Top 25 Sub and Prime 2022

Message from the President & CEO

MR. D-MARS

Subcontractors USA is proud to be a minority-owned business journal that inspires, informs and educates. 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 realize it is important to be inclusive, and so do this year’s group of deserving honorees. It is critical to have diversity in the marketplace, and this annual event highlights and celebrates those who are contributing to Texas’ economic growth and expansion.

There are times when companies may not meet their minority participation goals. However, we like to highlight those companies that strive to not only meet, but exceed their minority participation goals. Subcontractors USA takes great pride and pleasure in honoring top primes and agencies who open doors for great things to happen for small businesses.

CERTIFIED:

STAFF:

Chief of Staff - Kimberly Floyd

Accounting Manager - Eugenie Doualla

Senior Operations Coordinator - Bria Casteel

Asst. Sales Representative - Tiffany Brown

Art Director - Angel Rosa

Digital Media Manager - Erick Fontejon

Photographer - Grady Carter

“The highest levels of performance come to people who are centered, intuitive, creative, and reflectivepeople who know to see a problem as an opportunity.”

–Deepak Chopra

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

June 22, 2022

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 2022 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.

June 22, 2022

August 13, 2014

Dear Friends:

Dear Friends:

I would like to congratulate Subcontractors USA on its 2022 Top 25 Prime Contractors and Supplier Diversity Champions Awards Ceremony. On behalf of the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, I salute all organizers and participants on their dedication to making this a memorable event.

I would like to congratulate the D-Mars Business Journal on its 2014 Top 25 Prime Contractors, Architects & Engineers for Diversity and Supplier Diversity Champions Awards Ceremony. On behalf of the constituents of the Ninth 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 commitment to recognizing the prime contractors and suppliers for providing mentorship, fostering business growth in minority communities and building bridges for small businesses. I congratulate you on this great occasion as you continue to improve the quality of life across the state of Texas.

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

I look forward to working with Subcontractors USA on future endeavors and to serving you well as a Member of Congress. Best wishes to all for an exciting and enjoyable luncheon.

I look forward to working with the D-Mars Business Journal on future endeavors and to serving you well as a Member of Congress. Best wishes to all for an exciting and enjoyable evening.

Sincerely,

Al Green Member of Congress

® 11

June 22, 2022

GREETINGS

Congratulations to the award recipients of the 2022 Subcontractores USA Top 25 Prime Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Construction, 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 day will be one to remember with Subcontractors USA recognizing and celebrating your achievements in the industry and your invaluable contributions to the community.

Best wishes for your continued success for your work in the community you serve.

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 2022 awards ceremony.

I also extend my appreciation to d-mars.com and Subcontractors USA for hosting this important event, which honors 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

Warm regards,

(713) 839-0934 fax

Thomas C. Lambert

President & Chief Executive Officer, Harris County METRO

Board and METRO Leadership, is currently guiding the agency through implementation of METRONext – a $7.5 billion long-range regional transit plan. Nearly 70 percent of voters approved $3.5 billion in bonding authority for METRONext in November 2019.

Past Positions

• METRO, Executive Vice President

• METRO, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

• METRO, Senior Vice President and Chief of Police

• Austin Police Department

Professional Associations and Activities

• Board Member, American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

“Transit today is really about building an environment where people feel comfortable and safe. It’s about creating walkable, livable communities, and connecting people to opportunities.”

He leads a team of more than 4,000 people. Since becoming president and CEO, Lambert has made taking care of his customers and “delivering a quality product every day” his personal priority, as well as the priority of every single department and employee.

Lambert joined METRO as a security investigator in 1979, its first full

year of operation. Following the creation of the METRO Police Department in 1982, he became its first chief of police.

Lambert held that position for many years before moving on to other leadership roles including chief administrative officer, executive vice president and acting president and CEO.

Lambert, along with the METRO

• Board Member, METRO Alternate, Transportation Policy Council of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)

Education and Certifications

• Executive Training, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Boston, Massachusetts

• M.A., Public Administration, University of Houston, Houston, Texas

• B.A., Political Science, Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas

— Tom Lambert

Jeffrey C. Arndt President & Chief Executive Officer, VIA Metropolitan Transit

pany under contract with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, or Houston METRO. He previously worked for Houston METRO for 25 years and achieved the position of Senior Vice President of Operations/Chief Operating Officer. Arndt spent five years as a research scientist/research specialist at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and was Senior Planning Manager at Parsons Brinckerhoff before joining First Transit.

Jeffrey C. Arndt is President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Metropolitan Transit. VIA provides transportation services to the Bexar County region, including the fast-growing City of San Antonio, identified as the seventhlargest city in the United States.

Arndt joined VIA in February 2012 as Deputy CEO/Chief of Business Support Services. His expertise encompasses transit service and capital facility development, training and safety, financial management

and planning, labor relations, special event transit/traffic management, and transit operations. He is continuously working to bring innovations to VIA and to San Antonio that will improve the livability and sustainability of the region, to include the implementation of Smart Move, VIA’s short-term capital plan to bring multimodalism to the region.

Arndt came to San Antonio from Houston where he served as General Manager of Fixed-route Transit Services for First Transit, a com-

Arndt holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Houston, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. He currently serves on several boards, including the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Centro Alliance, Texas Diversity Council, Southwest Transit Association (SWTA), United Way, and San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE), and the Texas Transit Association. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct professor in the public administration graduate program at the University of Houston and was also selected for the 38th Leadership San Antonio Class (2013).

Day 1: In-Person Activities

Day 2: Virtual Platform

SPOT BID FAIR

80+ State Agencies offering contract opportunities under $50,000 (only 3 bids required)

BIZ TALK

The City of Houston and CenterPoint Energy partnership to develop a regional master energy plan to advance Houston’s transition to sustainable energy.

VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES: ADDITIONAL IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES: Rigel Awards Luncheon

Powerful Keynote Address Virtual Tradeshow Power Hour Luncheon

Business MatchMakers

Chief Procurement Officer Summit Best In Class Reception

Texas' Largest Minority Business Marketplace and Trade Fair

Building the Future

More than Bricks & Mortar

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’s ingrained in our company 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 33rd 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.

University of Houston – The Hub

MD Anderson – Biosciences Research Facility

MD Anderson – South Campus Education Building

MCA Communications, S

expands into Central Texas in support of the technology boom

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

ince its founding in 1983 in Houston, Texas, MCA Communications, Inc. ( MCA ) has sustained a solid track record of completing high-profile projects with a focus on safety, quality, and customer service. This award-winning designbuild technology integrator firm specializes in network cabling infrastructure, audiovisual installations, wireless solutions, and security solutions for enterprise markets including energy, education, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, and government, serving a roster of globally-recognized clientele that include MD Anderson, Memorial Hermann Hospital, the University of Houston, Houston ISD, Chevron, and ExxonMobil.

The firm’s growth in the AV market birthed its expansion, with MCA’s move into a new facility in 2018. This 50,000 sq ft office and warehouse include a stateof-the-art training facility, AV lab, and technology showroom. With the ability to train and develop its own skilled workforce, MCA maintains one of the largest skilled workforces in Texas.

