Local Pioneer Gladys Keith Celebrated for Empowering Small Businesses!

Pembroke Pines, USA - In the vibrant world of surety bonding services, Gladys Keith has firmly established herself as a formidable force. As the president of FSB Agency Inc., she has dedicated her career to supporting small and woman-owned businesses, transforming the landscape of the construction industry. Keith’s impressive journey has recently earned her recognition in Marquis Who’s Who for her excellence in this field.

Gladys leads FSB Agency, which specializes in providing performance and payment bonds essential for contractors and subcontractors looking to secure government contracts across Miami and Broward County. Since the agency’s incorporation in 2005, it has been a reliable partner for many businesses navigating the complexities of securing bonding for their projects. Gladys’s expertise is bolstered by her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Miami and a 220 Insurance license, which allows her to operate in all 50 states and territories.

The Heart of Advocacy

Gladys’s advocacy for small and minority businesses began in the early 1990s while she worked with Florida Power & Light Company on its Minority Business Expansion Program. This initiative helped boost contracting opportunities for minority enterprises by an impressive 18%. Her dedication to furthering these opportunities continued through strategic collaboration with major entities such as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Small Business Administration (SBA), Miami-Dade County, and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to bolster the growth of small businesses in Florida.

Within her role at FSB Agency, Keith not only helps secure bonds for construction projects but also educates her clients on the different types of bonds available, which include bid bonds and maintenance bonds, among others. This educational aspect is crucial, as many small businesses often find the bonding process daunting. By helping them understand and qualify for these bonds, she’s laying down the groundwork for their future success.

Achievements and Recognition

Gladys’s impact goes beyond individual contracts; she has played a pivotal role in assisting minority-owned enterprises secure over a billion dollars in contracts. This commitment was recognized when she received the National MEDWeek Award for Capital Access from the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2020 and the MEDWeek2022 Legacy Award for Excellence in Providing Access to Capital.

Her community involvement is equally impressive. Gladys is a board member of the Family Christian Association of America and a member of organizations like the National Association of Black Women in Construction and the NAACP. Beyond her business endeavors, she enjoys a range of leisure activities, from golfing to dancing, reflecting the balance she strives to maintain in her life.

Looking Ahead

As FSB Agency continues to grow, Gladys hopes to expand its clientele while training her son to take over its operations—an endeavor that speaks volumes about her commitment to building a lasting legacy. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and advocacy in empowering small businesses.

In a world where navigating the maze of corporate requirements can feel overwhelming, figures like Gladys Keith provide much-needed guidance and support. Her story is not just one of personal success; it’s about lifting others as she climbs, proving that when one succeeds, our community thrives together.