Building Mission-Driven Partnerships at SBC

Panhandle Power Solutions finds shared purpose through SAME’s Small Business Conference.

Each November, SAME’s Small Business Conference (SBC) brings together thousands of A/E/C professionals, small-business owners, and government leaders. For Rick Waters, Business Development Specialist with Panhandle Power Solutions (PPS), SBC is more than a business conference: it’s a place that defines purpose, builds partnerships, and presents opportunities.

Rick and his team at PPS have found an environment at SBC that consistently produces connections that drive new opportunities around a shared goal: supporting the missions that strengthen our nation’s security. “The biggest thing we get out of SBC is that everyone is in one place, working toward the same goal,” he said. “It’s about finding like-minded partners who want to move the Department of Defense or USACE mission further down the road.”

Founded in Florida’s panhandle nearly two decades ago, PPS began as a five-person electrical contracting firm handling airfield lighting and power systems. Today, it’s a nationwide enterprise with divisions spanning traditional electrical projects, modular facility construction, and specialized federal work. With the partnerships and insights formed through SBC, Rick said that PPS has found strategic partners that have accelerated their growth and completely changed how they approach opportunities.

“Whether it’s teaming with an 8(a) asset or another small business with complementary capabilities, those relationships have completely changed how we can attack new business,” he said.

Turning Conversations into Collaboration

Each year, PPS sends a small, focused group to SBC where Rick and his team take a more holistic approach. Rather than simply setting up a booth and waiting for visitors, some team members will staff the booth while others explore the conference. “It’s one thing to have a booth,” he said, “but it’s another to get out and meet others. It’s great to have a booth, but there’s thousands of people … you make yourself stand out by spreading out and creating your own matchmaking sessions.”

In addition to booth time and matched networking, Rick and his team take advantage of the many educational opportunities at SBC, including attending sessions that offer professional development credits. Rick makes it a point to attend sessions from agencies like USACE who share strategies and their outlook for the future. 

“We will make certain sessions priorities, like ones with USACE where they talk about their strategy for the upcoming year or with any client that that is putting out future opportunities or wants to discuss their goals for the upcoming fiscal year,” he said.

A Shared Mission and Community

Beyond the business aspects, SBC is about belonging to a community that shares a common mission. “Ultimately, SBC brings everyone together at a common location, with a common goal, which ultimately is to enhance the warfighter and move their missions further down the road,” he said.

While the long days can be exhausting, he said he wouldn’t trade the experience. “You shake hands, tear down, and by the end you’re wiped out,” he laughed. “SBC has afforded PPS the opportunity to expand business lines, grow our professional services, and contribute to the mission of our federal partners. Our goals expand far beyond revenue. We are motivated to contribute to the readiness of our warfighters and dedicated to providing the best EPC services the federal government deserves.” 

This year’s SBC, in Phoenix, Ariz., November 19-21, 2025, will bring together thousands of engineering professionals from across industry, government, nonprofits, and academia for three days of collaboration and connections. Read more about the event and register on the SBC site.