From leap of faith to lasting impact: The JLAN Solutions story

The Washington, D.C. Small Business Person of the Year shares how persistence and purpose turned a vision into a thriving business.

When Ronnette Meyers woke up to learn she had been named Washington, D.C.’s Small Business Person of the Year, her first reaction wasn’t celebration—it was reflection.

“I was really humbled, excited and grateful,” she said. “It felt like confirmation that the sacrifices and late nights—and the faith I put into this work—were worth it.”

That recognition marks a milestone in a journey that began with a leap of faith—and a vision to build something bigger than a business.

Building a business with purpose

Before launching JLAN Solutions, Meyers spent years working as an air traffic system specialist with the Federal Aviation Administration. Later, while helping run her mother’s business after she secured a government contract, she began to see an opportunity.

Small businesses, she noticed, were underrepresented in federal contracting, particularly in IT and management consulting.

“I realized I had the experience and perspective to fill that gap,” she said.

She launched JLAN Solutions—named after her four children—with a mission to build a successful company while creating generational opportunity.

Today, JLAN Solutions is a recognized name across federal, state and local government contracting, known for being reliable, strategic and results driven.

Overcoming early challenges

Like many entrepreneurs, Meyers faced early hurdles—particularly around credibility and access to capital.

“As a new small, woman-owned business, you have to prove you belong in rooms that weren’t necessarily designed for you,” she said.

Certifications helped open doors, while programs like the Apex Accelerator provided guidance and connections to funding that supported early growth.

But for Meyers, success ultimately comes down to something more fundamental.

“Relationships and results,” she said. “We don’t just show up—we invest in understanding our clients’ mission and what success looks like for them.”

Staying connected while growing

As JLAN Solutions expanded, so did the need to stay connected—especially with a largely remote team.

“Ooma has been a game changer for how we operate as a virtual team,” Meyers said. “Everyone has their own professional business line, so we can stay connected and maintain that professional presence without using personal numbers.”

That consistency is critical—not just internally, but in how the company shows up for clients.

Lessons beyond the business

While growth and recognition are meaningful, some of Meyers’ most important lessons have come outside the business.

Early on, she realized she had become a “single point of failure” in the company’s growth. Strategic hires helped scale the business—and created something even more valuable: time.

“The business will be there,” she said. “But your family may not.”

That shift allowed her to focus more on her children—three of whom have since started businesses of their own—while continuing to grow JLAN Solutions in a more sustainable way.

A reminder of what small businesses represent

For Meyers, recognition during Small Business Month is about more than an award—it’s about acknowledging the role small businesses play every day.

“We are the backbone of this country,” she said. “To be recognized for what we do and what we bring to the table—it means we’re appreciated.”

And if her story does anything, she hopes it’s this:

That with persistence, the right support—and a little faith—success is possible.