2015 Prime Contractors by d-mars.com

VOLUME IV

Engineering | Architecture | Construction | Transportation | IT

3RD EDITION

2015 TOP

PRIME CONTRACTORS ENGINEERS | ARCHITECTS CONSTRUCTION TRANSPORTATION | IT SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS

#1 Top 25 Prime Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Construction, Transportation, IT & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory

CONSTRUCTION TRANSPORTATION | IT

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS

TOP SUBCONTRACTORS

Message From the Founder MR. D-MARS “Our workforce and our entire economy are strongest when we embrace diversity to its fullest, and that means opening doors of opportunity to everyone and recognizing that the American Dream excludes no one.” - Thomas Perez, United States Secretary of Labor Subcontractors USA is proud to be a minority business journal that inspires, informs and educates. Our publication has been serving Houston and the surrounding areas for almost two decades, celebrating our community. Recognizing and celebrating the community is one of the things we are known for, and we are especially proud to celebrate agencies and companies that put in effort and resources to provide minority and women-owned companies with opportunities. We find it necessary and a privilege to shed light on the companies and agencies that are paying it forward to minority and small businesses and contributing to Houston’s economic growth and prosperity. This luncheon is just a small token of Subcontractors USA’s appreciation to the agencies (our supplier diversity champions) that are creating and opening doors for primes to perform and succeed. It is our pleasure to honor and recognize top prime agencies who are playing a significant role in Houston’s economic growth. Best Regards, MR. D-MARS Founder Subcontractors USA

Staff: Kevin Davis • Kim Floyd • Johnny Davis • Rockie Hayden • Angel Rosa • Dawn Paul • Eugenie Doualla • Andrea Hennekes • Jazmine Bacon • Louis “LC” Poullard • Booker T. “Pops D-MARS” Davis • Ferland Antwine • Lindsey Ford

Photographer: Grady Carter

Contact Subcontractors USA: 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 805, Houston, TX 77074 Phone: (713) 272.9511 | Fax: (713) 272.6364 | Email Us: contact@subcusa.com| Web: www.subcusa.com

2015 TOP

PRIME CONTRACTORS ENGINEERS | ARCHITECTS CONSTRUCTION TRANSPORTATION | IT SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS

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July 29, 2015

Dear Friends: On behalf of the constituents of the Eighteenth (18th) Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, please allow me to convey my warmest greetings to you on this most important occasion. In the spirit of peace and prosperity, I take great pride in joining the Top 25 Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions in their mission to create opportunities for small, women and minority-owned businesses. I especially congratulate you for your tremendous outreach throughout the city of Houston. Diversity in business is critical to success in today’s marketplace and the work you do to ensure that inclusion is paramount. Let me congratulate all of this year’s honorees. The 2015 Top Prime Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions have broken barriers in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of Houston, throughout their understanding of the need for diversity and mentorship in business. I would also like to thank Subcontractors USA for honoring the prime contractors and agencies who work relentlessly to support diversity. I recognize the value added to Houston by MWBE and small business owners and the importance of providing them with opportunities for growth and empowerment. I am especially thankful for your providing such timeless and selfless services on behalf of my constituents. We are honored and truly fortunate to have such an outstanding business and community development partner within our community.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON , D. C. 205 1 5

AL G R EE N 9T H CONGR E SS IO NA L DISTR ICT HO U ST ON , T EXA S

July 29, 2015 August 13, 2014

Dear Dear Friends: Friends:

wouldlike liketotocongratulate congratulatetheSubcontractors USAJournal on its on 2015 Prime II would D-Mars Business its Top 201425Top 25 Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions Awards Ceremony. On behalf of the Prime Contractors, Architects & Engineers for Diversity and Supplier Diversity constituents of the Ninth Congressional District Texas, I salute all of organizers and Ceremony. On behalf of ofthe constituents the Ninth Champions Awards participants on their dedication to making this a memorable event. Congressional District of Texas, I salute all organizers and participants on their dedication to making this a memorable event.

