Erin Willett—
Happy Birthday, ACS! October 10, 2011
The ACS story actually begins in 2011, two years before that first Starbucks meeting with Mandy. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I was generally accustomed to working harder to have my voice heard and for my ideas to be taken seriously. In late 2011, it was no longer acceptable to me to sit by and feel like I was only an observer. I wanted to do things differently—on purpose—and have a true influence on the national security-focused mission outcomes that I had supported my entire career.
On October 10, 2011, I formally established Assured Consulting Solutions, LLC in the Commonwealth of Virginia (from the comfort of my couch) and began preparing my next steps.
Steve and I welcomed Harrison John Willett into this world on June 13, 2012.
Fast forward two short weeks to when I received news that I was pregnant with my youngest, Harrison, who is now 11 years old (!) In light of the news, I had to adjust and outline some different next steps relative to my business ownership dreams. (Let’s just say that I really appreciated health insurance and a steady income…)
I remained employed full-time (yes, with health insurance) and moonlighted as ACS on some small consulting engagements through late 2012. At that point, it was finally time to jump in with two feet and firmly commit to ACS full-time beginning in January 2013.
During the first two (lonely) months of 2013 before Mandy and I officially partnered, I met with a lot of colleagues and friends that had business ownership experience and their recommendations had a theme—find a business partner that you are willing to marry and commit to in the good times and the bad. They cautioned me that just because you get along with someone doesn’t make them a good business partner. In fact, they had many stories about those who seem to be the best candidates for a business partner are the ones that end up turning on you.
I am both fortunate and thankful every day that Mandy and I get to do this thing called business ownership together. Personally, I’m convinced that our stars were meant to align. On the very first day of my internship with BAE Systems I learned of Mandy, as a former boss who I now very much consider a mentor told me that I reminded him of her. At that time, I had no idea who she was. A few years later, I had the opportunity to work for her, and after over a decade of service to BAE Systems, Mandy was who I ultimately delivered my resignation to (that story, folks, is for another day).
Mandy and I balance each other and would not be nearly as successful and dare I say content as we are today without that balance. I have big ideas, never take no for an answer, and do my best to see the optimism in everything… like, hey, I should start a company without a savings or safety net. It’ll be fine. Everything’s fine.
Mandy provides the realism that is required for a business to thrive and sustain itself. We are both hard workers (our motto is that Saturday is just another day in a 7-day work week). We also are a bit controlling, both have thick skin, try our best not to take things personally, and recognize that when we disagree, it’s okay. We know when to defer to the other, and when agreeing to disagree is necessary. We both have the same vision of where we want to bring ACS as an organization but tend to look through different lenses as we approach how to get there. While we might not necessarily agree on everything, it’s the fact that we agree on the most important things that make it all work.
So, how did we go from these quiet beginnings to the ACS we all know and love today? Tune in for more.
ABOUT ASSURED CONSULTING SOLUTIONS
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Assured Consulting Solutions is a well-respected and trusted partner, domain expert, and provider of expert-level support. ACS is a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) that delivers advanced technology solutions and strategic support services in support of critical national security missions for Intelligence, Defense, and Federal Civilian customers. Learn more at www.assured-consulting.com.
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