Episodes

What does it really take for a small defense contractor to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance? For Jim Devita, co-owner of Advanced Design Fabrication Corp., the answer includes years of preparation, significant financial investment, and a willingness to learn the process firsthand. In this episode of One Pour Problems, Charles IT Chief Revenue Officer Jessica “Jess” Golle joins Jim over a glass of Italian grappa to explore the realities of running a small business in the defense supply chain. J...

How do you grow from a technical expert into the leader of an engineering firm? Trevor Davis sits down with Tad Sellers, P.E., President and Chief Electrical Engineer at Vansant & Gusler, Inc., for a candid conversation about engineering leadership, professional responsibility, business development, workforce challenges, remote work, and CMMC. Tad shares how childhood electronics kits led him to electrical engineering, how he advanced from a new graduate to company president, and why leadi...

How do you grow a law firm without scaling chaos? Tejal Desai, CEO of Hook Law, joins Trevor Davis for a candid conversation about law firm growth, leadership, succession planning, AI adoption, and acquisitions. Drawing on lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, COVID, private equity, and his transition from COO to CEO, Tejal explains why sustainable growth starts with structure, the right people, and a willingness to listen. In this episode, Tejal shares: Why rapid growth without structure ca...

How can Connecticut defense manufacturers prepare for CMMC, and what assistance is available to help manage the cost? Jessica Golle of Charles IT talks with Michelle Hall, Director of Connecticut’s Office of Manufacturing, about cybersecurity and CMMC readiness across Connecticut's defense manufacturing supply chain. They explore Connecticut's efforts to support manufacturers with cybersecurity adoption, the costs and operational challenges associated with CMMC, how businesses can evaluate cyb...

How do you grow a company in one of America's toughest industries while keeping 60-70% of your workforce for more than seven years? In this episode of One Pour Problems, Jessica Golle of Charles IT sits down with Cheryl Spraberry, Owner of AIT Marine, to discuss her journey from joining the company on day one to leading one of Virginia's respected Navy ship repair contractors. They discuss: Building trust in a male-dominated industry Why company culture starts with leadership The...