can’t even begin to think that way. The system is marginalized because it has failed to live up to the promise of opportunity, the recognition that in order for our economy to expand – it has to be inclusive and can no longer exclude or ignore the hardworking entrepreneurs that have know in this business community for most of my adult career. I now compete for the best and the brightest students who are part of the National Society of Black Engineers, Women In Engineering and National Hispanic Society of Engineers. There are chapters located throughout the country as every time I allowed to speak with those students – it gives you hope for the construction industry. I also cheer those who attend Red Rocks Community College and Arapahoe Community College or join an apprenticeship program. They are changing the future of their families and that is what makes me the most proud about the cons I am very proud of the last 50 years of Burgess Services and the last 30 years that I have dedicated to its successes. Burgess Services managed the quality control, mechanical installation or been a member of the project management team for Denver International Airport Westin Hotel, Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building, the Colorado Convention Center Expansion, and the Denver Justice Center just to name a few. Burgess Services expansion includes affordable housing development, Burgess Community Development, with the FreshLo Project where the Montbello community will take pride in a landmark that will include not only family housing, grocery store but also an arts education center. The behind-the-scenes historical significance of Montbello Organizing Committee allowing opportunity from development, to contracting, workforce training along with a Wealth Building Incubator speaks to a community that I have come to know which embodies “don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk”. The other part of this industry is the community component. Constructions builds the facilities that you work in, live in, enjoy the indoors/
outdoors and celebrate different times of our lives with the express commitment to make sure each facility you attend is safe, comfortable and most likely part of the overall experience. The plumbers, electricians, landscapers, crafts men and women take pride that we are making your world more comfortable and enjoyable without any expectation of a thank you. Our community includes the non-profits who make our growth better from Denver Scholarship Foundation with first generation college bound minority students to WORKNOW and Construction Careers now with wrap around services for those who need simple support or the Black Construction Group, Hispanic Contractors of Colorado or the Association of General Contractors encouraging new builders and entrepreneurs to take the talent to the next level. I am blessed that the next generation have greater opportunities, but I am cautious that the opportunities and the ability to perform will not transform into success as quickly as their expectations. The new innovations to Colorado and the builders are everything from tiny homes and communities to maintaining the American Dream of home
43 The Acumen
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