How Rex Yiannis Went from Concept to Government Vendor

They say that government contracting is a marathon, not a sprint. But sometimes, the start of the race requires a sprint just to get to the starting line.

On November 1st, I officially filed with the IRS and the State of California to launch Rex Yiannis. I had a vision. I wanted to build a premier Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). This business would serve our community here in San Diego. But a vision isn’t a business structure. I needed to turn that paperwork into a functioning entity that can compete for contracts right away.

The Three-Week Sprint

In just three weeks, we moved mountains.

As of today, we aren’t just an idea on paper. We are actively pursuing opportunities as a California Small Business (Micro) and DVBE state vendor. On the federal side, we are registered as a small business vendor. We are now awaiting final approval for our SDVOSB certification.

We didn’t stop at the state and federal levels. We committed to our local community, becoming an approved vendor for both San Diego County and the City of Oceanside. We are ready to serve our neighbors.

The Strategic Partner Behind the Speed

I want to be transparent: I didn’t navigate this bureaucratic maze alone. The speed at which Rex Yiannis mobilized is largely due to the strategic guidance of Artius.

Building a company that is ready for government scrutiny requires more than just filling out forms. It requires a solid foundation. Artius played a key role in establishing our corporate governance. They drafted our Bylaws and Operating Agreement. This ensured we were bulletproof from day one. Beyond the legalities, they brought the Rex Yiannis brand to life. They handled everything from our logo design to our website development. They turned a concept into a professional, credible brand that government agencies can trust.

What is Next?

We have the badges, we have the brand, and we have the drive. Now, we are finalizing the technical qualifications to put boots on the ground.

The next phase of our journey is already in motion:

• Finalizing our CSLB C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning) license.

• Securing our California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) registration.

• Obtaining the SB-PW (Small Business-Public Works) certification.

These certifications are the final keys to unlocking public works projects. They allow us to show the quality and discipline that Rex Yiannis stands for.

Join the Conversation

For the other small business owners or veterans out there: What was the biggest hurdle? What did you face in your first month of business? Was it the branding, the certifications, or just knowing where to start?

Leave a comment below. I want to hear how you navigated your launch.