MARS GLASS COMPANY
He first connected with the City and County of San Francisco Contractor Development Program( CDP) shortly after becoming certified as a small business( SBE) and local business enterprise( LBE).“ After being in business for two years, I realized that I needed to step up and get these certifications and once I did, I got invited to many more small and local business events, which connected me to a wider network – including the CDP,” says Amir.
After enrolling, he received expert guidance and support from the CDP administrator, Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services( MWIS), a Hub International Company.“ They’ ve helped us a lot. Although my father was in the industry in Iran, things are very different in the U. S., so he couldn’ t provide guidance on how to do things here. Plus, as a small company, I am a one-man show when it comes to having to be in the office to review and complete paperwork, as well as having to be in the field to meet clients and oversee the work.” He adds that because public works projects have complex requirements and involve a lot of paperwork, getting the CDP’ s help in understanding contract terms, organizing financial records, and meeting insurance and bonding requirements, for example, has been instrumental to his success.
“ I can always rely on them, and have learned a lot from Jennifer Elmore and Ken Heiman.
Left: Before and after of storefront and door entrance installation by Mars Glass for Hotel Union Square, at the corner of Powell and Ellis Streets in San Francisco.
10- imwis. com