The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently presented Dorothea Spencer, D. Gillette Industrial Services president and CEO, with the Pennsylvania Small Business Person of the Year Award.
“It’s a privilege to recognize the achievements of women-owned business leaders such as Dorothea Spencer,” Steve Dixel, Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania director, said. “SBA salutes women entrepreneurs who pursue success and view setbacks and obstacles as steps toward success. SBA is proud to play a role in helping Dorothea and D. Gillette Industrial Services positively impact the Lehigh Valley economy.”
Spencer founded D. Gillette in 2002. The company, located in Forks Township, specializes in the design, fabrication, repair, and assembly of parts and equipment for the U.S. military, the federal government, commercial clients, and foreign military clients.
The company became a women-owned manufacturing company certified in the SBA 8(a)program in 2016. The following year, the company was awarded its first 8(a) contract with the U.S. Navy.
D. Gillette employs 15 people.
Spencer thanked her son, Paul Gillette, vice president of operations, at the awards ceremony.
Spencer is a graduate of the SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program, and is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association, Women in Defense, and International Society of Engineers.