Ron Perry, President and CEO: Teya Technologies LLC.

• Author: Stomierowski, Peg
• Position: View from the Top

Teya Technologies, started in 2005, won its first federal logistics contract shortly thereafter with Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Today it conducts multiple lines of business for government and commercial clients, including design/ build construction, project management, information technology, administrative support and event planning. The firm was created by Ron Perry, an Alaska Native and longtime small business entrepreneur, and the Village of Salamatof, which was interested in exploring the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program. Teya became certified in 2006 as an Alaska Native Corporation certified 8A enterprise. Perry had learned the 8(a) ropes when he guided an earlier startup of his called Microware Inc. through the process in 2009, a firm that continues to provide IT support for Alaska businesses.

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LOOKING BOTH WAYS: With the economic recovery remaining fragile, unemployment above 8 percent, an impending presidential election and the federal government again failing to achieve its own small business goals, Teya is moving forward with caution.

TARGETED GROWTH: We target opportunities for doing what we do well and form top-of-the-line partnerships. The growth we've enjoyed in the last few years is owed largely to finding fit partners and going after contracts that we have a better-than-average chance of securing.

TEAMING APPROACH: We found the best way to get into new agencies and business lines is to partner with successful firms that understand they cannot do everything alone. Great businesses realize their limitations and know when to partner. Teya was just recognized as the American Express OPEN[TM] Teaming Partner of the Year.

WHY USE YOU: While the 8(a) program has had its first major clarifications and changes in more than 10 years, the basic principle hasn't changed, and once...