Summer 2019 CCSF Contractor Tools Summer 2019 | Page 11

MC: Oh yes, we’ve definitely been hiring more people. Monica Wilson, who is extremely knowledgeable, has helped us in getting apprentices through City training programs. We are now helping new contractors getting into construction to learn and develop their skill set. The kind of growth we’ve experienced requires us to constantly stay on top of rules and regulations that continuously change. We’ve had to learn about doing certified payroll and prevailing wages for example – but with the support and resources provided by the CDP, we continue to gain valuable experience along the way.

CT: What advice would you give certified LBE’s looking to bid City projects with regards to using the CDP?

MC: Don’t be afraid to go for it. Yes, contracting for public works projects requires a lot of paperwork and learning to comply with a higher level of requirements, and you’ll probably have to sharpen up your business management skills, but if you are a small contractor, get enrolled in and complete the CDP, because once you do that, you’ll have the support you need to succeed. The City and County of San Francisco, the Contract Monitoring Division, and participating Primes all realize that small contractors don’t have the money and resources to do it all themselves. That is why the City and County of San Francisco’s Contractor Development Program is there – to help you learn what you need to learn to successfully expand your business. Reach out to them, connect with their staff, complete the CDP and get the resources, contacts and support you need. Communicate with them and keep up with it. Make the time, put in the effort to reach out and complete the Program. It may seem like you don’t have time but it’s worthwhile if you truly want your business to be as successful as it can be. We’re proof that it works if you put in the time and effort.

Larsen Park, where JDB & Sons Construction, Inc. removed and replaced the old playground and structures to create a safer, updated children's recreational area.