56 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP to improve their credit and connect them with the necessary resources. With her mentor's encouragement, she obtained a license and transitioned to the bonding side of the industry. Ms. Keith has made significant contributions through her work. Specifically, through the Minority Business Development Agency, she has helped small businesses secure federal contracts. In 2020, she received an award for having bonded over $1 billion in contracts for these businesses – evidence of her extensive impact. In addition to helping businesses grow, she aims to provide young people with opportunities to acquire skills and enter the workforce. Ms. Keith is a member of the National Association of Black Women in Construction, among other organizations. Having received multiple awards for her service, she attributes her success to her sincerity and integrity. She is straightforward with clients regarding what they need and how she can help. For more than 20 years, Gladys Keith has owned and operated FSB Agency Inc., a surety bond company. However, her actual mission goes further. “FSB” stands for “Friend to Small Businesses,” and that is just what she has aimed to be throughout her career. FSB Agency has positioned itself as a supportive partner focused on helping small businesses grow and stabilize. It provides surety and miscellaneous bonds to help these companies secure contracts and meet regulatory requirements. Ms. Keith founded the business in 2005 but began operating it two years later. Through her business, she primarily serves contractors and subcontractors, including electricians, plumbers, drywall workers and others in the construction industry. She provides the performance and payment bond that local, state and federal governments require before work can commence. The establishment of FSB Agency followed more than a decade with a larger agency. Ms. Keith worked on a project management team for then-Dade County, Florida, focusing on a $240 million water and sewer project and helping small businesses obtain the working capital needed to participate. When the surety company’s vice president noticed her work, she invited her to help with bond applications. Through this process, Ms. Keith found she could guide clients GLADYS KEITH PRESIDENT FSB Agency Inc. Pembroke Pines, FL
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