Clients – C2 North

Testimonials

C2 North has years of experience working with Alaskan businesses providing business development, marketing, and project management services. We have worked with clients such as:

Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) – Regional & Village
Indian tribes
Oil & Gas Producers (BP, ConocoPhillips)
Oil & Gas Service Providers (CH2M Hill, Udelhoven)
Engineering and Remediation Companies

Our company was recently acquired by a regional Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) that has utilized C2 North’s Small Business Administration (SBA) expertise for many years. As a subsidiary of our ANC parent company, myself and our local executive management team had limited recent experience working with the SBA. Most notable, we didn’t fully understand the latest processes and requirements for applying for the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program. Our company worked closely with Melanie Roller and her C2 North team to rapidly pull together a fully compliant SBA 8(a) application package in a matter of weeks and not months. C2 North’s existing relationships with the SBA Government representatives, “real-world knowledge and learning curve” from prior SBA 8(a) submissions and in-depth knowledge of the SBA 8(a) filing process turned out to be invaluable to our Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB). Because of C2 North and their attention to detail early on working with us, our initial SBA 8(a) submission application had only minor clarifications from the SBA representative. With C2 North’s assistance and based on the quality application package submitted to SBA; our 8(a) application package was forwarded to SBA Washington, DC in a very rapid manner and we received SBA 8(a) certification substantially sooner than we had anticipated. Since SBA 8(a) certification, C2 North has worked with our team to keep us abreast of SBA regulation changes, working issues we had with our SAM.gov information and provided on-site and virtual SBA 8(a) training to our workforce. As the President and founder of our SDB, I highly recommend C2 North to anyone looking to navigate the overall SBA and federal contracting process or for companies who may need a refresher or assistance on a specific SBA and federal contracting related matter(s).

Devin Whitaker

President & Founder, Strata-G Solutions, LLC

Melanie Roller and her team at C2 North provide professional guidance and assistance with administrative matters pertaining to the Small Business Administration business development programs for small businesses, including the 8(a) program. Here at Calista Corporation, C2 North is a critical component of our SBA compliance program, as C2 North provides advice, assistance, and training with activities ranging from the initial 8(a) application to the development of complex business development strategies. C2 North works efficiently and effectively with Calista’s internal compliance resources and our outside legal counsel, and Calista Corporation appreciates Melanie’s competitive rates and cost-effective solutions. C2 North should be a part of every ANC’s and Tribe’s SBA compliance program.

Walter Featherly

Calista Corporation, General Counsel

I have worked professionally with Melanie Roller and C2North for over 15 years. I have also worked the SBA 8(a) program for 20 years and am very knowledgeable about the 8(a) certification process. I would never submit a packet without assistance from C2North. This last year there have been changes to the process with the new Certify system, and I submitted 1 packet, C2North has submitted at least 10 times that many. This gives them the pulse of what clarification questions are being asked from the SBA reviewers, so that we make sure we are answering the questions before they are asked of us, which speeds up our review process. Also, in the Certify system, some of the questions just don’t make sense for an ANC/Tribal owned company, but because Melanie has gone to SBA and asked how to correctly answer the questions, she can share that information. We also schedule at least one workshop with Melanie that is customized to our SBA 8(a) requirement needs that is taught to all of our SBA Administrators.

Pamela Finnesand

Ahtna, Inc., VP

It has been a privilege to work and train with Mel Roller and C2 North. I have no reservations at all recommending the C2 North team to all Small Businesses needing their expertise. Mel and her team exhibit a depth of knowledge and experiences in all areas from SBA programs, 8(a), DBE, compliance training and many other areas in support of small businesses. They have added incredible value to our organization. Their willingness to engage with our team, understand our business needs and find solutions, supports both their and our success. I highly recommend their services.

Dagny Smith

Brice Environmental Services Corporation, Business Operations Manager

Ethical conduct, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence are CIRI core values that we also found in Melanie Roller and C2 North. Melanie has provided competent and professional guidance as a consultant to CIRI. I recommend her services.

Gregory P. Razo

Vice President, Government Contracting, Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI)

Melanie and C2 North’s guidance was instrumental for our recent (and successful) 8(a) application. Melanie is extremely knowledgeable in regard to the 8(a) and SBA programs as well as all the requirements that are integral to a successful application outcome. Her services are fairly priced, and her company is very efficient and responsive throughout the process. I would highly recommend Melanie and C2 North and would not hesitate to work with her again.

