Cullen has a commitment to Minority Participation with our project partners and work to proactively develop and maintain strong relationships with diverse contractors across the state. Our involvement with minority, disadvantaged, and Emerging Business Enterprises (EBE) began before it became a requirement. We are proud of the fact that we have met or exceeded all minority participation goals, as well as Residence Participation and Emerging Business goals on our projects.
In 2001, Cullen procured two renovation and addition projects with the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS): Sherman Multicultural Arts School and Clarke Street School. Since most of the EBEs do not have a high bonding capacity, Cullen split the project into phases so EBE contractors would be able to bid the work. In order to bid the work, a Cullen executive and project manager trained and mentored EBE firms on items such as contracts, schedules, and the financial aspects of a project.
Continuous improvement is Cullen’s culture. Once per year for 11 weeks Cullen holds in-house Process Improvement Workshops for employees and contractors. Contractors such as The Thomas A. Mason Co., Penebaker, J.F. Cook Co., and Roberts Roofing are just a few of the EBE and Woman Owned Businesses (WBE) that take advantage of these workshops. During the workshops, Cullen mentors the firms regarding crew size analysis, production, planning, leadership, etc.
As a Union Bargaining Committee member, Larry Rocole, vice president of the Milwaukee Division, is an advocate for EBE, MBE, DBE, and WBE firms.
Why, might you ask, does a contractor become this involved? As stated by Larry, “If they are successful on the project, we are successful on the project, and it’s important to build relationships with firms letting them know we are here to help.”
In October of 2009, J. P. Cullen held a minority open house at the Janesville and Brookfield offices. During both open houses Godwin Amegashie from the state of Wisconsin gave and inspiring speech to the attendees of the event.
In the September 1, 2008 issue of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the remarkable Milwaukee City Hall Restoration Project was praised for keeping diversity a tradition.
In 2007, Larry Rocole was awarded the Associated Geneneral Contractors Mentorship Award for his work with minority contractors.
In May 2007, the Business Journal heralded, “Contractor [J. P. Cullen] exceeding emerging business minortiy participation goals.”
In 2006, after the project was underway, hope was realized by Darletha White, a dedicated bricklayer apprentice, “ I’m going all the way to the top. Hopefully in a few years, I’ll have my own business.”
In December 2005, Cullen received the Wisconsin Regional Training Program Partnership/Big Step Recognition Award for Cullen’s continued commitment to workforce diversity initiatives.
In November 2006, Mayor Tom Barrett congratulated Cullen: “It must be particularly gratifying to see the fruits of your labor contribute so publicly to the common well.”
This is just a small portion of the impact our construction projects. Our objective is to develop a diverse team on our projects that will perform the highest quality work for our clients. If you are interesting in being on our bidders list, please fill out the subcontractor form.