In this From the Trenches episode, Erica Dobbs—Navy Mustang, former aircraft carrier department head, and CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions—joins Josh Peterson for a candid look at the realities of government contracting, cyber risk, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in one of the most regulated markets in the world. Erica shares her remarkable journey from enlisting in the Navy as an E1 with no credentials to retiring as a Commander (O5), explaining how large-scale military leadership prepared her to run complex business operations, manage high-stakes teams, and build a mission-driven company in the GovCon IT and cybersecurity space. She breaks down how the transition from military to civilian life reshaped her understanding of leadership, finances, and business ownership—and why leading people, not technology, is the foundation of every successful company.
The discussion also explores the challenges and opportunities of the federal contracting ecosystem: competitive bidding, security clearances, proposal development, shutdown risks, and the dangers of “lowest price technically acceptable” awards that can compromise mission readiness. Erica highlights how COVID-19 unexpectedly leveled the playing field for small businesses by making government agencies more accessible and transparent. She also warns that pricing mistakes, underestimating proposal complexity, and misjudging subcontractor relationships can derail early-stage contractors. For MSPs and technology leaders who want to understand the financial, operational, and compliance realities of serving regulated industries, her insights align with BMK’s guidance on how MSPs enhance cybersecurity and network defense and the importance of a structured strategic planning framework for business performance. If you want to bring similar operational rigor into your own organization, explore how the BMK Vision platform can help align leadership, metrics, and accountability.
For MSPs navigating complex service, compliance, and security landscapes, explore these related articles: the impact of regulatory changes on MSPs, how MSPs improve cybersecurity posture, and how to build a business plan MSP investors can’t ignore.
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Erica Dobbs is the founder and CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions, a government contracting firm specializing in IT and cybersecurity solutions for federal agencies. After beginning her Navy career as an enlisted sailor (E1), she rose through the ranks to become a Navy Commander (O5), serving in senior leadership roles aboard aircraft carriers and major operational commands. Her experience managing thousands of personnel under high-stakes conditions gave her the foundation to lead complex business operations in the GovCon space.
Erica now guides organizations through the challenges of federal contracting, including proposal development, competitive bidding, compliance frameworks, and cybersecurity requirements. She is a vocal advocate for shifting government procurement from “lowest price” to “best value,” especially in areas tied to national security. As a small business owner herself, she understands the financial and operational volatility caused by shutdowns, delayed awards, and evolving contracting rules. Erica continues to expand her company while supporting military transitions, entrepreneurship, and efforts to modernize federal IT and cyber practices.
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Josh Peterson is the CEO of Bering McKinley and host of the BMK Vision Podcast. Through the From the Trenches series, Josh highlights MSP leaders who redefine growth through creativity, resilience, and genuine client connection.
🌐 Connect with Josh on LinkedIn →