With great enthusiasm, I applaud Subcontractors USA and its supporters for

With great enthusiasm, I applaud D-Mars Businessand Journal and its their commitment to recognizing the prime contractors suppliers forsupporters providing for their commitment to recognizing the prime contractors and suppliers for providing mentorship, fostering business growth in minority communities and building bridges mentorship, fostering business growth in minority communities and building bridges for small businesses. I congratulate you on this great occasion as you continue to imfor small businesses. congratulate you on this great prove the quality of lifeI across the Greater Houston area.occasion as you continue to improve the quality of life across the Greater Houston area.

Subcontractors on future endeavors and II look look forward forward totoworking workingwith with the D-Mars USA Business Journal on future to serving you as a Member to all an exciting endeavors and well to serving you wellofasCongress. a MemberBest of wishes Congress. Bestforwishes to all and for enjoyable luncheon. an exciting and enjoyable evening. Sincerely,

Al Green Member of Congress

®1 1

Texas House of Representatives

RON REYNOLDS

State Representative-‐District 27-‐Fort Bend County

August 13, 2014 July 29, 2015

GREETINGS GREETINGS

Congratulations to the award recipients of the 2014 d-‐mars.com Top 50 Prime Contractors, Architects and Engineers, and the Supplier Diversity Champions. Your hard work, dedication and successes are deserving of recognition. I admire Congratulations to the award recipients of the 2015 d-mars.com Top 25 Prime Contractors, Architects, Construction, Transportation, IT and the Supplier Diversity your Engineers, integrity and commitment to excellence. Champions awards. Your hard work, dedication and successes are deserving of recognition. I admire your integrity and commitment to excellence. In today’s marketplace diversity in business is critical. I salute the Champions for the work they do to ensure that inclusion is paramount. This evening will be one In today’s marketplace, diversity in business is critical. I salute the Champions for the work they do towith ensure that inclusion is paramount. This day will be one to rememto remember d-‐mars.com recognizing and celebrating your magnanimous ber with Subcontractors recognizing and celebrating achievementsto in the the achievements in the USA industry and your invaluable your contributions industry and your invaluable contributions to the community. community. Best wishes for your continued success for your work in the community you serve. Best wishes for your continued success for your work in the community you serve.

July 29, 2015 Dear Friends, As the Houston City Council Member for District K, I am pleased to congratulate Subcontractors USA as you host your 2015 Top 25 Prime Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions signature award event. Subcontractors USA has demonstrated an exemplary commitment toward fostering business growth in minority communities by supporting small business diversity initiatives. This event is evidence of the hard work and dedication to progress and economic success. I am impressed by the 2015 recipients of these outstanding agencies and companies being featured this year. The 2015 Top 25 Prime Contractors for Diversity and Supplier Diversity Champions event will provide a unique opportunity for the Houston area small business community to be informed of the importance of their ideas, creating an effective management team and creating opportunities for business professionals to come together and forge beneficial relationships. I salute all those who have committed themselves to this worthwhile event, particularly the organizers and participants who have worked diligently to ensure this event’s success.

2015 Mentor Moguls

Thomas C. Lambert

departments including: METRO Police, Performance Improvement, Safety, Real Estate & Property Management, Information Technology, Facilities Maintenance, Safety, Human Resources, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Office of Small Business, Procurement & Materials, and Compliance, EEO, ER, & Organizational Development. He served much of his career at METRO as Senior Vice President & Chief of Police of the Department of Public Safety and was responsible for directing and managing police operations, traffic management activities, High Occupancy Vehicle lane operations and management, emergency preparedness and operations, intelligent transportation systems projects and system safety. Before joining METRO in 1979, Mr. Lambert served as a Senior Police Officer with the Austin Police Department in Austin, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Southwest Texas State University and a Master of Arts degree in public administration from the University of Houston.

Thomas C. (Tom) Lambert became President & Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) on March 1, 2014, where he oversees the management and operations of transit services for the nation’s fourth largest city. He had served in this position as an interim since January 2013 and has served the agency for 34 years.

He is currently a board member for the American Public Transportation Association and is METRO’s alternate member on the Transportation Policy Council (the region’s metropolitan planning organization) of the Houston-Galveston Area Council. He also serves as a lecturer/instructor at the Law Enforcement Management Institute Command College at Sam Houston State University.

