Business profile article I wrote on Charlotte, NC based Marand Builders an outstanding diverse supplier in the construction industry. Published in April 2008.
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Marand Builders Development Beyond Bricks and Mortar - Hispanic Network Magazine Article by Edward Cates
1. A LATINO LIFESTYLE BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT MAGAZINE
Volume 20 Issue 4, 2008
MAGAZINE
Best of the Commitment
to Diversity in
Best Higher Ed
In 2008
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Corporate
Including: Achievers
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Aerospace Companies
Aerospace Companies The Buying
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Telecom Companies Power of Top
Government Agencies
Government Agencies Latina Business
Financial Institutions
Financial Institutions Leaders
Pharmaceutical Companies
Pharmaceutical Companies
Supplier Diversity Programs
Supplier Diversity Programs
& More!
Promoting
Employment of
Workers With
Disabilities
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Dollar Voice
2. Marand Builders, Inc.
Development Beyond Bricks and Mortar
by Edward Cates
âA supplier diversity program without opportunities doesnât work. We can have meetings all day but if you donât
create opportunities for suppliers, corporations wonât be able to develop companies.â
â Francisco Alvarado, CEO of Marand Builders, Inc.
B eing ready for the next level of perform-
ance in business requires razor sharp
focus on short term and long-term objectives
along with continued development and a
track record of successful performance.
Francisco Alvarado, CEO of Charlotte, North
Carolina based Marand Builders, Inc.
(Marand) is leading his company toward
rapid growth and long lasting relationships
that are fueling his drive towards the top.
Marand specializes in providing general
contracting services to an array of commer-
cial entities including financial institutions
and developers supporting the new construc-
tion of banking centers, office buildings and
renovations of existing buildings. Marandâs Francisco Alvarado Sonya Dukes
success today has been through a progression
from starting as a second tier subcontractor to Marand for first tier construction opportuni- Marand Builders operates upon five guid-
becoming a first tier general contractor. ties after working as a subcontractor on proj- ing principles: quality product, timely execu-
Francisco Alvarado forged his early ambi- ects for over 4 years. tion of the project, high customer service lev-
tions for entrepreneurship while working in âIf I had to select a go to firm to oversee els, competitive pricing and environmental
the corporate world as a Senior Electrical the construction of our financial centers, responsibility. Alvaradoâs focus on being a
Engineer. Marand Builders would be among the top of competitive construction firm is paramount
âAfter 14 years in the corporate world, I my list,â said Bill Wilkinson, Vice President of to their success and is complemented by their
decided to start my own business. In 1998, I Wachovia Corporate Real Estate in charge of commitment to developing other Minority
founded my first company, Alvacor, Inc. a new construction. âThey have provided qual- Business Enterprises along the way.
subcontracting company for metal framing, ity work on our financial center projects, been âCorporate Real Estate represents one of
drywall and acoustical ceilings. In 1999, I competitive throughout our bid process and the most viable areas of opportunity within
obtained my general contractors license for won the business on the merit of their work our Global Supply Chain at Wachovia,â adds
commercial and residential construction and while providing sub-contracting opportuni- Sonya Dukes, Senior Vice President and
founded Marand Builders, Inc.,â said ties for other minority businesses. We are Director of Corporate Supplier Diversity.
Alvarado about his journey to current suc- proud to have them as a successful supplier âOur commitment to supplier diversity spans
cess. partner.â from our Operating Committee to every asso-
With 19 full time employees and revenues Wachoviaâs commitment to creating ciate with sourcing responsibility and we will
of $4.7 million in 2007, business is on the opportunities for diverse businesses has continue to create opportunities and sustain-
upswing for Marand as the company is on translated into viable construction projects able development for diverse suppliers like
track to achieve between $10-12 million in for Marand this year. In 2008 the firm com- Marand Builders that want an equitable
revenue this year. Achieving exponential pleted construction of four new Wachovia chance to be competitive in an objective
gains in todayâs challenging economic envi- financial centers with another five in sourcing process.â
ronment further demonstrates the unique progress, several up-fits for existing build- Marand Builders is interested in being an
leadership, vision and quality performance ings and anticipate completing several more outstanding company first and foremost and
Marand has established. After paying their financial centers in the next few months. their collective focus and performance is
dues as a subcontractor on multiple accounts Alvarado credits the companyâs successful yielding great returns through great partner-
their commitment to excellence is paving supplier relationship with Wachovia to mutu- ships. Francisco Alvarado is appreciative of
their way toward larger projects and success- al respect and proven performance. the journey this far and takes full accounta-
ful client relationships that are yielding long- âSupplier diversity programs can be used bility for his role in developing other busi-
term development for the construction firm. as window dressing when they should be nesses as he grows.
The commitment of banking giant used to even the playing field. A supplier âEvery company that is participating in
Wachovia has been an example of a client diversity program without opportunities the supplier development process has a
partnership that is catapulting their growth doesnât work. We can have meetings all day responsibility to develop other small compa-
within the challenging construction industry but if you donât create opportunities for sup- nies in return. We are passing along the
through supplier development. Wachovia pliers, corporations wonât be able to develop chance that we have received so that we con-
has an enterprise wide commitment to sup- companies. Wachovia has a proven supplier tinue to build stronger communities and
plier diversity and development and tapped diversity program that is not just a front.â increase opportunities for all businesses.â