Podcast Summary: Black Entrepreneur Experience – Episode 532

Guest: Malcolm Ali (“Mr. Purchase Order”), Founder of ProcureForce
Host: Dr. Frances Ince (formerly Richards), Chief Encouraging Officer
Date: October 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Malcolm Ali, also known as “Mr. Purchase Order,” who left a lucrative government procurement role to help Black-owned businesses secure government contracts. Ali shares his industry expertise, success stories, strategies for breaking into government contracting, and his mission to bridge the wealth gap in Black communities. The interview covers his personal journey, advice for entrepreneurs, views on technology (especially AI), legacy, family, mental health, and practical wisdom for aspiring business owners.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Malcolm Ali’s Background and Motivation (01:13 – 02:35)

• 20 years of experience in government procurement and logistics.
• Awarded over half a billion dollars in contracts but saw less than 10% go to Black-owned businesses.
• Ethical constraints limited his ability to assist minority businesses while in his role, prompting him to leave a 6-figure salary to help Black entrepreneurs win contracts.
  • Quote: “I made the decision to walk away from a six-figure career...The thought is often ‘I’m too small, I’m not good enough, I don’t have enough experience.’ But that’s farthest from the truth.” (01:35)

The Reality of Government Contracting and Opportunity (02:52 – 04:01)

• Don't be misled by federal headlines; state and local contracts are abundant and often overlooked.
• Example: Georgia’s government (state + 7 major cities) spent nearly $100 billion in 2024.
  • Quote: “While they’re canceling contracts and getting rid of DEI initiatives on the federal side, they still exist on the state and local side, and they're crying for the taking.” (03:30)

Success Stories and Social Impact (04:15 – 05:35; 17:03 – 17:39)

• Shares about a client on the verge of shutting down who landed a $2.6 million contract while working as an Uber driver.
  • Quote: “She was in the middle of a delivery when she got the email...she had been awarded a $2.6 million contract.” (04:34)
• Celebrates client wins by working “harder,” driven to create more success.
  • Quote: “My celebration is going for more, more wins.” (17:39)

Starting His Own Business (05:48 – 06:33)

• Started ProcureForce formally 2 years ago after being encouraged to teach at an Urban League event.
  • “From there, it was still turning back.” (06:22)

Ethics and Risk in Entrepreneurship (06:51 – 08:10)

• Left his job to avoid ethical conflicts and broaden his impact.
  • “Walk away from that day job, that false sense of security...and help more people.” (07:38)
• On false security: Jobs can vanish overnight, but business gives you control.
  • Quote: “You’re putting the responsibility of feeding you and your family in the hands of someone else.” (08:13)

Zone of Genius and Ideal Client (09:05 – 09:40)

• Zone of Genius: Translating complex "government speak" for ordinary business owners.
  • Many find solicitations daunting; Ali breaks them down into understandable terms.
• Ideal Client: Underdog small businesses lacking resources, who want to go after bigger opportunities but need guidance.

Influences, Gratitude, and Mission (10:15 – 12:13)

• Greatest Inspiration: John Hope Bryant, for emphasizing numbers over narratives.
  • “If we’re not people bidding...we’re simply not going to get them. Numbers don’t lie.” (10:41)
• Top Two Influencers: John Hope Bryant again and the "Earn Your Leisure" podcast hosts.
• Attitude of Gratitude: Honors God, credits his late mother for crucial life wisdom, and acknowledges key mentors (e.g., W. Curtis Thomas).
  • Memorable Moment: “My mother had a fifth grade education, but she was the smartest woman I ever met.” (12:20)

Navigating Government Contracts for Black Businesses (13:29 – 14:34)

• Misconception: Businesses think they need years in business, but it's personal experience that matters for proposals.
  • Advice: Reflect all industry experience, not just years with the current business.

Addressing the Wealth Gap (14:42 – 15:30)

• Sees his work as part of a greater mission to close the wealth gap via education, homeownership, finance, and contract access.

Advice to Younger Self & Importance of Certifications (15:33 – 16:54)

• Wishes he took certifications and trade skills more seriously; now they're as valuable as degrees in many industries.
  • Lists his certifications, including Georgia Purchasing Manager, Professional Public Buyer, NIGP Certified Professional Purchaser.