Alba Brice

Director of Business Development, Brice Environmental Services Corporation

Melanie Roller at C2 North is a critical resource in helping the 8(a) community maintain its compliance with SBA’s demanding and ever changing requirements. Ignore her advice at your peril. She delivers a broad array of services that are consistently high caliber by every conceivable criteria. Her professionalism, accuracy, practicality, and efficiency make her virtually indispensable. Melanie is one of the best consultants in any field that I have had the pleasure to work with.

Aleut Management Services, LLC

I highly recommend Melanie Roller and C2North for consulting services associated with all government and commercial contracting preference programs. Anytime I don’t know the answer to a complex compliance question, I reach out to Mel because she consistently provides a thorough and clear response based on the most current regulations.

Gordan Pullar, Jr.

Director of Business Operations, Koniag, Inc.

Mel Roller and her Team at C2 North are the go-to professionals! We continuously seek her council and guidance to assist us on a myriad of the changing rules & regulations with the Small Business Administration to ensure we are in full compliance. They have always delivered, whether it be a new 8(a) application, annual update, or Joint Venture – C2 gets you the right information at the right time without any issues. If you’re new 8(a) firm or even an existing one it’s the “Best Value” for your money.

Rick Foster

Executive Vice President, Bering Straits Native Corporation

I consider Melanie Roller and C2 North as the go-to folks for help with anything related to the SBA, including 8(a) program applications, mentor/protégé packages, and everything HUBZone, not only for help with the process and how to most expeditiously get the paperwork completed, but also helping with any issues related to clients or with the government. Melanie stays in touch with the SBA on a daily basis, both in Alaska and in Washington, D.C., and her relationships with key staff have been invaluable for getting things done. Melanie is a high-caliber professional, and I’ve found that we can accomplish things quicker and more effectively with her help. I highly recommend Melanie and C2 North.

NANA Development Corporation

For over 20 years, Melanie Roller and her staff at C2 North have provided professional, productive and cost effective support for our organization. C2 North has a strong working relationship with the Alaska SBA Office and comprehensive knowledge of SBA policy, procedures, and program requirements, which is provided in an amazingly efficient process. This translates to best value for us and their other customers and 8(a) clients. We highly recommend their services.

Jon Shepherd

President/CEO, Port Graham Corporation

I can’t share “thank you” enough times with Mel and the C2 North staff.

They led our team through our first Small Business Administration 8(a) application with effective, weekly communication to track progress, assign new tasks, and help identify items required from our ANC parent company. With a look-ahead discussion at the end of each meeting, surprises and resulting delays were all but eliminated.

Our responsive application with only a few quickly managed SBA questions kept us on schedule – even after a material change to our team required us to amend our application. We look forward to continuing to work with Mel and her staff.

Bryan Lund

Former President, Kaktovik Environmental, LLC

Mel Roller and her C2 North Team are professionals beyond expectations. Through an exceptional recommendation from another 8(a) firm, I hired the C2 North Team to help guide and lead us through the Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Mentor Protégé Program Agreement. Mel demonstrated exceptional knowledge and keen insight during our development process and her significant contributions greatly accelerated and streamlined our approval process. From start to finish, we accomplished a herculean task in less than 90 days and receive our first award shortly thereafter. Mel and C2 North are our go to consultant for all matters regarding Mentor Protégé Agreements, Joint Ventures, Direct Awards, and proposal develop. She is a proven asset that is critical to our success, in addition, she and her team are extremely responsive with the most current and up to date answers, at the right time, and information we can action a critical decision in a time sensitive manner. I highly recommend her services if you are serious about working with the SBA and doing it right every time and reducing your timelines.

William Huber

Paug-Vik Contractors, Director of Operations

Over the years, C2 North has provided a myriad of consulting services for all of our 8(a) companies, including support during the 8(a) application process, Board of Director training, establishing mentor protégés and joint ventures and also regarding the annual reporting process. The service provided is top notch and we know that the expert advice we are receiving allows us to fully participate in the 8(a) program while maintaining full compliance. Many thanks to the entire C2 North team.