As the State’s growth propels major and lucrative high-profile construction projects around Texas, MCA not only moves right along with the development but ahead, with the announcement of a new Central Texas office. The new office serves as a home base for the technology integrator’s growing Central Texas presence in Round Rock, Texas. The new location, at 3101 Eagles Nest St., Suite 430, is MCA’s first office outside of its Houston headquarters and is home to its growing Central Texas team.

This milestone is a major move for MCA as it expands across Texas and the Nation. “The opportunity for growth in Austin is exciting,” says Ricky Cortez, CEO at MCA. “We are looking forward to being part of the numerous high-profile construction projects that will continue to shape the city of Austin and surrounding areas.” To celebrate its newest location, MCA hosted an Open House last month.

MCA continues to evolve into a full-service technology solutions provider, completing 500 projects a year for clients across the Nation. Adding a Central Texas office is a strategic move that will allow MCA to have a physical presence in a location where it has taken on many projects.

Communications, Inc.

Q&A With MCA Communications, Inc.

SUBC USA: What does this Central Texas Office opening mean for MCA long- and short-term?

MCA: In the short term, the opening of MCA’s Central Texas office has been significant in providing a home base for our team members already working on projects in Central Texas. When looking ahead in the long-term, our Central Texas office plays a vital role in providing a positive experience for our clients and creating the same long-lasting relationships and partnerships in Central Texas that we have in Houston, Texas.

SUBC USA: What does this Central Texas office open mean for the Central Texas area and Austin, Texas?

MCA: The rapid expansion and development of Central Texas, especially in the Round Rock-Austin area, not only bring MCA many new opportunities but also enables us to further strengthen our presence in this region. The greatest benefit of our new location, however, is being able to provide local resources for our clients, delivering better and quicker care while offering more services. We are excited about growing in tandem with the region and contributing to its digital transformation.

SUBC USA: Any construction projects that MCA is already a part of in this area that you can mention?

MCA: MCA has been working in the Central Texas region for some time now and has completed several projects, including those with clients in Higher Education and K-12. For legal reasons we cannot name them, however, MCA is currently working on several projects in the region, including those with a notable multinational technology company, in addition to a new construction 15-story building in the heart of Austin, Texas.

SUBC USA: Any special guests in attendance and honors received at the Open House on May 5th that you want to mention?

MCA: This celebration highlighted local Austin talent and businesses, with entertainment by local Austin musician, Neon Bridges, and food catered by Top Taco food truck. We had many special guests in attendance, including the National Association of Minority Contractors Austin leadership team, as well as representatives from LG, Samsung, CommScope, Corning, Logitech, Tellabs, and Page.

In addition to low voltage and AV solutions and services, MCA has expanded its service offerings to include design-build, consulting, and staffing, as well as managed services and an E-Shop. MCA has partnered with Hanwha, CommScope, ZKTeco, Brivo, GCon Systems, AlertEnterprise, Fluidmesh, and Assa Abloy to bring their security and surveillance solutions to their clients. Security solutions offerings include cloud-based managed systems, cameras and VMS, access controls, customized servers, and more.

MCA’s managed services take a proactive approach to ensure business continuity, security, and workforce are protected and empowered for success.

—Cortez says

MCA’s managed services offer a full suite of products for Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Disaster Recovery solutions. MCA’s E-Shop provides a customized purchasing experience for their clients. As an authorized value-added reseller, all of their products and solutions, including their bundles, are hand-picked and customized by the team to meet the specific needs of each client, all available to them through their own private online portal.

With rapid growth, MCA is always looking to add more team members to its family. MCA is currently hiring for positions across Texas. Those interested in applying can email their resumes to recruiting@mcacom.com.

For more information about MCA Communications, Inc. and to schedule an appointment for a demo, please email info@mcacom.com or call (281) 591-2434. You can visit MCA on the web at www.mcacom.com.

The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston (UH) is committed to promoting the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. The HUB Program ensures compliance with state HUB laws, assists UH departments in locating HUB vendors; as well as offering HUBs assistance to facilitate access and contracting opportunities.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

www.uh.edu/hub

Leading in the Utility Industry With

SOLIDARITY, INTEGRITY, SAFETY & FAITH

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Brothers & Brothers Utility Services LLC (BBUS) is a recognizable and well-respected name across America in the electric and utility fields, delivering safe and quality work across America. With highly skilled and trained professionals, the company’s mission is to keep solidarity, integrity, and safety at the forefront of the utility industry. Under the vision of co-owners, Darrell and Audrey Provo, BBUS is a company that prioritizes quality over quantity.

Through much preparation, prayer, and faith, BBUS officially opened its doors on May 21, 2021. BBUS currently serves 5 states, has 25 years of combined experience, and has serviced 250,000 customers.

The company’s impressive client roster includes Eversource Energy, Con Edison, Entergy, and National Grid. BBUS provides turnkey installation and design capabilities for substation projects and also specializes in turnkey services for the construction and maintenance of transmission lines. BBUS serves residential, commercial, and industrial loads with the installation and maintenance of overhead pole lines and underground buried cables. BBUS understands the great importance of customers’ needs to manage their businesses and households, and is committed to restoring electrical power quickly, efficiently, and safely.

Darrell is a highly trained journeyman lineman with 7,000 hours of on-the-job training through the Southwestern Line Constructors Joint Apprenticeship Training Program. He is certified by the Department of Labor as a journeyman lineman. Darrell holds various certifications in the utility industry such as Quanta Helicopter Certified, Certified Energized Conductor, Pole Top & Bucket Rescue, and OSHA 10 w/ET&D. “I always aspired to do something great in this field. Whenever I worked for other companies, I prided myself on doing an exceptional job efficiently with the crew and customers’ safety as a top priority,” said Darrell. “Through my experience, there grew a desire to run my own company that would stand on the same principles used while I was working for other utility companies.” Audrey was the rock supporting Darrell while he was building his career and still is a rock and significant component as she leads BBUS’s foundation for success. She has a genuine love for people and loves how with focus, faith, and the right perspective, a challenging situation can have a positive outcome. Audrey has worked in various management and leadership positions, with a background in human resources and a concentration in mental health. And with 10 years of experience managing her own company, her business management skills have proven invaluable for BBUS.

I always aspired to do something great in this field. Whenever I worked for other companies, I prided myself on doing an exceptional job efficiently with the crew and customers’ safety as a top priority.

—Darrell Provo Chief Operating Officer

Audrey and Darrell Provo

Q&A With Brothers & Brothers Utility Services LLC:

SUBC: How does BBUS stand out from competitors?

BBUS: BBUS prides itself on catering to our employees while maintaining great customer service. In return, our employees are dedicated and committed to completing the tasks assigned. Our hands-on experience is part of BBUS’s foundation. We are family-owned and run.

SUBC: Is there a storm/situation that was especially challenging that you can mention and what was your approach to a safe and efficient solution for this challenge?

