Positively West Virginia
Positively West Virginia
Episode 38: Allegheny Science and Technology (AST): Moving into the Commercial Sector
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Allegheny Science and Technology

Arria Hines, CEO and President of Allegheny Science and Technology (AST)

Arria Hines serves as CEO and President at Allegheny Science and Technology (AST). She proudly wears other hats as well: award-winning entrepreneur, successful business woman, trusted advisor, valued mentor, and native West Virginian. She is recognized as a leader in her home state and in areas throughout AST’s geographic business footprint.

Arria’s desire to counsel, support, and give back to small businesses and communities has resulted in a much deserved reputation as a highly effective and collaborative leader in today’s  complex and rapidly evolving business and civic climate.

Allegheny Science and Technology Show Notes:

  • 00:31-3:48: Jim introduces today’s guest of the show, Arria Hines, CEO and President of Allegheny Science and Technology (AST). Jim fills the listeners in on some of Hine’s background and asks her to fill in some of the gaps.
  • 3:50-5:30: “I was born and raised in Lewis County, WV which is where I reside with my husband and four children. My life is a crazy 24 hour shift. A lot of my focus is mentoring small businesses and young women. I enable my team to succeed and therefore the business succeeds.”
  • 5:32-5:42: Where are your main headquarters?
  • 5:43-6:15: “Bridgeport, WV, Tysons, VA, L’Enfant Plaza, DC. When you are a government contractor, you will have locations close to your customer base.”
  • 7:00-7:05: What is your 30 second pitch?
  • 7:05-7:30: “We are a women-owned energy and technology consulting firm and we specialize in applied science and technology, data and decision analytics. A big part of what we do is mission support and assurance for our customers.”
  • 7:32-7:37: How did you get started in this line of work?
  • 7:40-10:02: “I started down the path as an accountant. When I started working for Ranger Golf I worked up into the project manager role. That is where my passion really came into play. I then got an opportunity to work at the NASA IV&V facility, was recruited by SAIC, and enjoyed working for government agencies…”
  • 12:15-12:17: What is the one thing you are most excited about for your company?
  • 12:23-13:15: “Moving into the commercial sector. Being a contractor to the federal government is still part of my passion, but we are now moving into the commercial sector.”
  • 13:35-13:46: What was your worst business experience as an entrepreneur?
  • 13:48-15:37: “In 2012 the government shut down hit, and that is tough on a small business because you don’t get paid, but you half to retain your employees. It was a hard thing to go through. Myself, my partner and CEO decided to take pay cuts in order to weather the storm.”
  • 15:41-15:45: Tell us the one take away you got from that experience.
  • 15:47-15:55: “There is always a path, you just have to figure out what it is.”
  • 16:30-16:15 : What is the best thing about being in business in West Virgina?
  • 16:17-17:04: “The people, the loyalty and commitment. And also the support network.”
  • 17:10-17:24: Positively West Virginia Commercial Break.
  • 17:26-17:37: What is the vision you have for your company?
  • 17:40-18:20: “The long term vision is more growth in the federal market and the commercial market in the energy sectors.”
  • 18:44-18:59: What is one piece of advice you would give a young entrepreneur?
  • 19:00-19:45: “You can do it. It is not easy. Starting a company is easy, building it is hard. Don’t let the fear control you. You control the fear, because that is going to keep you moving forward.”
  • 21:19-21:23: What is one thing you do everyday that contributes to your success?
  • 21:25-21:48: “I update my to-do list everyday.”
  • 21:50-21:54: What is one resource that you use that you can’t live without?
  • 21:56-22:17: “There are two softwares that I use: Mind Map  and OneNote”
  • 22:20-22:25: What is one book you would recommend for aspiring business people?
  • 22:27-22:42: Made to Stick and Outliers
  • 23:07-23:13: If you could meet someone in West Virginia who could take your business to the next level, who would that be?
  • 23:16-23:41: “Some of the executives in the larger oil and gas companies in the area.”
  • 24:10-24:16: What is the best way for people to learn about you?
  • 24:18-25:00: “Of course our website, connect with me on LinkedIn, or just Google us. As always, I encourage you to check out our careers page.”