Build Your Brand: A single mom started her business by targeting government contracts.

Strawberry Letter

iHeartPodcasts

Relationships, Society & Culture

4.4 • 1.6K Ratings

🗓️ 5 June 2025

⏱️ 36 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Barbosa.

CEO and Founder of International Supply Partners (ISP), about breaking into government contracting, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the complexities of supply chain management.

🔑 Key Themes & Highlights

Breaking into Government Contracting

Barbosa started her business by targeting government contracts, recognizing that the government is the largest buyer of goods and services.
She explained how RFQs (Request for Quotes) and RFPs (Request for Proposals) allow new suppliers to compete for contracts.

Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

She admitted that entering the industrial supply sector was challenging but credited her fearlessness and determination for her success.
Barbosa emphasized that women entrepreneurs must focus on value and expertise rather than industry stereotypes.

Supply Chain & Procurement Strategies

ISP specializes in safety, PPE, industrial, janitorial, and construction supplies, ensuring cost-effective procurement solutions.
Barbosa detailed how understanding supply chain logistics helped her compete with big-box suppliers.

COVID-19 & PPE Pricing Surge

During the pandemic, PPE prices skyrocketed due to high demand and supply chain disruptions.
Barbosa explained how manufacturers shifted production to PPE, leading to price gouging and bidding wars.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Business

Barbosa’s company is certified as a minority-owned and women-owned business, but she emphasized that quality and service—not identity—should drive business success.
She believes that DEI initiatives should not be the sole reason for doing business, but rather a tool for leveraging opportunities.

📘 About Jennifer Barbosa & International Supply Partners
Jennifer Barbosa is a visionary entrepreneur and supply chain specialist, leading International Supply Partners (ISP) in streamlining procurement for businesses and government agencies. ISP is a trusted provider of essential goods, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and competitive pricing.

#BEST

#STRAW

#SHMS

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Transcript

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	...

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