From Therapist to Government Contractor
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Rafi Bileck, a trained social worker and founder of the Baltimore Therapy Center, successfully transitioned into government contracting despite having no prior business experience. Recognizing an opportunity when a previous contractor left a Montgomery County domestic violence offender therapy program, he stepped in to fill the void. With the help of his APEX Accelerator Arthenia LeFlore, he navigated the complex bidding process and secured his first government contract. "It was really reassuring to have someone with experience in the program to guide me. Arthenia knew the ropes and could point me in the right direction which was good because I was floundering on my own." Bileck recalled, emphasizing the importance of expert guidance in overcoming the initial learning curve.
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The road to success, however, was not without challenges. As someone who never envisioned himself as a business owner, Bileck found himself grappling with the intricacies of legal requirements, accounting, and contract management. He described his experience as "learning on the fly" and acknowledged that at times, "it was harrowing just trying to figure out what I didn’t know." His perseverance, combined with strategic mentorship from APEX Accelerator, helped him navigate these hurdles. Through their support, he was connected with industry professionals and given critical insights that allowed him to structure his business for continued growth in the government contracting space.
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Looking ahead, Bileck hopes to expand the Baltimore Therapy Center while staying connected to his passion for counseling. He advises other small business owners to seek out resources like APEX Accelerator and build a strong network of professionals, including accountants and attorneys, to support their growth. "Once I found the right people, it was really helpful to be able to call them up, send an email, and get some answers," he shared. His journey from therapist to successful government contractor is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of leveraging expert guidance.
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Listen to his story on our podcast
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