(All Bay Area Glass, Inc. continued)
Shaune continues, "Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services and the Alameda County Contractor Bonding Assistance Program staff have been dedicated urban small business ambassadors.” She has experienced first-hand how collaboration helps create greater business success. “Just in terms of mentoring, we have received guidance on everything from the best installation techniques for specific situations to help boosting our union employee labor force to be able to complete large-scale projects.”
She points out how, in helping to develop a larger pool of qualified local tradespeople and small businesses, these advocates and mentors are creating win-win outcomes that benefit everyone, creating more work opportunities and boosting local economies. Shaune also remarks on the personal encouragement and support offered to her by Hensel Phelps, MWIS and other professional colleagues and mentors when she lost her son in a 2016 car accident. “While I had loving support from my family as well, the care and kindness they showed me after this tragedy made it all the more evident that they genuinely care about others on a personal level, which greatly helped me make it through this extremely challenging experience.”
Shaune pauses to emphasize the vital role that outreach by the County CBAP and participating prime contractors, as well as receiving ongoing guidance and mentorship from larger contractors, plays in supporting the success of underrepresented, small business enterprises such as All Bay Area Glass. “Hensel Phelps is a leader in the industry; they partner with smaller contractors, encourage mentor-protégé connections, and have created a niche for us to be able to participate in their projects.
East County Hall of Justice Dublin, CA (General Contractor, Hensel Phelps)
Architectural Glass and Aluminum, Inc. (AGA) was a mentor to us on the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center and has continued to be a great resource. Kevin Youngblood at USGA, Inc. has mentored and guided us so much throughout the years. Cahill Construction has been very encouraging and is wonderful to work with. Michael Johnson, owner of UrbanCore, LLC, has helped pave the way for the inclusion of smaller contractors in large projects and is a real inspiration for what’s possible."