Race McCleery

The Kuskokwim Corporation, CFO

Working with C2 North for our 8(a) application was an educational and worthwhile experience. Melanie and her team are very knowledgeable, providing timely responses to our questions while assisting Chitina Native Corporation navigate through the SBA Certify 8(a) application process. With all the changes, revisions and updates it was important that we had a single point of contact that was a SBA subject matter expert to direct our questions to. I would highly recommend Melanie and C2 North for providing excellent customer driven service.

Ed Herndon

CEO, Chitina Native Corporation

Melanie and the C2 North team have proven over the years to be the go-to experts on any matters SBA or compliance related. C2 North provides a wealth of knowledge in navigating SBA rules and regulations and is always on the ball with understanding new or pending changes and how they will affect our businesses. C2 North’s strong and respected relationship with the local SBA office as well as the DC office and other regions has been instrumental in getting the job done and requirements met. I have worked with Melanie and her team for many years and highly recommend their services.

James Miner

President & CEO, Delta Point, LLC

I would highly recommend Melanie Roller and her team of C2 North, LLC. We hired C2 North to complete our 8(a) entity-owned application in SBA’s new system, Certify.sba.gov . Using the new system was a challenge and we did experience a few technical issues in Certify. However, C2 North was quick to respond, and their established working relationships with SBA staff and Certify Help Desk programmers enabled us to successfully submit our 8(a) application several days after the new Certify system went live. We’ve used C2 North in the past for our other 8(a) applications and compliance submittals, and as always they were highly knowledgeable of current SBA requirements and were able to expertly guide us from submission to approval.

Ron Perry

President & Ceo, Teya Development Company, LLC

Melanie Roller and her team at C2 North, LLC have been a valuable partner to Natives of Kodiak, Inc. (NOK) as we have expanded our holdings and diversified industries in the past several years. They have provided assistance for 8(a) program applications, HUBZone certifications, mergers/acquisitions, development and submission of Mentor-Protégé Agreements, and SBA Joint Ventures. The C2 North team has proven to be an efficient and knowledgeable outside resource to NOK and its subsidiaries. I highly recommend the C2 North team.

Jim Erickson

President and CEO, Natives of Kodiak and KOMAN

Melanie Roller and her team at C2 North have provided guidance and support to Gana-A’Yoo, Limited for over ten years. She and her team deeply understand our goal of business growth for our tribal member shareholders. Her staff are extremely friendly, responsive, and professional. We have used her services for 8(a) and HUBZone application submittals. I would strongly recommend her services to any company interested in participating in any of the Small Business Administration’s set-aside programs.

Gana-A'Yoo, Limited

I am pleased to highly recommend C2 North and Melanie Roller. Melanie and C2 North have been consulting with me at various ANC companies since 2007, working through 8(a) applications, joint ventures, mentor-proteges, 8(a) annual updates, 8(a) program updates, and several compliance matters. Melanie and her staff stay up to date on the complex 8(a) program rules and consistently offer smart and solid advice. If you only have one call to make with an SBA 8(a) application, Melanie and C2 North is the call to make!

Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation

I have been associated with the SBA small business community for many years and have worked extensively with Melanie Roller and her team at C2 North. Melanie is highly knowledgeable in all areas of the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, and she excels at staying up-to-date on relevant and applicable trends, regulations and guidelines. C2 North has been a valuable asset to our organization with our compliance and training needs. I thoroughly recommend the C2 North team to anyone with SBA 8(a) Business Development Program questions.

Norman Resnick

General Counsel, Sitnasuak Native Corporation

Attempting to start up a new 8(a) certified business without Melanie Roller’s expert consultation is akin to attempting to cross the ocean without a compass. Melanie is the definitive expert on the (ever changing!) rules and regulations which surround the Alaska Small Business Administration. Ignore her advice at your peril! I recommend her enthusiastically and without reservation.

Dave Stephens

CEO, Katmai Government Services, LLC

We would have never made it through the arduous task of SBA 8(a) certification without Melanie Roller/C2 North. Melanie is knowledgeable, professional, and patient beyond words. Thank you, Melanie, for all your work both in the beginning, and into the future!

Daniel Shier

CEO, Inland Empire Fire Protection, Inc.

C2 North provides professional, expert and timely consulting services for all our SBA 8(a) projects. We value their input and view their routine distribution of current SBA related events and proposed regulatory changes as a clear indication of their commitment to their client’s best interests.

