#WINNING: Small Business Enterprises are Proving to be MVPs in the ‘Big Business’ Game

I sat down and talked with several business owners who participated in the Center for Minority Business’ Local Minority Business Enterprise (LMBE) Accelerator Program. Their paths have all been unique…until now. Meet the Accelerators who are changing the game of business success.

Small businesses come in many shapes, colors and industries, and as for their owners, the palette consists of individuals from every cultural, economic and educational background imaginable. There is, however, one very important and common trait that weaves each member of the entrepreneur’s club together; passion. Having a bright idea is great, but if you don’t have the chutzpah to put that idea into motion…and even more audacity to pursue the abundance of resources available to help small businesses grow, then you, still, just have a bright idea.

Enter the Center for Minority Business Development (CMBD).

Designed to level the playing field in the Prince George’s County business community, the Center for Minority Business Development was launched by the Peterson Companies as a way to bridge the gap between contract opportunities and minority-owned firms who have been traditionally underrepresented. By enrolling in the Local Minority Business Enterprise (LMBE) Accelerator Program, business owners are placed on the winning track with access to services like on-site technical assistance and personalized training that builds the capacity to compete in the big business arena.

Since 2009, business owners who have successfully completed the LMBE Accelerator program have seen their enterprises escalate to new levels along with their client rosters.  It has been their tenacity, hard work and skills that have gotten them this far, but it’s their unbridled passion for their crafts that truly makes them successful. 

 Who are the Accelerators?

Monte Richards,  P.E., CEO, M-R/Innoveers, LLC

Monte Richards is the president and founder of M-R/Innoveers, LLC, with headquarters  in Upper Marlboro, MD.  As a professional engineer and president of a certified, minority-owned enterprise, he is more than familiar with what it takes to operate a successful company in the Nation’s capital--not to mention in one of the world's hottest and most lucrative industries. I had a chance to sit down with Mr. Richards to learn more about his journey as an entrepreneur preparing for the next level.

Read on and see first-hand why this ambitious and laser-focused professional is quickly becoming a heavy-hitter in the game of big business.

From where does your passion for engineering/design/project management originate?  

I’ve had an aptitude for the sciences and mathematics throughout my secondary school education.  I learned about the engineering profession from my high school guidance counselor, Mr. Charles Pittman at I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, VA.  I was awarded a full scholarship to the School of Engineering at Howard University and the rest is history. 

What was the turning point in your career (or business) that made the light bulb go off, and you realized you needed to find a concrete resource to take your company to the next level? 

That light is constantly on and off.  It is always my desire to grow my business.  However, I must admit that I have been guilty of thinking that I know how to solve all of my business problems.  As I’ve gained experience as a business owner, I’ve learned that it is wise to seek the counsel of those that have expertise in other areas such as business development, branding, etc.  for assistance.

Share with me one major "takeaway" you received from the program? 

I’ve learned that there is a significant number of resources provided by the County and entities such as the CMBD that are available to Prince George’s County business owner’s at little or no cost to aid us in growing our businesses.  Carl Brown and his staff are truly committed to not only strengthening the technical and administrative capacities of Prince George’s County based businesses, but also they are committed to enhancing the image of Prince George’s County based businesses to include professional services providers as well.

What would you tell aspiring engineers/project managers about entering your field and considering [one day] venturing out on their own? 

My advice is to gain at least 5-7 years of experience in your field of endeavor to develop technical, administrative, and business development skills prior to starting your own business.  Also, be prepared to put very long hours into the business for several years.  Establish line(s) of credit with lending institutions prior to incurring business debt.  

Be prepared to accept rejection for lack of past performance success stories until your client base gets to know you a lot better.  Narrow your focus on a few markets and narrow your focus on the services that you provide (i.e. establish a reputation for excellence at a few things rather than mediocrity at a large numbers of services).  Keep your promises to your clients!  Don’t be afraid to serve as a subcontractor for a while before tackling the challenges of being a prime contractor.  

Finally, make sure that you and your client both understand and agree upon the services to be provided and when those services will be delivered.  A misunderstanding in this regard can ruin a relationship with your client.

When clients approach you, what are their main projects or needs? 

Generally our clients need assistance with defining their problems and then assistance with a strategy to solve that problem.  Engineers are trained to be rational thinkers and, by default, problem solvers.

How did the CMBD Accelerator Program prepare you to go after contracts, new/bigger clients, etc.? 

The CMBD program has assisted us by enhancing the technical skills of our staff members.  Additionally, the CMBD program has provided us assistance with business development and marketing assistance as well.

Give me three words to describe your overall experience in the CMBD Accelerator Program? 

Rewarding, necessary, appreciated

To learn more about M-R/Innoveers, LLC, visit www.mrinnoveers.com  or call (301) 669-0960.

About Monte Richards, CEO: http://mrinnoveers.com/aboutus/aboutus.php