From retail and restaurants to tech and media, contractors to coworking spaces, large, small, and everything in between, a diverse array of businesses call Alexandria home. In our blog series, Growing in Alexandria, we will sit down to talk with businesses around the City to learn more about who they are, what they do, and why they love it here. Have an idea for a business in Alexandria to talk to? Email us!
Alexandria is made up of several diverse neighborhoods- some people think that Alexandria is Old Town, but we know it’s much more than that. The month of May brought us to Eisenhower Valley to visit with Brad Halsey, the CEO and Founder of Building Momentum. Building Momentum is a veteran-owned technology development and consulting company, incorporating training, team-building, and hands-on technology solutions for defense, education, corporate, and entrepreneurial organizations. It is also home to the Garden, a co-building community space that caters to small business in the DMV area.
AEDP: To start out, can you tell us a little about Building Momentum?
Brad: We are a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business providing world class prototyping and problem-solving training and education to industry, the military, and academia.
AEDP: How did you get started?
Brad: I spent a lot of time solving problems and ‘MacGyvering’ in war zones and disaster zones and decided to teach others how to effectively use technology to solve problems in those difficult environments.
AEDP: What is the biggest challenge of running your own business?
Brad: Avoiding bankruptcy! Bringing in enough revenue to remain stable and solvent is a constant stress.
AEDP: What is the most rewarding aspect of running Building Momentum?
Brad: Helping our clients be successful in very challenging business areas, missions, and environments.
AEDP: Looking out at the horizon- what’s the next big thing? The next big project or goal?
Brad: Workforce development done the right way. I feel very strongly that the workplace of the future will not be driven by credentials or certifications or diplomas but rather curiosity, ingenuity, fearless iteration, and an almost reckless tenacity to solve humanities most challenging problems. Current academia and educational pedagogy isn’t adjusting fast enough to keep up with industry workforce needs.
AEDP: How would you describe your company culture?
Brad: We are a very motivated team in a high tempo (no BS) environment that can pull off anything asked of us.
AEDP: Finally… we love serving businesses in Alexandria, and we always love to know: what was the draw for you to located your business here?
Brad: I have loved Alexandria since my family and I moved here from Silicon Valley a decade ago. It retains its small-town appeal yet has a diverse and creative population.
To learn more about Building Momentum, visit their website or visit them in their facilities at 5380 Eisenhower Avenue, Ste C, Alexandria.