For local, small, and diverse subcontractors, discovering relevant opportunities can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Bernardo Flores, Ph.D., President of Quality Wet Paint, LLC in The Bronx, NY, had all but given up on companies that claimed they would connect him to prime contractors that needed his services. That was until he came across Tough Leaf, which delivers bidding opportunities directly to his inbox for free. Skeptical at first, he was intrigued by Tough Leaf's promise to deliver relevant projects without having to pay. “I said, ‘You’re telling me that you are putting all these MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises), all these small companies, onto one platform to make it easier for Primes to find us, and I don’t have to pay?’” Needless to say, Bernardo visited and signed in to ToughLeaf.com the first chance he got.
When he did, Bernardo was pleasantly surprised to find that his profile already had the details about his company, Quality Wet Paint, LLC. “It was so cool,” he remembered, “We are always busy, and normally I would think this was a waste of time. But in this case, my profile was there. Tough Leaf did the background work for us. All we had to do was review and accept everything that was in there.”
Tough Leaf's Approach Sets Up a Small Business for Success
Instead of bombarding Bernardo with irrelevant leads and hidden fees, Tough Leaf already had his company’s capabilities on file and could match him with projects aligned with his expertise. So when Mackenzie Cullinane (Mac), a member of Tough Leaf’s customer success team, reached out with a painting opportunity at a local museum, Bernardo already understood that this was a project that he could take seriously.
Commitment to Diverse Businesses: How Tough Leaf Helped a Small Painting Company Navigate Prevailing Wages
Mac’s personalized approach and industry expertise proved invaluable as he set Bernardo up for success in the bidding process. “Mac had a series of questions for us. When he asked me if I was unionized, I told him ‘No, but I am available to do prevailing wages.’” Mac quickly realized that Bernardo’s company was a fit for the job. “If I hadn’t spoken to Mac, I would have deleted the email or replied ‘Not unionized.’ He had the right questions, so I was able to know right then that I qualified, that I was a candidate.” Tough Leaf then matched Quality Wet Paint to the project and allowed Bernardo and his team to submit a proposal to the General Contractor.
A Trusted Partner for Small and Diverse Businesses: Tough Leaf's Integrity Stands Out
Tough Leaf's commitment to convenience, transparency, and integrity stood out in stark contrast to other companies Bernardo had encountered. Unlike platforms that inundated him with irrelevant opportunities, required that he set up his profile, and demanded hefty fees for access, Tough Leaf operates on a no-cost model, focusing solely on connecting small businesses with meaningful opportunities.
Reflecting on his experience, Bernardo now understands Tough Leaf’s role in leveling the playing field for small businesses. “Other matching services tell me that if I want good projects, I need to pay them,” he said, “but not with Tough Leaf. If I don’t hear from the team, I can even log in and see projects up for bid and the status.”
Leveling the Playing Field: Tough Leaf's Impact on Small and Diverse Business Growth
By eliminating barriers to entry and providing tailored support, Tough Leaf is a trusted partner for Quality Wet Paint, LLC to compete and thrive in a competitive market.
Bernardo's success story with Tough Leaf serves as a testament to our team’s commitment to supporting small businesses. Through advanced matching, transparent practices, and a thoughtful approach to all that we do, Tough Leaf has become an indispensable ally for subcontractors like Quality Wet Paint, paving the way for growth and prosperity in the small business landscape.
If you’re a subcontractor with a diverse certification, claim your Tough Leaf Profile today.