In honor of Black History Month, we are shining a light on two outstanding black-owned subcontracting companies. RHVL Corp and Rough & Ready Construction both have inspiring origin stories and are making a positive impact in their communities.
RHVL Corp: Interior Renovation Leader
Founded in 2007 by Ingrid Boney, RHVL Corp has grown from doing all types of construction work to specializing in interior renovations over its 16 years in business. Despite challenges as a black woman in a male-dominated industry, Ms. Boney has built RHVL Corp into a respected interior construction company through consistent quality work. She plans to further focus their services going forward to provide exemplary service to our clients and move into the development arena.
Thank you for agreeing to talk to Tough Leaf, Ingrid. Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to start your own business?
The inspiration to start my own business came from a childhood vow I made to myself. My family lived in a two-room home that was cramped, with a galvanized roof and running water outside in the yard. I decided that I wanted to build better homes that families like mine can proudly own. I wanted to develop homes that were affordable, sustainable, aesthetically beautiful, and improved the quality of life of the people who lived there. That is why I am in construction - my raison d’être. I want to make a difference. I want to leave positive footprints with my construction company.
When was RHVL Corp founded? How did you get started?
I founded RHVL in 2007, and I’ve been running the company ever since. It’s a very tough arena for a female. People say things like, ‘It seems like you've never done this before.’ I have to remind them that I've been in the business since 2007, and I will remain there as long as God wants me to be there.
What are your plans for the future?
When we started the company we did a myriad of services. Now we work only on interior work, (no electrical, HVAC, or plumbing). God willing we will move into the development arena in the next year, so I can begin work on fulfilling my childhood promise.
What about your experience with Tough Leaf?
Tough Leaf already had my business information on the platform! All I had to do was update my profile to add more projects. Since then I've been invited by Tough Leaf personnel to bid on projects. The team at Tough Leaf will tell you about the company and what they’re looking for, so you know what’s expected of you. That groundwork helps.
What would you tell other black-owned or women-owned subcontractors if they get an email from Tough Leaf?
You know it’s so funny, I have introduced Tough Leaf to some of my colleagues. There’s one colleague, she said ‘Where do you get all these projects from, Ingrid?’ I told her ‘I’m everywhere,’ but I gave her a list of people that I know. And Tough Leaf was the first one. I told her to claim her profile and I even showed her one of the projects they sent me. Tough Leaf is hands-on. There are lots of other agencies that talk the talk but do not walk the walk. With Tough Leaf you actually get results. They'll prep you, tell you about the Prime, and tell you what the project is about. I urge my colleagues to go on their website and register. There are different projects to be had. The Tough Leaf team is always willing to help and answer questions.
Rough & Ready Construction: Over Three Decades of Quality Work
Linford Jarrett founded Rough & Ready Construction 31 years ago after immigrating to America from Jamaica. Mr. Jarrett started his company with the mission of providing quality construction services. Today, Rough & Ready Construction lives up to its name by taking on all types of construction projects from start to finish.
Thank you for agreeing to talk to us today, Linford. Tell me about Rough & Ready. How did you get started?
When I came to America in 1993, the first thing that I did was to observed my surroundings because it was new to me. Back home I worked in the tourism industry, so when I came here I didn’t want to do the “9 to 5” anymore. So I said to myself, “What can I do that is different from what I’m used to doing back home?” I gave it a great deal of thought, but know that saying by Kennedy that said “Don’t ask what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country?” It revolved in my mind. So I observed that Americans live in two different realities and decided that I wanted to bridge that gap, so Rough and Ready was born, 31 years ago.
What services do you provide?
We provide construction work from the ground all the way up to the roof. We don’t have a specialization, we do it all. We handle everything from siding to roofing, drywall, insulation, and more. We're a one-stop shop, handling site work, getting the land prepped, and then diving into everything from framing to electrical, plastering, painting, and finishing.
What is it like to work with Tough Leaf?
I have to be straight with you. Bailey, who introduced me to the last project that I bid on, she’s so wonderful. She treated me with such respect. If I needed extra time to bid she helped me get that extra day. She did everything to make sure I could accomplish what we needed for the bid. You guys find us the work, but it’s up to us to do our homework to win the project.
What advice do you have for the members of the Tough Leaf Community?
Believe in yourself. Be yourself. You know what you know. Apply what you know.
The inspirational stories of these two tenacious black business owners demonstrate how supporting minority-owned companies can uplift underserved communities. We are proud to work with RHVL Corp, Rough & Ready Construction, and other diverse subcontractors to expand economic opportunity.
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