Locations/Headquarters: Sugarland, TX
Business Accolades:
NaVOBA Certified
VBE Spotlight on: E-Railspot
May 15, 2023
E-Railspot
E-Railspot was founded in 2020 by Timothy Brake.
E-railspot is a procurement and asset management SaaS (software as a service) provider. They connect buyers, sellers, and shippers in an effort to increase industry awareness and conduct seamless B2B transactions within the railroad sector.
Learn more about E-Railspot by visiting their website at e-railspot.com.
About the Business - Making Management More Streamlined
What services do you provide?
"Procurement and Asset Management Software"
Who are your primary customers?
"Currently working in the Railroad industry globally, but the software can be used for any industry. Current customers are Union Pacific, BART, Watco, Railworks, etc.."
When and how did you start your business?
"'In July of 2020, I began to create my vision for a single location for Buyers to buy or sell anything in the railroad sector. I hired a technical team to code the entire site, and soon found that this platform can benefit other industries as well."
Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change
What were some of the challenges in starting your business?
"Definitely the coding was the biggest challenge! Trying to get the User Interface clean, simple, and thorough enough to conduct business in a more efficient manner. We had to look at the entire process of Buy, Sell, Ship from a 10,000 foot view and realize not all problems can be solved at once. There was a lot of pain in that process, and then we switched from a "targeted" approach, to "casting a net". Another challenge was working with the right developer. Finding a partner that can balance our vision and offer technical foresight, as well as, doing it on a start up budget was very difficult. We had some trial and error!"
What is the key to the success of your business?
"Fixing one issue at a time instead of taking on the entire project shotgun style. The overall vision is a monster and can be overwhelming. So, while keeping our mind on the mission, we prioritize our targets and execute."
What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?
"Read the statement above, and learn to be frugal."
What pitfalls should they avoid?
"Don't work on too many tasks at once, learn to say no, and don't spend it if you aren't making it."
What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?
"Having our VBE certification was one of our best investments. We work with Public Transportation Agencies, and they can benefit by procuring their services and materials through our platform."
Service information
Branch:
US Army, US Army National Guard
Service Years:
1992-2003
Highest Rank Attained:
E-5p
Why did you join the military?
"Family tradition, needed the discipline, and service to my country."
Military Occupation:
"92Y & 88M; Plus temporary duty as MP/Game Warden"
Significant Achievements/Experiences:
"I was good at soldiering, overachieving in all aspects of military life."
Biography/Fun Facts
If you weren't a business owner, you would be?
"I would be a Marine Biologist. Glad I chose my current path because Marine Biology pays like shit!"
In 10 years, you see yourself?
"In 10 years, I see myself retired in Costa Rica."
How do you relax?
"To relax and stay in shape, I play competitive sand volleyball all around the Houston area."
Connect with NaVOBA on Social:
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On October 22, NaVOBA celebrated the Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year Awards Ceremony during the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference in Atlanta. Hosted at Cuts Steakhouse, a sponsor of the event alongside Accenture, Shell, and Hilton, the event was complete with a full course meal, drinks, and networking. Mimi Lohm, NaVOBA's Chief Development Officer, kicked off the event and set the stage for the awardees. Keynote speakers included Brandi Rauch, General Manager of Supply Chain for Shell, Che' McFerrin, Associate Manager, Global Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability at Accenture, and Matthew Pavelek, NaVOBA's President. Before the announcements of the winners, NaVOBA surprised Don McKneely, Chairman & CEO of Minority Business News, with the 2024 Veteran's Business Champion Award. The program then went on to highlight two companies who have demonstrated excellence within their industries with the 2024 Veteran's Business Enterprise (VBE)® We Love Awards. The first VBE We Love Award went to Demond Crump, CEO of REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins. Founded in 2019, REIGN Premium Sanitary Napkins specializes in providing innovative sanitary napkins and panty liners infused with a Nobel Prize-winning material featuring a super absorbent system. The key to REIGN's success lies in prioritizing their mission over profits, ensuring that the focus on empowering women and young girls takes precedence. Demond served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1990 to 1994, achieving the rank of E-5 and specializing as an Operations Specialist. He is Aegis system qualified and brings a wealth of strategic expertise from his military service to his entrepreneurial journey. You can read more about this VBE spotlight here . The second VBE We Love Award was presented to Paden Sickles, CEO of SickFit. Founded in 2021, SickFit specializes in wholesale and custom socks, as well as murals. SickFit caters to a diverse customer base that includes service members, athletes, corporate partners, active individuals, and government entities. The key to SickFit's success lies in its commitment to innovation and authenticity. As a veteran-owned, woman-owned, and minority-owned company, SickFit represents a movement focused on resilience and empowerment, particularly for those in underrepresented communities. Paden served from 2014 to 2024 in the Army, achieving the rank of Captain and earned the Expert Soldier Badge and Air Assault Wings. You can learn more about this VBE spotlight here . NaVOBA then celebrated the 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise ® of the Year: Robert Swain, CEO of Swain Enterprises. Established in 2020, Swain Enterprises specializes in federal projects, including restoration and renovations for military bases, federal facilities, and hospitals in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC areas. Swain Enterprises is committed to providing the highest level of service to government, commercial, educational, and institutional clients. The key to the success of Swain Enterprises has been a focus on integrity, hard work, and strong relationships. From the outset, the company has committed to delivering high-quality work and exceeding client expectations. As a fully veteran-owned business, Swain Enterprises is dedicated to empowering veterans and creating opportunities for those moving from military to civilian careers. You can read more about NaVOBA's 2024 Minority Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year here .
Our Mission
NaVOBA’s mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for America’s Veteran’s and Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises® (VBEs/SDVBEs) through certification, advocacy, outreach, recognition and education.
Thank you for your interest in the National Veteran Owned Business Association’s Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise® (SDVBE) programs. This initiative creates a nationally recognized gold standard in certification for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and enables corporate America to proactively source and confidently utilize businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by U.S. military veterans.
