2019 Prime Contractors

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Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors

7TH EDITION

2019 TOP

PRIME & SUB CONTRACTORS ENGINEERING | ARCHITECTURE | CONSTRUCTION | TRANSPORTATION | IT | PETROCHEMICAL | OIL AND GAS | ENERGY | MANUFACTURING

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS Fort Bend Independent School District

Congratulations 2019 TOP

Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors Presented by Subcontractors USA

Architecture | Construction | Education | Energy | Engineering IT | Manufacturing | Oil and Gas | Petrochemical | Transportation

Message from the President & CEO MR. D-MARS

“The future of supplier diversity is all about delivering results. With the demographics of this country changing so rapidly, the fate of our nation’s economy rests on the growth of minority businesses. Minority businesses represent the biggest potential growth sector in our economy. We need to be able to create, build and sustain minority businesses.

And more than ever before, we need to accurately report our impact to win public support for what we do.”

—Louis Green, former president, National Minority Supplier Development Council

As one of the most diverse cities in America, there is abundant opportunity to embrace Houston’s diversity in the economy and workforce.

It is such a privilege that we at Subcontractors USA have the chance to highlight agencies, primes and subcontractors as well as those in the industries of architecture, engineering, construction, transportation, IT, petrochemical, oil and gas, energy and manufacturing who all work together to foster diversity in Texas.

As a minority-owned publication and media company, we feel it is our duty to celebrate the agencies who put the care and effort into doing business with minority, women and veteran-owned businesses. Often, there are companies who do not meet their minority participation goals. We believe it is important to highlight those companies who go above and beyond to meet, and even exceed, their minority participation goals, and in turn, advance growth in the state of Texas for certified women, veteran & minority-owned businesses aiming to do business with their larger counterparts.

This year’s group of deserving honorees realize the importance of being inclusive and have made it a point to display that in their business.

This annual event highlights and celebrates those who are contributing to Texas’ economic growth and prosperity. Subcontractors USA takes great pride and pleasure in honoring top primes and agencies who open doors for great things to happen for small businesses.

Keith “MR.D-MARS” Davis, Sr. President & CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc.

CERTIFIED:

Staff: • Kim Floyd • Keith J. Davis Jr. • Rockie Hayden • Angel Rosa • Eugenie Doualla • Tiffany Brown • Kendra Wiseman • Carly Hammack • Lindsey Ford

Contact Subcontractors USA: 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 800, Houston, TX 77074 Phone: (713) 373.5577 | Fax: (713) 750.9472 Email Us: contact@subcusa.com | Web: www.subcusa.com

Photographer: • Grady Carter

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2019 TOP

PRIME & SUB CONTRACTORS ENGINEERING | ARCHITECTURE | CONSTRUCTION | TRANSPORTATION | IT | PETROCHEMICAL | OIL AND GAS | ENERGY | MANUFACTURING

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS TITLE SPONSORS I

L WELDING ACAD STRIA EMY NDU

VASKEY MEDIA GROUP

“Integrity with Attitude” 713-672-WELD (9353)

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Fort Bend Independent School District

TSU

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

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June 26, 2019

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 across the state of Texas. 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 2019 Top Prime Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions have broken barriers in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of business today, throughout their understanding of the need for diversity and mentorship.

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 the state of Texas 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.

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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

June 26, 2019 August 13, 2014

Dear Dear Friends: Friends:

I would like tolike congratulate Subcontractors USA on its 2019 Topon25itsPrime I would to congratulate the D-Mars Business Journal 2014ContracTop 25 tors and Supplier Diversity Champions Awards Ceremony.

On behalf of the constituPrime Contractors, Architects & Engineers for Diversity and Supplier Diversity ents of the Ninth Congressional of Texas, salute all organizers Ceremony. District On behalf of Ithe constituents of and the particiNinth Champions Awards pants 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 their With great enthusiasm,the I applaud D-Mars Business Journal for andproviding its supporters commitment to recognizing prime contractors and suppliers menfor their commitment to recognizing the prime contractors and suppliers forbridges providing torship, fostering business growth in minority communities and building for mentorship, fostering business growth in minority communities and building bridges small businesses. I congratulate you on this great occasion as you continue to improve for quality small businesses.