Ventura Samaniego

CEO & President, Kijik Corporation

C2 North has proven itself to me and to MTNT over the course of the past 5 years I have worked with Melanie and her team. From accurate and timely answers to long term business planning, C2 North is a necessity even for those with compliance specialists. The extensive relationships C2 North enjoys combined with extensive, real-life experience provide customers with uncommon value when under C2 North’s consultation.

MTNT Management Services, LLC

Knowledgeable, connected, reliable, timely and professional, if you value these traits and need help with your business both large or small Mel Roller and C2 North is the company you want to hire. We are completely satisfied with the excellent service the Mel and her team have provided us over the years.

Ron Perry

President, Teya Services

I have had the privilege of working with Mel Roller and subsequently C2 North since 2002, when I worked on my first SBA 8(a) certification in Alaska. Goldbelt relies on C2 North for their strategic vision in federal contracting and their extensive network of contacts in federal agencies. C2 North is diligent in supporting our subsidiaries in submitting SBA 8(a) applications and maintaining compliance for our companies that are in the program. I consider C2 North an integral part of our federal contracting management team and I would highly recommend them for any business in the federal space.

Goldbelt, Inc.

“C2 North’s years of experience in mentoring and assisting Alaskan Native Corporations in navigating the SBA 8(a) application process is unmatched. Melanie’s vast knowledge and experience in adherence to SBA regulations and procedures allows clients to rapidly progress through the process and obtain 8(a) certifications to increase shareholder value for the Alaskan Native Village Corporations we represent. I highly recommend utilizing Melanie and her staff at C2 North to ensure compliance with the Small Business Administration 8(a) program guidelines.”

Michael Bradshaw

President & CEO, Akhiok-Kaguyak, Inc.

Melanie is a great resource for any company involved in government contracting. She has extensive knowledge with the morass of details required to do business with the government. If she doesn’t have the information, she knows how to seek and find it. I find her guidance on the SBA 8(a) application process and relationship with the SBA office to be invaluable. However; that is only a subset of value she can bring to your company. She keeps me posted on the latest happenings, changes and politics in the government world as it relates to our business. My staff both locally in Alaska and the Lower 48 have received extensive training from Melanie on SBA compliance and how to leverage your marketing efforts under various government regulations and agencies. I enjoy working with Melanie on an ongoing basis.

Rod Worl

CEO, The Eyak Corporation

Mel Roller has consulted with our company for a number of years now and we have gained valuable knowledge, insight and assistance from her regarding the SBA, 8(a) contracting, and other programs beneficial to our company and our shareholders. Mel is always professional, accessible and thoroughly up-to-date with the information and assistance she provides. We are happy to be a client of C2 North.

Roy Totemoff

President & CEO, The Tatitlek Corporation

Eklutna Services, LLC has enjoyed our relationship with Melanie Roller of C2 North LLC. Mel has incredible leadership qualities and helps her clients maneuver through the layers of governmental bureaucracy with ease and grace. She articulates the process in a way that all levels in the room understand. She exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires respect and trust; she displays passion and optimism and mobilizes others to fulfill their vision. Mel treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Most of all, Mel helps take the fear out of being a contractor for the government and watches our back when it comes to keeping up with all the changing regulations and compliance issues.

Eklutna, Inc.

Melanie assisted us in getting two new 8(a) companies through the SBA certification process. Her assistance was invaluable and we are very fortunate to have found her. She is the consummate professional, ethical, knowledgeable, efficient, and most of all, responsive to the client’s needs. Her ability to mentor newcomers to government contracting such as ourselves has made a real difference. She has a wealth of experience that she brings to bear, both keeping you out of trouble, but also pointing out opportunities. She has become a highly valued member of our team.

Shee Atika, Inc.

C2 North has been a trusted partner to Copper River from our inception. They have helped us grow from one company to 11. As a trusted advisory firm and expert in the field, they are an invaluable asset to our team. As we continue to grow they continue to provide stellar performance year after year. They are a must have for any 8(a) firm looking to grow.

Kevin McLaughlin

Copper River Shared Services, LLC, Chief Executive Officer

We utilized the services of C2 North for a recent and successful SBA 8(a) certification. We were out of our element regarding this type of application and Melanie as well as her team helped us from start to finish. The process with their help was easy which is shocking to admit but true. The C2 North team provided great customer service, timely feedback on the application and became a very useful advocate on our behalf with the SBA. I would recommend their company to anyone going through this process and we intend to maintain a relationship with their company for all future needs relating to our certification.

