Margarita Howard, the sole owner and CEO of HX5, has established herself as a trailblazer in the
government contracting industry. With strategic foresight and unwavering
determination, Howard has transformed HX5 from a small business into a major
player with over 1,000 employees. Overcoming the challenges faced by women in
this male-dominated industry, Howard has paved the way for other women-owned
businesses to thrive.
Since its inception in 2004, HX5 has grown exponentially, providing professional mission support services
primarily to the Department of Defense and NASA. With headquarters in Fort
Walton Beach, Florida, the company has expanded to 34 locations, solidifying
its presence in the government contracting sector.
Howard’s journey has been marked by resilience and a focus on professionalism and competence. As
a service-disabled veteran, she has faced biases head-on and established
herself as a credible and successful leader. One of Howard’s greatest
achievements has been promoting diversity within HX5, with a majority of the
management team comprising women. This reflects her belief in the potential and
capabilities of women in leadership positions.
While progress has been made, Margarita Howard acknowledges that there are still challenges for women
in government contracting. She has personally experienced the need to prove
herself as an effective and successful leader. However, through her
professionalism and dedication to HX5’s goals, she has earned the respect and admiration of her peers.
Howard’s journey began with her enrollment at the University of Texas at El Paso, where she
balanced work and education. Seeking new opportunities to advance her career,
she joined the Air Force and gained invaluable experience in military health
care programs. This experience shaped her strategy for HX5, as she recognized
the pitfalls of relying solely on sole-source awards and opted for competitive bidding.
Building a strong infrastructure and investing in essential systems, such as a
government-approved accounting system, has been a key focus for Howard. This
investment has attracted large businesses and government agencies, who
appreciate HX5’s understanding of the industry and ability to fulfill contracts without hand-holding.
Looking ahead, Margarita Howard recognizes the evolving landscape of government
contracting, with new opportunities arising in areas such as cybersecurity and
artificial intelligence. Adapting to changes in regulations and staying ahead
of the curve will be crucial for HX5’s continued success.
Ultimately, Howard attributes much of HX5’s success to the dedicated and experienced management
team she has built. Their commitment and expertise have been instrumental in
navigating the complexities of government contracts and supporting the company’s growth.
Margarita Howard’s journey in the government contracting world serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in this industry. Through her
leadership and determination, she has shattered barriers and paved the way for
others to succeed in this challenging field. As HX5 continues to thrive under
her guidance, the future looks bright for both Howard and the company she has
built. Refer to this article for related information.
Learn more about Margarita Howard on https://www.f6s.com/company/hx5