Client's Profile
For five years, Nancy Crews has been at the helm of her company. While she now reports an annual income of $7 million for Custom Manufacturing and Engineering, Inc., (CME) Crews attributes her success to several things.

“I have a strong desire to succeed,” she says. “Some people tell me I have a passion for excellence, and that's what it takes to succeed.”

She describes CME as a monitor and control company that also does research and development for the federal government. CME also builds spec products for the government.

Such is the case with the LANTIRN missile. These missiles can launch a precision attack on tactical targets at night and in inclement weather. They are generally attached to the US Air Force's F15's and F16's and the Navy's F 14. CME produces crucial data logging modules for the missile, using embedded microchip processors, which they produce at their St. Petersburg plant. “As the missile fires, it logs the data,” says Crews proudly.

Crews sought the help of the USF Small Business Development Center in her company's infancy. “The SBDC helped me learn about 8(a) certification which helped us overcome some of the gender bias out there,” says Crews.

Initially, CME was a spin-off of Lockheed Martin, getting its start at the Young-Rainey Star Center. As part of the Defense Conversion Initiative, Congressman Bill Young wanted to preserve as many jobs as possible in Pinellas County following the closure of a nuclear plant.

“Congressman Young has been very supportive in helping out with the conversion from Lockheed to an independent company,” says Crews. “He was a strong supporter during the conversion, and he has helped as we go forward,” she says.

A self-described scientist, Crews studied chemistry and math. “I can remember early on…in the fourth grade, I wondered how a car worked from the inside-and beyond the gas pedal,” she says. “And I'm still a curious person.”