Turning setbacks into Success: How one Firm Thrived Through Adversity to Win Alabama’s Small Business Persons of the Year

Training partners poses with the SBA

Shanna Ullmann is the founding partner of Transformation Partners LLC, offering specialized consulting, leadership development, and employee learning and development programs to empower federal government, U.S. military, higher education, and corporate clients. Transformation Partners began in 2000 as a statewide training provider. With the support of partners Timothy Ullmann and Robert Prescott, it now provides training across the country and internationally. Over the years, the firm transformed from a small one room office to a full-scale office facility for planning and training implementation. In 2020, Transformation Partners faced significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Client engagement dropped leading to a decrease in sales and strained operations. The firm was at risk of losing its ability to maintain and grow its business.

To stabilize the business, Transformation Partners secured an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which allowed them to remain operational. In addition, the firm strategically adapted by offering discounted services and free advisory support to clients, which helped rebuild relationships and attract new business. The firm also leveraged support from the Alabama APEX Accelerator office, which played a key role in securing a major contract with the Department of Defense in 2023.

As a result of these efforts, Transformation Partners not only recovered but expanded its operations seeing a 63% increase in new client engagements by 2023. Firm revenues reached $525,000 by mid-year and increased employees from three to fourteen. This success allowed them to continue offering free professional services to various charitable organizations including professional development for women’s shelters, veterans, and Native American tribes. In recognition of their success and community contributions, Transformation Partners was awarded the 2024 Alabama Small Business Person of the Year honor, receiving the award in Washington, DC, from SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzmán.

This article does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.