I congratulate you on this great occasion as you continue to the of life across the state of Texas. improve the quality of life across the Greater Houston area.

I lookI forward to working with Subcontractors USA on Business future endeavors servlook forward to working with the D-Mars Journal and on tofuture ing you welland as atoMember of Congress. wishesoftoCongress. all for an Best exciting and to enjoyable endeavors serving you well as aBest Member wishes all for luncheon. an exciting and enjoyable evening.

Sincerely,

Al Green Member of Congress

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Texas House of Representatives

RON REYNOLDS

State Representative-­‐District 27-­‐Fort Bend County

August 13, 2014 June 26, 2019

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 2019 Subcontractores USA Top 25 Prime Contractors, Engineers, Architects, your integrity and commitment to Construction, excellence. Transportation, IT and the Supplier Diversity 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.

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June 26, 2019 Dear Friends, On behalf of the constituents of District 146 and the Texas House of Representatives, it is a privilege to welcome and congratulate the honorees of the Top 25 Prime Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions 2019 awards ceremony.

I also extend my appreciation to d-mars.com and Subcontractors USA for hosting this important event, which honors those whom have proven themselves to be champions of inclusivity and diversity. We must continue to encourage, promote, and protect the process of sourcing supplies from businesses that historically have been underutilized and underrepresented.

It is my pleasure to congratulate all of the honorees again for earning this esteemed award. Your excellent work and commitment to supplier diversity are worthy of recognition and distinction.

Warm regards,

State Representative Shawn Thierry Texas House District 146 Capitol Office - Austin (512) 463-0518 main (512) 463-0941 fax District Office - Houston (713) 667-4146 main (713) 839-0934 fax

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Creating A New Industry in Texas The High-Speed Train Puts Texans to Work

10,000 Jobs Each Year During Construction

1,500

Permanent Jobs after Construction is Completed

$2.5B

Paid in Taxes to State, Counties, Schools, etc...

The Texas high-speed train will create an estimated 10,000 jobs per year during construction and more than 1,500 permanent jobs when fully operational, including highly-skilled positions such as electricians, metal workers, and other specialized professionals to maintain and operate the system. Texas Central is committed to living and fostering a culture of inclusiveness by maximizing the participation of Texas-based minority, women, small, disadvantaged, veteran, rural and disability-owned businesses in building and operating the Texas train. Texas is a land of big ideas, and this project is the latest example of an innovative, forward-thinking approach that will benefit generations of Americans.

TEXAS CENTRAL

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Visit TexasCentral.com to learn more or text TRAIN to 52886

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Help Us Shine CenterPoint Energy values its diverse suppliers.

Our suppliers include minority-owned and women-owned businesses, as well as small businesses. We choose diverse suppliers for their capability, safety, innovation, agility and competitive pricing. In turn, our suppliers create positive economic impact throughout the communities we serve.

Mutually beneficial relationships and forward-thinking approaches offered by quality, diverse suppliers are integral to CenterPoint Energy’s vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. This is why we welcome and are committed to including diverse suppliers in competitive bid opportunities. Our beacon shines brightly as we guide diverse suppliers to the shores of business opportunity.

CenterPointEnergy.com/SupplierDiversity

©2017 CenterPoint Energy 175607

Over a Century of Trusted Service ©2017 CenterPoint Energy 174168

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AVAILABLE

NOW

One thing I am proud of is that for 20 years I have kept my core beliefs,” Davis said. “I know that by holding on to those values, we have changed lives and helped people grow in business and in their personal lives. It is all thanks to the people who supported us and saw we were doing good in the community.

— Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.

ORDER ONLINE NOW WWW.KEITHJDAVISSR.COM (713) 373.5577 Keith J Davis Sr. 22

@KeithJDavisSr

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excellency. dedication. vision.

