Margarita Howard has emerged as a prominent figure in the government contracting industry,
spearheading the growth and success of HX5 as a woman-owned small business.
With a strategic vision and determination, Howard has steered HX5 from humble
beginnings to a thriving enterprise with over 1,000 employees.
Since its establishment in 2004, HX5 has made significant strides in the government contracting sector. Headquartered in
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the company now operates in 34 locations and offers
a wide range of professional mission support services primarily to the
Department of Defense and NASA.
Navigating the male-dominated industry, Margarita Howard, a service-disabled veteran, has
faced and overcome numerous challenges. Her unwavering focus on professionalism
and competence has established her credibility as a leader, leading to the
elevation of women to prominent roles within the company. Today, the majority
of HX5’s management team comprises talented women, reflecting Howard’s belief
in their potential and capabilities.
While progress has been made, there are still obstacles for women in government contracts. Howard
acknowledges this and shares her firsthand experience, emphasizing the need to
prove oneself as an effective and successful leader. Despite biases, she remained
resilient, building her reputation through professionalism and a steadfast
commitment to the company’s goals.
Howard’s journey in government contracting began with gaining experience in military health care
programs. Her involvement in implementing the “Tricare Program”, a major initiative in managed health care for the
military, provided invaluable insights into the operational aspects of large
government contracts. This experience shaped her strategy for HX5,
differentiating the company through competitive bidding rather than relying
solely on sole-source awards.
A key component of Howard’s business blueprint was the strengthening of the company’s
infrastructure from the start. This included building a strong team and
investing in essential infrastructure, such as a government-approved accounting
system. This investment proved attractive to large businesses, enabling HX5 to compete effectively in the 8(a) program and secure contracts worth
several million dollars.
In the highly competitive landscape of government contracting in 2024, Margarita Howard
understands the importance of staying ahead. Legislative changes and evolving
regulations pose challenges, but Howard’s commitment to education and strict
adherence to compliance requirements ensures HX5’s success.
At the core of HX5’s success lies its dedicated and experienced management team. Howard
emphasizes their contribution and the importance of selective hiring. Working
side-by-side with civil servants and the military, HX5 supports their missions
and takes pride in the work they do.
Margarita Howard’s leadership and strategic foresight have paved the way for HX5’s success in the
government contracting industry. Her journey serves as an inspiration to
aspiring women entrepreneurs and reinforces the importance of professionalism,
resilience, and a commitment to excellence in breaking barriers and achieving
success. Read this article for more information.
Learn more about Margarita Howard on https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/hx5-llc