Advisory Committee for the U. S. DOT • Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) – Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Chairman • American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Public Safety Committee – Chairman • Transportation Security Administration Peer Advisory Group – Chairman • Houston TranStar (the Houston region’s transportation and emergency management center) – Leadership Team, Chairman • University of Houston-Downtown Criminal Justice Training Center Law Enforcement Academy – Advisory Board • FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force – Executive Board • Houston Area Chiefs of Police Association – President and member • Texas Police Chief ’s Association – Member • International Association of Chiefs of Police – Life Member Thomas C. Lambert President & Chief Executive Officer Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)

Mr. Lambert was previously the agency’s Executive Vice President. He had also served as He has previously served numerous organizations Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative including: Officer, where he was responsible for numerous • Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) –

Thomas J. Jasien Thomas Jasien has served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) since October 2014. He previously served as the agency’s Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, where he oversaw all legislative activities at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as the communications, marketing and community engagement programs.

Thomas J. Jasien Deputy Chief Executive Officer Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (Houston METRO)

Prior to joining METRO in 2000, he held various positions in Washington, D.C., including at the U.S. Department of Transportation, the State of New Jersey and on Capitol Hill. Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Maryland.

The Office of Business Opportunity congratulates the Top 25 Prime Contractors, Sub-contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions The City of Houston has awarded over $1 Billion to Small, Minority and Women-Owned businesses during the Parker Administration.

For information about how to get certified, designated as a Hire Houston First company or to learn about our many other services, visit www.houstontx.gov/obo or call 832.393.0600.

@HoustonOBO

Facebook.com/houstonobo

EDUCATE. CONNECT. GROW 12

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE Historically Underutilized Business Program TDCJ HUB MISSION STATEMENT THE MISSION OF THE HUB PROGRAM FOR THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IS TO PROMOTE AND INCREASE CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES WITH HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES. THE HUB PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE THOSE BUSINESSES AND AGENCY STAFF THE ASSISTANCE NECESSARY FOR THE SUCCESS OF THIS MISSION.

SHARON SCHULTZ HUB Director 936-437-7026 (P) 936-437-7088 (F) Sharon.Schultz@tdcj.texas.gov Two Financial Plaza, Suite 525 Huntsville, Texas 77340 RUBY COWAN HUB Coordinator 936-437-3128 (P) 936-437-7088 (F) Ruby.Cowan@tdcj.texas.gov Two Financial Plaza, Suite 525 Huntsville, Texas 77340

CINDY GUAJARDO HUB Coordinator 936-437-7061 (P) 936-437-7088 (F) Cynthia.Guajardo@tdcj.texas.gov Two Financial Plaza, Suite 525 Huntsville, Texas 77340

Contact the TDCJ HUB Program for a current list of commodity/ service codes and phone numbers for Purchasers For more information on doing business with the TDCJ, you may visit the TDCJ web-site at www.tdcj.texas.gov Top 25 Subcontractors USA Prime Contractors | Engineers | Architects | Construction | Transportation | IT | Supplier Diversity Champions 2015

NAMC

2015 TOP SUBCONTRACTOR

The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) is a nonprofit trade association that was established in 1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors. While membership is open to people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, the organization’s mandate, “Building Bridges – Crossing Barriers,” focuses on construction industry concerns common to African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. OUR MISSION • Provide education and training to minority contractors in construction.

• Promote the economic and legal interest of OUR VISION minority contracting firms. Our vision is to prepare and position deserving • Advocate law and government actions for minority and female-owned businesses to win contracts, increase branding visibility and to minority contractors. expand their client base through relationship • Bring about wider procurement and business development opportunities opportunities for minority contractors. • Reduce and remove the barriers to full equality for minority contractors. • Build bridges between minority contractors and the entities they work. • Create a forum for sharing information and mutual support.

