Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Williams.
Hi Ron, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After serving over 14 years in the U.S. Air Force as a highly decorated Desert Storm-era veteran, I have been recognized as an accomplished Humanitarian, Community Servant, Entrepreneur, and Restaurateur who was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame on October 14, 2022. In the U.S. Air Force, I was a Contracting Officer, administering purchasing and procurement opportunities for businesses. Upon Honorable Discharge, I was recruited to run the Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Networking, helping Arizona Businesses win Government Contracts. I then spent 2 years as Director of the Arizona Native American Business Development Center, working with 16 AZ Tribes helping Native American Business Owners with Contracts and Financing. After spending 4 years with the City of Phoenix EOD Business Relations Section, I took over for (6) years as President/CEO of the AZ Chapter of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, helping businesses with Certification, Business Development, and Contracts. in 2009, I opened Contacts to Contracts, LLC (a “verified” Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business & Airport Concessions- ACDBE Certified). As 100% Owner of Contacts to Contracts, LLC, I was a 9-year 50% Equity Managing Partner/Owner/Operator of a Restaurant in Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, until we sold our interest after Covid-19 hit our country in 2020. Contacts to Contracts, LLC is currently an Equity/Owner of 2 Retail Locations (Fan Shop and Arizona Road Trip), beginning construction in 2024 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Terminal 4). I am also the Owner of Board Training, LLC, providing confidential Board Governance Training for Non-Profits. I am also currently a City of Mesa City Council Candidate for District #1, with elections on August 6, 2024. I’ve excelled in Strategic Partnering, Community and Business Development, and Certification. In summary, I ran (3) Statewide Business Development Agencies in AZ with over (35+) years of military/private experience, assisted with winning 100+ Billion Dollars.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After running (3) Statewide Business Development Agencies in AZ with over (35+) years of military/private experience, assisting Arizona companies with winning 100+ Billion Dollars, I was welcomed as a Sub-lease Partner with HMS Host, a Master Concessionaire at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Subsequently, my transition as a full-time business owner went very smoothly. My only major challenge and struggle was getting the half-million dollars in funding to support the construction of my new restaurant in Terminal 4 at the Airport. As a successful business development expert, things went very smoothly for me.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Contacts to Contracts, LLC?
For companies looking to get certified or reach new markets, Contacts to Contracts, LLC is probably one of the only companies in Arizona with our unique experiences in the area of Certification, Government Contracts, and Fortune 500, or large to medium, private industry contract acquisition. Although I’ve had much business success, I am widely known for my volunteer community service. I’ve been highly recognized with the following recognition:
- “Don Eagle NCCJ Humanitarian of the Year Award” – National Conference for Community and Justice
- Finalist – “Community Advocate of the Year Award” – Black Chamber of Arizona
- Minority Enterprise Development Week – “Hall of Fame”- AZ Minority Business Enterprise Center
- “Diversity Leadership Award” – Women in Transportation Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter
- Martin Luther King Jr. “Living the Dream Award”- Phoenix Human Relations Commission
- “Minority Business Advocate of the Year”–AMBEC, operated by the AZ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- One of “100 Men Impacting Supplier Diversity” in the U.S. – Oct.15, 2006 – “Minority Business USA’
- Most Influential Business Leader – Business Journal – Arizona’s “Power People,” Power Magazine
- Inaugural “MLK Advocate of Equality Hall of Fame” – National Bar Association. AZ Diversity Pipeline Prog.
- Finalist – “Director of the Year Award” – from the Organization for Non-Profit Executives
- “Outstanding Community Advocate of the Year Award” – Salt River Project (SRP); Named a Supplier Diversity All-Star for Dedication and Commitment to the development of diverse businesses
- “Legacy Award” – United Latino Business Coalition (ULBC) Excellence in Business Awards
- “Community Partnership Award” – Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC-West)
- “100 Influential People of Minority Economic Development” in the U.S. – “Minority Business USA”
- ” Veora E. Johnson Spirit of Unity Award”- East Valley MLK Committee
- “Entrepreneurial Success Award” – The Black Chamber of Arizona
- “Salute to Service Award” – AGC Collector’s Club of Arizona
- ” Veteran Impact Award” – The National Veterans Opportunity Coalition
- Martin Luther King Jr., CCG– “Lifetime Achievement Award” – Phoenix Human Relations Commission
- Productive Business Community “Game Changer Award”–iChange Nations Productive Business Summit
- Veteran Medical Leadership Group – “Desert Storm/Cold War Award Honoree” – U.S Air Force Veteran
- Chief Kenneth Ray Hill-” Armed Services Award” – Chandler Men of Action, 10th African American Banquet
- Arizona Veterans “Hall of Fame Inductee – Class of 2022”; signature of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey
I AM CURRENTLY: *Chairperson – City of Mesa General Plan Advisory Committee. *Board Member – Mesa Police Foundation. *President – HEROZONA Foundation. *Chairperson – Arizona MLK Celebration Committee Events. Board Chairperson – City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board. *Community Advisory Board Member, Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA). *Board Treasurer – Visit Mesa. *Chair – Visit Mesa’s Board Development Sub-Committee. *Board Chairperson – Mesa Regional Foundation, ADI. Advisory Board Member – Boost a Foster Family. “Executive on Loan” with Non-Profit “Streets of Joy.” IN THE PAST: *Founder/Chair – The National Veterans Opportunity Coalition. *2-Year Board President – (8 Years Board Member) – Child Crisis Arizona. *Founding Board Member – AZ Dream Builder Foundation. *Member – AZ Hates Crimes Task Force. *Member – Arizona-Mexico Commission. *Member – AZ Attorney General’s African American Advisory Group. *Member – Super Bowl XLII Host Committee – 2008. Keynote Speaker/Facilitator/Singer/Vocalist.
What does success mean to you?
My best definition of success involves ensuring a win for the business, a win for the customers, and a win for the communities it serves. As we all know, success is a relative term. I’ve achieved what I wanted and have been pleased with my business success. My business success has allowed me to pursue my volunteer community work. I apply giving back and service to others in everything I do. I also define success as achieving your personal goals, whatever they may be, and not measuring yourself against others.
Pricing:
- All pricing is negotiable
Contact Info:
- Website: contactstocontracts.net
- Instagram: RonMemphizWilliams
- Facebook: Facebook.com/RonMemphizWilliams
- Twitter: @RonMemphiz
- Other: ronwilliams4mesa.com
