D. Gillette Industrial Services fights to win with SBA’s 8(a) Certification and Pandemic Programs
D. Gillette Industrial Services (DGI), founded in 2002, is an SBA 8(a) certified business solely owned by President/CEO Dorothea Spencer. With a career spanning over thirty years, Spencer is a certified Mechanical Engineer with expertise in project management, manufacturing leadership and innovations, Six Sigma, and lean management. DGI has 15 employees and specializes in the design, fabrication, repair, and assembly of parts and equipment for the lifecycle sustainment of military customers’ assets, the federal government, and worldwide commercial and foreign military clients.
DGI's expansion occurred when competitors were focused on outsourcing and when women were underrepresented in the manufacturing sector. In 2016, Spencer became one of the few women-owned manufacturing companies certified in the SBA 8(a)program. In 2017 DGI was awarded its first 8(a) contract with the U.S. Navy. Since then, DGI has become a leading manufacturer of support equipment with defense agencies within the 8(a) program. From 2017- 2023 DGI's revenues grew by over 9,200% and its profits grew by over 6,000%.
DGI survived the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company's dedication and commitment paid off after they secured a crucial SBA COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to weather the financial storm caused by the pandemic. DGI also obtained two SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to preserve and sustain DGI's operations.
Spencer and her firm demonstrated the ability to navigate adversity and thrive in challenging circumstances when the business secured a Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan to relocate from a 3,000 sq. ft. building to acquire a 35,000 sq. ft. expanded operation facility. The move positioned DGI to meet the evolving needs of the Department of Defense for post-pandemic growth and success.
“It’s a privilege to recognize the achievements of women-owned business leaders such as Dorothea Spencer,” said Steve Dixel, SBA Eastern Pennsylvania Director. “SBA salutes women entrepreneurs who pursue success and view setbacks and obstacles as steps toward success. SBA is proud to play a role in helping Dorothea and D. Gillette Industrial Services positively impact the Lehigh Valley economy.”
“I believe that U.S. manufacturing is a powerhouse of innovation, a constant driver of economic growth, and a consistent source of skilled jobs of the future,” Spencer said. “I am grateful for the SBA pandemic loan programs that kept my employees on payroll and to SBA’s 8(a) program that helped me gain access to – and succeed in – the federal marketplace.”
DGI is certified as an SBA Economically Disadvantaged/Woman-Owned Small Business (ED/WOSB). Spencer is a 2017 graduate of SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program, today known as T.H.R.I.V.E. She is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association, Women in Defense, International Society of Engineers, and FINRA Series 6 licensed.
Dorothea Spencer is committed to supporting our nation and its warfighters as well as to serving her community at large. Spencer serves on the board of the Developmental Education Services (DES) of Monroe County. DES provides support to developmentally challenged adults. She participates on the advisory board of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, a Pennsylvania business incubator, highlighting her commitment to fostering innovation and economic development within her region. She is an avid musician and a member of the Riverside Rhythm Swing Band.