I’m Victor, a licensed and insured Home Improvement Contractor in the state of New York. I’ve just recently received my Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification. This will allow me to drastically scale my business (Tresilian Enterprises/Elite Contractor) and establish myself as a legitimate contender in the construction industry. I look forward to all the opportunities, possibilities and challenges that come with this certification. Over the years, I’ve invested a lot into my craft and have become very good at it. However, in retrospect I can honestly say that my life experiences have taken me to extremes from which I work daily to distance myself.
Twenty-three years ago, I was mandated by the courts to a drug rehab facility as an alternative to incarceration, to address my addiction to crack cocaine. Prior to that, I had been homeless in the streets of Brooklyn, New York for 10 years as a consequence of this addiction. As I sat on Rikers Island awaiting the court’s decision on my case, the Twin Towers fell and that single event crystallized my decision to absolutely turn my life around. You see, I had come to this country with my twin sons who were just over 4 years old. I came to make a better life for myself and family. Yet here I was, locked up and couldn’t protect them from what national or international malady might ensue.
Approximately 4 years after graduating from the rehab program, I started working with a friend who was into home improvement; just to keep me busy and to have some money in my pocket at the end of the week. I never thought I’d be so good at it, enjoy it so much, be so satisfied with doing it and most importantly – that it would come so naturally. I was amazed that this was a skill-set that was lying dormant in me for all my life and I had no idea. I decided that this is what I would ultimately do as a career. So I got my Home Improvement License and for many years, have not been maximizing its use. Just doing small jobs on bathrooms, kitchens and any other interior work. I became very good at this but lacked some important skills like price estimation and administration. It was also quite challenging to find workers who could complement my skill, so most of the work I did by myself. This was very frustrating and stressful and brought me to realize that I needed help.
I started networking more actively and finally found the help I needed, in a phenomenal person I was privileged and blessed to meet; who acts as an amazing and knowledgeable Management Consultant. She has assisted me in dealing with so many issues for which I was ill equipped. From fear of moving forward because I had no administrative experience to my lack of organizational skills. So, here I am now, ready to take my business to the national and international market. I’m looking forward to scale this massive hurdle so that I can diligently continue to work towards making my vision for my company come to fruition.
Most important to me now is WORKING CAPITAL. This is something that’s a daily necessity for the efficient running of my business in making routine payments, covering short-term operating costs, marketing and debt obligations. Over the years, the lack of working capital – has plagued me and has impeded my ability to function adequately and efficiently; thus causing me unnecessary stress in not being able to maximize the profitability of my company. I now ask, for your help to get this done.
I thank you and look forward, to your assistance in the success of my company.
Regards,
Victor
MBE Certified Home Improvement Contractor