C
ommercial Construction, Inc. (CCI) President Bob Garcia got inspiration for his first big contract on a routine drive home from work. A few years earlier, he launched a part-time mobile welding side business to supplement his income. He had one truck, a welding machine, a young family, and a commitment to growing his fledgling company. I drove past a line of tree trimming trucks and I thought, those trucks have a lot of moving parts. They could use our services.' I contacted them and started out on small jobs, Garcia said. Before I knew it, we were responsible for the welding repairs on every truck in every single one of their yards. That was more than 25 years ago. Today, CCI has 60 employees and a customer list that includes DTE and other large automotive and manufacturing companies. CCI is a certified minority supplier that continues to deliver safety, service, and quality. Initial success The first contract with the tree trimming company led to additional opportunities, and soon another DTE supplier subcontracted them to perform work in a DTE facility. They partnered with us because they believed in us, Garcia said. And we delivered on our commitments. Becoming a direct DTE supplier After that, Garcia began building a business relationship with the DTE procurement staff, le@ing them know he had the capability and the desire to become a direct supplier. CCI got the chance at 5 p.m. on a Thursday with a repair job at River Rouge Power Plant that required them to start immediately. Once we were onboard, DTE encouraged consistent communication and supported our business growth, he said. Thats the kind of partner DTE is. Since then, CCI has purchased new equipment, hired additional employees, and invested in a new, larger facility in Brighton, Michigan. A family committed to safety and community engagement The partnership between DTE and CCI works because the two companies have similar philosophies, starting with a commitment to safety. The goal is zero accidents and incidents - on every project every day. Ensuring all employees are accountable for their own safety and for the safety of their coworkers is key to achieving that goal. That caring culture extends to the community as well. DTE's aspiration is to be a force for good in the communities it
GROWING BUSINESS EMBRACES FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND SAFETY
serves. Similarly, CCI demonstrates its caring and commitment by supporting the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, Make a Wish Foundation and other nonprofits. Community involvement is just one of the lessons Bob has taught his three sons and daughter-in-law, who help run the business. The younger Garcias are passionate about expanding the business. We gave our sons the freedom to choose their own path, Garcia said. And they chose to be entrepreneurs. They want to learn and grow along with the business. They have great ideas on how we can expand. We're looking forward to evolving the business, and our partnership with DTE, with the next generation.
Previous Page