BBUS: Hurricane IDA was challenging for our employees and management staff. After the devastation hit Louisiana, BBUS was assigned the Tickfaw area to restore power. No power, hotels, or restaurants were available in the surrounding areas. Our team banded together during those 21 days and found food and essentials during that time. We had to ensure our team received the appropriate rest and meals while maintaining a safe and productive work environment. And in the midst of those 21 days, Darrell and I tested positive for COVID-19, so we had to quarantine while making sure the project was completed and our employees were cared for. At the end of the 21 days, BBUS completed the task, over 100,000 customers’ power was restored, there were no accidents or injuries, and every employee made it home safely.

SUBC: Long- and short-term goals?

SUBC: As a company with clients nationwide, what is your "special" approach to safe and efficient service to restore power?

BBUS: Being reliable, safe, and providing quality work are our core values. To assure these values are being exercised, communication is the key. With each project, BBUS understands what is expected of us and we in turn communicate this clearly to our employees. We ensure each employee understands their tasks as well as involve ourselves in the ever-changing safety aspect of our trade. We lead by example when it comes to safety education, so our employees live it as we do, safely servicing clients nationwide.

BBUS: Long-term, BBUS desires to build one of the largest diverse utility companies in the industry. Short-term, we aim to bring more diversity and open the door to our inner-city youth, which will spark an interest in our trade. We are dedicated to seeing our youth and the community succeed as a whole, and are hopeful that BBUS will contribute to the growth and betterment of areas and individuals in need.

SUBC: Any certifications or memberships that you want to mention?

BBUS: Darrell and I are both members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). BBUS is a member of the Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC). Our company is also certified as a HUB, SBE, BOBE, and WSBE.

BBUS is family-owned and faith sits at the center of their success and future dreams, with Genesis 1:3 as one of the Provo’s favorite Scriptures which reads, “Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

You can find Brothers & Brothers Utility Services LLC on the web at www.bbusutilities.com. For more information, please call 1-888-958-5463 or email info@bbusutilities.com

The safety measures, supervision, and staff are extremely helpful and on time. They made me feel like my safety was always the first priority.

—Ahmad M. Client Testimonial

Justina Mann Director, Terminal Development

Liliana Rambo Chief Terminal Management Officer

Marsha Murray Director, Office of Business Opportunity

Rhonda Arnold Chief Community Relations Officer

We’re a Different Kind of Consulting Company

For more than 20 years, the OTS executive team has been working side by side with federal customers to design infrastructure, applications, and processes that are efficient, redundant, scalable, and cost-effective. During those 20 years in the IT industry, we recognized a void in not only the quality of service to government clients but between consulting companies and their employees.

We’ve taken our experiences and relationships from past opportunities and put them to work to create a different kind of consulting company. We’re not driven by the numbers. We’re driven by the challenges and success of our clients, partners, and co-workers. In each of our projects, we strive to create an atmosphere of communication, collaboration, and integrity that puts our entire team in the best position to achieve mission success. It’s what separates us from the rest.

Increase Efficiency

We invest in cutting edge technologies to ensure that our organization always lives at the forefront of innovation. The result is a more flexible, collaborative, efficient, and effective operation for your program.

Decrease Cost

We’re dedicated to improving business processes with technology. Our expertise and efficiency will reduce the Total Cost of Ownership for your program’s applications and infrastructure.

Reduce Risk

You can trust and depend on our executive staff’s 25 years of collective experience in navigating the government contracting landscape.

Providing Strategies SMALL BUSINESS PROGRESS

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Acclaimed as one of the largest community colleges in the nation, the Houston Community College System (HCC) is also acclaimed for being impactful as a champion for the small business community.

Q&A With HCC:

D-MARS: Please talk about any new procedures the SBDP has implemented and the successes since 2021.

In addition to HCC’s various programs and efforts for small businesses, the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) remains an award-winning program within HCC, driving small business progress. Though many small business enterprises in our city and the surrounding areas continue to feel the financial impacts of the pandemic, HCC remains proactive in providing opportunities for our businesses to succeed. Under the leadership of Joseph Gavin, CTCD - Executive Director, Procurement Operations, the procurement team contributes to keeping small businesses strong and valuable to HCC and our city.

HCC: In an effort to continually hold our networking and meet and greets with SBE’s, we incorporated a number of platforms into our Program to determine which one would allow for the most interactive and engaging experience. Prior to COVID-19, all networking and meet and greets were in person. Now, we utilize TEAMS and WebEx to engage with supplier’s one-on-one and in group settings. Although working virtual, we understand the need for continued engagement between our clients and SBE’s and have implemented new procedures to engage with SBE’s. We are also in the process of completing our Constant Contact page which will highlight the SBDP and our community partner activities. You can sign up today at hccs.edu/sbdp.

D-MARS: Please talk about the SBDP’s continuous outreach efforts that continue to support small businesses, HCC: while still in the midst of COVID-19. Since the start of COVID-19 in March 2020, the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) has hosted and/or participated in over 150 outreach and networking events. As an example, the SBDP hosted virtual seminars on RFP Presentations and Evaluations, Building Financial Capacity, QuickBooks for Entrepreneurs and Maximizing Your Certification to Generate Business Opportunities. As we noticed the need for the in person experience, we hosted our first hybrid event on July 21, 2021 at our West Loop Campus. The topic of discussion was “Are You Protected” and surrounded general risk management, EBLI v EPLI, cyber insurance and most importantly, insurance in a post COVID-19 world. Our hybrid and virtual seminars were well received by the supplier community, averaging over 100 attendees per session! We continually engaged with the supplier community by hosting meet and greets between the supplier, procurement and the client department. Prior to the meet and greet taking place, the supplier is requested to register as a vendor as well as provide a capability statement to the SBDP to ensure the correct client is engaged. The key element to doing business with HCC is vendor registration. Vendor registration ensures automatic notification of bid and quote opportunities. Vendor registration is a simple process and can be completed at hccs.edu/procurement.

D-MARS: What can we expect from the SBDP this year and moving forward?

This year the SBDP will focus on its in reach, engaging more with our internal clients. The SBDP will meet with our internal clients to understand their needs and how SBE’s can become engaged in the procurement process. As the SBDP grows, training will be provided internally to our clients on the importance and impact of utilizing SBE’s, the SBDP contract compliance process, the clients role in the supplier selection

“We understand the importance of engaging in a face-to-face environment with our suppliers, clients and community partners. This years “Access to HCC” Expo allowed the College and its suppliers to get back to doing business as we have previously.

Long-standing business relationships are created at our expo between our suppliers, clients and community partners. New opportunities are discovered and trending solutions are brought to the forefront. It’s a winwin event for all.”

—Joseph Gavin, CTCDExecutive Director, Procurement Operations

PROGRESS

process and the importance of utilizing our SBE’s and the effects of their utilization on the local economy.

D-MARS: Please give us an example(s) of HCC partnering with an SBE, resulting in the small business being able to pivot to achieve success during the pandemic.

