CONTRACTOR SUCCESS STORIES II : ROYAL FLOORS , INC .
“ Those of us who can need to commit to helping other small and minority contractors by sharing what we know in real time . I ’ m always willing to pick up the phone to help another small business if I can .”
businesses . “ Creating an inclusive , communitybased environment for small contractors would provide an effective support network to help us grow our small businesses . We also need more contracts specifically designed for small and minority contractors .”
Aurora 44-unit supportive housing complex with ground level retail - all flooring by Royal Floors , Inc .
Mario has been advocating for local contractors in the City of Oakland to help fund a muchneeded contractor resource program . “ I would like to see some set-aside contracts and a way for small contractors to learn and understand how the system works . There needs to be better oversight on how contracts get distributed to ensure that local small contractors are getting a piece of the pie .” He would love to see the County of Alameda create a facility where small and minority contractors can go for project information , receive back-office support , and have access to office space , a warehouse and parking with access to projects for their small
Mario learned about the Alameda Contractor Technical Assistance Program ( CTAP ) from Len Turner of the Construction Resource Center , who invited him to attend a County event at which he was introduced to Bernida Reagan , Director of Community and Client Relations at Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services ( which administers the CTAP ). He has found the staff professional and helpful and plans to work more closely with them as he moves forward with pursuing County public works projects . His ideal project sizes are between $ 250K and $ 600K for flooring , and between $ 150K and $ 250K for general contracting .
Currently , Mario ’ s companies have been working on two City of Oakland affordable housing projects , totaling 110 units , as well several banks and medical facilities . One of the housing projects will be allocated to housing the homeless and Mario is happy to be part of the positive impact this will have for the community . His flooring company has a three-year contract providing jobsite assistance and traffic control support to another contractor on a sidewalk trip hazards prevention project throughout the city of Oakland .
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