Arlington Company Recognized With 2020 Jackie Robinson Business Most Valuable Diverse Partner Award
Arlington ’ s own Industrial Solutions Company was recently recognized by the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation for going above and beyond the call of duty to exhibit quality , class and professionalism in all aspects of its business .
Industrial Solutions Company , owned and managed by Barbara and Leonard Oldums , received the Jackie Robinson Business Most Valuable Diverse Partner Award ( MVDP ). The Oldums are both Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce members .
“ It is so wonderful that we won the award together ,” said Owner Barbara Oldums . “ It really is a true blessing after all of the hard ups and downs , all of our savings put in , late nights and trying to develop customers as a small business .”
She credits her business ’ success to their commitment to customer service and building relationships . “ Even if there is a problem , we don ’ t run away from it . We stay right there with the customer . Sometimes we help them solve problems that we don ’ t even know of , but they trusted us enough to help us solve the problem that another vendor created .”
Vice President & CFO Leonard Oldums explained how the opportunity to work with the Rangers began with providing a limited amount of supplies , but has grown since . Leonard Oldums described how their commitment enables Industrial Solutions Company to succeed and be recognized within the community .
“ I don ’ t want to be the best minority business in town , I want to be the best industrial supply company there is period . So what that will cause you to do when you approach it with that mindset , is put on your business suit and make business presentations in the morning then you come home and put your jeans and T-shirt on to make deliveries . When you do that , you will get rewarded not just as a minority business , but as the best period . I think everyone should shoot for being the best period ,” Leonard Oldums .
Industrial Solutions ’ relationship with the Rangers has helped them gain more customers and more relationships within the community . Regardless of whether a firm is a minority or small business , the Oldums stress the importance of building relationships .
Click here to learn more about Industrial Solutions Company .
“ The commitment that the City of Arlington has made to include M / WBE firms is huge . Many times , we hear that larger firms cannot find M / WBE firms to work with . The outreach and the relationships built has meant a lot to the minority and women business community . You not only talked the talk , but walked the walk .”
ROSA NAVEJAR President , The Rios Group
“ The M / WBE goal of 25 percent is commendable and clearly shows the City of Arlington is committed to equality and growth opportunity for everyone . I am proud to have had my company participate on the project .”
QUINCY ROBERTS President , Roberts Trucking
“ I am so thankful they have taken the time to recognize minority business owners and to use local talent . I get emotional . This has sent me to a new direction , into construction . They are giving the little guy a chance . That would be me , the little guy .”
TARVIA BILLS HARDISON
Owner , Tarvia Bills The Cleaning Lady LLC
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