commitment to unraveling the truths of the manufacturing world remains unwavering. So, join us as we uncover the strategic mindset of Darren Whiddon, a true giant in the world of defense and business. Tune in to Govcon Giants for this enlightening conversation!

Om Podcasten

After the real estate market crashed in 2007 Mr. Coffie launched a successful consulting company helping small business owners earn millions in revenues via federal small business programs. In 2012 he launched Evankoff Construction, a steel erection company building airplane hangars and metal buildings for government agencies around the country. In 2017 Mr. Coffie launched Scorecontracts @ YouTube a channel to help other small businesses achieve their revenue goals using the power of federal contracts. The podcast Govcon Giants is dedicated to showcasing the scalability of growing a business harnessing the power of federal dollars. The marketplace is wide open for all that want to gain a piece. Meet some of the world’s greatest masterminds behind the trillion-dollar behemoth. We interview small firms, large firms, past and current contract officials, government agencies and their representatives all in the name of helping the small business get a leg up in the industry. If you want to participate in this market then you are in the right place.