October 14, 2011

TDG Succeeding In Fifth Year Under President’s Leadership

The DESA Group, Inc. (TDG) is finding success in today's grim economy under the leadership of Dionne Fleshman, president and chief executive officer of the firm. Specializing in staff augmentation, marketing and event management, the small business employs just six people but has already secured more than $1 million in contracts in this year alone.

Previously a "20 under 40" honoree, Fleshman credits much of the company's success to several strategic partners she's met while participating in groups like Leadership Columbia and Leadership South Carolina.

"While serving on various boards in my community, I've met several people who have either helped or inspired me to grow my business further. During my time with Leadership Columbia I met my accountant, Rod Dooley, Jr., and Jessie Smith of First Citizens, both of whom have been instrumental in providing viable financial strategies for the company. I also serve on the Forest Lake Elementary School Foundation and the Human Resources Committee at the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, so I continually meet people succeeding in business," says Fleshman. "I've learned that networking and community involvement provides endless opportunities to learn and grow from others."

Not only does Fleshman learn from the community around her, she's soaked up all she can from her mother, Diane Sumpter, one of Columbia's renowned minority entrepreneurs. Sumpter began DESA, Inc. in 1986 – a multi-division consulting firm. Since 2007, Sumpter has mentored her daughter as Fleshman manages the second generation business, TDG. Sumpter is well versed in how to succeed in small business and guided her daughter to the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) program as well as the MBDA Business Center – Columbia, SC. Both outlets proved to be key in TDG's success in preparing, negotiating and winning contracts. In fact, this year TDG won its first international contract for meeting management in Thailand, making Fleshman's client base both domestic and global.

Fleshman is also a certified Professional in Human Resources and is currently studying for her senior certification. A graduate of South Carolina State University and Mercer University, Fleshman's passion for education helps at home as well. When not in the office, Fleshman is with her husband, Tyrell Fleshman, and their two sons. Her oldest son is in the ALERT Program, while her other son, a child with autism, is involved with the Early Autism Project and the special education department of Richland County School District Two. Fleshman spends as much time as she can making education a priority for her family, which is something she says her mother instilled in her a long time ago.

For more information on TDG, visit www.TheDESAGroup.com or contact Fleshman directly by email at dfleshman@thedesagroup.com or call (803) 331-5542. 

About TDG:
Founded by Dionne Fleshman in 2007, The DESA Group (TDG) is a staff augmentation, marketing and event management firm. The company is a certified 8(a), HUBZone, small, minority- and economically disadvantaged woman-owned business. Local and national clients include those in the city, county, state, federal and private sectors. Complete information on TDG can be found by visiting www.TheDESAGroup.com.