At Dome, we’re committed to expanding partnerships through our Supplier/Trade Diversity Program, led by Cynthia Seward, our DEI Specialist. Cynthia works closely with small and diverse businesses, helping them with prequalification’s and providing mentorship to support their growth. We also attend supplier diversity events to meet potential trade partners and introduce them to our work.
Our goal is to increase the percentage of our spend with diverse suppliers each year, creating a more equitable business environment. By diversifying our trade partners, we’re fostering a stronger, more inclusive construction industry.
Meet Phil Hopkins, Chief Estimator from W Bradley Electric. WBE is a certified WBE (Women Business Entity).
How did you get started in the construction industry, and what inspired you to pursue this field?
From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed building things and working with my hands. During the summer after my freshman year of high school, I worked as a carpenter apprentice and continued working summer jobs in the field. I remember my supervisor once telling me that the electricians on the job were the smartest ones, and people would always clear the way for them. That sparked my interest. I initially went to college to study electrical engineering but eventually took a 5-year apprenticeship program because I wanted more hands-on experience. Ironically, now I’m behind a desk most of the time! I have been in the construction industry for 35 years, starting as a union electrician and has spent the past 31 years as an electrician.
What do you enjoy most about working in your field, and what motivates you to continue growing your business?
Being part of an employee-owned company (ESOP) is a big motivator for me. I also enjoy seeing a project come to life—from the initial plans on paper to the finished product. Working with teams and watching everything come together is incredibly rewarding.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a diverse trade partner in the industry, and how did you overcome them?
Keeping up with the constant evolution of technology has been one of the biggest challenges. There’s always something new, and clients expect you to know everything about it the moment it hits the market. I need to understand how to build it before I can accurately price it. The key is staying proactive and learning fast so I can become an expert quickly.
Looking ahead, what changes would you like to see in the construction industry to help create more success for new and existing diverse trade partners?
I’d like to see more collaboration early on in projects. When everyone works as a team from the very beginning, there’s more engagement and ownership from everyone involved. The expertise you bring to the table is valued, and that encourages me to give my best effort because I don’t want to let the team down.
What has your experience been like working on projects with our team, and how has it contributed to your growth as a trade partner?
Over the years, we’ve worked on many projects with your team, starting from the design phase. I really enjoy collaborating with your estimators—they ask the right questions, are thorough, and maintain open communication. Our field team also enjoys working with your project teams; it’s where everything truly comes together. Across the board, we’ve had successful projects where everyone, from the client to the entire team, walks away happy. The collaborative approach on these projects is what I appreciate most, especially since the electrical trade touches almost every aspect of the build. We have to coordinate with nearly every other trade to get the job done.
Meet Leslie Howell, President & CEO of DWH Creative Contracting. DHW is a family run WBE (Women Business Entity) & SBE (Small Business Entity).
How did you get started in the construction industry, and what inspired you to pursue this field?
My husband had been in the industry since 1986, working as a laborer, team leader, and owner alongside partners, and we decided to launch our company in 2013. I was inspired by the challenge of running a company. The everyday ups and downs and the creative solutions our team designs to help our clients with their projects.
What do you enjoy most about working in your field, and what motivates you to continue growing your business?
I enjoy the constant change… never knowing exactly where the day might take you. I love the new technology that is available in our industry. Mostly I am thankful for and enjoy the people in my company, our vendors and especially our clients.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a diverse trade partner in the industry, and how did you overcome them?
As a team leader I have always felt welcome in our industry. I am lucky to never have faced serious challenges based on my gender.
Looking ahead, what changes would you like to see in the construction industry to help create more success for new and existing diverse trade partners?
Continuing to welcome diversity in all its forms as a positive and inclusive experience. Holding everyone to the same high standards we all expect in our industry.
What has your experience been like working on projects with our team, and how has it contributed to your growth as a trade partner?
DWH has always had a great working relationship with Dome. We have worked on many projects together. Dome’s Safety Team is very conscious of not only Dome’s workers but all the workers on a project. Which has helped grow and develop our safety policies.
More than any other client Dome has helped me learn about our industry from a technological standpoint. 11 years ago, they were the first of our clients to use a payment portal which was a new experience for me. I appreciate that Dome is always a company that we can look to as a leader in our industry.