CT: How has working with the CDP benefited JDB & Sons?
MC: Going through the CDP gave us a lot of the nuts-and-bolts information as well as the “know-how” to be able to start successfully bidding on and completing public works projects. The process of obtaining bonding pushed us to get our finances and records in order while also getting our internal controls lined up and ready for a Certified Public Accountant’s review. We’ve also learned the management aspects of owning a business.
The CDP also helped us connect with some very helpful departments, individuals and resources, all of which have provided us with the support we needed to grow. The City’s Contract Monitoring Division and the staff at Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, which administers the City and County of San Francisco’s Contractor Development Program, have answered questions, provided technical support and guidance, and have gone to bat for us as we’ve learned the ropes. Monica Wilson helped us create a Business Plan and with various management-related questions. Jennifer Elmore and Carol Henry have fielded questions and provided guidance about insurance, bonding and many other project-related issues.
Whenever we’ve had challenges arise, they have helped us resolve them. We’re Irish, so we aren’t easily scared and we are willing to work hard, but it has really made a difference to have a support team available to assist, guide, and advise us. We’ve increased our bonding capacity and have taken on more and larger projects. We’ve been awarded contracts with the Port of San Francisco, the San Francisco Department of Public Works and Recreation and Parks, to name just a few, and we’ve grown 600% since 2010!
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JDB & Sons Construction, Inc. crewmembers learn jobsite safety