These qualities have empowered Con-Real, an African-American owned construction and real estate services company, to grow from a single service station in 1979 to an integral part of the construction industry and African-American community with projects across the nation.

we are honored to be recognized as a Top Prime Contractor honoree at the 2018 Top Contractors and Supplier Diversity Awards.

Here’s to all those creating opportunities, and to those making the most of them.

Let’s achieve great things together.

Con-Real. Built to last, designed for the future.

Arlington Dallas-Fort Worth Houston Little Rock San Francisco Atlanta TEXAS

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COMMITTED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

WCA is a non-profit organization composed of women owners and decision-making executives within the construction industry. Our informative meetings provide networking opportunities and valuable information specific to the construction industry and the small business owner.

WWW.WOMENCONTRACTORS.ORG TEXAS

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hccs.edu/sbdp 26

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KAY DAVIS ASSOCIATES LLC Providing the Best Team for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Consulting.

Design and Sales Since 2000.

• K-12 Environments • Higher Education • Hospitality • Administrative • Private and Public Spaces

Furniture Matters 2216 Wheeler Ave.- Houston, TX 77004 Phone: 713.541.5468 | Fax: 713.520.1729

www.kaydavisassoc.com HOUSTON | DALLAS | SAN ANTONIO

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SUNSHINE PERSONN

Mission to Shine Light and Brin

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

S

unshine Personnel Solutions, LLC was built on the foundation of helping those in need. CEO and founder Maribel Rodriguez started Sunshine Personnel Solutions after leaving her job at another staffing agency. She knew the ins and outs of how the business worked but also knew there was a group of underserved people that could use her services.

Rodriguez was born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico but raised in Houston, Texas. She has over 15 years of experience as a business owner and over eight years of experience in assisting staffing companies in recruiting temporary and direct personnel.

Nicknamed “Sunshine” for her ability to spread light wherever she goes, Rodriguez’s mission is to spread her light to those in need through Sunshine Personnel Solutions. “’Sunshine’ is my nickname,” Rodriguez said. “It came from helping a lot of people who could not find a job. They felt like they started seeing a light of hope shining around me, so I wanted my business to shine that same light and positivity.”

She designed Sunshine Personnel Solutions as a way for companies to easily fill their employment needs with available, high-quality workers. It focuses on providing prompt service, quick response times and help to anyone with temporary employee and direct placement needs. Their goal is to simplify the search for the right candidate.

“My vision for this business is to deliver services to people that need help the most, by connecting great companies with dynamic people through education and employment,” Rodriguez said.

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“My vision for this business is to deliver services to people that need help the most, by connecting great companies with dynamic people through education and employment,” —Maribel Rodriguez CEO / Founder

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NEL SOLUTIONS, LLC'S

ng Stability to Their Employees A unique aspect of Sunshine Personnel Solutions is the diversity they are able bring through reaching out to different industries. Some of these industries include: • Office Professionals • Maintenance • Transportation • Industrial • Hospitability • Medical

Inside of these industries, Sunshine Personnel Solutions provides several hiring options and other additional services such as: • Temporary Positions • Temp-to-Hire Positions • Direct Hire • Payroll Services • Drug Screening • Background Screening • Local and Long Haul CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Drivers • Onsite Safety Meetings

“We proindividuals at the vide personnel shelters in their to a lot of difefforts to find “We’ve Worked With A ferent indusemployment.

Diverse Customer Base. tries,” Rod“We have How Can We Help You?” riguez said. helped several “We are able to people from bring diversity homeless shel—Maribel Rodriguez to these comters in Houston CEO / Founder panies and to find a job,” our own pool Rodriguez said. of clients. We “We have even partner with many different companies. We attend hired people to work directly for us in our offices all the job fairs we can and reach out to a lot of peo- throughout the Houston area.” ple and businesses through social media.”

