Bailey's Premier Services, LLC
While serving in the United States Air Force, Tamiko Bailey had a life-changing experience. After an incentive flight in an F-15 fighter jet, she knew she wanted to make a career of working in the aviation industry. In 2010, Bailey, a service-disabled veteran, founded Bailey’s Premier Services as a small startup company from her garage. The company has grown tremendously since and is now a multi-state defense contractor that provides aircraft maintenance and other support services to the US government and state/local agencies.
As she built her business, Bailey utilized several SBA resources to help the business grow. She received entrepreneurial development services through the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and was also nominated by the VBOC to enroll in VIP VetBiz and Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business.
Like many business owners, Bailey accumulated some debt during her small business journey. She knocked on doors where opportunities were available and took on multiple offers from lenders, which came with very high interest rates – up to 25% in some cases. Bailey took the loans that were available to her so that she could operate her business, but the high interest rates took a toll on the company.
Eventually, a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) coordinator provided information about applying for an SBA 7(a) loan. Bailey secured an SBA 7(a) loan in 2018 and the financing helped her pay off the remaining debt and helped her focus on the growth of her company. Bailey was able to pay off the SBA 7(a) loan early, and in 2023 she received another SBA 7(a) loan. She used the second loan for working capital and to refinance existing debt to help fuel the business’s growth.
Today, the business has more than 160 employees working at military bases across 11 states. Bailey's Premier Services has also expanded its operations internationally, including offering services in the United Kingdom.
Community service is an integral part of Bailey’s Premier Services as well. The business provides donations, sponsorships, and scholarships in the community and supports many veterans' events. Bailey is very generous of her own time too, serving as board director for the Airpower Foundation, an Executive Council Member for the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, and a Fort Worth Airpower Council member. Bailey is a U.S. Navy military spouse with children, and their family has supported the USS Nimitz and the U.S. Marines.