Meet Cassandra Bradford | Business Consultant & M/WBE Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Bradford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassandra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well, I am like most business owners/entrepreneurs, I enjoyed working in Corporate America, then I was “pushed”. I loved my job and the company I worked for. I had sold my soul to them, and thought this was the direction for my career and life. After being pushed, it was suggested by my mentor that I should start my own business. I gave him all the reasons why I couldn’t and he gave me only one single reason why I should. I followed his advice, met with only three potential clients and I never looked back. We grossed shy of 1/4 of a million dollars in less than 8 months. I realized that it was my input that caused the company that I worked for to be successful. As a matter of fact, when I left Corporate America, I left with that particular company I worked for as a Client. Now, 20 years later, I was asked to present a “life-time achievement award” to a former employee and was told how valuable I was to the Company. I realized then that I come from a heritage of business owners, that it was in my DNA to own my own firm. I can proudly look back after 21 years and admit that if it hadn’t been for the work ethic that was was developed, leadership training I received, and the values I learned along the journey while working in Corporate America, that I wouldn’t have those skills that I utilize today to run a successful firm now.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The very first business I started was a litigation management firm. We worked a case in Dallas, TX. After a successful two years of contracting with the firm, they asked if we were a Certified Minority or Woman-owned business. I was shocked by the question. We were told that if we were, we could bid on their business and win a $4 million contract. Well, we researched and became Certified. Unbeknownst to me, I was so unaware of this federal program-we became certified and won the contract. WE changed our business model, became business developers/consultants and have worked hard with our local legislature to make sure that there is an even level playing field for Certified Minority, Women, and Veteran owned businesses not just here in Texas, but around the United States.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since this is Shout Out Atlanta, I would say Chateau Elan which is a black-owned winery. I visited there a month ago and absolutely loved it. As a matter of fact, I have scheduled a weekend trip for my “tribe” for February 2023 to do some “work-life balance” activities there. Wine tasting and dinner. We will probably take a hike along the trails of the Michelle Obama park in Atlanta, too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to thank my mentor, Dr. Michael Millar, who encouraged me in 2000 to start my own business. My 2nd mentor, Terry Dall, esq who is my biggest motivator still 21 years later. I would have never started and continued my business today.

Website: www.GenesisPreferred.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandra.bradford/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cassandra-bradford

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassandra.bradford1/

Image Credits
Image: Kimazing Photography