National Association of Minority Contractors, Inc. Greater Houston Chapter 3825 Dacoma St. Houston, TX 77092 713-843-3791 www.namctexas.org email: info@namctexas.org

CITY OF HOUSTON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Building a Better Houston

The City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) provides the leadership and financing to make affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization happen in Houston. The Department administers over $100 million annually in various federal, state and local programs. From investing in neighborhood parks, multifamily communities and economic development, to providing first-time homebuyer assistance and funds to serve the homeless, elderly and disabled — HCDD works to improve the quality of life for Houston’s neighborhoods and families.

www.houstontx.gov/housing

MEP Engineering

Commissioning

Program Management

When you need experience, we have it covered. Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.

6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212 Houston, TX 77036 | 713-482-2300 | www.ricegardner.com 22

w w w. t u r n e rc o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m

Building the Future As one of the nation’s largest builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture. We are devoted to making contributions that not only strengthen the local economy, but also reflect the demographics of the community at large. Turner is proud to celebrate our 20th year of The Turner School of Construction Management in partnership with The City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow capacity in Small, Minority and Women owned enterprises in the

communities where we work.

performing beyond expectations Azteca Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1989 and provides services ranging from general contracting, construction management, program management, design-build services, and self-perform across a broad spectrum of projects for both public and private sector clients. Industries served include, aviation, transportation, local, state and federal government agencies, hospitality, multi-family housing, entertainment and real estate developers. We are a certified Minority Business Enterprise through the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Hire Houston First, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA), the North Central Texas Regional Agency (NCTRCA), the DFW/MSDC, and the Texas Minority Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). We are a mentor to other minority and small business companies in several mentor-Protégé programs.

DIVISIONS:

• • • •

Dallas, Texas

2518 Chalk Hill Road Dallas, Texas 75212 T: (214) 905-0612 F: (214) 905-0828

Building Division Heavy Civil Construction Steel Fabrication and Erection Multi-Family Housing

Houston, Texas

www.azteca-omega.com

11777 Katy Freeway, Suite 190 Houston, Texas 77093 T: (281) 391-7473 F: (281) 665-2115

Setting Us Apart Delivers projects on time and on budget

to 2 Committed delivering quality &

meaningful service

3 Financial stability 4

Strong bonding capacity

Horizon International Group, LLC is a certified SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB construction manager with a proven history of providing clients impeccable contracting services since 1994.

Certified MWBE/SBE/HUB Contractor Horizon is a certified MBE, WBE, SBE and State of Texas certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). As such, Horizon is always striving to expand business opportunities, provide added value to our clients, and is actively engaged in procuring goods and services from other talented SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB subcontracting firms. We believe that diversity strengthens the community and the overall small business environment.

Services

safety 5 Excellent record

Horizon provides a range of services including:

Experienced project teams

30+ years of industry experience

About Us

•

Construction Management

•

Estimating

•

General Contracting

•

Design/Build

Owner Representation & Feasibility Studies

•

Project Management

•

Development Services

•

Job Order Contracting

•

Program Management

Right size to deliver flexibility of services and effective responses

Houston First 9 Hire Houston based

company hiring Houston based subcontractors

SBE/MBE/WBE/ HUB firm

4204 Bellaire Boulevard Houston, TX 77025 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

215 W. San Antonio St. San Marcos, TX 78666 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

1999 Gulfmart Ste. 522 San Antonio, TX 78217 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

Carrie Poole became a reality that has now grown into a respected and diverse institution. Her goal was and continues to be responding to the changing needs of a highly technological society by providing skilled workers for business, trade and industry in the public and private sectors. Poole has been successful in securing major training contracts with Federal and State agencies. In 2008, she was successful in leading the institution to full accreditation by the Council on Occupational Education, Title IV certification by the U. S. Department of Education in 2009, and a successful accreditation reaffirmation in August 2014.

