PEMBROKE PINES, FL, July 09, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gladys Keith has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A longtime advocate for small and woman-owned businesses and the president of Friend to Small Businesses (FSB) Agency Inc., Ms. Keith has established herself as a formidable figure with decades of experience in the surety bond industry. Primarily dealing with firms in the construction and service sectors, FSB focuses on providing contract surety bonds and educates its clients on the process of qualifying for other types of bonds. Though she incorporated FSB in 2005, she chose to operate independently two years later, prioritizing her family so her son could complete high school and begin his college education.

Under Ms. Keith's leadership, FSB has become a trusted partner for contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry, providing essential performance and payment bonds for projects ranging from building construction to roadwork and bridges. The agency's services are crucial for securing contracts with governmental entities such as the city of Miami, Broward County and the federal government.

In the early 1990s, Ms. Keith worked with Florida Power and Light Company on its Minority Business Expansion Program, connecting small businesses with vital growth and networking opportunities. Her career trajectory was influenced by her early work at a large project management company, where she played a pivotal role in a $240 million water and sewer project for Dade County. Her meticulous approach to loan packages caught the attention of a vice president at the surety company, who encouraged her to transition into bond applications. This shift allowed her to leverage her skills in guiding clients to improve their credit and access necessary resources, ultimately leading her to obtain her insurance license after completing 200 hours of coursework.

Ms. Keith's analytical and strategic approach to business is rooted in her academic background, which includes a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Miami. Along with her education, she attributes much of her success to her sincerity and integrity, qualities that have earned her the trust and respect of her clients and small business owners across several industries. She is equally known for being straightforward with her clients, clearly communicating their needs and the ways in which she can assist them.

To share insights and expand her advocacy for minority-owned businesses, Ms. Keith is actively involved in organizations such as the National Association of Black Women in Construction, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and both the Miami-Dade and Broward County Chambers of Commerce. Her commitment to supporting small businesses is further exemplified through her work with the Minority Business Development Agency, where she has helped secure over a billion dollars in contracts for minority-owned enterprises. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Family Christian Association of America (FCAA), reflecting her dedication to civic engagement.

Ms. Keith's contributions to her field, community and civic missions have seen her recognized with numerous accolades and outstanding achievement awards throughout her career. She was honored as the Trailblazing Woman of the Year by Women Mean Business in 2023, received the Access to Capital Award in 2020 and was named Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) in 2010. While she is proud to have her efforts commemorated, her greatest fulfillment stems from supporting others and helping young people acquire the necessary skills to enter the workforce.

Happily married and a proud mother of one son, Ms. Keith enjoys golfing, reading, traveling, dancing and formerly taught aerobics exercise classes. As she looks toward the future, she is focused on building a legacy for her son by expanding FSB Agency Inc.'s clientele base and training him to take over its operations. Her goal is to ensure that he inherits a thriving business with ample opportunities for growth within the industry, cementing her legacy of positively influencing others in all areas of her life.

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 of endeavor, 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 around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #