January 2012 WBE of the Month - Debra Moore-German
Debra Moore-German, working mother of two, was a U.S. Post Office Manager in 1993, but her desire to provide a more financially solid future for her family led her to create Moore Security Services, Inc. (formerly Eric-Tec Security Agency). The mission of Moore Security Services is to provide security consulting and protective services to clients who include both the U.S. government and private businesses. Drawing on her years as a security officer, Debra has gone from employing one guard to patrol a church parking lot, to currently managing over 130 security officers. Moore Security is licensed in Illinois and Indiana and holds certifications with the City of Chicago (MBE/WBE/DBE)*, Cook County (MBE/WBE)*, the State of Illinois (FBE)* as well as Women’s Business Development Center (WBE) and Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE).
In 1995, Debra was the first minority female to receive a security contract with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). The following year, her determination and networking skills earned her a sole source contract with the General Service Administration (GSA) for $2.5 million. For most of the past decade, at least 85% of Moore Security’s gross income has come from being a subcontractor on major contracts. W/MBE certifications open doors for Debra to compete for contracts with the City of Chicago, Cook County and State of Illinois.
Despite her many accomplishments, Debra has encountered skepticism working in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She built a support system of women business owners to help her deal with the pressures of being an entrepreneur. “We may be in different fields, but the problems we face are the same,” she explains. “You need a support system so you’re not out there by yourself.”
Debra also stresses the importance of having a professional team of business experts to assist in the growth of your business. In 1993, Debra enrolled in the Women’s Business Development Center’s (WBDC) FastTrac Program to help her prepare for self-employment. This program helped Debra to develop her business plan, financial plan and marketing plan. “The WBDC has been a great support partner by providing one-on-one counseling sessions, conferences and by offering referrals to government agencies to assist in bidding on government contracts.”
Debra recommends that others start their own ventures and make their dreams a reality. She encourages women business owners to put their plan in writing and make a commitment to one’s self. “Don’t let anyone talk you out of it. If it fails, at least you gave it a try. Then you’ll never have to wonder ‘what if’.”
To learn more about Moore Security Services, Inc., please click here.
*Certifications
MBE – Minority Business Enterprise, WBE – Women Business Enterprise, DBE – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, FBE – Female Business Enterprise
.
.
______________________________________________________________________
WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (WBE) CERTIFICATION helps women business owners create new marketing opportunities with corporate and government buyers. The WBDC provides women-owned businesses with nationally-recognized WBE certification through our partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. After completing the process of certification, you'll gain advantages outlined on this page.
CORPORATE CONNECTIONS
The WBDC coordinates one-on-one “matchmaker” meetings between WBEs and corporate and government purchasing agents who've committed to buying products and services from WBEs. These matchmaking sessions occur at the WBDC’s Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference and at corporate and government sites other times of the year
QUARTERLY NETWORKING AND PROCUREMENT MEETINGS
At our Quarterly Networking and Procurement meetings, as a WBE, you'll meet supplier diversity and procurement representatives, as well as other WBEs and make valuable connections for future contracts. Representatives of our corporate partners and government agencies explain best ways of doing business together. The WBDC uses both e-mail and our WBE newsletter to notify you of events and business opportunities.
CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM
By strengthening your sales, operations, and marketing capabilities, our Capacity Building Program helps your WBE-certified business compete for, win, and fulfill contracts. Key elements include: a four-part series, “Accelerating Your Sales Performance”, that eliminates the headaches of erratic sales and choppy profitability; and “Cycle of Success,” a one-year program that teaches ways to more effectively manage operations and increase profitability.
