News: Construction Design & Engineering

Suffolk kicks off 2024 “Build With Us @ Suffolk” program

Boston, MA Suffolk, one of the largest and most innovative real estate and construction enterprises in the country, kicked off the tenth Boston Cohort of its “Build With Us @ Suffolk” accelerator program for trade partners and subcontractors, particularly minority-, women- and veteran-owned business enterprises (M/W/VBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), and U.S. Small Business Administration-certified (SBA) businesses. During its more than 40-year history in the city, Suffolk has relied on partnership and collaboration with subcontractors to build some of the city’s most recognizable and award-winning projects, including the Boston University Center for Computing & Data Sciences, Boston Logan International Airport Terminal E and Winthrop Center.

Recognizing potential barriers facing smaller M/W/VBE firms, the eight-course “Build With Us @ Suffolk” program helps them open doors, expand their businesses, develop important relationships, and make their unique mark on the industry. The program has graduated nearly 250 small businesses throughout the country since its launch in 2012. The four-week intensive curriculum includes hands-on modules led by Suffolk leadership and is designed to help participating firms better understand the business practices and processes necessary to partner with Suffolk and large general contractors on projects. Unlike most construction training programs, “Build With Us @ Suffolk” provides direct access to Suffolk leaders by assigning mentors who nurture and maintain relationships with participants after graduation. Participants introduce themselves and form relationships with industry insiders, find support and guidance, and potentially even market their services.

“We are excited to welcome this year’s largest ‘Build With Us @ Suffolk’ cohort to our Boston headquarters,” said Keith Couch, general manager of Suffolk’s Northeast region. “’Build With Us @ Suffolk’ not only helps M/W/VBE businesses in construction by addressing challenges, including opportunity and access to projects, the unique and innovative program exposes them to high-level best practices, paves the way for potential opportunities with large general contractors, and offers the knowledge necessary to pursue complex jobs in today’s market.”

Diego Pereira, owner of Pereira & Sons Contracting, Inc., is looking forward to participating in the program, the opportunity to be connected with Suffolk leadership, and graduating with increased industry knowledge and a mentor to help extend the relationship and provide ongoing support as he grows his business.

“As a minority, I am both appreciative and grateful for the chance to participate in the ‘Build With Us @ Suffolk’ program,” said Pereira. “I’m honored to be welcomed into Suffolk, which is going beyond recognizing and valuing diversity in the workplace to partnering with businesses like mine to help support our growth in this competitive industry.”

Louie Silva, owner of Salem Quality Services, Inc., said that participating in “Build With Us @ Suffolk” is helping him to live the American dream.

After graduating nine participants in Florida last month, “Build With Us @ Suffolk” will continue its programming throughout the country in 2024, with upcoming programs scheduled in New York, California and Texas.

MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering

Weston & Sampson earns award from ACEC for Arlington DPW job

Arlington, MA Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA).
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue
The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

In recent years, the life science industry has witnessed a shift in how companies operate and innovate. One of the key driving forces behind this transformation is the emergence of incubators and co-working spaces specifically tailored to meet the unique budget and schedule needs of startups.
Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

October is Careers in Construction Month, and rarely has it been more consequential. According to our chapter’s national parent organization, the construction industry needs to attract half-a-million new workers in the coming year to meet demand. Addressing that need is a huge job, but we at ABC MA are trying to do our part.
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.