Margarita Howard Transforms Government Contracting Through Strategic Leadership at HX5

Margarita Howard, CEO and sole owner of Florida-based HX5, has established a new benchmark in government contracting through methodical planning and strategic investments. Under her leadership, HX5 has grown into a formidable enterprise employing over 1,000 people across 34 states and 90 government locations, primarily supporting NASA and Department of Defense missions.

Howard’s approach to building HX5 demonstrates a clear departure from typical small business practices in government contracting. Rather than relying on sole-source contracts, she implemented a competitive strategy from the company’s inception. This decision, though challenging, has proven instrumental in HX5’s long-term success and sustainability in the market.

“If it were easy, everyone would do it,” Howard remarks about the complex landscape of government contracting. Her military service background and extensive industry experience have shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in grit and forward-thinking strategies.

From its earliest days, HX5 made significant upfront investments in specialized accounting systems designed specifically for government service contracting firms. This early commitment to robust infrastructure has enabled the company to successfully navigate government billing audits and secure necessary approvals for contract performance.

While many small businesses focus exclusively on opportunities through the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, Howard deliberately pursued a more diverse contract portfolio. She recognized that companies solely dependent on 8(a) program contracts often struggled after the nine-year program concluded, having never developed competitive capabilities.

Under Howard’s guidance, HX5 has cultivated strong relationships with both government agencies and financial partners. The company maintains exceptional loyalty to early supporters, including their first banking partner who provided crucial initial funding when many others declined. This commitment to maintaining long-term relationships extends to their accounting firm, insurers, and other key business partners.

In an industry historically dominated by men, Margarita Howard has pioneered diversity in leadership. HX5’s senior management structure notably includes women in two of three vice president positions. Drawing from her own experience breaking barriers, Howard acknowledges the ongoing challenges women face in the industry while celebrating the progress being made.

“It’s rewarding to see that women are making significant strides in the government contracting industry, breaking barriers and more often assuming leadership roles in this industry and within government agencies that we work with,” Howard states, while noting that some biases still persist.

The company’s success stems from its meticulous attention to compliance and regulatory requirements. Howard emphasizes the importance of maintaining impeccable records and understanding the complex rules governing government contracts. This dedication to excellence has helped HX5 build trust with government agencies seeking reliable small business partners.

In a forward-thinking move, HX5 has embraced artificial intelligence technology to enhance both internal operations and client support capabilities. The company has developed proprietary AI tools and established strategic consulting partnerships, demonstrating its commitment to staying ahead of technological advances in the industry.

Howard attributes much of HX5’s success to her carefully selected management team, many of whom have remained with the company for over a decade. “At the end of the day, it’s our great employees and our management and leadership team who make us successful,” she affirms.

The company’s comprehensive approach to government contracting has established HX5 as a model for success in the industry. Howard’s emphasis on understanding market intricacies, investing in proper infrastructure, and building strong relationships has created a sustainable business model that continues to thrive beyond the initial advantages of small business programs.

Through strategic planning, competitive drive, and inclusive leadership, Margarita Howard has built HX5 into a respected name in government contracting. Her success story serves as a blueprint for emerging contractors, demonstrating how methodical planning, strategic investments, and a commitment to excellence can lead to sustained growth in the competitive government contracting sector.