Carrie Poole Chief Executive Officer Professional Career Training Institute 227 West Airtex Drive Houston, TX 77090 832.484.9100 www.pcti.edu

arrie Poole was born in Greenville, Miss. She attended Mississippi Valley State University and was a member of Alpha Chi, Alpha Kappa Mu and Sigma Tau Delta National College Honor societies. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Journalism. Upon graduation, she became the first African American newspaper reporter of the Greenwood Commonwealth, in which she was a feature story writer. In 1982, Poole relocated to Houston, Texas where she pursued employment in corporate America and has held positions in management, training and development. She began her career in post-secondary education and workforce training in 1990. This motivated her to further her career by attending The University of Houston where she received her Master of Science in Occupational Technology with emphasis in training and development in 1996. Since that time, she has established herself as an icon in the

post-secondary education industry and has a broad background in educational leadership, accreditation standards, institutional compliance, program development and fiscal management. Poole has been successful in not only workforce training and re-training, but she has also been successful in finding career opportunities for students in tough labor market trends. Poole is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Professional Career Training Institute (PCTI), a post-secondary vocational training school that opened its doors in 2002. Poole started the institution with a mere vision and an idea to embark upon a journey to open a state-of-the-art career training facility recognized for its commitment to lifelong learning, highly regarded for its commitment to students, economic growth, community partnerships and educational excellence, and is respected for its excellence in teaching. Her profound vision to supplement and support area employers with a highly trained and competent workforce while serving the cultural and civic needs of the communities

Poole is also founder and Chairman of the Board of Workforce Training and Development, Inc. (WTDI), a nonprofit corporation organized to fill the gap between education and funding streams and to provide resources and alternative solutions to individuals who desire to improve the quality of their lives. She is also a board member of Seikou Technologies, an Austin based IT solutions company that provides services to small businesses. Poole is a member of vaious local and national professional organizations that provide excellent education and support in occupational training and career development. She has served as a Visiting Team Member for the Council on Occupational Education for evaluation of career schools and colleges for accreditation. She is an NAACP life member, 2013/2014 Woman of the Year for the National Association of Professional Women, a member of the University of Houston Alumni Association, a member of the Association for Career and Technical Education, Career Schools and Colleges of Texas and the International Women’s Leadership Association, one of Houston’s 2014 Top 30 Influential Women, Poole is an active member of The Church Without Walls with her husband, Joe Nathan Poole. Together they have two children, Cristala and Nicholas.

May - June 2015

Industrial Welding Academy: Providing Opportunities to Houston’s Next Generation By Dawn Paul

success as being the continual training of its staff members. Miranda says, “So often individuals are given expectations, but are not given the tools needed to meet those expectations. At IWA, we give the students expectations and tools to succeed in the welding industry.” The motto at IWA is “Integrity with Attitude.” Since 2007, IWA has opened doors for young welders to become their very best in a quality welding training environment. “We can teach them a trade by taking advantage of the energy capital of the world right here in Houston, Texas,” Andre says.

Associate Editor

ndustrial Welding Academy (IWA) and Andre and Miranda Horn are shining examples of community builders, because they are paying it forward and providing opportunities for the next generation to succeed. The Horns have not only made IWA a successful business, but also a place to get a second chance at a career and life. Recently IWA hosted hundreds of young aspiring welders to test for certifications at their annual Student Welder Certification Day, and elected officials, local leaders and the community were in attendance. This event was more than helping get young people certified to start on a positive path to success, but it allowed the public to witness and celebrate IWA’s initiative to help build a better community. Andre Horn was always ambitious and was exposed to welding in high school. The youngest of 16 children, he had humble beginnings, but that only fueled his aspirations to succeed. After attending Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas for one year, a company chose to invest in him and his welding experience. That one opportunity sparked his welding career and he hasn’t looked back. After working as a senior welding contractor for several major industrial companies, Horn decided to branch out on his

Industrial Welding Welding Academy: Industrial Academy:Their Their Approach to Welding Approach to WeldingEducation Education own and purchased a boat storage in Channelview, Texas, where he started his first entrepreneurial move and first training. Although Hurricane Katrina damaged his boat storage, he recovered and purchased a 1,500 square foot building in Pasadena, where he started training 120 people a day.