HCC: Several of our SBE’s were able to partner with HCC during the pandemic resulting in success in their business. Specifically, one of our local SBE’s provided 112 Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 112 administered vaccines, 75% were students and 25% were staff. A variety of personal protection equipment (PPE) was purchased from SBE’s including thermometers, masks, hand sanitizer and face shields. However, PPE only represented one of several commodities purchased. Services were also purchased from SBE’s including IT asset management and audit engagement, temporary staffing for the Industrial Technology Department and temporary staffing for COVID-19 screeners as well as a variety of other services required to continue servicing our staff, students and programs.

In 2021, our engagement with a local SBE granted the College a rebate for recycling material in the amount of $8,240.00. This rebate is the direct result of the sale of scrap metal. Specifically, copper and HVAC units from the College’s deferred maintenance program. Strategic Sourcing identified the opportunity for the College to receive rebates on copper and HVAC equipment, worked internally with Business Services and the SBDP and ultimately brought this project to fruition. Procurements persistence turned this into a good environmental process (recycle) and generated funds for the College. A total of 74,434 pounds of scrap metal was picked up in 2021. This is largely in part to the HVAC units that were recycled from the contractors who procured the HVAC Bids.

D-MARS: Please talk about the success of your “Access to HCC” event held recently.

HCC: We held our 7th annual “Access to HCC” Procurement Expo at the HCC West Houston Institute on March 10, 2022. This year’s expo was hybrid, featuring 6 virtual exhibitors, 14 community partner exhibitors and 21 HCC exhibitors. We also highlighted 3 local businesses who gained connections and contracts from our annual procurement expo by way of a video highlighting their business and the work they performed for HCC. This year’s keynote was Jay Steinfield, Founder & CEO of Blinds.com. Early bird attendees received a signed copy of Jay’s book, “Lead from the Core”. Our numbers were extraordinary this year with a total of 497 RSVPs. We welcomed vendors virtually as well as in person allowing us to serve a larger audience. “Access to HCC” is the SBDP’s signature event, bringing out HCC Trustees and Presidents. The VIP list did not stop there as Marshall Heins, M.B.A. - Sr. Vice Chancellor, Finance & Administration CFO, Joseph Gavin, CTCD - Executive Director, Procurement Operations and Christopher Burton, CTPM, CTCM, CPM, CPSM, MBA, CPPO - Director, Procurement Operations brought greetings. Desmond Lewis, Ed.D., Associate Vice Chancellor, College Readiness provided words of inspiration to our attendees as well as introduced this year’s Keynote.

D-MARS: What upcoming events do you have planned over the next couple of months/through the year for the small business community?

HCC: The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, the City of Houston, Houston Independent School District, the Port of Houston Authority, Houston First and the HCC Small Business Development Programs have teamed up to create the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP). IMPP exists to foster and strengthen long-term, effective working relationships between established companies and emerging and historically underutilized businesses. Benefits for participating in IMPP include, but are not limited to understanding business financials and bidding, creating and strengthening working relationships between established and emerging companies and understanding how to do business with local

government agencies. Program length is nine (9) weeks from 6pm - 8p.m. every Tuesday online via Microsoft Teams.

The application deadline is March 31, 2022. However, this is a yearly program. If you miss this year’s deadline, you can apply next year! Apply online by March 31, 2022 at http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/mentor_protege.html

D-MARS: Any recent awards/recognitions/honors you want to mention?

• National Association for Minority Contractors Platinum Sponsorship recognition

• Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award –National Procurement Institute (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 & 2016)

• Strategic Partner of the Year - Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (2021, 2020/multiyear)

• Award of Merit – Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (2020, 2016/multiyear)

• Top 25 Supplier Diversity Champion – Subcontractors USA (2018/multiyear)

• R.A. Wiltz Minority Business Advocate of the YearGreater Houston Business Procurement Forum (2018)

What do SBE’s have to say about HCC’s SBDP?

“The partnership with the Small Business Development Program and Procurement has been an integral part of our inroads and partnership opportunity with HCC. I don’t think we would have cultivated the relationships or had as much traction had it not been for these areas serving as internal advocates. We are greatly appreciative to the SBDP for their assistance in implementing business opportunities and collaborative work projects for my company.

As a 100% WomanOwned Small Business, we are grateful to programs that want to be proactive in a diverse culture.

The SBDP/Procurement Department is an integral part of building these opportunities, and supports the efforts of small businesses to compete and grow.” - SBE Electrical Services & Sales Provider

“I have worked with the Small Business Development Program on several different projects. The one thing that is completely consistent, the Small Business Development Program is a champion for small businesses. Kudos to the Small Business Development Program and Procurement Operations.” - SBE Apparel Provider

“On behalf of our team, I want to sincerely thank the Small Business

Development Program for your support. Your efforts with arranging introductions between Procurement and our team was a vital component that allowed us to showcase our capabilities. Without the SBPD none of this would have been possible. Thank you for being an advocate!” - SBE IT Services and Equipment Provider

“It’s my absolute pleasure to work with the Small Business Development Program/Procurement Department. During our first meeting, the SBDP assisted me with registering in HCC’s vendor database. Once registered, we started to receive RFQs and have successfully provided HCC with many items we quoted for. The SBDP always manages to foster positive discussions and bring the best out of small businesses.” - SBE Print Services Provider

The SBDP is very active in our Community by participating with local Chambers and Associations as panelists and exhibitors. The SBDP also partners internally with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and Houston MBDA Business Center to provide even more value to the SBE community. Please keep in touch with the SBDP at hccs. edu/sbdp. To receive automatic notification of bid opportunities, be sure to fill out a vendor application at hccs. edu/procurement.

OPENING THE

for Equity and Economic Opportun STATEWIDE

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Adisparity study determines whether a government entity, either in the past or currently, engages in exclusionary practices in the solicitation and award of contracts to minority, women‐owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs). This study can help determine if there is disparity between the availability of firms and the utilization of those firms in its market area.

It was recently announced that a $200,000 Disparity Study Fund developed by Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia will help entities implement a Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program. Funded by Commissioners Ellis and Garcia, this program, already receiving support from school district and community college officials, could lead to entities beyond this region adopting and expanding MWBE programs that can open the door statewide for equity and economic opportunity for minority businesses.

Below is the recent press release (1/20/22) from the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis: Officials with Lone Star College System and Alief school district said Wednesday they support using a $200,000 Disparity Study Fund that Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia developed to help such entities implement a Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program.

Carlecia Wright, Chief Diversity Officer for Lone Star College System, which 60 percent of its students are of color, said disparity studies are required by law to legally implement a MWBE program.

“That is why Lone Star is committed to doing a disparity study and making sure we implement a program that is race and gender conscious so that we can create opportunities not just for our community,” she said, “but for our future community and for students who inspire to be entrepreneurs.”

Commissioners Ellis and Garcia are speaking to school district and community college boards in Harris County to convince trustees to take advantage of the fund, which Commissioners Court approved in November.

