CONTRACTOR SUCCESS STORIES : LUCKY DOG CONSTRUCTION
Technical Assistance Program ( CTAP ). “ The CTAP staff welcomed us with open arms ,” recalls Steve , “ and provided us with information , professional guidance and referrals , prompt response times , and the feeling that they were willing to go the extra mile to assist us .” Having completed their SLEB certification with Alameda County , Lucky Dog Construction is pursuing work with Alameda County and eager to be part of the Caltrans Mentor-Protégé program in order to learn more about public works projects . “ We ’ re looking forward to spending time with a prime contractor who ’ s already been there and done that , who can guide us on where to fill in the blanks and help us learn what we ’ re missing ,” shares Steve . Down the line , Steve and Amy plan to become a Mentor to smaller companies , because they ’ ve already experienced the sense of fulfillment that comes from giving back and passing on what they ’ ve learned .
“ Even when you go to bed discouraged , get up enthused because each new day brings new opportunities .”
Instead , they suggest taking advantage of all available community-based services , support and programs for contractors and small businesses , as well as networking on a local and state level to gain knowledge and exposure to industry experts , primes , peers and public agencies . Steve adds to never give up , “ Even when you go to bed discouraged , get up enthused because each new day brings new opportunities .” Lucky Dog Construction ’ s work ethic , experience , caliber of service and attitude toward challenges seems to be a winning combination , as the company was just awarded “ Best Mechanical Contractor ” for the third year in a row by the City of Fremont Business Hall of Fame .
To learn more about Lucky Dog Construction , Inc . please visit their
website . Steve and Amy also created a great
promotional video for their company .
For now , Lucky Dog Construction ’ s advice to other small and disadvantaged contractors includes to “ grow slow ” and stay within their means in terms of finances and labor , avoiding banks and financial institutions that may claim to want to help small businesses but can often end up being predatory , which only creates more financial stress in the long run . As Amy points out , “ In startup mode , we have made it a priority not to borrow money for expansion- we have learned to appreciate organic growth- it forces you to become more creative . We have considered capital funding , but also understand that getting outside money adds another level of complexity and does not guarantee faster growth .”