Zeal River Technologies
Cheryl Brown, CEO
Meet Cheryl Brown
Cheryl Brown pursued her ultimate dream of becoming a business owner and setting an example for her two sons when she founded her company, ZealRiver Technologies, Inc. in 2016 after spending 20 years supporting the U.S. Department of Defense. ZealRiver is an Information Technology solutions provider supporting federal, state, and commercial entities. Their clients include the United States Navy, United States Air Force Academy, and many other widely recognized financial institutions.
A large role that the company plays is in their IT staff augmentation where they assist other companies in accomplishing a number of business goals by providing skilled personnel to help develop, maintain, manage and support the company’s organizational needs. ZealRiver’s other specialized service areas include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, systems engineering and more.
“Having access to confidential counseling services from Balch Business Boost positioned ZealRiver to make informed decisions and formalize agreements that were legally sound and provided a pathway for growth that I am truly thankful for.”
- Cheryl Brown
What was the inspiration behind ZealRiver?
I truly appreciate the opportunity to support active members of the military and emerging technologies through my work with ZealRiver. Being able to support my country and provide employment opportunities to support the economy are among the many reasons I love the work that I do.
What is ahead for ZealRiver?
ZealRiver’s big vision is to become the most trusted woman-owned information technology giant supporting all military branches within the Department of Defense. We would like to become a publicly traded company known for its stellar services and support for the warfighters with multiple corporate locations throughout North America
What are the biggest challenges you have faced as a minority business owner?
As a minority business owner, finding resources is one of the biggest challenges I face with my small business. To secure the professional services that are desperately needed to set the foundation of a company can be very expensive. Negotiating contract agreements and payment terms can be detrimental to a company’s success. Having access to confidential counseling services from Balch Business Boost positioned ZealRiver to make informed decisions and formalize agreements that were legally sound and provided a pathway for growth.
I was introduced to Balch Business Boost in early 2021 through a business incubator program at Alabama State University. I was inspired to apply because I have found that securing the professional services can be very expensive and that negotiating contract agreements and payment terms play a huge role in the success of your company.
What was your experience like working with Balch attorneys?
Once I received the launch notification about the program, I immediately provided a brief overview of my company online. The following morning, I received a call from the lead attorney, Riley Roby. Riley was a pleasure to work with and understood the challenges I face as a disadvantaged business. Riley not only addressed my issue immediately, he also created an open line of communication to him and another partner at the firm, Peter LeJeune.
Since that initial conversation, Riley and Peter have helped me navigate several agreements, ultimately positioning ZealRiver to finalize a contract with the U.S. Navy. This contract enabled me to expand my business by adding on additional employees and in turn, more clients.
“I am so thankful for this program and the work done by Riley and Peter. To have attorneys of their caliber at my disposal is something I am truly grateful for.”
- Cheryl Brown
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Photo courtesy of Cheryl Brown, ZealRiver Technologies
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