What started 14 years ago as a female-led, minority-owned consulting business for corporate and ministerial clients, Omaha-based K Watson Group has grown to an industry leader that is serving large-scale government, educational institutions and corporate clients. “Our work is project based and, in some cases, for private clients we continue to provide back office supportive […]
Want to read this article?
Paid MBJ subscribers get unlimited access to all subscriber-only content and much more.
Subscribe Now
Already a subscriber? Log in
What started 14 years ago as a female-led, minority-owned consulting business for corporate and ministerial clients, Omaha-based K Watson Group has grown to an industry leader that is serving large-scale government, educational institutions and corporate clients.
“Our work is project based and, in some cases, for private clients we continue to provide back office supportive services,” said President Karen Watson. “In 2019, seeking to expand our business model further, we acquired a manufacturing corporation specializing in the heavy-duty air filtration market.”
In 2020, that business, the International Filter Manufacturing Corp., developed a four-layer, surgical-grade face mask, becoming, Watson said, one of the few companies in the U.S. making personal protective equipment.
Endorsed by Omaha-based wound care physician, Dr. Douglas Weedman, the product was sold at the Hy-Vee Peony Park location and placed on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and rail terminals in Illinois for passengers and employees alike.
“Today we operate our businesses in Nebraska and Illinois,” Watson said. “We are expecting continued growth in both locations.”
More recently, in early May K Watson Group announced that it was recently awarded a sole-source 8(a) professional services contract by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide insights into the administration of the Food and Progress Program, specifically related to the monetization of commodities in foreign markets.
For her part, Watson formerly worked in the federal government (both defense and health and human services). Her pursuit of the project was motivated by the opportunity to “make positive change.”
“Food is a basic need that is often taken for granted when you have access and seemingly an abundance,” Watson added. “The global COVID experience has shown the world how quickly commodities can become scarce and basic needs can easily not be met.”
In travels abroad and domestically, she has seen the disparities firsthand.
“The USDA contract was an opportunity to be a part of shaping the future of the monetization of food commodities, to ensure the integrity of the program remains intact,” she said.
Desire to Do Good
Established in 1985, the USDA’s FFP helps developing countries and emerging democracies to modernize and strengthen their ag sectors. K Watson Group is partnering with Burlington Capital affiliate, Cantera Partners, to provide recommendations that will improve the monetization of commodities in foreign markets. “I am just honored to be in this arena and [to] learn from each other,” Watson said, adding that she had no knowledge of Cantera until they vetted each other as potential project partners. “Putting on my due diligence hat, I met Mike Jung and his colleagues, and I was thoroughly impressed with the passion that they have for this work.” In its 20-plus years, Cantera has reportedly successfully monetized more than $345 million of USDA and USAID allocated commodities worldwide.
For her part, Watson formerly worked in the federal government (both defense and health and human services). Her pursuit of the project was motivated by the opportunity to “make positive change.”
“Food is a basic need that is often taken for granted when you have access and seemingly an abundance,” Watson added. “The global COVID experience has shown the world how quickly commodities can become scarce and basic needs can easily not be met.”
In travels abroad and domestically, she has seen the disparities firsthand.
“The USDA contract was an opportunity to be a part of shaping the future of the monetization of food commodities, to ensure the integrity of the program remains intact,” she said.