Ozark Koala Ecosystem Services

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Contractor Success Story: Ozark Koala Ecosystem Services

A team photo of 8 Ozark Koala Ecosystem Services staff members.

Ozark Koala Ecosystem Services, LLC (OKES) specializes in ecological restoration, invasive species control, prescribed fire management, and forest management.

About Ozark Koala Ecosystem Services, LLC
With 15 years of experience, OKES collaborates with private landowners, state, and federal organizations to implement effective land management and ecological restoration services.

Facing some challenges post-Covid and looking to grow, they sought help from the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU. Brenda Henderson, Center Director, provided hands-on assistance to improve their bidding strategies, expand BidBuy codes, and navigate SAM.gov, helping them secure more contracts.

With APEX support, OKES won a $2 million master contract, ensuring projects through 2026 and allowing the company to expand. They transformed from struggling to pay employees to growing their workforce and securing their financial future.

"Brenda and the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU have helped our business grow in ways we never thought possible. Their guidance improved our success in government contracting and provided us with high-value opportunities."

Future Growth & Business Goals
OKES remains dedicated to delivering high-quality ecosystem services in Southern Illinois. In the short term, they plan to continue expanding their operations, while their long-term goal is to generate enough revenue—or transition to nonprofit status—to provide employees with better benefits and wages.

To learn more about Ozark Koala Ecosystem Services, visit www.ozarkkoalaeco.com