MARS GLASS COMPANY
Even when I reached out to Jennifer late on a Friday afternoon, she took the time to answer my questions and provide guidance and resources. Ken helped us organize our financials for prequalification with general contractors and so that we would be ready if we wanted to apply for a SBA loan. If I have any questions- such as about project requirements or working with unions- I know I can reach out to them.”
Amir also makes a point of attending CDP events and appreciates how the MWIS staff make sure to connect him with the right people.“ When I started out, I knew very few people, but by participating in workshops and events, I now know 70 % of the other people there, and we are all friendly and supportive of each other. Because we get a lot of outside contractors bidding on projects in the Bay Area, the construction industry here is highly competitive, so building community with other local contractors is very important.”
As an immigrant, Amir emphasizes what a difference it makes to have peers who are happy to help him understand how the system works. He, in turn, loves to help others; most recently at an event, he met another contractor who was looking for bonding and hoping to bid a job for a specific company.“ So, I introduced him to the CDP to help him with bonding, and I happened to know someone at the company that he was interested in, so I introduced them to each other. It feels great to be able to help others and help make those connections.”
Above: Before and after design-build interior glass partition with privacy film installation at 555 Battery Street in San Francisco.
WINTER 2025 CONTRACTOR TOOLS- 11