Margarita Howard Transforms Government Contracting Through Leadership and Innovation

From military service to pioneering healthcare initiatives and building a powerhouse in federal contracting, Margarita Howard’s entrepreneurial journey showcases how strategic leadership and adaptability can create remarkable success in the demanding world of government services.

As the founder and leader of HX5, Margarita Howard has established herself as a prominent figure in high-security government contracting, leveraging her military background and commercial sector expertise to build a company that now operates in approximately 30 states across 90 locations, employing over 1,000 people.

Howard’s path to success began with her service in the Air Force, where she gained valuable insights into military operations and culture. Following her military career, she quickly advanced through management positions in the commercial sector, demonstrating natural leadership abilities and operational expertise.

A pivotal moment in Howard’s career came when she joined a groundbreaking military healthcare initiative that would eventually become Tricare. As an area field manager and later regional director, Howard played a crucial role in implementing this revolutionary managed care program for military personnel and their families. Her responsibilities included managing seven southeastern states, building provider networks, and conducting regular briefings with military senior leadership.

The challenges she faced during the Tricare implementation, including managing resistance to change and conducting numerous town hall meetings, provided Howard with invaluable experience in stakeholder management and organizational transformation. These skills would prove essential in her future entrepreneurial ventures.

Drawing from her comprehensive experience, Howard launched HX5, utilizing the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program designed for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners. As a first-generation American, Howard qualified for this nine-year training program, which provided crucial mentorship and support services.

The 8(a) certification proved transformative for HX5, leading to four contract awards in a single year and establishing the company’s credibility in the government contracting sector. Today, HX5 has evolved into a major player in defense and space sectors, offering services ranging from cutting-edge research initiatives to mission support and engineering solutions.

Howard’s leadership philosophy emphasizes expertise and quality, particularly in recruitment. “We prefer to hire experienced individuals, so we look for people who have worked with or supported NASA or the Department of Defense, as this experience is always very helpful,” she explains. This approach has helped HX5 consistently secure major projects while maintaining high standards of excellence.

Understanding the complexities of their work, Howard maintains a realistic perspective on the challenges they face. She often reminds her team, “If it were easy, everyone would do it,” acknowledging the significant investment required to maintain their high standards of service delivery.

In recent years, Howard has positioned HX5 at the forefront of technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence. The company has adopted a two-pronged approach, supporting government customers’ AI initiatives while implementing AI systems to enhance their internal operations.

Under Howard’s leadership, HX5 has become a vital partner in supporting federal agencies, particularly in the defense and space sectors. The company’s diverse service portfolio encompasses technological innovation, engineering expertise, and mission-critical support services.

Howard’s journey from military service to successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiring example of how experience, strategic thinking, and adaptability can lead to success in the challenging field of government contracting. Her commitment to excellence and continuous innovation has established HX5 as a trusted partner in high-security government services.

“Working side by side with civil servants and the military, supporting their respective missions, is a privilege,” Howard reflects. “I love this business and the work that we do. I’m extremely proud of it.” Her story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs in the government contracting sector, demonstrating that with the right combination of experience, leadership, and strategic vision, significant success is achievable in this demanding industry.

Learn more about HX5: https://priceofbusiness.com/margarita-howard-discusses-the-importance-of-ethics-in-business-at-hx5/

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