From Vet to Entrepreneur
One woman’s fight to serve a country that wouldn’t serve her.
Dr. Markeesha Reed journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from Virginia State University,
where she pursued a pre-veterinary program. Her educational pursuits didn't stop there, as she also served in the US Army reserves while earning a Master of Business Leadership (MBL) degree from North Central University during her deployment in Iraq.
Upon returning from Iraq in 2012, Dr. Reed faced a challenging transition to civilian life. She found herself filing a complaint with the Department of Labor to regain her civilian job as her job search proved fruitless. Frustration and determination led her to make a life-changing decision: she decided to start her own company.
Linkitall LLC, based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, was born out of Dr. Reed's desire to simplify and centralize the support services for veterans transitioning out of the military. She experienced firsthand the challenges and struggles of finding educational, employment, and transitioning assistance from different sources. The name "Linkitall" encapsulates her vision of bringing all these services together in one accessible location, sparing others the difficulties she faced during her transition.
Linkitall's core mission is to enhance Human Resources and information technology, helping both commercial and federal government agencies streamline their hiring processes, support remote workforces, and bolster cybersecurity measures.
Linkitall LLC's dedication and services have earned it the prestigious 8(a) certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This certification acknowledges Linkitall as a service-disabled, veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged, woman and minority-owned small business. This recognition has opened doors to federal government contracts and created opportunities across various industries. Currently, the company operates in seven states and serves as the prime contractor on half of its contracts.
Dr. Reed's journey hasn't been without its share of challenges. Her first government contract, a significant turning point, came at a time when she had only $110 in her bank account. She was on the brink of quitting, but a week before making that decision, the contract arrived in her inbox. The relief and gratitude she felt were overwhelming. She credits her faith and resilience for pulling her through that difficult period.
To achieve the rapid growth Linkitall has seen in recent years, Dr. Reed leaned on her personal resources, including her 401(k), maxing out credit cards, and her Thrift Savings Plan. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: before taking the leap into business ownership, ensure you have some capital because the journey can be tough.
Looking ahead, Linkitall's future is bright. The company is diversifying its services and exploring construction projects and program management. Dr. Reed recognizes the potential in the construction industry and the opportunities it can bring. As part of her mission to create jobs, she plans to expand her business development team and create more job opportunities in different states.
Dr. Markeesha Reed's journey is a remarkable story of resilience and the pursuit of a vision. Her dedication to making a positive impact on her community and her commitment to supporting veterans is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. Linkitall LLC stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion, determination, and hard work come together. - M.M.G
To learn more about Dr. Markeesha Reed and Linkitall LLC, please visit LIA-NA.com.