297: She Built a GovCon Empire Helping Small Businesses Win Billions with Lisa Shea Mundt

In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we break down what the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book is really saying — and why it’s sending a chilling warning most investors are ignoring. According to the Fed’s own field reports, economic activity has “declined slightly” across three-quarters of the U.S., with only a handful of districts showing modest growth. The tone of this Beige Book is weaker than December 2007 — the start of the Great Recession. Even the Fed’s internal staff now estimates a 50% chance of recession, while the market continues to price in 0% risk. In short: the data is flashing red, but Wall Street’s acting like it’s business as usual. Key Takeaways: The Fed’s Beige Book reveals that ¾ of the U.S. economy is stagnating or contracting in real time. The report’s tone is weaker than the Beige Book from the start of the 2008 crisis. Even the Fed staff pegs recession odds at 50%, yet the market is still pricing in zero risk. Know more about the Bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Kendall and talk about one of the biggest traps in defense procurement — the endless search for “acquisition magic.” Frank exposes why every few years, someone promises a revolutionary new system to fix everything — and why those reforms almost always fail. From $30 billion MRAP programs that saved lives but were later abandoned, to R&D overruns averaging 25%, he lays out a brutally honest framework for how the government should manage risk, cost, and speed the right way. Key Takeaways: There’s no such thing as acquisition magic — sustainable improvement comes from training, data, and risk management. The MRAP program cost $30B but proved that taking calculated risk can save lives when done strategically. Defense R&D programs average 25% overruns — but smart leadership can bring that down to 10% without killing innovation. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

Today I sit down with insurance expert Wes to demystify the policies every government contractor needs but few truly understand. We cover why a General Liability (GL) policy typically includes attorney fees (if you notify the carrier before hiring your own lawyer), why a certificate ≠ the policy, how exclusions (like aviation work) can leave you exposed, and how audits can trigger surprise bills if you don’t price insurance into bids. Real numbers, real stakes: a threatened $700,000 suit that settled for $5,000 (I paid a $2,000 deductible), a $240,000 aircraft damage claim denied under standard GL, audits demanding $15,000 after higher-than-estimated revenue, and cyber “social engineering” fraud that many policies only cover (often up to $250,000) if you phone-verify wire changes. We also hit W-2 vs. 1099 pitfalls, multi-state workers’ comp, and why many policies run 400+ pages—so get a second opinion before you sign or bid. Key Takeaways: Notify your carrier first. GL often supplies the attorney and covers fees; hiring your own lawyer first can void coverage. Match policy to scope. Aviation work needs aviation liability; add states for workers’ comp; price insurance into bids to avoid audit shocks. Harden the basics. Have your agent review contracts + operations + full policies (not the certificate); add cyber/EPLI and follow phone-verification for wires. Learn more: https://govcongiants.org/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-edison/

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we dig into one of the biggest myths floating around right now — that the U.S. economy has somehow become recession-proof. Despite headlines saying everything’s fine, the hard data tells a different story: real GDP has dropped in two of the last three months, growth has fallen from 3.2% to just 1.3%, and both soft and hard data are flashing warning signs. Yet, the market’s still acting like the party never ends. We break down what the Fed’s Beige Book reveals, why the numbers don’t lie, and what every business owner and government contractor should be preparing for right now. Key Takeaways: GDP growth has fallen from 3.2% to 1.3%, showing the economy is slowing — not stabilizing. Soft data is finally morphing into hard data weakness, signaling a potential recession ahead. The Fed’s Beige Book is a must-read for anyone tracking real economic health across sectors. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

In this episode, I talk with Frank Kendall, former Secretary of the Air Force, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping defense and government contracting at lightning speed. Frank explains why AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s “software that works”—and why the government must learn to be a smart customer, not a slow gatekeeper. We also break down how large language models like ChatGPT are driving a second wave of transformation, creating both massive opportunities and serious risks around bias, human control, and infrastructure strain as electricity demand surges to power this revolution. Key Takeaways: The next wave of AI, powered by large language models, is redefining how defense and government contracting operate. $100s of billions in AI-related contracts are on the horizon, but speed without oversight risks bias and control issues. The Air Force’s 700,000-person, $170B enterprise depends on adapting to AI faster than adversaries like China. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

