DAWSON CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT having higher cancer rates because of their exposure to fire retardants , so anything we can do to reduce their risk is important .”
DCM ’ s website states that the company ’ s core objectives are community investment , local hiring and environmental best practices . Speaking to these , Lamont shares , “ I love Oakland , especially East Oakland , so when it comes to renovating residential or commercial buildings , I feel that it ’ s important to invest in beautifying and improving our community . Hiring locally for local work is important in terms of expanding work opportunities within our community . We also always use quality materials , never cut corners and participate in programs that help incentivize homeowners to adopt more energy efficient practices – whether that means better insulation , solar panels or low-consumption fixtures and appliances .”
Over the next 5 years , Lamont hopes to increase his company ’ s participation in creating more affordable housing for , as well as improving and beautifying Oakland . “ When a place hits rock bottom , it can only go up from there ,” he observes .
His advice to other small contractors is to always keep the client ’ s experience and needs top of mind . “ Residential is a little different in this way than strictly commercial construction , because we are dealing with people ’ s dwellings . I remember seeing actor Halle Berry talking about how stressful her house renovation was and I realized that , even for high-end clients who may have a second or third home , the renovation process is stressful because it ’ s still their home and sanctuary . So you always have to hold up your end of the bargain , but also go over and above when necessary to ensure that your clients have the best possible experience .”
Lamont also encourages contractors to find a niche or a few areas of specialty that they really enjoy and to get certified , so that they can act as subs for contracts that are awarded to a large prime . “ I ’ m still working on developing my niche ,” he admits , “ but one area that I am leaning toward is bathroom accessories , which is in demand for public venues , because the construction crews , plumbers and carpenters do not install accessories like baby changing stations .”
Besides the wide range of opportunities , Lamont enjoys how working in construction keeps him in the know about what is being developed within his community and how people feel about various projects . “ I know ahead of time what ’ s coming down the pipeline , but I hear how people within the community respond to different projects – whether they are happy or upset about how the work is being done . This made me realize that I am not the only one who notices if a project is being done well or not . Locals pay close attention to and care about what ’ s going on within their community .”
For more information about Dawson Construction Management , visit their website .
SPRING 2025 CONTRACTOR REPORT - 11