Companies that grow organically, but at the same time plan with deliberation, with a strategy focused on life beyond small business have a multitude of lessons to share with others, both smaller and larger. Tarkik is one such company. OS AI recently sat down with Robin Ghariani, Director of Business Operations and Shelby Shea, Sr. Project Manager to learn more.
Organic Growth
The story of Tarkik is similar to that of more than one small business… Two individuals supporting a client, working separately and independently on software development gain the trust of that client, are asked to do more, which involves bringing in additional people. Eventually the idea that they can work better together brews, they secure 8(a) status, are allotted more work over time, and eventually grow to a team of 30.
For Tarkik, some of those additional hires along the way helped focus the company’s growth plan, putting in place processes, pursuing things like ISO Certification, formulating marketing strategies, culture and people care goals and the company naturally, organically and with deliberation, evolved.
Culture First
Among the contributors to the establishment of culture has been the realization that people want to be seen and heard, and that they value their own diversity, families, and lives outside of work. This has meant ensuring employees know they truly have an open door to share concerns, ask questions, and ensuring that individual holidays, family needs, and the like are given space and respect.
That commitment to knowing people, to being available to people, translates in tangible ways, including the company’s key leadership taking rotations on the 24/7 duty phone, confirming they are as accessible as anyone else within the team.
“Everyone on the leadership team is involved in regular meetings, not so much checking on progress but making sure our people are ok, that clients are supported, and that people are feeling good about where they are.”
Opportunities for this team to come together will typically combine both work updates, and also personal updates to ensure that connection, that people are more than the role they fill.
Large Small Business Partners and the DHS Connection
Nearing the end of its position as an 8(a), Tarkik finds itself in a position where it can benefit from mentorship from larges, but also mentor smalls. “Working with a company, large or small, is always an opportunity to learn and contribute. When it comes to any partnership, we treat others as we would want to be treated.”
This leads to partnerships focused on the long game, on relationships built on trust and the next possibility.
Having recently won a spot on the $450M CBP ESB BPA, and focused on growth within other DHS components where the team might apply the expertise it has built up at CBP, the team is always open to conversations, to exploring new relationships. “We’re very methodical, analytical, and strategic so companies with a similar mindset are those we seek to identify.”
“We attend various industry events and recently joined GTSC, a network and a community around Homeland Security. Attending their events we find our customers there, our partners are there and there are discussions relevant to not only upcoming opportunities, but upcoming priorities at DHS.”
Saying they focus on putting ego aside, getting work together is important as a way to provide opportunities for employees to stay with the company. “We want to find companies where there is mutual trust and transparency – one where we can begin work while things are still being signed because the trust is there.”
Next Steps
Leaning into its history, Tarkik has been born and bred out of CBP and the agency’s mission is its mission. “We know the speed at which things change, the 24/7 response, the requirement to adjust to federal regulations and executive orders, always knowing it is about the users and the systems impacting citizens.”
“We want to ensure that we put the best product forward to those people, whether that means getting our employees new certifications or pulling in experts when necessary. We work very hard to meet the expectations of our customers because that’s the most important to us.”
“The missions we support are about helping people. At the top leadership level, our people are just generally good human beings. They have empathy, they have compassion, they have common sense. They create the culture here and reinforce those values throughout the company.”
Thinking ahead to life after 8(a) Tarkik is broadening its opportunities now to ensure there are options for employees and revenue for the years ahead. “Our internal operations are already running at a maturity level of that of a much bigger company – so we’ll be ready for the growth.”
Not Yet a Premium Partner/Sponsor? Learn more about the OS AI Premium Corporate and Individual Plans here. Plans start at $250 annually.