In this episode, I dive into one of the most perplexing financial phenomena of 2025 — the S&P 500’s explosive rally to new all-time highs. Despite no rate cuts, no fiscal stimulus, and no major breakthroughs, the market has surged more than expected — a “four sigma event” that’s occurred only 0.4% of the time in the past 35 years. We break down how psychology, not fundamentals, is fueling this run — a blend of greed, fear, and herd mentality that could set the stage for a painful day of reckoning when reality hits. Key Takeaways: The S&P 500’s rally is a four standard deviation event — statistically almost impossible. Markets are being driven by emotion, not fundamentals, as fear turns into unchecked greed. Without fiscal stimulus or Fed cuts, this could be a short-lived rally before a major correction. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Kendall, former Secretary of the Air Force and Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. Frank shares what’s really happening behind the scenes of the newly announced $175 billion “Golden Dome” program—a reboot of Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative that could balloon to $500 billion. We talk about what this means for government contracting, the risks of rushing massive programs, and his firsthand look at managing $170 billion budgets and 700,000 personnel in the Air and Space Force. Key Takeaways: The Golden Dome could open unprecedented government contract opportunities across defense and space sectors. Rushing a $175B program risks massive waste and inefficiency—potentially doubling its cost to $500B. The Air Force’s 2050 vision focuses on AI, autonomy, and long-range power projection to counter China’s military buildup. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

In this episode of Govcon Giants, I sit down with Lisa Shea Mundt, Co-Founder of The Pulse of GovCon, to unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming the federal marketplace — from the GSA’s Grok AI rollout to the Pentagon’s $200 million AI investments. With 14 years of experience and billions in proposal wins, Lisa shares a front-row view of how automation is reshaping the bid process — and what small businesses can do to stay competitive, human, and ahead. We dive into how contractors can future-proof their strategies, adapt to data-driven procurement, and leverage AI instead of fearing it. Key Takeaways: AI is changing the language of proposals — clarity, strategy, and storytelling matter more than ever. Federal buyers are evolving fast; small businesses must evolve their capture and BD processes to match. The future belongs to those who can pair tech literacy with human insight in every proposal and pitch. Learn more: https://govcongiants.org/  Lisa's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasheamundt/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepulseofgovconvideos 

In this episode of The Daily Windup, I expose the hard truth about financing in government contracting—why banks lend only to those who don’t need money and how the wrong SBA loan can trap you for years. We unpack a real story of a contractor who borrowed $800,000 under a 10-year SBA loan only to find it blocked her from getting new funding for awarded contracts. I also share how the SBA’s EIDL loans differ, why subordination matters, and the top five things you need to know about Encore Funding—a company that truly understands the business of federal contractors. Key Takeaways: $800,000 SBA loans can backfire if you grow faster than your repayment schedule. EIDL loans can be subordinated—traditional SBA loans can’t, and that can limit your funding. Encore Funding specializes in helping contractors with flexible working capital when banks won’t.

In this episode of The Daily Windup, we explore how small businesses can leverage over 200 proven GovCon templates and AI-powered tools to win millions in government contracts—while also learning how shifting regulations and compliance costs are reshaping the financing landscape for contractors. I also share a real-world story of one entrepreneur who scaled her business over 15 years, exited successfully, and walked away with a major payday. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, this conversation shows how preparation, partnership, and persistence turn contract confusion into generational wealth. Key Takeaways: Access to 200+ GovCon templates and AI tools can accelerate your path to winning contracts. New federal regulations often lead to higher lending costs that contractors must plan for. Building a solid 10-15-year track record can lead to a lucrative exit or business sale. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/