Sunshine Personnel Solutions now has seven Another characteristic of Sunshine Personnel different locations in the state of Texas, with the Solutions that sets them apart from other staffing goal being to have 10 offices just in Houston, agencies is their passion to employ individuals who and they are hoping to continue expanding to often get overlooked. They work with candidates other parts of the United States. Rodriguez has who have backgrounds and need a second chance. received several recognitions for her work includ“We deal with people with all types of back- ing the Better Business Bureau Excellence in grounds,” Rodriguez said. “From people with the Business Award as well as the Top 30 Influential cleanest records, to those who may have a troubled Women of Houston Award. past or struggle with a disability. We help them with “My business helps bring stability back to opportunities and bring some stability to their lives.” people’s lives,” Rodriguez said. “And that is what Sunshine Personnel Solutions has partnered with we want to do for this community and the other several homeless shelters in the Houston area to assist communities we expand to.”

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HORIZON INTERNATIONAL GROUP

BUILDING HOUSTON, WITH HOUSTONIANS

Horizon is the largest MBE/WBE general contractor in Houston. We proudle work with other Houston diverse Houston companies to bring opportunity to all.

WWW.HGIUSA.COM

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In the Subcontractors USA Community.

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.subcusa.com and Click on ‘Photo G

Houston Community College EXPO Houston Community College’s Small Business Development Program held its 4th Annual “Access to HCC” event recently. The Small Business Development Program is dedicated to providing education, training and resources for small businesses in the community. This event brings vendors together and provides them with the opportunity to network with representatives and procurement officers from different departments at HCC in hopes of doing business together. In addition to the various department representatives, HCC also invited 26 outside agencies to exhibit, including NASA, Houston Independent School District and Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, just to name a few.

This event is part of the several initiatives of the Small Business Development Program. One of the Program’s key initiatives is allowing access into HCC and helping local businesses gain a better idea of navigating the system and how to do business with HCC. “Access to HCC” has grown over the past four years and is now held at the West Houston Institute and averages more than 250 attendees.

HCC works hard to promote this event through their database, eblasts and various chambers of commerce in order to reach and invite as many vendors as possible.

“We do this event to let the community see that we do have programs in place,” Veronica Douglas, Manager of the Small Business Development Program, said. “We are reaching out to the local business community to show them we want to do business with them, and we are helping to provide the resources necessary for that to happen.”

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Gallery.’

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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

LUCY GONZÁLEZ HUB Coordinator 936-437-7061 (P) 936-437-7088 (F) Lucero.Gonzalez@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

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By Subcontractors USA News Provider

exas has more welding jobs than any other state in the United States, with an estimated total of 50,000 employed welders and a growing number of jobs needing to be filled. This demand has made Texas the land of opportunity for welders, and the Industrial Welding Academy has made it their mission to properly train and produce the best welders in the state.

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“This organization is more than just a welding company. Anybody can teach you how to weld, but they cannot always teach you how to take care of the whole person. And if you are looking for a company that will reach out and help your loved ones and friends get into an industry to make good money and change their life, you’re looking at this organization.”

—Robert Turner President, Turner Chevrolet

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The Industrial Welding Academy (IWA) held the grand opening of its new Beaumont location recently. This is the second IWA location to open since the company’s start in Houston 12 years ago. Beaumont was chosen for the new location in response to the city’s booming refinery, petrochemical and manufacturing industry and lack of skilled craftsmen.

IWA is owned and operated by Andre Horn and his wife Miranda. Horn is originally from the Golden Triangle area and has over 29 years of experience in welding and welding training.

He chose to pursue the untapped welding education market in the Golden Triangle, knowing there was great op-

Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors & Supplier Diversity Champions Directory 2019

portunity for growth and success, not only for IWA, but also for the refinery industry in Beaumont and surrounding areas.

Bringing IWA to this new location helps the community by providing more jobs at the facility and providing the skilled and qualified workers needed to keep up with the various in-progress and upcoming expansion projects in the area.

At IWA, there are several variations in the program for students to choose from, ranging from different class hours to different skill levels they can complete, with the end goal being employment.

