Strategic Steps Forward

Bringing Big-Organization Expertise to Small Business Launches

My Story

Helping Local Entrepreneurs Without the Tech Overwhelm

Hi, I’m Sue. I solve complex problems and build systems that work, and I want to use those skills to help you launch your business.

My Day Job: I’m a Senior Program Manager at GSA Technology Transformation Services, where I manage a $200M+ portfolio including Search.gov, Data.gov, and Vote.gov. For over 22 years, I’ve handled the kind of complex systems integration and project management that usually only Fortune 500 companies can afford.

My Side Businesses: I’m not just talking theory, I’m an active entrepreneur:

• Supy’s Salves (since 2009): I’ve run this Etsy shop for 15+ years, shipping handcrafted products worldwide. I’m an Etsy Star Seller, which means I know what it takes to maintain quality, handle customers, and keep a business running year after year.
• Full Circle Cyclery (2009-2018): I owned and operated a brick-and-mortar bike shop for nine years while working full-time and running my Etsy business. I know what it’s like to juggle everything as a solopreneur.

My Crisis Experience: For 20+ years, I’ve served as a Lead Public Information Officer on wildfire Incident Management Teams. When you’re coordinating communications during an active emergency, you learn to build systems that work under pressure and stay calm when everything feels overwhelming.

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Why I Do This

I work full-time for the federal government, but I wanted to use my program management and technical expertise in a more direct way to help people. I’ve watched friends struggle with the technical side of launching their businesses; they’re amazing at their craft, but payment systems and scheduling software can feel overwhelming. I can help with that.

I’m also thinking ahead. I’ve got about 15 years until retirement, and I know I’ll need something meaningful to keep me engaged. I don’t want to be bored – I want to stay active and useful. So I’m building Strategic Steps Forward now, helping 10-15 local entrepreneurs each year, and creating something that will give me purpose long into the future. It’s community service now, and it’ll be my “retirement job” later.

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What I Bring to Your Business

Systems Thinking from Federal Program Management I’ve spent decades managing complex programs, coordinating across agencies, and making technology work for people. Those same skills apply to getting your business technology set up right from the start.

Real Entrepreneurial Experience I’ve been exactly where you are – figuring out payment processing, learning e-commerce platforms, managing customer service, building social media presence. I learned it all by doing it, and I can save you from making the mistakes I made.

Crisis Management Skills Whether it’s a wildfire emergency or a business launch that feels overwhelming, I know how to stay calm, prioritize what matters, and build reliable systems in chaos.

The Right Credentials

• Master’s in Organizational Leadership & IT Program Management
• Senior Level Contracting Officer Representative
• Program & Project Management Senior Level Certification
• 22+ years federal service

But honestly? The most relevant credential is that I’m still successfully running a business I started in 2009. That’s what good systems look like.

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My Approach

I listen first. Every business is different. I want to understand your vision before recommending anything.

I build foundations that last. The systems I help you set up today should still work when you’re 10x bigger. I’m still using systems I set up for my Etsy shop in 2009.

I teach, not just do. You’re not hiring me to create dependency – you’re hiring me to empower you. I document everything and make sure you can manage independently after we’re done.

I keep it real. I won’t oversell you on services you don’t need. If you can do something yourself with a quick tutorial, I’ll tell you. Honest guidance, always.

I stay connected. Your success matters to me. Even after our project ends, I’m a resource you can reach out to.

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A Few Personal Notes

I live in Colorado with my husband VJ. When I’m not managing federal programs or shipping salves around the world, I serve as co-guardian for my cousin (we talk daily and love exploring new places together), support VJ’s “Motors & Milkshakes” car shows, and stay curious about how technology can solve real problems.

I believe in building relationships, not just completing transactions. When you work with Strategic Steps Forward, you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about your success because I know firsthand what it takes to build and sustain a business.

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Let’s Work Together

I work with Strategic Steps Forward clients part-time alongside my federal career, typically taking 1-2 new clients per month.

I offer a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss your business, explore your needs, and see if we’re a good fit. No pressure, no obligation – just an honest conversation about what you need and whether I can help.

📅 Schedule Your Free Discovery Call Or email me: strategicstepsforward@gmail.com