By Jessica O. Swink
Editor, Small Business Insight
Photo by Paul Chin, Jr.
Taking advantage of woman, minority and HUB-Zone set-asides, Jessica Gilden has built a multi-million dollar success story after just seven years in business. Her business, Jessico, Inc., is a general contracting firm that also provides solutions in the areas of technology and multimedia programming.
She does this by going to job sites regularly to support her team and enhance the relationship with clients by staying active and visible to the client.
“The bulk of our work is government-related,” Gilden says. “I’ve learned to develop a stomach of steel, especially in a man’s field.”
One of the ways she stays focused and encouraged in the workplace is her involvement with Women in Defense, which she attributes as a great organization to build relationships and stay connected with others in the government contracting realm.
She is also on the board of directors for the YWCA, and involved in their fundraising projects for challenged families in Hampton Roads.
“The YWCA does an excellent job in empowering women who constantly need that support, both personally and professionally,” Gilden says.
Jessico built the first Green Roof on the Norfolk Naval Station under the command of Capt. Mary Jackson, the first woman captain of Norfolk Naval Station. Gilden also is very involved with the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, which provides college funds for the children whose parents died in military service.
“Women are very intuitive,” Gilden says. “We feel things in the heart and in the mind. I’ve learned that if it’s in your heart, you have to go with it — and don’t worry about the ‘what if’s.’ Stay grounded.”
She attributes most of her success to her strong business plan, which reinforces this mantra. This and her dedication to each job will lay the groundwork for completing her main goal in the next three years: to continue effectively growing her business.
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