“We are going to go to every school district and community college in our region and say, ‘you ought to do more than just march in a (Martin Luther King Jr.) parade and read the I Have a Dream speech. You ought to give every student at your community college and your public schools the opportunity to build the schools that they attend,’ ” Commissioner Ellis said, referring to minority and female students who could become contractors.

Said Commissioner Garcia: “There’s a lot of strong talk when it comes to celebrating our diversity, but all too often, entities don’t put their money where their mouth is. So, I challenge every educational institution in our region to recognize that when you do disparity studies, you are bringing others to the table. You got to give them the opportunity. So I’m simply saying to every decision maker at every institution from Houston Community College to Lone Star, to San Jac (San Jacinto College), to U of H (University of Houston), to school districts across our region, give people an opportunity.”

As part of the program, the Office of County Administration will work with the County Attorney's Office, the Purchasing Department, and the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity to create a fund for community colleges and school districts in Harris County to conduct disparity studies to determine if MWBE’s are being utilized.

Subcontractors USA and its readership, being largely subcontractors, are directly impacted by this disparity study and need to keep a pulse on what’s happening with entities funded with public funds and their track record of doing business with MWBEs. This call to action set by Commissioners Ellis and Garcia should be taken seriously as it will create a more level playing field for our minority businesses. Think about the millions and billions of dollars circulating through these entities that are benefiting from tax dollars. Looking at the statistics, this disparity study is much needed, helping to keep entities accountable and tracking their efforts with MWBEs.”

—Carlecia Wright, Chair of the Subcontractors USA Advisory Board and the first Chief Diversity Officer of Lone Star College

Below is the recent press release (1/20/22) from the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis:

THE DOOR ity for Minority Businesses STATEWIDE

Participating institutions will be required to create and adopt MWBE programs using national best practices to remedy any race and gender disparities identified. Although Harris County is providing seed money, the participating entities will be responsible for most of the costs.

Public entities cannot create a raceconscious MWBE program without first performing a disparity study.

Commissioner Ellis initiated Harris County’s disparity study and asked the Port of Houston and the Metropolitan Transit Authority to conduct similar studies. Each disparity study indicated that MWBE’s were not well represented in the procurement process.

Harris County’s study, for example, showed only 9.1% of the contract dollars go to MWBEs, even though there are many more MWBEs in the region who could meet the County’s procurement needs. Black-owned businesses hold .5% of the contracts offered; Hispanics hold 4.6%; Asians hold .6%; Native Americans hold 0.1%; and White women hold 3.2%.

Multi-jurisdictional disparity studies allow multiple funding partners to pool their financial resources together to conduct and study across various entities. The county’s fund will provide seed funding for participating entities to pool their financial resources together for a multiorganizational study.

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said African American-, Latinx-, Asian- and women-owned businesses are just as qualified to receive government contracts. He thanked Commissioners Ellis and Garcia for funding the program.

“The more time you spend around

Commissioner Ellis, you learn that the buzz word is equity,” Menefee said. “What’s important about today is this is Commissioner Ellis and Commissioner Garcia not just using the word but putting their money where their mouth is by taking meaningful steps to provide access to minority-owned businesses.”

Ann Williams, Alief ISD Board President who said she was representing herself at the Wednesday news conference, said school districts across Texas approve almost $5 billion in bonds in November. Now, school board members are faced with trying to develop equity policies.

“Democracy is threatened because the great percentage of wealth is in the hands of a few people,” Bishop Dixon said. “The wealth gap exists because of the disparity as it relates to economic opportunity. We are now going for a disparity study. Why is it that this is the first time that there has ever been a disparity study in so many of the public agencies?”

Carlecia Wright is the Chair of the Subcontractors USA Advisory Board and the first Chief Diversity Officer of Lone Star College. In this leadership role at Lone Star, she serves as a key member of the administration providing system wide support for recruitment, implementing policies and programs, as well as developing community partnerships that foster equity and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff. Also with previous experience having served as the mayoral appointed Chief Diversity Officer and Director under Mayor Annise Parker and Mayor Sylvester Turner, she has great insight on diversity studies and what this program means for Houston and the state.

Q&A With Carlecia Wright:

SUBC USA: Explain to our readers what this disparity study means for MWBEs?

“We are putting them in place because we want to make sure that our students have access to equitable education,” Williams said. “But what good is it to educate our students and give them access when those who want to work as entrepreneurs or want to become developers ... have no opportunity when they graduate.”

State Rep. Ron Reynolds, who is joining Commissioners Ellis and Garcia in their meetings with college and school district boards, said disparity studies are needed “so we can show in black and white what the numbers are, not what you think they are.

“Not what someone said they were or what you want them to be,” he added. “What they are – facts matter. And the facts are that minorities who are competently qualified and can do the work are historically left behind … because they (decision makers) use the excuse of experience.”

Wright: Commissioners Ellis and Garcia have been and remain true advocates for MWBEs. Commissioner Ellis challenged entities to conduct disparity studies after seeing what the county was spending and that some entities funded with public capital don't have MWBE programs. This study will help hold entities accountable, illuminating minority businesses in their areas that can provide the services they need, also validating MWBEs in the marketplace. Entities collecting taxpayer money, but not doing business with the community should have a MWBE program in place. Developed in 2015 by Chancellor Dr. Stephen C. Head, Lone Star already has an active diversity program, but this diversity study will help us track how impactful the program is, also helping us evaluate how we can expand our efforts to do more business with MWBEs. With this proactive program developed by Commissioners Ellis and Garcia, this is a pipeline for our students to succeed as entrepreneurs.

SUBC USA: How can this disparity study fund be impactful for our state?

Wright: As Lone Star College is the largest college in the region and one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation, being one of the entities leading the charge and taking on this leadership role is momentous. We are hopeful that many will respond to the call of action set by Commissioners Ellis and Garcia. Some of these entities look at the best practices of their counterparts. Once the results are seen regionally, one can be hopeful about seeing entities conduct disparity studies statewide, with the implementation and expansion of MWBE programs to further the advancement of minority businesses.

For more information about the disparity study and program, please contact the Office of Commissioner Ellis at www.hcp1.net and Commissioner Garcia’s Office at www.hcp2.com. And for more about Carlecia Wright and Lone Star College’s diversity program, please visit www.lonestar.edu.

Source: www.houstontx.gov

Bishop James W. Dixon, President of the Houston NAACP, agrees.

BEXAR COUNTY’S

Annual SMWVBO Conference

Connects Small Businesses to Billions of Dollars in Contract Opportunities

By Subcontractors USA

News Provider

COVID-19 has wrought unprecedented challenges that have and continue to affect us in profoundly different ways. The unforeseen circumstances resulting from the pandemic have been felt by our small business community. And the lasting implications for elected officials at the local, state, and national levels have likewise been extreme. For Bexar County, the decision to mandate stay-at-home orders as well as require restrictive social distancing and maximum occupancy standards were measured responses to a highly communicable and rapidly progressing disease.

