WashingtonExec Annual Greater Washington GovCon Awards Finalist Series
The clock is ticking. With just a few days away from the “Oscars of the Government Contracting Community,” the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council will both share the winners of the 13th annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards.
As we count down to the grand event at The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, WashingtonExec is interviewing “Executive of the Year” and “Contractor of the Year” finalists about how they’re setting their businesses apart in the government contracting arena, and how they’re attracting a new generation of workers to implement their mission.
WashingtonExec interviewed Preferred Systems Solutions (PSS) CEO Scott Goss; Goss is a finalist in the Executive of the Year category for companies worth up to $75 million.
Goss also participated in WashingtonExec’s annual series as a 2014 Greater Washington GovCon Awards nominee.
WashingtonExec: What would you say are the top one or two leadership qualities necessary to be a great leader?
Scott Goss: First and foremost: Honesty and integrity are so very important, I believe they are the foundation for any leader. A great leader fosters an environment which leverages the talent and skill of his team, provides guidance and direction when necessary, but gives his team room to execute without unnecessary obstacles.
I love the challenge of trying to do something that I haven’t done before and the experience of learning something new. But perhaps my biggest motivator is knowing that I’m really working for someone else.
WashingtonExec: What motivates you?
Scott Goss: I love the challenge of trying to do something that I haven’t done before and the experience of learning something new. But perhaps my biggest motivator is knowing that I’m really working for someone else.
- I work for my customers. There is nothing like having a customer tell you that you and your people are making a difference, that something you have delivered is a game-changer, that you have saved the government millions of dollars! There’s nothing like it!
- I work for my employees. I know that my team works hard for PSS. I feel a great responsibly to make sure the company is doing well enough to be able to share in good times but also be able weather the bad — so they can provide for their families.
- I also work for our shareholders and equity firm. While my team is busy taking care of our customers, I manage and study the business — looking for efficiencies, improvements and ways build value and the company.
- And finally, I work for my family, not just to provide for them but also to show how hard work pays off. I guess that comes from starting with nothing and working my way up.
WashingtonExec: What advice do you have for aspiring leaders in the government contracting industry?
Scott Goss: Look to, learn from and listen to your peers, friends, mentors and competitors as you will learn something.
WashingtonExec: How has your organization changed over the past year and what makes you optimistic about winning GovCon Awards in your category this year?
Scott Goss: I know that it is cliché to say that it feels great just be nominated but, I can honestly say that I am truly honored just to be considered for this award. I mean, look at the great talent in the govcon community, let alone the elite who have been nominated and selected as finalists. It is a privilege to be recognized as one of the executives recognized for this award. And as in the past, win or lose, I will be ready to celebrate with my colleagues on Nov. 5!
This year has been an especially exciting one for PSS. When we refined PSS’ strategic plan in 2013, I challenged my team to add capability to our strong market position by aggressively pursuing mergers and acquisitions. My team exceeded my expectations and executed this plan beautifully. We successfully acquired and integrated three companies, Envision Technology Services (ETS), Global Services & Solutions, (GSS) and Government Contract Solutions (GCS) into PSS in just one year, and we’re not done yet! Keep an eye out for an exciting announcement from us soon.
WashingtonExec: How has your leadership style changed?
Scott Goss: With such rapid growth at the company, I have had to evolve professionally, as well. Throughout my tenure at PSS, I have always been actively involved with all aspects of the company, whether it be operations, business development, or the financial side of the house. As the company has grown, I have realized that there just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything that needs to be done. My management style has matured to the point where I can rely on my talented staff to effectively manage day-to-day operations of the company. Now I’m able to focus more on M&A activities and, hopefully, better position PSS for future growth.
Related: WashingtonExec Annual GovCon Awards Interview Series: HeiTech Services, Inc. CEO Heidi Gerding
