The Ohio MBDA was instrumental in the deal

Two minority-owned Ohio companies have been awarded a nearly half-billion construction contract with the United States Army.

Clemons-Vazquez JV -- comprised of Dayton-based Clemons Construction Co., Inc, a Black and veteran-owned small business established in 2005, and Vazquez Commercial Contracting LLC, a Hispanic-owned firm founded in  Kansas City, Mo.,  in 2008, with additional offices in Cincinnati and Clarksville, Tenn. --  has been awarded a five-year, $495 million contract from the U.S. Army and the Department of Public Works for construction and renovation at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

It would not have happened without the assistance of the Ohio MBDA.

“The Ohio MBDA has been crucial to my business – and this project,” says Kevin Clemons, CEO of Clemons Construction Company.  “Director Marco Grgurevic invited me to speak at an event in Cleveland. That’s where I met the group from Vazquez and we got talking and connected afterwards. I realized working with them would broaden opportunity.”

The contract will have a major impact on both the firms involved and other MBEs, says Grgurevic.

 “The Ohio MBDA team is very excited to have introduced Clemons Inc. to Vazquez Commercial Contracting during our annual event in which we focused on Joint Ventures in the Federal landscape,” he says. “We couldn’t be prouder of the fact that our clients saw the value in combining their forces and creating a joint venture based on their complimentary services. This significant contract will not only be life changing to both parties, but will also positively impact other MBEs in our Ohio MBDA network statewide.”  

“The MBDA helps connect,” adds Clemons. “I've worked for multiple companies doing the kind of work I've done, but you don't always know the right person until you go through a program like MBDA.  It can help you connect the dots.

“The program works.”

 

 

The connections and expertise of MBDA can help businesses grow, says Joe Vazquez, CEO of Vazquez Commercial Contracting, LLC.

“It’s difficult for any business when they're starting out to get opportunities, because what is the number one thing that people look at? They want to see your past performance and when you don't have any past performance, it becomes almost impossible to get your first project.

"There is also a stigma out there with minority businesses. It is widely thought that MBEs are always higher in price and always looking for a handout. But I just knew we were a special business, and we were going to work hard and try and help change this stigma.

“Any business, whether you're minority or non-minority, can overcome things with hard work, determination and the right people to work with. It’s just tough when you start a business and you're trying to get work and trying to get opportunities.”

MBDA can provide those opportunities – the firms do the rest.

Today, Vazquez employs 115 people, a number expected to grow to 150 by the end of the year. Clemons currently employs 15 full-time staff, including a project manager already at Fort Cambell, and is growing.

 

 

The five-year contract includes everything from constructing new facilities to renovating older facilities, and trades such as carpentry, roofing, painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, masonry, demolition, roadwork, earthwork and additional work supporting the 101^st Airborne Division.

 “Fort Campbell has such a rich history of protecting America’s freedom and is a vital element of the U.S. Army’s war fighting capabilities.   Fort Campbell is also an important stakeholder for the residents and business owners in the local Kentucky and Tennessee communities.  We are extremely happy to support the men and women who call Fort Campbell home,” says Vazquez.

Clemons expects the Fort Campbell work to lead to future growth.

“We will be judged on this work going forward. People will see this work and our experience with a half-billion dollar project. It will open doors.”

As a veteran, the work at Fort Campbell has special meaning to him.

“Having gone through the Marine Corps and Reserves, I know you all have to do your part and keep the mission going. The service people do their part to protect the country, and I'll do my part of the work by doing this work.”

Work at Fort Campbell is expected to be completed by June 29, 2028.

For Joe Vazquez, it’s more than a job. “It’s not about taking the money and having it all go back to Kansas City. It's about helping the community where we work. That's what we always want to do -- help the community where we have these large opportunities.  We want to be a fixture in this community and help it grow along with our business."

Contact the Ohio MBDA: Ohio MBDA Business Center | Minority Business Development Agency

Who We Are | Minority Business Development Agency (mbda.gov)

Minority-owned businesses | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)

 

 

 

 

Greater Cleveland Partnership’s All In vision for a Great Region on a Great Lake has five key priorities: Dynamic Business, Abundant Talent, Inclusive Opportunity, Appealing Community and Business Confidence. All of our work ties back to these values. This story relates to Dynamic Business and Inclusive Opportunity.