Andreand andMiranad MirandaHorn Horn Andre Andre Horn is the founder and CEO of IWA, with over 20 years training experience in the welding industry. Horn is a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), and he has been a senior welding contractor with several major industrial companies, including Zachary Construction,

Austin Industrial, Harmony Corporation, and S&B Engineers. Andre could not have taken IWA to its current level without the help of his wife and director of IWA, Miranda Horn. Miranda is a highly experienced, dedicated professional with more than 10 years of experience in the Workforce Development industry. Her experience also includes several years of managerial skills. She has worked for Neighborhood Centers and Workforce Solutions before she dedicated herself to helping Andre fulfill their vision of helping others. Serving as director of IWA, she is dedicated to teaching students the trade of welding through a uniquely designed curriculum. Miranda credits one reason for IWA’s

IWA is located in East Houston. IWA’s impressive facility consists of offices, classrooms, and a welding lab. The welding school at IWA is state-of-the-art, and it comfortably accommodates fifteen students per instructor. Because IWA wants to prepare their students to be in the best possible position when entering the welding profession, their facility is designed to resemble and inspire on the job settings. IWA is built to accommodate realistic welding positions and environment, which includes; out of position welding, jack stand welding, on the scaffold welding, simulation of pipe rack welding layout and fit up, oxy-fuel, and thermal cutting scenarios. In addition, each student is assigned a welding machine and welding booth for utilization during the course. Providing individual

“What is important is the shortage of qualified welders in the world, and that’s one of the things that IWA addresses. They give qualified welders the opportunity to be qualified. We need more qualified welders, and that is what IWA produces.” — John R. Bray, Vice President of American Welding Society

booths for students allows them to utilize their skills individually and collectively. IWA is committed to providing quality training and education based on welding industry needs.

Industrial Welding Welding Academy: Industrial Academy: QualQuality Instruction Education ity Instruction and and Education At IWA, students are learning the fundamentals and techniques of welding. Because many of the IWA students have had a rough start in life, this gives them a second chance to change their lives. IWA and the Horns are providing young men and women an opportunity to gain higher education in the welding industry. Though the percentage of AfricanAmericans in the welding industry is low, IWA is trying to change that percentage by giving minorities the skills necessary to excel in a career in welding. IWA equips students to perform their best, because they have the credentials, discipline, experience, and welding training to produce results. IWA students are able to compete with the best in the welding industry because of the IWA instructors. IWA instructors are Certified Welding Educators (CWEs), and they are credentialed by the American Welding Society (AWS). The Horns are proud that their IWA certi-

fied welding instructors have more than 20 years of experience in the welding industry. Not only do the IWA instructors prepare the students to pass AWS exams, but they also help them improve their skills while working on-the-job.

WeldingIndustry Industry and and Careers Careers Welding Welding shapes lives and communities every day. Most people are surprised to learn that half of our nation’s total gross national product includes welding work, products and services of some kind. A career in welding is very different than you think, and welding is dynamic and challenging, but also a rewarding career. Welding technology has changed over the years. Believe it or not, there are too many welding jobs and not enough welders. From manufacturing to construction, the demand for welders is strong. Salaries are also good, given that many jobs don’t require extensive education. Average wages are $17-25 an hour, with more complex roles like underwater welding; specialized certifications; or supervisory roles offering even higher earnings (American Welding Society). IWA believes in placing its students on the path to not just a job, but a career, by addressing the shortage of skilled workers in welding and imparting the value

of integrity and discipline upon its students. IWA recently hosted hundreds of student welders at their campus for their annual Student Welder Certification Day. It was a full house for this celebratory event. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was in attendance and gave IWA a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, as did Congressman Al Green, who was also represented. Council Member Robert Gallegos, Council Member Larry Green, other elected officials, and community leaders were also in attendance showing their support for IWA’s

initiative to not only educate the next generation, but to also provide a second chance for a successful life. IWA students have gone on to make six figures after graduating from the school’s programs. The Horns have plans for IWA expansion, including locations in Beaumont, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. For more about the Industrial Welding Academy, please visit www.iwatraining.com.

