What Drives Me: Why BAFO Exists and What Matters Most

4 days ago
4 min read

By Hillary Boyce

Founder & CEO, BAFO Services LLC

People often ask me what drives me, and the answer always comes back to one word: impact. The kind of impact that helps a small business win its first government contract. That empowers a veteran to translate military excellence into a meaningful civilian career. That strengthens communities through opportunity, service, and growth.

BAFO Services was not created to be just another consulting firm. It was built with intention — shaped by my family, my faith, my military service, my experience as a mother, and my lifelong commitment to lifting others. My journey has taught me that excellence, integrity, and service are not goals; they are responsibilities.

My Roots: Army Veteran, 3rd Infantry Division

Before I was a CEO or a GovCon strategist, I was a Soldier.

I proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 3rd Infantry Division, a unit known for its discipline, grit, and unwavering mission focus. My time in the 3rd ID taught me how to lead under pressure, adapt quickly, solve problems with clarity, and care deeply for the people around me.

Service gave me purpose. Transition gave me perspective.

Both experiences paved the way for BAFO.

Family Foundation: A Strong Christian Mother & Being the Only Daughter

The values that guide my life began at home.

I was raised by a strong Christian mother whose example shaped my character long before the Army did. She modeled compassion, resilience, humility, and unwavering faith. She taught me that true leadership means serving others, staying grounded, and showing up with purpose.

As the only daughter with two brothers, I learned early how to hold my own, how to lead with both strength and grace, and how to navigate challenges with composure. That upbringing prepared me to thrive in male-dominated environments — from the military to the federal contracting world — without ever compromising who I am.

Her faith shaped my values.

My family shaped my resilience.

Together, they shaped the woman I became.

Military Spouse & Motherhood: Strength Through Seasons

My story is also shaped by family in uniform.

As the wife of an active-duty Navy officer, I understand firsthand the sacrifices, unpredictability, and resilience required of military families. The long separations, the constant transitions, and the balancing act of career and service taught me strength, flexibility, and gratitude.

And as a single mother raising my son, Kenneth, for many years, I learned what it means to lead with endurance. Raising him while building a career taught me discipline, compassion, and the ability to persevere no matter the circumstance. Kenneth is one of my greatest motivations — a daily reminder of why success matters and who I’m building this legacy for.

These experiences deepened my empathy and strengthened my commitment to serving veterans, spouses, parents, and small-business owners navigating their own challenges.

Why BAFO: Opening Doors for Small Businesses

I built BAFO Services because I saw a persistent gap in the federal marketplace. Small businesses — especially those owned by women, minorities, veterans, and those located in HUBZone communities — bring immense talent and innovation. Yet they often struggle to navigate a system that feels complex and inaccessible.

BAFO was created to change that.

My mission is to demystify federal contracting and give small businesses the competitive edge they deserve by:

Teaching owners how to interpret solicitations with confidence
Building compliant, compelling proposals
Creating competitive pricing strategies
Positioning firms for IDIQ, subcontract, and prime success
Coaching transitioning veterans entering GovCon
Helping leaders grow from uncertainty to clarity

Every service BAFO provides is grounded in one belief:

When small businesses win, communities grow and families thrive.

What Matters Most: People, Purpose, and Lasting Impact

The heart of my leadership comes from the values instilled by my mother, strengthened by military service, and refined through motherhood and community work.

1. Empowering People

I believe in helping others rise — entrepreneurs, veterans, spouses, and young professionals. Empowering people fuels my purpose.

2. Expanding Economic Opportunity

Strengthening HUBZone and underserved communities is a personal mission. Federal contracts create jobs, stability, and generational change.

3. Delivering Excellence and Integrity

If my name is on it, it will be done with excellence. BAFO stands on accuracy, honesty, and quality.

4. Serving Veterans, Spouses & Military Families

As a veteran and military spouse, service families are close to my heart. Supporting their success is both personal and purposeful.

5. Leaving a Legacy of Service

From mission work in Kenya to community involvement and nonprofit support, I believe service is a calling — and impact is a legacy.

The Heart of My Work

What drives me is the belief that leadership is measured by how many people you lift up along the way. BAFO isn’t just a company — it’s a platform for empowerment, growth, and community transformation.

I believe in the power of opportunity.

I believe in the potential of small businesses.

I believe in service as a way of life.

And I believe that when we lift as we climb, we build stronger communities, stronger families, and a stronger future for everyone.

This is why BAFO exists.

This is what drives me.

And this is what will always matter most.

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