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Pages 83-108

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From page 83...
... 83 Introduction and Methodology The study team analyzed results of in-depth interviews and other qualitative information for DBEs reported in 19 state DOT disparity studies conducted from 2007 through 2018. The qualitative information was from review of anecdotal interviews from state DOT disparity studies with individuals representing construction, professional services, goods, and other services businesses in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington.
From page 84...
... 84 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Business Start-Up History Many owners of certified businesses reported that their companies were started by individuals with prior experience and/or longevity in their respective industries.
From page 85...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 85 • The white female owner of a DBE/WBE/SBE/TGB-certified professional services firm reported that before starting the business she was a computer programmer. She indicated that she knew that she wanted to run her own business, so she started her firm with her husband and one other individual, "and [they]
From page 86...
... 86 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program • A white female owner of a WBE/DBE-certified construction firm reported that she had "extensive" experience in the industry.
From page 87...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 87 The same business owner indicated that they started out with three employees and now have 38 employees. She further mentioned that their growth has been "slow and controlled." [MN-I48]
From page 88...
... 88 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program • The white female owner of a DBE/WBE/SBE/TGB-certified professional services firm reported that her firm performs on projects ranging from $1,500 to $4 million on multi-phase projects.
From page 89...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 89 Business Expansion or Contraction over Time The ability to periodically expand and contract their businesses based on seasonal or economic conditions is a major factor in business success according to over 125 business owners. Comments include: • The African American male president of a DBE- and MBE-certified construction business reported that the size of his firm fluctuates based on market conditions.
From page 90...
... 90 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program And, I made some strategic moves, which I was anticipating.
From page 91...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 91 awarded and people get jobs out of it, what else is there? To me, that's being competitive.
From page 92...
... 92 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program • When asked what it takes for a firm to be competitive in her line of work, the female owner of a DBE-certified firm said that useful services, focused expertise, a good team, and a respected reputation are all key factors.
From page 93...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 93 A number of business owners noted the importance of ethics, honesty, and doing "the right thing." Comments follow: • An African American female owner of an MBE- and WBE-certified professional services firm said, "Relationships with customers is huge .
From page 94...
... 94 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and systems, in that order." He stated that he always tries to get the best people and does this by paying well and offering good benefits.
From page 95...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 95 [to business success] ." She added that they often have to work on a net 90 payment basis, and that it is very important to have a solid relationship with suppliers.
From page 96...
... 96 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Access to Bonding and Insurance Many business owners (175+)
From page 97...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 97 • The Hispanic American male partial owner of a DBE-certified construction-related firm commented that he likes to work in the public sector since payment is timely.
From page 98...
... 98 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program • The white male manager of an Asian-Pacific American-owned DBE-certified specialty contracting firm reported that the firm is non-union and has had no issues meeting prevailing wages.
From page 99...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 99 • The white female owner of a DBE-certified professional services firm reported that her firm experiences barriers related to their small size when bidding on projects. She commented, "It's about perception of our size." [MN-I48]
From page 100...
... 100 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program • When asked if she experienced any "good ol' boy" networks or other closed networks, the white female owner of a steel erection company said, "Oh yes.
From page 101...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 101 • The representative of a DBE-certified engineering firm reported experience with "informal" mentor-protégé relationships "[with] firms that take [them]
From page 102...
... 102 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program college offered a [night]
From page 103...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 103 owners and representatives reported that mandatory subcontracting minimums would be helpful to their firms' success. Comments include: • A white female owner of a DBE-certified construction firm commented that mandatory subcontracting minimums would be "kind of cool" and would give smaller firms the opportunity to do work.
From page 104...
... 104 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program the company.
From page 105...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 105 maybe I could do that over time. But the initial shock, if it were suddenly taken away, would be really tough because it's such a large amount of our work." [OH-I7]
From page 106...
... 106 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program • When asked about other keys to business success, a Hispanic American male owner of a specialty contracting firm commented, "Give up sleep." He indicated that one must give up a personal life, saying, "You give up a lot of your outside .
From page 107...
... Qualitative Information from Disparity Studies Regarding Keys to Business Success 107 He added, "You're only as good as you talk.
From page 108...
... 108 Compendium of Successful Practices, Strategies, and Resources in the U.S. DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Additional Anecdotal Information from Disparity Studies • DBEs commonly responded to questions about barriers to doing business.

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