Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center Success Story: PH Design

by Kim Magee - July 27, 2022

PH Design is a woman-owned upholstered wooden furniture and outdoor design element business located in Monticello supplying to lobbies, waiting rooms, hotels/motels, university housing, and healthcare facilities.  In business since 2013, owner Susan Akin is a former speech therapist who has always had a passion for design and used another family business as her inspiration.  Fun fact about Akin - she is active in her community and was Monticello Woman of in Year in 2018.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our nation, like many other business types, manufacturing experienced supply chain and employee issues. Looking for ways to keep her business sustainable, Akin learned about the benefits of government contracting through an acceptance speech made by a Rising Star award winner during a homecoming event. This interaction prompted her to contact Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) where she was then put in contact with Arkansas APEX Accelerator, became a client in October 2021, and was assigned to APEX Accelerator Counselor Tim Hicks.

In June 2022, PH Design was awarded a government contract for furniture for a veteran nursing home in Wyoming for just under $10,000.  They are also now part of an approved vendor list for State of Iowa and will be applying for bids there soon.

“APEX Accelerator Counselor Tim Hicks has been very helpful in getting me organized, registered, and able to submit bids.  Every time we meet, something good happens,” Akin said.  She mentioned that she jokes with Tim from time to time that he may look like Clark Kent, but that he is actually Superman and makes things happen in the nicest manner.

Connect with our Arkansas APEX Accelerator counselors at 501-671-2390 / ptac@uada.edu to learn how you may also be able to expand your business through government contracting.