Casey Cooper is the president of N.A.C.E Incorporated as well as The Compass Circle. She started a trucking company in 2006 and has successfully scaled into contracting for the federal government, the largest customer in the world.
Her company now provides a host of specialty services from Construction to Warehousing, to Facility Maintenance and Grounds Maintenance. Through a series of trial and error, wins and losses she has discovered a direct path to help small businesses not just grow but catapult them into success.
Casey created a mentorship program called The Blueprint Print which is designed to help streamline the growth of businesses through local, state, federal agencies, colleges, and universities. The program takes small businesses and teaches them how to attain large contracts, propelling them into million-dollar companies. Learn more about Casey and her work below.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Casey, Casey?
Casey: My swagher is sweet, yet savory. I can teach you how to get down to business, but I’m also a woman who knows how to have a GOOD time!
Fancy: What attracted you to the trucking industry?
Casey: Initially, the idea of having someone work for me while I enjoyed my day attracted me to trucking. In hindsight, trucking is vital to life as we know it. Trucking is one of the very few industries you can get in for a fairly low startup cost and do very well. It doesn’t require a lot of certifications or degrees.
Fancy: So before you started N.A.C.E. Incorporated and The Compass Circle did you have a background within any of the industries you now specialize in?
Casey: Before I started my two companies, I had no experience in trucking! I just had an idea and went with it!
Fancy: What is it like working in such a male-dominated workspace?
Casey: Working in a male-dominated industry is the worse! Men definitely treat women different than men. They function by an entirely different code than we do. Women truly make the world a better place.Â
Fancy: Please tell us about your mentorship program, The Blueprint?
Casey: The Blueprint Mentorship Program is a start to finish, simplified program, for Minority Business owners. It helps them understand, grow, prepare, and register for Government Contracts. I’m very proud of it and always discovering new ideas and ways to make it more impactful.
Fancy: Are your mentees predominantly within the construction and transportation fields or what type of business owners might be interested in your program?
Casey: My mentees offer a vast array of products and services to the government. The average person does not realize that there are about 5 trillion dollars each year, allocated to government contracts. If you can supply it, they will buy it!
Fancy: What is the biggest obstacle you overcame whether it be professionally or personally and how did you do so?
Casey: My biggest obstacle to date has been to keep a constant state of positivity. I have learned that it’s not the obstacle, but how I deal with the obstacle. Now I have arrived at a place where I understand that even the challenges are working in my favor. To stay in that place is my goal.
Fancy: So who is Casey outside of work?
Casey: Casey is a mother, sister, and friend. She is a fearless warrior ready to lead. She is also a consummate homebody who is ready to lay in bed all day with the blinds closed. She is the best of both worlds!
Fancy: How do you practice self-care?
Casey: I practice self-care all day, daily. I take time to just be. I take walks, hot baths, and practice daily spiritual exercises. Staying positive and fulfilled is my number one priority!
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Casey: On November 30, I am being awarded by The Black Chamber of Commerce for my contracting accomplishments.
Connect with Casey and The Compass Circle below.
Website: www.thecompasscircle.com
FB: Compass Circle
Twitter: @The Compass Circle
Email: thecompasscircle@gmail.com
