Devona Williams, Ph.D., President/CEO of Goeins-Williams Associates, Inc. of Clayton, announced that her firm has reached the milestone of 30 years in business.
According to the Small Business Administration, only one-third of small businesses survive more than 10 years and less than 25 percent of businesses remain in business for more than 15 years.
As a 100 percent-owned African American and woman-owned firm, Goeins-Williams Associates, Inc. was a rarity as an independently owned management consulting firm.
Williams founded Goeins-Williams Associates, Inc. in 1986 to “help organizations achieve productivity in strategic work environments.”
With an academic background in education, public policy and economics and a career spanning government appointments in Delaware and Washington DC to executive positions at Wilmington-based DuPont, Williams launched her business full time in October 1993.
Over 30 years Goeins-Williams Associates has provided professional services and products in organizational, individual assessment and performance improvement to more than 50,000 people in hundreds of national and international organizations.
Timeline highlights
- Established company as sole proprietorship October 1986
- Started as full-time management consulting company October 1993
- Leased first office in Wilmington, DE and hired first full-time employee, 1994
- Incorporated Goeins-Williams Associates, Inc., 1995
- Purchased commercial office space Wilmington, DE, 1997
- Ranked as 12th largest MBE in Delaware, DE Business Ledger, Book of Lists, 2002
- Named Delaware State Chamber Superstar in Business, 2000
- Opened second office, Denver metropolitan area, 2003
- Received registered trademark, Spice of Life Diversity Card Tool, 2004
- Named 37 Women in Business Delaware Today Magazine, 2004
- Named Outstanding Consultant Denver Business Journal, 2005
- Relocated business headquarters to Clayton, DE 2007
- Named Top 100 MBE in the region, 2009
- Entrepreneur of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Psi Iota & Psi Epsilon Chapters 2010
- Sam’s Club/SCORE Cheer Winner, 2012
Williams stated, “I am proud to have a livelihood that I enjoy which allows me to make a difference. My business is sustainable because it is based on a flexible business model. We cherish our customers new and old and utilize strategic planning as a tool to respond proactively to changes in the marketplace. Most of all, this business provides a means to give back to the community in ways that demonstrate our corporate values.”
Williams offers speeches on business leadership, motivation and success author of, The Intentional Consultant: How to Grow a Sustainable Practice, released in 2009 has sold in paperback and Kindle worldwide.
She is a contributing author to the book, Remarkable Women and creator of the international best-selling Spice of Life Diversity Card training tool. Williams currently chairs the board of trustees for Delaware State University.
For more information about Goeins-Williams Associates, Inc. visit: www.goeinswilliams.com.
