The consulting business is more diverse than almost any other, with a range of businesses, entrepreneurs, experts, and services that have come to bear. Within this space, there’s quite a spirit of initiative, adaptability, agility, and a commitment to transformative solutions. But, where do these businesses get started? How do they grow? From where do they generate their ideas and seek direction?
At the heart of every great business is a visionary leader and their staunch team.
In the GOVCON sector, Trust Consulting Services Inc. works under the guidance of CEO James “JW” Radford and stands as a luminary in a business that’s filled with experienced veterans and astute businesspeople.
Renowned for its selfless commitment to providing top-tier professional services spanning diverse disciplines, Trust Consulting Services embodies innovation and client-centric solutions, and James has propelled the company to unparalleled heights, turning challenges into opportunities and showcasing remarkable adaptability and excellence. What does this equal? TRUST is a leader in the security, consulting, financial management, project management, acquisition management, and IT fields.
About Trust Consulting Services
Trust Consulting Services is a full-service consultancy based in Washington, DC, offering cost-effective, customer-focused, and scalable solutions in security, IT, and an assortment of professional services. Catering to a diverse clientele that includes both public and private businesses, TRUST operates as an 8(a) and SDVOSB which has, to date, earned more than $100 million in revenue.
Having grown to around 400 employees both in the office and in the field, TRUST serves a myriad of government entities, offering customized support that bolster’s the client’s bottom line and streamline their services.
Trust Consulting Services is known for its selfless approach, providing a professional and caring touch that hears the client’s needs, addresses rising issues, and remains in direct contact with stakeholders. As such, TRUST is adept at building strong, lasting relationships with businesses who both refer to and trust in the firm for their success.
Selfless Mission
Trust Consulting Services’ mission is to provide professional services spanning various disciplines. A conscious effort is directed at assisting clients in achieving impactful operations. Trust Consulting Services ensures full-fledged security and satisfaction with a commitment to continuous improvement, from innovative digital solutions, acquisition and program management to financial management, and facilities management.
Vision for a Better World
The agency’s vision aligns with its name, emphasizing a mission to improve the world through unparalleled professional services. Trust Consulting Services aspires to elevate operational standards, empower its staff, and cultivate more robust customer bonds.The beauty of what TRUST does goes far beyond the services it provides. TRUST is Great Place To Work® certified, offers enhanced benefits and support for its team, emphasizes work-life balance, and exemplifies the grace, humor, and humility that anyone would want in an employer.
Guiding Core Values
Choosing “TRUST” as the brand name signifies the agency’s deep appreciation for the trust and faith clients place in them. Trust Consulting Services is a moral community grounded in integrity, truthfulness, responsibility, and compassion. Clients are the top priority, and the agency is devoted to their success, channeling all resources to provide the best possible service. Their commitment is to strive for excellence and deliver optimal service continuously.
Veteran-Friendly Expertise
Positioning itself as a veteran-friendly consultancy, Trust Consulting Services leverages the experience of former government leaders to offer a range of specialized capabilities. Not only that, but TRUST aims to hire veterans, support veterans, and James Radford personally does quite a lot to raise money for, mentor, and support veterans who want to re-enter society and see their dreams come to life.
- Financial Management
Trust Consulting Services collaborates with CFOs and finance executives in financial management, aligning financial priorities closely with corporate strategy. By streamlining operations and bringing a bit of expertise to the table, TRUST offers the wisdom that is often needed when an operation simply cannot get a hold of its bottom line.
- Facilities Management
Recognizing the critical importance of facilities management for corporations, Trust Consulting Services excels in this core competency, ensuring optimal operation and efficiency. Facilities management can go to security, but it also speaks to the janitorial and maintenance services that are required to manage the millions of facilities that public and private firms across America utilize every day.
- Acquisition Management
Specializing in comprehensive acquisition management solutions, Trust Consulting Services guides clients to maximize the value of their acquisitions with extensive knowledge and strategic expertise. When you make more informed choices, your business can grow that much faster. Moreover, CEO, James Radford, has firsthand knowledge of how this process works, sharing his insights with clients every day.
- Program Management
As a trusted consultancy, it aids in determining crucial tasks and facilitates timely and efficient completion using best-in-class project management procedures and tools. When you meet a client and teach them how to manage projects, they can carry that knowledge with them for the rest of their careers. Everyone benefits, and that further extends the reach of the art of project management in the GOVCON sector.
- Innovative Digital Solutions
IT solutions at TRUST offer quite a lot of support in existing business lines, such as facilities, project, financial, and security management. Moreover, clients can reach out to TRUST to seek support for basic IT services that drive their businesses forward, including specialized programming that can help build apps, connect networks, offer custom-service-oriented tools, and much more.
Trust Consulting’s Government Solutions
Trust Consulting Services, a veteran-friendly consultancy firm, is renowned for delivering scalable and cost-effective solutions to government agencies, offering on-site support and reach-back services for state, local, and federal entities.
- USDA FNS Acquisition Support
In a partnership with the USDA FNS, the agency provided full-cycle contract administration and management support through acquisition management services. This initiative aimed to enhance the employee experience by streamlining processes.
- Department of Justice Collaboration
Collaborating with the Department of Justice, Trust Consulting Services has provided financial management, IT, and Networking support. This strategic cooperation addresses internal affairs and optimizes the agency’s functionalities.
- Chicago Transit Authority IT PMO Support
Engaged by the Chicago Transit Authority, Trust Consulting Services undertook IT PMO activities, offering project assistance and developing a seamless project management methodology. This initiative aimed to improve internal affairs and enhance project management coherence.