Bexar County’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department (SBED), led by Renee Watson, understood that at the beginning of the pandemic, Bexar County’s small business community was not equipped to implement those edicts as ordered by Commissioner’s Court, so in addition to other efforts, launched the PPE Essential Items Program. Utilizing comprehensive metrics concerning a business’ viability with the new COVID safety protocols mandated by Bexar County, nearly 10,000 small businesses within the county’s borders were provided gallons of hand sanitizer, nitrile gloves, facemasks, touchless thermometers, cleaning supplies, and more at no cost. As additional supplies were made available, these too were dispersed among local business owners to include 2,000 individual sheets of Plexiglas. As County Judge Nelson Wolff continued to extend emergency orders requiring facemasks for businesses, SBED went on to host drive-up giveaways at strategic locations throughout Bexar County’s four precincts. In all, more than one million facemasks would be distributed to small businesses via SBED’s various distribution programs. “Words cannot begin to describe the pain felt by our small businesses,” said Watson. “SBED is more than just a faceless government department. These are our neighbors, and our efforts will continue to reflect that.”

Beyond the provision of PPE and essential items, Bexar County’s SBED continues to make a concerted effort to connect small business with contracting opportunities, regardless of the venue.

“COVID hurt our community, but it didn’t stop commerce. Just as our small businesses had to adapt to virtual offerings and venues, so did the SBED mission,” Watson said. Already aggressive in the social media landscape, Bexar County’s SBED immediately began to coordinate a series of virtual ‘Meet the Buyer’

events. Traditionally, an in-person presentation, SBED expanded its invited speakers to include internal departments as well as partner agencies and general contractors to virtual meeting platforms, moderated with ample Q&A periods. Watson expressed, “As it was apparent COVID-19 was going to be present for some time, we saw that our small business community needed the work. The idea that we could not convene a physical meeting to have our partner agencies and stakeholders communicate what work was available was simply not acceptable. Through the SBED’s diligence and efforts and with comments and feedback from the ‘Meet the Buyers’ series, this expanded our full slate of programming and resources available to small businesses. One of our goals as a results-driven department is to continue to see our small businesses thrive throughout the COVID pandemic and after.” With topics ranging from guidance on completing Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications direct from the Small Business Administration to understanding relief options from the Bexar County Tax Assessor Collector, SBED has remained committed to keeping the small business community apprised of topical, relevant resources and contracting opportunities.

Continuing the focus on virtual programming, Bexar County’s Annual Small, Minority, Women and Veteran Business Owners (SMWVBO) Conference was moved to an exclusively online format in December 2020. “Our event hosts around 5,000 people annually. For 20 years now our local business owners, partner agencies, and stakeholders have been marking their calendars, knowing a tremendous networking opportunity, the only one of its kind is available just after Thanksgiving,” Watson said. Thanks in large part to an ongoing partnership with Microsoft, Bexar County SBED expanded the annual conference into a three-day event complete with presentations from agencies offering small business assistance, with a focus on COVID-19 economic recovery. SBED’s Data & Contract Compliance Manager James Massey provides some insight into the logistics of last year’s virtual conference. “It was a difficult task. In addition to live remarks from prominent speakers, we offered concurrent live presentations from strategic partners. So as to ensure focus was not taken from the live events, we prerecorded 60 exhibitors speaking about current contracting opportunities and hosted links to those spots on the conference landing page, accessible at any time.” Watson added, “I cannot say enough about Terri Williams and the Center for Government Contracting. That conversation, ‘I am here to sell, well, I am here to buy,’ it’s hard to replicate that. But thanks to the Matchmaking software solution offered by Dr. Williams’ program over the entirety of the three-day virtual conference, I think we came close.”

After nearly two years of virtual programming, SBED plans to return to its annual in-person format for the 2021 SMWVBO Conference on December 8, 2021. The conference will be held at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall located at 3201 E. Houston, San Antonio,

Texas 78219. “We think the community is anxious, but ready for this,” said Watson. “We have met with the venue and each of our service providers a number of times. We have COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place and communicated those to our exhibitors, with social distancing measures in our floor planning. We are ready.” Featured as the SMWVBO’s keynote speaker in its inaugural return to an in-person format will be Rodney Strong, the principal owner of Griffin & Strong, P.C., who most recently performed Bexar County’s Disparity & Availability Study, reviewing the County’s procurement practices and utilization from fiscal years 2014 – 2019. Though engaged in previous studies, the Griffin & Strong Study

is the first to have been accepted and adopted by Bexar County Commissioner’s Court and is currently in its implementation phase. While Strong’s remarks will mostly focus upon the Study’s findings, particularly those concerning the availability of diverse contractors and small business owners, a significant number of changes promise to be enacted from its implementation, including a focus on data collection and compliance.

With the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, Bexar County’s Commissioners Court authorized the addition of three Contract Compliance Specialists as well as a Data & Contract Compliance Manager to the SBED. Combined with regraded positions now serving as Data Support Specialists, actions taken in the budget process have fomented a data collection and compliance team which will monitor opportunities and contracts from project creation to project closeout. As the Bexar County Commissioners Court continues to consider the adoption of race conscious goal setting, the data collection and compliance team will begin reviewing expenditures executed by Bexar County Purchasing as well as the Bexar County Auditor's Office to review process as well as utilization. By contract and by purchase order, regardless of industry and operating without specified thresholds, SBED’s efforts are intended to ultimately document and demonstrate Bexar County’s utilization of local diverse vendors, while also offering some analytics on the efficacy of the department’s outreach measures.

To accommodate the new positions and team, SBED has recently relocated from the Paul Elizondo Tower to 203 W. Nueva San Antonio, Texas 78207: still a stone’s throw from the historic County Courthouse. Regarding SBED’s recent move, Watson stated, “Commissioners Court has invested heavily in our efforts to document and detail that the County’s engagement of local and diverse firms goes beyond our prime or first tier spend. The addition to our team and with the move, we look forward to producing results commensurate to the Court’s investment.” As demonstrated by the department’s COVID response to small business, both in supply distribution and virtual programming and highlighted annually by the SMWVBO Conference, SBED remains dedicated to producing dynamic and impactful results.

Regardless of the ever-changing economic conditions, Watson and the SBED team hold steadfast in its mission to connect businesses to opportunities, and now with the addition of a data and compliance team, illustrates the efforts and impact of those opportunities within the community.

For more information about the Bexar County Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department and the upcoming Small, Minority, Women and Veteran Business Owners Conference on December 8th, please visit www.bexar.org.

After nearly two years of virtual programming, we are excited that the 2021 SMWVBO Conference will be inperson. The SBED and our partners are ready to host this annual event that connects small businesses to a platform that has billions of dollars in contract opportunities. With COVID-19 mitigation protocols in place, this will be a safe experience for our attendees. SBED is more than just a faceless government department. The small business community is our neighbors, and this year’s conference in addition to our other efforts will continue to reflect that.”

—Renee Watson, Director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department for Bexar County

Renee Watson, Director of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department for Bexar County

Staffing solutions that work for your business.

