#98: Steering Small Business into Big Defense with George Kovatch

"It is a critical part of the system, and it really is about education and awareness. Lobbying is just another piece of that, and I don't think people should be afraid of it." — George Kovatch In this episode of Make Your Move, I’m chatting with another second-timer on the show, George Kovatch, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. You can find his section in The Military Effect by Scott Manthorne in chapter 14. George is not only an accomplished mariner but also a seasoned expert at the senior levels of government, with extensive experience in Congress and the appropriations field. Since transitioning from active duty, George has successfully launched and grown his own business, advising companies on navigating the complex Washington environment. George shares the nuances of defense budgeting, financial management, and his transformative journey from military service to entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear his thoughts on the evolving landscape of defense innovation, with the crucial role of small, agile companies in driving technological advancements. Listen to the full episode to hear the lessons learned from George's impressive career. Visit themilitaryeffect.com, read Scott Manthorne's book, and listen to each weekly episode of Make Your Move to learn more. By challenging your assumptions and understanding the incredible impact veterans have and continue to have, we can create a better future for all of us.   WHAT’S IN THIS EPISODE Lobbying and Business Development Transformations and Future Directions in Defense Navigating the Defense Market Networking and Mentorship   YOUR MOVE Get all the resources from this episode on genemoran.com/e98 Connect with Gene on linkedin.com/in/genemoran or visit genemoran.com. Connect with George Kovatch on LinkedIn or at chertoffgroup.com