Marquis Who’s Who has recognized Gladys Keith, president of Friend to Small Businesses Agency Inc., for her transformative impact in the surety bond industry. As an influential surety broker and steadfast advocate for minority and woman-owned businesses, Ms. Keith has used more than 25 years of expertise to empower small companies, securing access to crucial contracts in construction, infrastructure and government sectors.
Ms. Keith launched Friend to Small Businesses Agency Inc. in 2005, balancing family priorities with a commitment to supporting the development of independent contractors and subcontractors competing for contracts. Under her guidance, the agency has become a trusted partner for those seeking performance and payment bonds required by Miami, Broward County and a number of federal agencies.
Ms. Keith’s professional journey began in the early 1990s at Florida Power and Light Company, where her work on the Minority Business Expansion Program deepened her passion for advancing small business interests. Ms. Keith’s analytical skills, honed by completing a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Miami and attention to project finance, led her into the surety field.
“Building trust is about more than numbers; it is about guiding others to discover their own capacity to thrive,” Ms. Keith said, reflecting a philosophy based on sincerity and transparent communication. This leadership style earned industry recognition such as Trailblazing Woman of the Year by Women Mean Business, the Access to Capital Award and Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women.
Advancing Legacy and Community Impact
Ms. Keith’s civic engagement extends beyond her agency’s operations. As a member of the National Association of Black Women in Construction and the Miami-Dade and Broward County Chambers of Commerce, she has played a central role in facilitating more than $1 billion in contracts for minority-owned businesses through the Minority Business Development Agency. Ms. Keith’s commitment to equity is further highlighted by service on the board of the Family Christian Association of America, where she champions programs focused on youth workforce development.
True progress is measured by how well we open doors for those who follow, Ms. Keith said, reinforcing a dedication to uplifting the next generation of business leaders and skilled workers. For Ms. Keith, the ultimate measure of success stems from community achievements, not individual accolades.
Ms. Keith balances her professional life with a commitment to family, drawing inspiration from roles as a mother and mentor. Her vision for Friend to Small Businesses Agency Inc. centers on expanding its client base and training her son to eventually lead the company, ensuring a legacy built on empowerment, integrity and industry excellence.
“Legacy is not only about what you build, but who you empower along the way,” Ms. Keith added, highlighting the guiding motivation behind her enduring leadership and advocacy.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website,www.marquiswhoswho.com.
