VBE Spotlight on: Ashire Technologies

Ashire Technologies& Services, Inc.

Ashire Technologies was founded in 2019 by Alberto Jerez and Cherisa Jerez

Ashire Technologies & Services, Inc. is an SDVBE that delivers innovative and differentiating solutions for the most challenging system integration and cyber compliance objectives. Our team is committed to delivering quality, safeguarded, measurable expertise in support of our client’s federal and organizational cybersecurity requirements.

About the Business - Excellence & Exceptionalism

What services do you provide?

Enhance organizational cybersecurity capabilities. Contextualize a cyber threat methodology. Offer Continuous Monitoring Support. Vulnerability Management. Administrative compliance support for CMMC Readiness or the Risk Management Framework. Cybersecurity Training and DoD cyber compliance training. Compliance in cloud migration. Managed Services Support.

Who are your primary customers?

Department of Defense

When and how did you start your business?

We originally founded Ashire Technologies in Dayton, OH in 2019. We began by leveraging the skillsets we'd acquired through our military and civilian careers. We researched the foundational requirements to serve as a federal government contractor and began there. This meant registering on Sam.gov, applying for a UEI and DUNS number, as well as a Cage Code and identifying our corresponding NAICS. Once we had the administrative foundation, we began to search the available databases for opportunities that fell within our spectrum of services and acquired our first contract shortly thereafter. We were able to exceed our client's expectation in the successful receipt of an ATO (authorization to operate) for a federal information system in record time. From there, our reputation and customized approach to ensure compliance allowed us to grow.

Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?

Our scope of services competes with some of the large, established companies in the marketplace. We have to provide a differentiating experience in order to complete with companies that have been doing this for years. Our differentiators include a focus on excellence and detailed knowledge of the NIST governing documents, commitment to on time delivery of our commitments, and results that exceed our customer's expectations. We also provide the one-on-one experience that are often lacking with large organizations.

What is the key to the success of your business?

Everything we do begins with Integrity. We don't make promises we can't keep. We hire the best. Every employee on our team is competitively vetted and screened to ensure that they meet the standards of our organizational culture, as they serve as our ambassadors in the field. We stay on top of emerging technologies and find ways that we can directly support in the areas of highest demand. And we genuinely care about our ecosystem, which includes our team, our clients, and our industry. As two former war fighters, we are committed to helping support the government in its endeavors to protect its citizens through data management.

What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?

Be prepared to work hard and wear many hats. There are times when I am immersed in the operational aspects of the business ensuring that we are best managing our internal resources (human and financial). Other times, I am tasked to represent our organization in a customer-facing and marketing capacity. Believe in what you do and let that passion flow in all aspects of the day-to-day requirements. Employees, industry partners, existing customers, and potential customers will draw close and commit to a vision they believe in and a leader who fully represents that vision.

What pitfalls should they avoid?

Manage cash carefully. Ensure you have a strategic plan. Don't get so bogged down in the details that you lose sight of the overarching vision. Remember that growing a business is a long game, don't allow your motivation to stem from short term wins. Those are nice, but the ones who succeed best are those who are planning three, five, and ten years out and inspiring those around them to do the same.

What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA Community?

Ashire Technologies is a DoD Protege under the Mentor/Protege agreement. This provides us a strong support system that allows us to expand our portfolio of services and support some of the highest classified, mission critical areas of cybersecurity needs in both the federal and commercial sectors. We are committed to excellence and delivering exemplary solutions. Our headquarter facility in Central Florida provides room to grow in the areas of software development, security operations, data management, and continuous monitoring.

Service information

Branch:

Army

Service Years:

2005-2019

Highest Rank Attained:

Major/O4

Why did you join the military?

Throughout my entire childhood I dreamed of being a part of a team and serving something larger than myself. I love the honor and integrity that the military represents, and I joined shortly after bearing witness to 9/11 during my third year of college. I wanted to do something to protect our nation.

Military Occupation:

I served as a Signal Officer (25A) on active duty and then before attending the Captain's Career Course, I switched branches to Finance (36A)

Any significant military achievements / experience you would like to mention?

 I've earned two Army Achievement Medals and one Army Commendation Medal. I served in the 286th Signal Company, attached to the 11th ADA Brigade HQ from 2006 - 2008 on active duty.

Biography/Fun Facts

People may be interested to know that I am preparing to publish my debut novel - AT THE ISLAND'S EDGE - on 2/11/2025 through Lake Union Publishing. It's a fictional account of Sergeant Lina LaSalle, an Army medic, and her return to Puerto Rico after 12 years away as she works through the effects of Post Traumatic Stress given her multiple deployments to Iraq. I am an avid reader and how I best relax. My playlist is a true compilation of different styles of music, but I absolutely love the band, Mana.