Pictured from left to right: Jen Luik and Vantresa Scott
We are always looking for things to celebrate and recently, Decisions Oriented, a member at My Annapolis Office, celebrated their three year anniversary. Decisions Oriented is a certified service-disabled veteran, woman owned-minority business enterprise incorporated in Maryland. They celebrated their three year anniversary in July and primarily they service clients in the DoD, Federal, State and local government.
We sat down with Jen Luik and Vantresa Scott to learn more about their company, how they got started, what do they do when not working and why they chose My Annapolis Office.
Tell us about your company and what you do?
(Vantresa) National security leaders face complex management and technology challenges, we help them to clear away those challenges by delivering proven decision support and IT consulting services. We are creative problem-solvers who help our clients get to the bottom of complex operational, technology, and data problems – so that they have the tools and insights they need to take action.
How did you get started in your industry?
(Jen) We got started because we saw opportunities to help our clients when the large government contractors did not want to help because the return on investment was not high enough for them. We also recognized that we had a unique opportunity to make a change in teaching people new skill sets, such as taking a non-technical person, training them in our discipline and providing them with technical jobs.
(Vantresa) We formed Decisions Oriented and seized the opportunity to help clients untangle complexity and formulate agile plans to achieve their goals.
What is something about your business that most people do not know?
(Vantresa) We are Atlassian experts! We are working on becoming an Atlassian Silver Status Partner and we love helping customers make the most out of their Atlassian Suite to support their DevOps needs.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
(Jen) In 5 years, we want to be providing support across multiple government agencies and be the small government contractor company of choice for systems engineers, cybersecurity and analytics professionals. Also, have a thriving Atlassian support customer base.
Tell me about yourself?
(Jen) I wear many hats! In addition to owning and running Decisions Oriented, I am a Coast Guard reservist, a mom, and a wife. I’m originally from Chicago, IL and ended up in Maryland after my last active duty assignment in Baltimore. In my Coast Guard career, I have served in Alaska conducting fisheries law enforcement patrols, and have deployed to support the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill, and Hurricane Sandy.
(Vantresa) I am a native of a little town South of Baton Rouge, La. I love my southern Creole Louisiana heritage. I moved to the DC metro area in 1990, and I have lived in Annapolis for the last 19 years. I am a single mom with one son. I consider myself a servant leader. I have owned several other businesses including two Smoothie restaurants in DC from 2000 – 2007 which was voted best smoothie two years in a row.
Other than work, what are you passionate about?
(Jen) My husband and I are very passionate about “Living and Giving Like No One Else”. If you have ever read any Dave Ramsey books or listened to his podcasts you’d know what I’m talking about!
(Vantresa) I am an avid reader and very passionate about always learning and growing myself as a Christian and a leader. And I love LSU Football, Geaux Tigers!
What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
(Jen) I enjoy yoga, cooking, fishing and adventures with my family. My husband and I also volunteer at our church Revolution Annapolis in the Children’s Ministry.
(Vantresa) I love sports and have been an athlete all my life. You will find me at 5:00 am classes at Orange Theory, or Yoga classes at Ruah Yoga, running downtown or working out at the Truxton Rec Center. I enjoy hanging out with my son, traveling, and attending tennis events. My goal is to attend all the majors, and I have Wimbledon and the French Open left to go!
What is your favorite place to eat in Annapolis?
(Jen) My husband and I LOVE Yama’s for Sushi. The Dinosaur Egg is probably our favorite.
(Vantresa) Carrol’s Creek. The Fish Tacos are to die for!
Why did you choose My Annapolis Office and how has it helped your business?
When the Chesapeake Innovation shut down and we had to quickly re-locate our office, we began looking at office share spaces in Annapolis. My Annapolis Office was the first we visited because the rent was reasonable, it was close to our homes, had everything we needed, the staff was so accommodating and helpful. It was through one of the MAO social events where we met our Accountant who has been with us since then.
Decisions Oriented delivers support and IT consulting services that unleash insights, so national security leaders can make the practical, informed decisions that drive operational success. For more information on their services, contact them through their website. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.