Subcontractor Development Strategic Partnership Program Debuts in Southern California
October 28, 2011
COSTA MESA, Calif. – Clark Construction Group has expanded its Subcontractor Development Strategic Partnership Program to Southern California. Last week, 18 small and local businesses began a nine-month executive MBA-style program designed to improve their construction management and overall business skills. Since the program's inception in the Washington, D.C. area in 2006, Clark has graduated more than 175 small businesses, each with increased capabilities in the construction industry.
We are committed to working cooperatively with our local small business partners to increase the size, scope, and scale of their operations," said Richard Heim, President and CEO of Clark's Western Region. "This program offers businesses the opportunity to learn from construction and business experts and significantly improve their operations at no cost." Kwaku Gyabaah, Director of Purchasing, is responsible for the program's roll-out in Southern California. He previously served as an instructor and program facilitator for the program in Clark's Mid-Atlantic Region.
The Subcontractor Development Strategic Partnership Program curriculum combines interactive classroom instruction, team projects, and presentations. Classroom instructors include veteran Clark employees and experts from companies such as Glenn M. Gelman & Associates and Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services. Participants will study a range of business and construction industry topics including project management, insurance and bonding, and estimating and purchasing. The program culminates with a capstone project presentation to industry leaders.
RBT has been given an opportunity to strengthen our construction management skills, which will only make us more competitive in today's challenging economic climate," said Ryan Tittsworth, CEO of RBT Electric, a solar panel installation company. Programs like this demonstrate Clark's level of commitment to the success of small businesses.
The program's 18 initial participants were selected through an application and essay process. A majority of the companies, which include businesses specializing in earthwork, drywall, woodworking, solar/electrical, and testing and inspection, have more than three years of industry experience. Participating in the program has improved the operations of more than 175 small businesses, including general contractor Athena Construction Group.
As a result of Clark's Subcontractor Development Strategic Partnership Program, "we learned all of the areas where we had made mistakes and we developed a roadmap for how to improve," said Amber Peebles, President, Athena Construction Group. "We improved our process in scoping our subcontractor bids, obtained a better comprehension of the estimating process, and gained an understanding of the contracting conduit. As a result...we have engaged in meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with many large businesses." Since graduating from the program, Athena has won contracts on several large construction projects across the country including the Replacement Hospital at Camp Pendleton.
Clark plans to begin a second Subcontractor Development Strategic Partnership Program next summer. Interested companies can call 714-429-9779 for application information.