"You've got to figure out a way to build a team incrementally, and to be leader and at the same time not be the best, and admit that you're not the best, and admit that you need the help of people who are much better than you. And reward them, whether it's ownership or freedom. - Tom Velez

Rockville, Maryland: Tom Velez is a founder of Computer Technology Associates, better known as CTA; they build satellites. Although he started out as an SBA 8A contractor, he not only graduated out of the program, he has been one of the SBA real success stories. Since 1989 CTA has done work for the government and with the downsizing of defense and spacecraft, he has expanded into the commercial arena. Tom shares with us in this segment we call the "Sliver of Genius."

Key Ideas. These points are all part of a case study where each points is studied in depth.

• Enjoy the process of making something big happen.
• A business is the shadow of its leader.
• People are not necessarily attracted to the largest paycheck.
• Save money by doing cross promotion.

• READ THE TRANSCRIPT All the words of every show are part of Small Business School LearnOnline.

• LOOK AT STEPS 1-8. Think about where you are and where you want to be.

• STUDY BUSINESSES BY TYPE. If you want to know more about space craft, be sure to explore these other sites:
  • NASA
  • Space.com
  • FAA Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST)

• WATCH QUALITY TV! To find out what is airing in your market, usually on your local PBS-member station, click here.

• CONTACT:
  CTA Incorporated
  12530 Parklawn Drive, Suite 300
  Rockville, MD 20852
  Tel: 301.581-3200 Email: Click here.
  URL: http://www.cta.com/

We invite your questions or comments.

Other segments of this episode of the show:

In the segment called, In the Trenches, we visit with Charlie Woo, the founder of MegaToys. He manufactures and distributes a wide range of children's toys. Charlie has been the inspiration to develop several blocks near downtown L.A. into what is now called Toy Town. An LA Times writer said, " Mr. Woo knows every wrinkle on his territory... this is Toy Town and he is its unofficial Mister Mayor."

• to get listed within your business type and within your state's listings,
• to be profiled on a show (local or national),
• to generate automatically a business plan for debt financing and/or a SCOR for equity financing,
• to be listed within a Small Business index, and
• to qualify as one of the Small Business 2000 best of businesses within a business category. .