Helen Callier

Kingwood, TX

INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BUSINESS: BRADLINK, LLC
YEAR FOUNDED: 2004
PROGRAM: 2015 EMERGING LEADERS HOUSTON

“A problem can seem like an immovable boulder when, in reality, it is just a pebble. Sometimes it just takes different perspectives to see that a problem can be solved.”

BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Bradlink, LLC provides technical services on federal, aviation, transportation and other projects for government and commercial clients. Core services include building design, project management, building permit expediting, and construction oversight. One example of a recent contract: Before Super Bowl 51, Bradlink helped expedite City of Houston building permits to install the Super Bowl countdown clock at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport and consulted on the installation of countdown clocks at Hobby International Airport and Discovery Green Park. President and owner Helen Callier says, “It is our mission to provide our clients with value and we are proven to save our clients 59 percent in time and money.” Today, Bradlink employs 18 local Texans, with locations in Kingwood, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.

STRATEGIC THINKING
In 2015, Helen Callier wanted to earn contracts with the federal government but had not figured out the right strategy for success in this market. A year earlier, she had received her 8(a) certification from the Small Business Administration (SBA) but still had no contracts to show for her new status. For this reason, she enrolled in SBA’s inaugural Houston Emerging Leaders program, powered by Interise’s StreetWise ‘MBA’ curriculum.

During the program, Helen created a Strategic Growth Action Plan where she focused on how Bradlink’s assets could be leveraged to win 8a sole source, and WOSB set-aside federal contracts. As a result of this planning, she opened her office in San Antonio to directly tap into government contracting opportunities there. Since graduating the program, Bradlink has won two federal contracts valued at $30,000 and $60,000.

Bradlink is also positioned to secure a third 8(a) sole source and they have identified a mentor, T. Baker Smith, LLC, to support them in the SBA business development program. “Going through the planning process helps you to see paths to capture opportunities. The actual written growth plan gets you moving toward the big picture,” Helen reflects. “It was great to be in an environment where you can dissect your problems and identify solutions. I am also grateful for networking and learning from my peers.”