Diana Davis - Her Journey of Dedication and Determination
Diana Davis began her journey with the federal government while writing proposals and managing projects as an employee of another company. During that process she recognized the value that federal contracting and the Small Business Administration (SBA) can play in a company’s success. A year later, in 2011, she founded and operated IntegriWard, LLC as a recycling services company out of her home. She began with just two employees under contract at the F. E. Warren Air Force Base Recycle Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Once she started her business, Diana focused on projects for various facility operations and maintenance efforts for the federal government. But success eluded Diana Davis initially and the path to progress for IntegriWard was a long. She spent considerable time on the road and meeting with facility managers and potential clients, attending site visits for possible projects, and working more hours than ever. But she was determined not to fail. In February 2016, her tenacity paid off and rewards awaited when she became a Certified Woman-Owned Business and applied for acceptance into the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.
The 8(a) Certification Program is a 9-year program created to help socially, and economically disadvantaged small business owners succeed in the federal marketplace. Once certified, program participants are eligible to receive federal contracting preferences, training, and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.
After entry into the 8(a) program and ensuring IntegriWard’s first project went well and exceeded customer’s expectations, more projects started to roll in. The firm grew from 3 employees in 2013 to almost 200 in 2024 with revenues increasing over 100 times within the same timeframe.
Since its first 8(a) contract award, IntegriWard has successfully performed more than 800 federal facility maintenance and construction firm contracts. In 2018, the firm diversified its resume by adding a business line for the installation and maintenance of electronic security services providing installation of physical access control, intrusion detection, and cameral surveillance systems. IntegriWard’s work includes projects for a large number of federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Defense Health Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Air Force, and the National Guard Bureau. The firm also works as a subcontractor to multiple prime general contractors who also provide services for the Federal government. Diana avows, “We have built our reputation based on strong working relationships with our clients and being known as a responsive team player.”
She credits her company's success to the remarkable team that IntegriWard has grown, as she insists on four primary factors to obtain and maintain success: 1) take care of and provide growth opportunities for your employees; 2) take care of and respect your clients; 3) deliver what you promise; and 4) take care of your work and assets by being solvent and having a robust accounting system. IntegriWard has embraced the provision of bonuses for the entire team in addition to providing opportunities for professional development, training assistance, and 401k, medical/vision/dental, and parental leave. Diana speaks of her whole team as one big family of trusted team members and her very first employee is still with the company 12 years later. She spends a great deal of time mentoring others interested in starting or growing their own business.
IntegriWard was recognized in 2019 with the Small Business Award by the Department of Homeland Security. The firm was also recognized in 2020 and again in 2024 as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Small Disadvantaged Business of the Year.
“I would not be where I am today without the help of the SBA 8(a) program and my outstanding Business Opportunity Specialists Sean Smith and Don Owens. Over the years, they both have met with me on a regular basis and proven to be incredibly supportive in helping me grow a successful and profitable business.”