Lane Change

Profiles In Excellence

BY DIANA CLARK

Meet CNY's Sole DBE Certified Minority- Owned Trucking Company

Perseverance. Preparation. Legacy. When Larry Stackhouse started as one of CENTRO’s first African American mechanics back in 1981, he had no idea that one day he’d be another first – the President and CEO of the first Minority DBE trucking company based in Central New York and the only between Albany and Rochester.

Over a 36-year career at CENTRO, Larry worked his way up from mechanic to foreman and eventually became the Senior Director of Fleet Maintenance. His career was filled with perseverance and preparation as he learned the ins and outs of the transportation industry. It was also filled with a legacy of providing quality training, a strong sense of dignity and respect for all, and a desire to diversify the workforce. When it was time to retire, Larry brought all of that to his new business, L Stack’s Construction Co. LLC.

With technical assistance from Diversify, NY, Larry set to work quickly. He created a business plan, purchased a dump truck, and began bidding for jobs. He went through the process of applying for and becoming a DBE Certified Minority Business Enterprise through an application process with the New York State Department of Transportation. Then he began to seek contractual opportunities.

LARRY STACKHOUSE PRINCIPAL, LSTACKS TRUCKING

That work included attending pre- and post-bid meetings, monitoring NYS websites for job opportunities, bidding on jobs, and learning the business himself from the ground up as a dump truck driver. His business model for the first two years has included not taking a salary and reinvesting all revenue he has received.

Like many small business owners, this work is a team effort. Larry’s wife, Lorraine, contributes by doing the bookkeeping and helping him research bidding opportunities for the business through the New York Contractor Reporter’s website.

MINORITY-OWNED DBE CERTIFIED

Just eighteen months in, Larry’s business is expected to turn a profit thanks to several new contracts he has landed. He hopes to hire five truck drivers and two office managers by the end of this year. When he started out, he sought out as many bidding opportunities as he could. Now, he has noticed a significant increase in bid opportunities as municipalities begin to approach him. “It’s a blessing to be able to put a plan together and make that come into existence.”

MINORITY-OWNED DBE CERTIFIED LStacks Trucking

Larry’s hopes for the longterm future of his company include acquiring his own facility to house his offices and fleet of vehicles. Eventually, he also hopes to train African American truck drivers to get their Class B Licenses. His advice to aspiring MWBEs? “Follow your dream. Follow your passion and make it come to light.”

“It’s a blessing to be able to put a plan together and make that come into existence.”