FM Talent Source LLC (FM Talent), based in Silver Spring, Maryland, recently became recognized as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the Small Business Administration.
Now valued at $15 million, this strategic business solutions enterprise is a professional services firm that provides management consulting services in the areas of financial management, grant management and human capital strategy to their government and commercial entity clients nationwide.
Dawn C. Hendricks co-founded the company with Omari Franklin in 2004. Recently named the president and CEO of FM Talent, Hendricks said, “This is an exciting new chapter in the life of FM Talent. As a certified woman-owned, minority-owned business, we will continue to deepen our relationships with existing clients while casting a wider net into new industries and specialized sectors.”
Deciding to start a business over a decade ago was a struggle for Hendricks, who holds an MS in Human Resource Management from American University, a BBA from Hofstra University and is PMP Certified from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Fortunately, her leap of faith paid off, though. “Making the decision to leave my six-figure job was not easy. I started FM Talent because I wanted to control my own destiny rather than let others determine my growth, career path or salary,” said Hendricks.
“I was scared initially like most people are. Since the fear of the unknown will always be there, you can’t use fear as a determining factor for pursuing your business idea,” Hendricks continued.
Hendricks suggests entrepreneurs start slow and set small goals daily or weekly so they do not lose momentum. “Start working your business on the side while you have other income. This will allow you to establish a client base, which sometimes can be a slow process.”
FM Talent has hired hundreds of people locally and nationally throughout the past 14 years. The firm currently has just shy of 200 employees working in 12 states across the country.
The leadership is enthusiastic about the transformation the downtown Silver Spring commercial and cultural district has experienced during the past decade. “We are honored to be in a city that does so much for its citizens and businesses,” said Hendricks. “We look forward to supporting the continued success and growth of this remarkable community.”
For more information, please visit FM Talent Source at www.fmtalent.com.
