By Jessica O. Swink
Editor, Small Business Insight
Photo by Paul Chin, Jr.
When one takes a ride on a roller coaster, the inevitable slow climb to the highest point of the tallest arch often sends feelings of apprehension to the coaster passengers. Then, each car reaches the very top.
“This the pause where you realize what’s going on, and you look at everything before you move with direction and attention,” explains Apogee Solutions CEO Dasha Little. This metaphor is used by Little to explain the quality services that her team provides, and how that service exceeds her customers’ expectations.
Apogee Solutions offers support for military training and exercise, space operations, disability management and program management.
When asked to explain her role in the company, Little describes herself as the encourager.
“Everyone tells me I’m the hugger-in-charge,” Little says. “I also see the big picture. I’m a dreamer and a visionary and always look for probabilities.”
Her vision of Apogee began when she was a sole proprietor, and continued as she transferred those skills to a federal market. For two years, Little worked with no pay and spent that time conducting market research and networking. Now, she has grown the business to its current 53 employees and $7 million in revenue. Little is the prime on jobs that, in the beginning, she pitched to be considered as a sub on their team.
“I’m excited about things we can expect in the future,” Little explains. “Technology and IT is a big thing. The most healing thing is a touch and a kind word, and we strive to bring humanity into our technical world.”
Little is also a member of the Greater Hampton Roads chapter of Women in Defense, and commends the group for providing a strong support system.
“You can’t have a wide circle of mentors or confidantes, but you can have a circle, and I think that’s the beauty of Women in Defense.”
- Who were the other 2011 SBI Minerva Award Honorees? Click here to find out!
