Established in 2010 & Standing Strong for Many Years to Come
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Statistics show that 20% of small businesses fail within their first year. And when it comes to the construction industry, about 75% of businesses survive their first year, 65% make it through their second year, and about 35% make it through their fifth year. Where some businesses are forced to shut its doors or struggle to survive, there are the businesses that thrive. Sowells Consulting Engineers, LLC (SCE), formerly known as Sowells Construction Management and Inspection, was founded in 2010 and proudly celebrates 10 years. For a decade, this firm has proven itself as a force and strong engineering competitor.
Developing a core team of professional design engineers, construction managers, and inspectors providing high-quality services, SCE’s experience includes large diameter waterlines, underground utilities, highways, bridges, streets and sidewalks, water and wastewater treatment plants, and public and private facilities. The exceptional quality of service delivered on these projects enables them to develop and maintain deep-rooted client relationships.
SCE serves an impressive roster of transportation, water/wastewater, surface water, and private development clients on a variety of innovative engineering jobs. SCE’s main purpose is to carry out client plans across various sectors with excellence and practical engineering services. SCE is best-in-class, delivering each time with integrity, an effective strategy, and results-driven approach, exceeding client and partner expectations for a long-lasting and sustainable project.
Consistency has been a key factor in SCE’s longevity, applying their unparalleled application of engineering principles and processes to manage the construction of capital improvement projects. SCE surpasses project planned expectations within budget and aggressive time constraints, minimizing the adverse impacts of construction experienced by the community.
This award-winning, minority-owned company is celebrating 10 years of leadership, completion of major projects, client and revenue growth, and its progress opening doors for the underrepresented to have opportunities and advancement in this profession.
Subcontractors USA Q&A With Sowells Engineers & Constructors, LLC:
- In addition to hard work and being strategic, what else would you say contributes to your formula for 10 years of success? So yes, while we continue to work hard and carry out strategies effective for completing client projects, we could not do what we do without our employees. They are our greatest asset, so we invest in them with trainings and other opportunities for professional development. We help them reach their maximum potential. They appreciate our investment in them to be superior and leaders in construction and engineering to serve our clients. As this industry is ever-changing, we work to stay ahead of the curve through education. And we live our motto, ‘We believe that listening, learning, and leading with love is the heart of engineering.” This mindset we follow when it comes to business has contributed to our success. While we are proud of the growth of our client roster and profits, we are purposeful and have a heart for our work. Our clients appreciate that, and it shows.
- What are some valuable lessons learned over the last 10 years? You can’t be in business for 10 years without some lessons learned along the way. Overcoming challenges and obstacles, some of the most valuable lessons have been to always put your best foot forward by using your best people, placing them where you know they are passionate, productive, and make a positive impact. Also, promote your success. Promoting achievements is one of the best marketing tools. Some don’t want to seem like they are bragging, so they don’t talk about their achievements. But we have experienced that when we highlight our wins, that continues to build trust in our brand and business. It’s not being cocky, but a display of the confidence you have in your work.
- What are some awards that SCE has earned for your work in construction and in the community? We are very grateful and humbled by the recognition. A few recent honors are from the Houston Black Chamber – Pinnacle Award, Subcontractors USA, and the City of Houston.
- Talk about how SCE has contributed to opening more doors for diversity in this industry. The company is not only minority-owned, it is represented on all levels by underrepresented people in the engineering and construction industry. 1/3 of our engineers are also women of color. SCE has provided opportunities for several minority firms based on our prime contracts with the City of Houston, where we have paid out more than $400,000. We also have mentored several minority-owned start-up companies.
- We drive in this city on a daily basis, not realizing who is behind the projects we see. Talk about a major project(s) that you have been a part of that we may not realize. We were excited to participate in the reconstruction of Post Oak Blvd. in the Galleria area, 4th Ward Street reconstruction, and the reconstruction of Hwy 288 between 610 and Beltway 8.
Goals & upcoming projects for SCE moving forward:
The goals for SOWELLS CONSULTING ENGINEERS:
• Expand client base throughout the region and state
• Expand engineering department and hire more registered engineers
• Develop regional presence by opening offices in several cities
The goals for SOWELLS ENGINEERS & CONSTRUCTORS:
• Grow bonding capacity and equipment
• Win over 10 million in transportation work
• Win over 5 million in private development work
The upcoming projects for SCE:
• CM for several City of Houston large diameter surface water projects
• Metro CM on-call projects
• Technical advisor for City of Houston surface water projects
• CM for several City of Houston paving/drainage projects
• CM for 4th Ward Street reconstruction projects
Established in 2018, Sowells Engineers & Constructors, LLC (a CM@Risk and civil construction company) was created to take advantage of the incredible amount of opportunities in transportation projects in the region. It also provides cross training for engineering and inspection staff for both companies. SEC is currently participating on completing the reconstruction of SH 288 Project.
For more about Sowells Consulting Engineers, please visit www.sowells-engr.com.
Sources:
sba.gov
pitandquarry.com
fundera.com