Howard Funchess

Former Principal Manager, Evergreen Contractors, LLC

Navigating the SBA programs and reporting requirements can be a daunting task even with prior experience. Melanie and the team at C2 North provide expert guidance to successfully deliver positive outcomes for applications and compliance.

C2 North has helped our company by proactively assisting in the application submission and compliance reporting required by the SBA. Melanie and her team also keep us informed of regulatory updates, reporting deadlines, and other pertinent information pertaining to the SBA and affiliated government programs.

My team and I recommend C2 North to any firm seeking certifications and remaining compliant to succeed in the SBA programs.

Mark Branden

Supervisor, Seneca Holdings

Melanie and the team at C2 North’s guidance throughout the SBA 8(a) application process was vital to our successful acceptance into the program. They simplified a rather arduous and complex process by providing clear and organized checklists. As we worked through the application, their expertise and experience were truly only a phone call or e-mail away. We promptly received clear and precise guidance.

Clients will surely benefit from the relationships that C2 North has formed within the small business and SBA communities. This was particularly evident when they facilitated the difficulties we encountered as the SBA was converting its online application system.

I would strongly recommend making C2 North part of your team. We look forward to continuing our work with them.

Deidra Mitchell

President and CEO, Waséyabek Development Company, LLC

“As a tribal-owned enterprise, we have had the privilege of engaging Mel Roller and her team on several occasions regarding various issues. C2 North has brought invaluable experience and knowledge to our approach to the 8(a) and other small business programs. The C2 North team has assisted us for many years with a strong understanding of, and deep relationships within, the federal small business community. I would recommend Mel and her team to anyone looking for a professional outfit that is on their game when it comes to small business programs.”

Manville Borne

Former Chief Executive Officer, Keta Group, LLC

Mel and the C2 North team are truly dedicated to helping their clients. They provide a wealth of knowledge and efficiency to navigating the SBA rules, regulations, and processes. They keep us apprised of upcoming deadlines, renewals, and new regulations and are able to step in and assist at any point in the process. The new SBA certify system has certainly had its share of challenges, but Mel and her team have been on top of it all, working with the developers and addressing issues directly when even a coding change doesn’t solve the problem. The hard work they have put in on our projects over the last year is extremely impressive. I definitely feel more secure knowing I have the C2North team in our corner as we move forward in the SBA programs. We really can’t thank them enough for all they do for us!

Sarah M. Curtis

CEO/President, Choctaw Global, LLC

My company hired Melanie to prepare our 8(a) application. Her knowledge of the process and her personal relationships were critical in the success of our application. I look forward to working with Melanie again.

Lance Ahern

Formerly of a Tribal Alaska Native Corporation

We have worked with Melanie Roller and c2North for more than a decade. Their in depth knowledge of the requirements for 8(a) and other SBA applications and filings is unmatched. They are also very adept at working with the always changing systems and processes of SBA, SAM.gov and other related government systems. Most of all, beyond having a firm grasp of what the written requirements of the regulations and SOPS, they have a deep “real world” perspective as to what SBA expects and needs.

Robert Tompkins

Holland & Knight LLP, Partner

Melanie and the C2 North Team has provided excellent consulting services to WHPacific, Inc. Her Team has monitored and maintained our business accounts keeping them up-to-date with the latest revisions with the federal requirements set forth by the CFR, FAR, and SBA regulations. They have been prompt at supporting necessary administration changes to our records as well. I highly recommend their courteous and highly-qualified professional services.

Thank you for all of your assistance over the past couple of years. I have really appreciated the help.

Michael Carter

Vice President, Corporate Development - WHPacific, Inc.

Melanie Roller and the professionals of C2 North have demonstrated a business acumen second to none. Most recently, they were contracted to provide the specialized expertise to develop and assist us in the completion of a Small Business Administration Mentor/Protégé’ application. They performed flawlessly – that is, without missing a beat, having no defects or faults, having no discernible blemishes or shortcomings. If I had it to do all over again, I would absolutely make that same call. “Job well done.”

Joseph Tolliver

CEO, Trailboss Enterprises, Inc.