Cassandra Ford
Cassandra Ford: is owner and principle of JChase Marketing Group LLC, a Takoma Park based company. The company specializes in providing small federal contractors with business development and marketing support that places them in an advantageous position for gaining government business. That support includes research, business development strategy, business planning, marketing communications, marketing representation, coaching consultation, technical and cost proposal preparation, GSA schedules, training, and design of corporate materials for use in marketing to the government. She is also a guest lecturer and speaker for various business organizations and has published articles in several small business publications and websites.
Cassandra is currently writing a book on capturing federal business and has developed the popular list of “15 Ways Small Company Executives Lose Federal Business Without Really Trying.” With over 25 years of marketing experience in a broad range of industries including several 8(a) firms as Marketing and Sales Director, Ms. Ford brings real world solutions to JCMG clients along with invaluable hands-on knowledge of how to gain business with the federal government. She conducts workshops on marketing to the federal government nationally and is a regular instructor for RGFCC and The National Womens’ Business Center’s Procurement Institute. Additionally she facilitates workshops for the Contracts Service Association and the Prince Georges County Economic Development Corporation Small Business Assistance Center.
As an instructor and speaker Cassandra Ford addresses the realities and exposes the myths about doing business with the government. Her work with small contractors adds real world experience and anecdotal information for her workshop students. Ms. Ford shares some of the tricks of the trade that REALLY work. Her energetic, dynamic style provides for a highly interactive seminar. Participants leave charged up and with the power tools and knowledge to get more federal government contracts. Also, her experience as Marketing and Sales Director with government contractors ranged from writing the business development plans to walking the halls marketing to the contracting officers and program managers to setting up the marketing departments where she established and leads an effective sales process and hired and managed a sales team. Additionally her extensive commercial experience is demonstrated by marketing management positions at such companies as Time Life Books, JC Penney Financial Services, Allstate Insurance Company and Apria Healthcare with profit and loss responsibilities.
In each position Ms. Ford met and exceeded revenue goals. Highlights of her commercial career include:
As Product Manager for Time Life Books she was responsible for the telemarketing program for Time Life Books for Children which contributed over 70% of the sales to that department. As an Account Executive for Apria Healthcare she increased infusions sales by 120% and respiratory medication sales by 25% in her territory in one year. She was named Rookie of the Year in the region. Ms. Ford is a graduate of Ohio University, School of Communication with a Bachelors of Science in Journalism.