The Staffing Solution; Meeting & Exceeding Industry Staffing Needs

As a woman-owned enterprise, Sunshine Personnel Solutions is an innovator and leader in staffing, proudly serving a diverse clientele that includes oil and gas, construction, industrial, labor, and healthcare, etc. With a highly skilled team and recruiters, Sunshine Personnel Solutions has placed thousands of qualified candidates in all of these industries, blessing job seekers with employment and clients with talented employees.”

With Sunshine Personnel Solutions:

SUBC USA: As a minority/ woman-owned business, talk about the importance of supporting woman-owned enterprises, especially as this is National Women's Small Business Month.

SUNSHINE: It is important to support women-owned enterprises because being a female entrepreneur myself in a male-dominated industry, I understand the challenges. I support women business owners by hosting my own monthly networking events for women, providing them

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released new estimates on the characteristics of employer businesses. According to the 2019 Annual Business Survey (ABS), covering reference year

Q&Awith support and helping to open doors for them to build relationships for business success. I mentor and educate other women business owners as well, sharing my knowledge and experience.

SUBC USA: In the midst of the pandemic, what challenges have you faced as a business owner, and how have you overcome those challenges?

SUNSHINE: The pandemic brought on many unforeseen hardships such as: no person-to-person contact, decrease in volume, and decrease of revenue, among other challenges. In order to overcome the hardships of the pandemic, we had to

find new ways to keep the business running and successfully serve clients. Because of the no contact policy, we turned to virtual and other technology to continue to recruit. Through the virtual platform, things turned around for the better, with continuous job placement and increased revenue.

SUBC USA: What is that "special" element that Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC brings to this industry that connects clients with top candidates?

SUNSHINE: Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC special element that sets us apart from traditional staffing agencies is that we do not serve only one specific industry, but have a range of diverse clients in areas that include oil and gas, construction, industrial, labor, and healthcare. We staff for many companies

—Maribel Rodriguez, CEO of Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC

2018, approximately 18.3% of all U.S. businesses were minority-owned and about 19.9% of all businesses were owned by women. Also highlighted, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses had a growth of about 3.0% from 2017, and in 2018, Hispanic-owned businesses made up about 5.8% of all businesses. With successful and ever-thriving businesses like Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC, there is proof of a positive outlook for unceasing growth among these groups. CEO Maribel Rodriguez has over two decades of impressive know-how as a business owner, gaining over the years a great skill set in staffing, placement for temporary or direct personnel, and marketing public interest in staffing temps for each individual company.

Since opening Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC in 2014, serving Houston and the surrounding areas, this staffing service solution proudly meets the staffing needs of clients in the areas of industrial, transportation, maintenance, medical, hospitality, and office support, etc. Maribel and her team of experts understand the importance of a company’s budget, time, and need for an adept staff to keep a business competitive. Bonded and fully insured with general liability insurance, Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC take the risk out of

all throughout Houston, the surroundings of Houston, and outside of the city to provide stable employment to all job seekers. Also, Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC doesn’t just place the candidate with the traditional education. We provide career opportunities for the homeless, individuals who live in halfway houses, and shelters. I am proud that we have opened doors for those who are often overlooked, but who need an opportunity. This special element helps business owners and those looking for work. It has proven to be a win-win for all.

SUBC USA: Talk about your innovation as a results-driven leader as a staffing agency, helping exceed expectations, connecting clients to qualified candidates.

SUNSHINE: Our innovation as a results-driven leader as a staffing agency helps exceed client and candidate expectations, connecting both

hiring employees, also managing employee workers compensation and unemployment insurance.

What also keeps Sunshine Personnel Solutions a leader in their field is that they go beyond the services of a traditional staffing agency, providing:

• Payroll Services

• Drug Screening Services

• Onsite Safety Meetings

• And MORE!

Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC focuses on providing clients proficient personnel with

parties through strategic marketing, also utilizing the latest technology and trends in this industry to meet hiring needs.

SUBC USA: With already extensive experience and impressive success over the years, what are your goals moving forward? My goals moving forward are to continue growing Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC through partnerships, networking, and initiatives to increase clients and candidates, also adding additional talented team members to the company. We will continue to build great business relationships and partnerships and stay educated so we remain ahead of the curve in this arena. And of course I will continue to mentor and host events for other female business owners to receive opportunities and support.

SUBC USA: Is there a particular success story(ies) that you want to share with our readers, especially when it comes to clients in the oil and gas/construction industry/industrial/labor field?

SUNSHINE: During the pandemic, many

businesses closed due to the government-imposed shutdowns. Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC remained open, being categorized as an “essential business.” We were able to place more than 1,000 employees to one of our clients who was providing the personal protective equipment (PPE) for the hospitals. Through safety

promptness and professionalism. Their goal is to meet client expectations by simplifying the search for first-rate candidates for their business needs.

For more information about Maribel Rodriguez and Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC, please visit www.sunshinepersonnelsolutions.com. And to contact Maribel or a member of the team, please email info@sunshinepersonnelsolutions.com or call (832) 364-9640.

Source: The U.S. Census Bureau

measures and adapting with an effective plan of action, we continued to meet client and candidate needs.

SUBC USA: What is your message to other female business owners, whether established or up-andcoming for National Women's Small Business Month?

SUNSHINE: My message to all female business owners

is to always be persistent in reaching your goals and dreams. Stay visible and connected to other business women and entrepreneurs. Also, everyone is not your client, so make sure you are striving (through research, education, and marketing) to reach the right target audience for your business.

SUBC USA: Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

SUNSHINE: I am always looking to partner with any business that needs employees from 1 employee to 100 + employees. We work on W-2s and take care of all the hassles like payroll, taxes, time tracking, child support, unemployment, and workers comp insurance. Each candidate of Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC has been extensively screened, also with trusted references for client satisfaction. Our recruiters are exceptionally skilled in identifying top talent around the U.S., matching them for client needs. And we, not the client, are responsible for the expenses related to candidate sourcing, so the client doesn’t have to pay for reference checks, background checks, and advertising.

Industrial Welding Academy

A Family-Owned Enterprise Preparing the NEXT GENERATION OF WELDERS

By Subcontractors USA

Provider

The nation's aging infrastructure requires the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and structures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Recent statistics from Data USA show the number of people employed as welding, soldering, and brazing workers has been growing at a rate of 4.98% , from 580,520 people in 2018 to 609,457 people in 2019. Andre worked for several major industrial companies, and as a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), he has more than 30 years of training experience in the welding industry. Miranda possesses more than 2 decades of workforce development and management experience, being a valuable element to IWA’s foundation.

Continuing to meet the industry’s demand for welders, providing higher education in welding is the Industrial Welding Academy (IWA ). Since 2007, Andre Horn , founder and CEO and Miranda Horn , vice president, have been dedicated to teaching students the in-demand trade of welding built on their motto of “Integrity With Attitude.”

