Florida PTAC at UWF Helps Rockhill Group Succeed in Government Contracting

The Rockhill Group, Inc. (TRG) is a Small Business Administration 8(a) company specializing in aviation services. These services include flight training, courseware development, aircraft leasing, maintenance and cryogenic services, as well as other aviation specialties for the USAF, US Army, and Federal Aviation Administration all across the U.S., including Puerto Rico.

After retiring from 21 years of service in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot, owner James Rockhill knew “what” he wanted to do but had no idea “how” to do it. He began attending workshops offered by the Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center at the University of West Florida (UWF).

Consulting and Workshops Help Define the “How”

“I had many workshops and consulting sessions with Laura Subel, [my Procurement Specialist], to help me create my own small business and to navigate through the contracting world.”

The Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center at UWF guided TRG through proper registrations and marketing to the government.

Realistic Strategies Lead to Big Growth

“Like most small business start-ups, I truly felt my company and I could do anything; however, with Subel’s guidance, I developed a realistic strategy to locate bid opportunities within my field of expertise. My first contract in 2005 was for $38,887 to supply pilot training materials to the USAF.”

TRG has since grown to over $72 million in government contracts.

Subel assisted TRG, a Hispanic–owned company, in applying for the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Development Program Certification when he became eligible.

"Laura helped me obtain my 8(a) certification in 2006. I believe it was not only my drive, desire, my team, faith, family and hard work but also the tremendous support and dedication of the Florida PTAC, especially Laura Subel, which enabled my growth and success."

- James Rockhill, Owner - The Rockhill Group, Inc.