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“Being an AfricanAmerican woman in this industry is rare. There are not very many of us. It’s an honor to represent the ladies and to be able to do something like this that’s progressive. Laying a path for more females to enter the welding industry is important.” – Francesca Cook, IWA Graduate

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT | BUILDING DESIGN | O&M WWW.BRADLINKLLC.COM

Carla Lane 2015 TOP SUBCONTRACTOR

com in 2009, 2010 and 2011. She also was awarded the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award by The University of Houston. Lane was listed as one of 40 distinguished Houston area business leaders under 40 (40 under 40) by Houston Business Journal in 2009. Lane was named one of the 2010 Minority Achievers by the YMCA and received the 2010 Vanguard Award by Texas Business Alliance. In 2011, she was inducted into the Greater Houston Black Chamber’s Hall of Fame and was honored by TWEF in 2013. In 2012, she became one of the first female members of Across the Track Pac, a political action committee comprised of the owners of Houston’s largest African-American owned businesses. Lane is an advisory board member of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Texas Black Expo.

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Presidents Organization, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Association of Female Executives, American Staffing Association, Texas Association of Staffing and the National Human arla Lane is president and ness strategy is “take care of the people and Resource Association. CEO of LaneStaffing, the the bottom line will grow.” Lane is married and the proud mother of a largest minority woman- Under Lane’s leadership, LaneStaffing has ex- dynamic teenage daughter. owned employment solution panded the footprint of the organization by provider in the southwest. 18 states and expanded its client base of For-

Lane began working in the staffing industry while attending The University of Houston as an accounting student. In 1993, she became the first staff member of BestStaff Services, formally the largest minority-owned staffing firm in the South. Lane was hired as senior vice president and Chief Operating Officer of DiverseStaff in 2003, where she was responsible for the company’s overall financial strategy and financial processes, as well as branch operations in Houston. Lane purchased the brand name in 2007, and since that time she has transformed its business strategy, adding new higher-margin business lines and increasing community involvement. In 2008, Lane expanded the service offerings and rebranded the firm “LaneStaffing.” Lane’s overall busi-

tune 100 and 200 clients and has become a leader in government contracting. In 2007, she received the Pinnacle award, by the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. Lane was named one of the Top 25 Women in Houston by rolling out Magazine in 2008 and awarded the 2008 Strategic Teaming Award by Houston Minority Business Council for her work with “teaming” with other minority-owned organizations to provide quality solutions to her clients. She also was awarded the Emerging Ten Award by the Houston Minority Business Council in 2008. The firm was named one of the Top 500 African-American owned companies in the U.S. and one of the Top 100 Women owned firms in Texas by DiversityBusiness.

Carla Lane President & CEO LaneStaffing 2211 Norfolk, Ste. 150 Houston, TX 77098 713.522.0000 www.lanestaff.com

Anthony (Tony) Piggue 2015 TOP SUBCONTRACTOR in Harris County with his daughter, Breanna Piggue and was married to the late Jacqueline Hopkins-Piggue for 31 years. He is a member of The Church Without Walls under the leadership of Pastor Ralph Douglas West. Piggue supports the Houston Heat girls’ basketball program, religious organizations and the yearly Cy-Fair Independent School District Fun Run. One of his favorite quotes comes from the late Nelson Mandela: “Do not judge me by my successes; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

Anthony (Tony) Piggue Founder and CEO American Traffic Control, Inc. 17240 Huffmeister Road Ste. 104 Cypress, Texas 77429 281-213-9063 www.americantrafficcontrol.com

nthony (Tony) Piggue is a native Houstonian and a product of Houston Independent School District, graduating from Ross Sterling High School in 1981. After graduating from high school, Piggue began his career in law enforcement. After working for numerous companies, Piggue found it necessary to use his skills and had desire to start his own traffic control business. He is the founder and CEO of American Traffic Control, Inc., based in Houston. American Traffic Control, Inc. is known for 44

its expertise in traffic control throughout the State of Texas, where he does contracts for the Texas Department of Transportation and many other companies. As an entrepreneur, Piggue did not want to limit himself to just the Texas area, but branched out to the states of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. “I attribute the success of the company to the employees of American Traffic Control, Inc.; no company is successful without team work.” Piggue is a member of The American General Contractor of Texas (AGC). He resides

We’ll wait on YOU, before YOU wait on US Traffic Control in Cypress, Texas American Traffic Control, based in Cypress, Texas, specializes in traffic control and planning services for detours, lane closings, road and freeway closures, and traffic calculation. We provide professional service to the entire United States, while maintaining the highest safety standards for workers and the public.