IWA , for more than a decade with an acclaimed certification program, has proven itself as more than just a welding school, but a proven place for young men and women to get a second chance, being successful in their personal and professional development. Under the direction of the Horns, the curriculum, staff, and instructors are strategic, so the student body feels more like part of a family, beyond the traditional teacher-student setting. This learning

environment is distinct and effectual, perpetually producing graduates who are the future generation of leaders in the welding profession and in their communities. “ IWA changes the lives of our students by teaching them the valuable skill of welding. And we don’t take it for granted that we are in a city with one of the highest levels of employment in the welding field in the country. Yes, our students have the advantage in that instance, but we understand that the highest level of training needs to be available in order for them to secure gainful employment. IWA is about opening doors for young welders to be the best through our quality welding training environment. When

our students gain the confidence careerwise, that also extends into their personal life, building self-esteem. And that is one of the best things to witness.” Andre said.

The Horns leading this familyowned enterprise prepares not only students, but also the next generation of IWA leadership with their children, Desiree and Dalton Horn showing passion and gaining first-hand experience to be successful in continuing the IWA legacy. “I am more than honored to continue the legacy my parents have created from the ground up. For them to even consider passing the torch to me really means a lot. I get the privilege to keep this legacy alive and im -

pact the community the same way my parents did,” said Desiree. “ IWA is the perfect place to come for those needing a second chance. Regardless of your background, welder qualifications are based on hands-on training and work ethic. Here at IWA , we focus on book knowledge and hands-on training that you will need in the field,” expressed Dalton.

But the academy’s achievements would not be possible without the IWA educators and support staff. “You can give students requirements, but do they have the tools to meet those demands? I am thankful that IWA’s instructors are providing those necessary tools for our students to succeed in their education and in the real world after they

News

Left to Right: Andre Horn, Desiree Horn, Miranda Horn, Dalton Horn

Desiree the Learning takes also legacy. the on ‘Integrity children continue

Miranda and I are proud of the achievements of IWA, but we are training our children, Desiree and Dalton, to build upon the foundation that we have laid. Learning the business and what it takes to run a successful school, also earning the opportunity to lead IWA is what will sustain the IWA legacy. Our family and the IWA staff and instructors are dedicated to the philosophy that one’s ability to earn a meaningful income is based on their dedication to learn marketable skills. This is based on our ‘Integrity With Attitude’ motto. IWA stands on that now, and with our children one day taking over the reins, I have no doubt this academy will continue to stand on that for years to come.”

—Andre Horn, founder and CEO of the Industrial Welding Academy

graduate from IWA ,” Miranda said. IWA CWEs are credentialed by the American Welding Society (AWS), the multifaceted nonprofit organization advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and related disciplines all across the country. Working with welders of all levels and companies of all sizes, IWA’s certified welding instructors have more than 50 years of experience in the welding industry.

Ever growing, with a location in Houston and expanding in 2018, with a school now in Beaumont, both state-of-the-art welding schools accommodate an industry-leading student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Training spaces are designed to resemble the job

test for certifications at their Houston location. “This annual event was especially important, being that we all have had to overcome challenges brought about by COVID-19. Our students, instructors, and staff had to adapt as well, and we understand that. But we are still here and applaud everyone for pushing through to not only continue to keep IWA a success, but to shine the light on our students who worked so hard and deserved this day. This annual day would not have been possible without AWS, our sponsors, proctors, community partners, instructors, staff, and the high school instructors who brought their students to participate,” expressed Miranda.

settings in realistic welding conditions and environments. Students are each assigned a welding machine and welding booth during the course. IWA providing individual booths for students allows them to strengthen their skills received individually as well as collectively. IWA remains committed to providing the superior training and education that is in line with current welding industry needs.

Like many, IWA has had to pivot and adapt amid the pandemic, but the academy shows no signs of yielding, continuing to produce confident and competent welding professionals. “The government required closures during the pandemic did force us to close our doors temporarily for a couple of months, but we took that time to put new procedures into place when able to reopen for our students. We were able to adapt with CDC and state regulations in place for the health and safety of our staff and students to remain productive in IWA’s learning environment,” said Andre. He added, “And with us being in the hub of the oil and gas and petrochemical core, there remains continuous career opportunities for our students after they graduate. We had no choice but to adapt to the current times. If you don’t adapt, you get left behind, and there was no choice but for us to reopen and push through. We owed that to the students, staff, and to the community.”

IWA proves to be a worthy driving force in educating our next generation of welders, recently holding their Annual Student Welder Certification Day, hosting aspiring welders from Houston and the surrounding areas to

Though you may not realize it, welding shapes our communities and everyday lives. And IWA is proud to be instrumental in shaping the lives of the next generation working in this career. From construction to manufacturing, the demand for welders remains strong. Salaries are also good, given that many jobs in this arena don’t require an extensive education, with some making a six-figure income. IWA is not just about preparing students for a job, but a career and fulfilling life, conveying the great value of integrity and discipline upon its students.

Because many of the IWA students come from at-risk areas, IWA gives them a deserving second chance to change their lives. “ IWA is providing our young people an invaluable opportunity to gain higher education in the welding industry. Miranda and I, with our children, dedicated instructors, and staff are equipping students to perform their best, because they have the credentials, discipline, experience, welding training, and confidence to excel and exceed expectations as welders,” Andre said.

Andre and Miranda have made IWA more than an academy, but a familyrun operation preparing students to be productive assets in the industry and in their communities. It’s a great legacy that will remain standing for years to come, one day being run by their children, Desiree and Dalton, remaining the bridge connecting those needing a second chance to a successful career in this industry.

Desiring to meet the steady demand for welders, IWA has future plans to open additional facilities throughout the city and state. For more information about IWA , please visit www.iwatraining.com or email mybestwelding@iwatraining.com

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data USA Zippia

National Association of Minority Contractors, Inc.

Greater Houston Chapter 1415 North Loop West Ste: 300-24, Houston, TX 77008 832-797-1842 | www.namctexas.org | email: director@namctexas.org

Our new Executive Board will consist of:

NAMC Board Chair – Ricky Cortez (MCA CEO)

Greg Williams – Executive Vice-Chair (President Honesty Const. Co.)

Jorge Mancilla – Vice-Chair (Vice-President Gutier LLC)

Treasurer – Roger Pombrol (CEO Emerald Standard Elec. Contractors)

Secretary – Heather Kelly (CEO / Principal Dominion A/C LLC)

Rounding out our Board Directors will be:

John Bowles P Board Chair (Vice President Hadley Construction Group)

Roque Campo (Principal / CEO Montgomery Equipment)

Ruben Mercado Jr. (Past Chair / President /CEO Ipsum GC)

Carol MacNeil (Principal Genesis Cable & Lighting)

Maribel Rodriquez (Principal / CEO Sunshine Personnel)

Jesus Gonzalez (President JEGON Industrial Services, LLC

Johnny Hollins (Principal /CEO J.G. Hollins Builders)

Patrick Castillo (President Capital Const. Design Build Group Corp)

Ray Gutierrez – New Director (Principal- Houston Construction Services)

• Patrick Castillo and Ray Gutierrez were voted in as new directors

Abel R Garcia – Executive Director (Remains on his 5th year of service)

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.

• Advocate law and government actions for minority contractors.

• 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

$375

$750