- City of Chicago Board of Education IT Services
Trusted by the City of Chicago Board of Education, the agency provided comprehensive IT and Networking services. This included support for disaster recovery, information security, and network infrastructure to ensure business continuity.
Seizing Opportunities
JW Radford is a retired Air Force Contracting Officer, motivational speaker, author, and certified public speaker. His journey has been anything but conventional. Whilst serving in the Air Force in Germany, he suffered a duty injury that led to his transfer back to the U.S. His marriage was falling apart, and he needed to determine how he could support his children. Night security was the only way to go after his medical discharge from the Air Force.
While diligently working in security, he noticed an unusually high frequency of inspections for his team. Trusting his instincts, he approached his supervisor, insisting on reviewing the books. Despite initial resistance, Radford stood his ground, expressing confidence in his ability to rectify the situation. True to his word, he addressed technical and logistical errors within two weeks, completely halting the inspections. This pivotal moment caught the attention of others, leading to Radford being offered the opportunity to take charge of contracts for the security department just two weeks into his position.
This turned from a solution at work into a transformative journey. More determined than ever, Radford sacrificed time, sleep, blood, sweat, and tears to earn his MBA, laying the groundwork for what would come. Upon completing his Master’s, he actively sought opportunities, leveraging his contracting expertise so that he could support his four children on his own—finding a way to offer them a better life.
Working with entities such as the Coast Guard, Homeland Security, Washington Headquarter Services, and various government bodies, Radford gained invaluable experience in Acquisitions and Procurement. This became the perfect opportunity to hone his craft and lean into his work ethic. As a result, James developed management skills and expanded his network of contacts across a diverse professional landscape.
Founding Trust Consulting Services
Intrigued by the idea of starting his own company, James recognized that he needed further knowledge so that he could grow into the right leader for the business he wanted to run. He reflected on this period with, “The more I entertained the thought of starting my own business, the more ready I felt to do it. The company I worked with gave me much confidence to implement what I had learned.” However, this newfound confidence was tested when the company he worked with eventually faced financial challenges, failing to issue promised payments.
Recognizing this as a signal to move forward, James embraced the opportunity and established Trust Consulting Services in 2015. He used contacts within the Department of Transportation to secure a contract, growing his team to 15 members by the end of the initial contract.
Path of Growth
Today, TRUST maintains an upward trajectory, earning over $100 million in revenue, creating 500 jobs in Maryland alone, and employing over 1,000 people since its inception. For James, the journey has been well worth it, not just professionally but personally as well, “No matter what you do, there’s always a price to pay for success. For a while, my price was personal relationships. For me to build a future to keep me and my family safe, I put them aside to focus on what I felt like I needed to do.”
Now a motivational public speaker, Radford imparts lessons on resilience, self-accountability, and “Excuse-Free Living.
Reflecting on the challenging times post-discharge, Radford emphasizes, “Even though I went through many dark times after my dismissal, I never would have started TRUST without that push. I’m not sure it would have come to my mind. Now, when I look at TRUST’s success, I’m amazed. Sometimes, if I think about it, I just get rooted to the spot and say, ‘Wow, I made it.’”
Dedication to Culture
Beyond business growth, Radford’s commitment extends to the well-being and professional growth of the agency’s employees, creating a positive work environment that, in turn, enhances service quality. The unique culture at Trust Consulting Services embraces the human aspect, allowing team members to prioritize personal time, skill development, family focus, and shared achievements. Trust Consulting Services stands out as an exceptional workplace—a harmonious environment fostering kindness, encouragement, and joy. And yes, this is all because James is a generous and compassionate executive who wants to serve as the leader that everyone deserves, focusing on servant leadership over the dream of a corner office.
Veteran Support
With Trust Consulting Services, James has spearheaded initiatives to create meaningful opportunities for veterans, offering them employment and avenues for career development. Through the firm, he has actively contributed funds to commendable causes, orchestrated successful fundraising campaigns, provided mentorship to veteran entrepreneurs, and consistently prioritized the hiring of veterans. This commitment to serve those in need illustrates a profound sense of responsibility to those who have selflessly served their country, showcasing Radford’s dedication to positively impacting the lives of others.
Community Impact
Radford is actively involved in the community. Recognizing the importance of businesses contributing locally, James exemplifies a strong sense of social responsibility, giving to artistic and scientific initiatives in the DMV.
Projecting Future Growth
Anticipating exponential growth, Trust Consulting Services envisions its revenue reaching $100 million within the next five years, a testament to its ongoing success. Despite establishing robust in-person networks, the agency is strategically expanding its online presence across various platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, to foster a broader digital community. Reflecting on these achievements, James noted that, “Our team has worked tirelessly, reinventing security and how it is integrated into our clients’ communities. This acknowledgment as the 2023 Global Recognition Award winner is a testament to our commitment towards innovation and inclusivity.” And this is just one of many awards bestowed upon the firm in the past 12 months.
Accolades Upon Accolades
As an industry leader, TRUST has been fortunate to be recognized by:
- The Titan Awards
- The Globees
- Great Place to Work
- The Global Recognition Awards
- Best of American Small Business
- Best in Biz
James has been recognized by:
- The Titan Awards
- INSA
- The Global Recognition Awards
- World CEO Awards
An Inclusive Workplace
At Trust Consulting Services, every team member is highly valued. As an equal opportunity employer, the commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce is unwavering, with no discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.
High Standards & Incentives
Trust Consulting Services sets high standards for individuals joining the team, offering competitive pay, free skills training, educational reimbursement, and unparalleled workplace flexibility when available. The aim is to provide a supportive and empowering environment that enables employees to thrive and excel in their careers.
Quote
“Trust Consulting Services’ vision aligns with its name, emphasizing a mission to improve the world through unparalleled professional services.”