Quality Service since 2001 American Traffic Control is a small, minority-owned company specializing in a large capacity of traffic control operations, and has been in business since 2001. We are a member of The Associated General Contractors of Texas. Our staff consists of Certified Traffic Control Specialists and Flaggers, some with over 30 years of experience. We aim to always provide costeffective assistance and effective communication with our clients to cement a long-lasting client relationship. We are able to travel any distance to provide outstanding service to our clients. We have provided traffic control services for the following government agencies: Texas Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Transportation. We also provide outstanding services to some of the most prestigious companies, as follows: Kansas City Southern Railroad, Traffic Control Devices, The Levy Company, and numerous others. Our focus on safety awareness is most important to us. Our goal is to provide a safe work zone for the traveling public and the construction workers. Thank you for allowing us to introduce ourselves; we look forward to building a long-lasting work relationship with your company.

American Traffic Control 17240 Huffmeister Road Suite 104 Cypress, TX 77429

Phone: .......281.213.9063 Fax: ...........281.256.9458 Toll Free: ....855.931.9063

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week | Insured, Bonded, & Licensed | Emergency Services Available Based in Cypress, Texas & Proudly Serving All 50 United States & Municipalities

Tony L. Council 2015 TOP SUBCONTRACTOR neering, Inc. and his company just completed a Geospatial Analysis of all open ditches in the City of Houston, which included 1,800 miles. The job from The City of Houston is in conjunction with the ReBuild Houston program and the data collected will go into a sweep program. Council is a published author with articles in the July 24, 2000 issue of Oil & Gas Journal and the May 2000 issue of Pipeline and Gas Journal. Council graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. He is also a Board Member for the Sam Houston Area Boy Scouts and is an active Board Member for Coastal Water Authority. Council also received the PINNACLE AWARD in 2012 from the Houston’s Citizen Chamber of Commerce. Council is inspired by a gentleman he used to work with at Conoco: William H. Easter, III. He went on to become President and CEO of Duke Energy Field Services. Council said, “Easter is the only African-American man I’ve known that’s run a multi-billion dollar energy company.” There’s a quote Council and his employees use around the office, “At TLC Engineering, we don’t have a talent deficit, we have an opportunity deficit.”

Tony L. Council President ony L. Council has 34 years of progressive experience completing engineering and construction projects on time and within budget. His

responsibilities have included supervision of multi-disciplined field and office personnel, as well as other standard engineering and construction duties. He is currently the President of TLC Engi-

TLC Engineering, Inc. 8204 Westglen Drive Houston, Texas 77063 713-868-6900 www.tlceng.com

Dedicated to total customer satisfaction…

“We Take Pride In Every Car We Repair”

For the past 24 years, Autos R Us has served as a woman-owned business in the collision repair industry. We now offer a new 20,000 square-foot state-of-the-art collision repair center, dedicated and still growing and expanding to perform reliable high-quality customer-satisfactory service to the citizens in the greater metropolitan area of the City of Houston and surrounding cities. • Frame Repairs • Mechanical Repairs • Fiberglass Repairs • Custom Refinishing • Dents/Scratches

• Computerized Measuring • Full Frame Analysis & Repair • Advanced Frame Repair • Unibody Repair • Structural Damage

CERTIFICATIONS:

Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Certification Hire Houston First Program – City Business (CB) Local Business (LB) City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (WBE) Certification

11101 Wallisville Road - Houston, TX 77013

(713) 673-3050 48

• 24-Hour Rental Service Thru Hertz Rental • Wheel Alignment - Up to 24" • 24-Hour Wrecker Service- Pick-up & Delivery • Laser Frame Measuring System • Financing Available Through G E Capital

City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (MBE) Certification City of Houston Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Certification Metro Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification Port of Houston Small Business Enterprise Certification

M-F: 8am to 6pm | Sat: 8am to 12pm

www.autosruscollisioncenter.com