They offer a six-week program that runs from Monday through Thursday with three varying, four-hour time slots for students to choose from. With a 15 to 1 student to instructor ratio, students get much-needed one-on-one training.

During the course, one hour is dedicat-

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ed to theory and the other three hours are practical hands-on training. IWA also chooses to run the program like an actual job.

“We want our students to become professionals, so we run our Academy just like they are on the job,” CEO Andre Horn said. “If you are late more than twice without excuse, that counts against you.

There will be disciplinary actions just like a job. If you can’t do this for four hours a day, how do you expect to do it in the real world for eight to ten hours a day? It is all about preparing them for the real thing.”

Apart from the basic six-week course, there is the option to continue training to become a specialty welder. To become a specialty welder, the student must complete an additional 18 weeks of training. Becoming a specialty welder ensures a higher pay leads to a higher value within the welding community.

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“I am the Sheriff of Jefferson County.

This program is very important for two reasons. First, when people have jobs, they are less likely to commit crimes. When I look at the population of my jail, it is predominantly African American men who are unemployed, so I am so excited to bring a company here who can prepare young men for a future that does not involve incarceration.

Secondly, for those in my correctional facility, this is an opportunity for re-entry programs to partner with this local business, to do some training and get people on their feet and to let them know that they have value.”

—Zena Stephens Sheriff, Jefferson County

“The more training you do in this industry, the more valuable you are,” Mr. Horn said. “The welding industry is vast but lacking the skilled workers it needs. Once you become a specialty welder, your value in this industry is outstanding at that time, as long as your skill is accompanied by impeccable work ethics.”

buildings and bridges, all the way to a specialty welding test, which includes working at refineries and plants.

“Certification Day is something we started with the American Welding Society about 12 years ago in the Houston area,” COO Dan Jones said.

“We had high-school students and post-secondary students who finished their training at school but could not get a job because they were not certified welders. We wanted to give them the opportunity and tools to bridge that certification gap.”

In Houston, the Certification Day started with around 300 students and

In addition to the welding training they offer, IWA hosts “Certification Day.” Before getting employed, every welder must take a test to prove their ability meet the welding code requirements. This can range from a structural welding test, which primarily involves

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has since grown to over 800 students.

This opportunity was brought to Beaumont in 2018 where they had close to 45 students participate. Their goal is to grow to over 400 participants this year.

Apart from the obvious welding training goal at IWA, they also have another greater goal for this academy, and that is to impact the community and use their school as a ministry to its people.

“To us this is a ministry,” Miranda Horn said. “We see individuals come in who are actually broken, and we try to do as much as we can to mentor them to make sure when they leave here, they do not leave as the same person.”

IWA’s goal is to focus on training up the whole person. While the main emphasis is on their welding skills, students learn the importance of strong interview skills, time management and overall professionalism. They even work with the City of Houston in assisting those who have been incarcerated and are released with no skill or trade by helping reintroduce them into society with the knowledge and training that can prevent them from ending up back in prison.

“We come in to inspire, empower and educate,” Mr. Horn said. “Any time you are working on yourself, you are going to encounter some hardships and that is the ministry side of what we do. When you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, you come to IWA, and we are going to help you out.”

On the outside, IWA may seem like any other training academy, but once a student enrolls into the program, their lives immediately begin to change. Mr. and Mrs. Horn have made it their purpose in life to positively impact the life of every individual to walk through their doors. At the Industrial Welding Academy, welding is just a stepping stone to changing lives, and with the opening of the Beaumont location, the number of lives being changed can only increase.

“This is a ministry,” Mr. Horn said.

“And the best way I know how to teach is to lead by example. Iron sharpens Iron.”

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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

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 minority contracting firms.

• Bring about wider procurement and business 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.

OUR VISION Our vision is to prepare and position deserving minority and female-owned businesses to win contracts, increase branding visibility and to expand their client base through relationship development opportunities

• Advocate law and government actions for minority contractors.

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