Long-Term Vision and Success (18:20 – 19:40)

• Ambitious Goal: Change the racial makeup of the Fortune 100.
• Definition of Success: Rewriting success stories for minority business owners.
  • Quote: “I’ve been successful when I can tell stories...where someone is on the brink of collapse and they wake up one morning and they have a million dollar or multimillion dollar cash cow.” (19:19)

Pivotal Career Moments (19:48 – 21:00)

• The turning point was running procurement workshops and seeing clients win multiple contracts.
  • "For me, that was the point where I realized, hey man, you got something here." (20:45)

Practical Government Contracting Advice (21:29 – 22:31; 35:38 – 37:16)

• Government buys everything—even items like baloney and barber services.
  • Quote: “The government buys everything. My very, very first client was a barber...less than five minutes to find a solicitation...for a barber to come in and cut the kid’s hair.” (36:12)
• Start with local government contracts for greatest accessibility and impact.

Challenges in Business (23:06 – 24:06)

• Building client trust is the biggest challenge, especially in a market flooded with questionable advisors.
  • “My heavy lift is earning client trust up front because...somebody walks over to you, tell you, 'Hey, I’m going to make you a million dollars,' is a little hard to believe.” (23:45)

AI in Procurement (24:20 – 26:59)

• Uses AI daily—developing a matching engine to help businesses assess contract feasibility and optimize proposals.
• Teaches entrepreneurs to use AI to avoid unnecessary “fluff” and focus on the contract scope.
• Plans to release a beta version of his AI tool at the top of the year.

Global Ambitions (25:45 – 26:59)

• Dreams of creating a universal procurement system, starting with Africa, to tackle corruption and standardize fair contract processes.

Family, Legacy, and Wellbeing (31:37 – 35:26)

• Daughter Morgan (8) runs Somo Apparel, a business inspired by representation in power roles (doctors, lawyers, etc.) on clothing.
• Son (22) works in military procurement, planning to join the family legacy on the federal/military side.
• Mental health: Takes on clients’ challenges as his own; actively sees a therapist monthly for maintenance.
  • Quote: “As human beings, we need maintenance as well. So I see a therapist once a month.” (34:15)
• Wife Sophia manages the family finances—emphasizes balance and playing to each other’s strengths.

Giving Back and Social Responsibility (37:20 – 38:06)

• Partners with organizations like the Urban League, Operation HOPE, and NMSDC to support Black and minority-owned businesses.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Wealth and Opportunity
  “I want to change what the Fortune 100 looks like...If we have more CEOs...that look like us, there’ll be more VPs...who will eventually go and start other companies.” (18:20)

• Practical Encouragement
  “Your experience is your experience...If you have experience in that, doesn’t matter whether it was with your own business.” (13:45)

• On Missed Opportunities
  “I work in an industry that is very, very deadline driven...at 3:01, that opportunity is gone...for five years. That keeps me up at night.” (27:04)

• On Mental Health
  “Nothing’s wrong. But for me, it’s maintenance. As human beings, we need maintenance as well. So I see a therapist once a month.” (34:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Malcolm’s Backstory & Why He Left Govt: 01:13 – 02:35
• Ignoring Federal-Only Mindset: 02:52 – 04:01
• Client Success Story ($2.6M Contract): 04:15 – 05:35
• Ethics & Risk in Business: 06:51 – 08:10
• Zone of Genius: 09:05
• Influences & Monologue: 10:15 – 11:56
• Attitude of Gratitude: 12:13
• Addressing Misconceptions: 13:29 – 14:34
• Client Wins & Celebration: 17:03
• Vision for Fortune 100 Change: 18:20
• Defining Success: 19:09
• AI in Procurement: 24:20 – 26:59
• Missed Opportunities: 27:04
• Trust Challenge: 23:13
• Family & Legacy: 31:37 – 34:19
• Mental Health Routine: 34:15

Rapid Round of Fun (38:06 – 39:04)

• First job: Taco Bell
• Relaxation activity: Going to the range
• Last movie: Terminator 2
• Favorite singer/rapper: Donny Hathaway / KRS1
• Favorite dance song: Hakuna Matata
• Weekly food: Chicken
• Workout or couch: Hit the couch

Connect with Malcolm Ali

• Website
• Instagram/TikTok: @misterpurchaseorder
• LinkedIn: Malcolm Witchard

Closing Takeaways

Malcolm Ali offers a blueprint for minority entrepreneurs seeking access to government contracts, challenging common myths, underscoring the power of networks, certifications, technology, and relentless execution. His story, peppered with practical advice, emotional wins, and a mission-driven ethos, underscores the importance of representation, systems change, and supporting the next generation.