On 5 Minute Salute our hosts Chris Budihas talks to veterans making a difference in their communities. Today, Chris has the honor to speak with Karlo Menoscal of Elixir Value Management Systems, Inc.
Short company description:
Elixir Value Management Systems, Inc. (EVMS, Inc.) is an SBA-certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) specializing in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) compliance, project controls, and program finance. With over 25 years of experience in the aerospace, defense, and nuclear energy sectors, we transform complex project challenges into successful outcomes by delivering tailored solutions that ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic cost management.
How do you define success?:
Success, in my line of work, is defined by the ability to help projects and programs mature their Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), enabling them to execute their work scope within budget and on schedule. It’s about achieving operational excellence and compliance while empowering teams with the tools and insights they need for sustained success.
In life, I define success as the ability to continuously learn and grow from every experience, using those lessons to improve myself and others. Leading with transformational leadership principles, I aim to inspire and guide individuals toward their full potential. When I can contribute to shaping young minds and fostering growth in others, that is the pinnacle of a successful life experience.
How did you get started in your field or work?: I began my career in the aerospace and defense industry during my service with the U.S. Marine Corps as an Aircraft Maintenance Administration Specialist in an F/A-18 fighter jet squadron. My responsibilities included maintaining detailed records and ensuring operational readiness, which provided me with a strong foundation in project management and accountability. After leaving the Marine Corps, I transitioned into roles with major aerospace and defense contractors, where I gained extensive experience in program finance, project controls, and earned value management. Over time, I specialized in EVMS compliance and became a subject matter expert, leveraging my military precision and corporate expertise to drive success in high-stakes environments.
What’s one thing we should know that makes your company unique?: One thing that makes Elixir Value Management Systems, Inc. unique is the way we approach project leadership by blending Marine Corps leadership principles, such as integrity, decisiveness, and teamwork, with John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, emphasizing industriousness, loyalty, and competitive greatness. This fusion creates a powerful framework that not only drives project excellence but also inspires teams to achieve their highest potential while ensuring mission success.
What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome in your business?: As someone with a new business, I can relate to the challenges of business development—it’s been one of the most demanding aspects so far. Insecurity is another hurdle, but I work extremely hard and lean on my faith, trusting that good things will come with perseverance and dedication.