We recently sat down with one of our many successful PTAC clients, Zoar Fulwilder, Managing Member of Mavid Construction Services, LLC. Mavid is a Native American-owned and union company that performs a wide variety of construction services and installations. Notably, Mavid has been involved in every major renovation and addition at historic Lambeau Field, home of Mavid’s hometown Green Bay Packers. Learn more about Zoar and Mavid, and why a consultation with the National Center should be any Native American or Alaska Native entrepreneur’s first stop in his or her business journey.

Tell us a bit about Mavid and its work?

Mavid Construction Services, LLC (MCS) is a Native American-owned (Salt River Pima-Maricopa) union company that furnishes and installs:

Metal Stud and DrywallGlass and GlazingFlooringAcoustical CeilingsDoors and HardwareMillwork and Fixtures

How long have you been at the company?

I founded MCS with my uncle, David Montiel, in February of 2008. My current title is Managing Member. I purchased Mr. Montiel’s interest in 2012.

Do you have any interesting new initiatives or contracts?

MCS has been involved in every major renovation and addition at Lambeau Field (home of the Green Bay Packers) since 2011, completing more than $25M in contracts.

Recently, we were awarded our largest project to date, which is a large hospital located in Sheboygan, Wis. This project requires us to work closely with plumbing and mechanical subcontractors to prefab the bulk of the interior wall systems and to utilize a new “block” scheduling system. In addition to the wall system contract, we were awarded contracts for glass, glazing, and flooring.

How has the National Center helped Mavid reach its goals?

The National Center has been integral to Mavid’s success from the very beginning by providing educational resources and helping with navigating the world of contracting. For example, we were provided vital information regarding financing, insurance and bonding through conferences and your representative, [Senior Procurement Specialist] JoAn Notah.

Personally, the National Center helped me understand what it took to start and maintain a business. When I was 20 years old, I made an appointment with a representative to discuss starting a dry-cleaning business. I didn’t pursue the dry-cleaning business, but that consultation helped me understand what it would take to be successful in business.

What aspect of your work at Mavid gives you the most pride?

I actually have two. The first being the work we do on Native American facilities. I grew up on two reservations: The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin. Both communities struggled to find the resources to have decent schools, clinics, and housing. Tribes have come a long way and now have the resources to build amazing facilities. I take pride that I can help provide a place where Natives can learn, get medical care, and live.

The second is helping people get into a construction career. We take on a lot of folks that have very little training and/or have been marginally employed. It is great to see these employees achieve financial stability, buy homes, and provide for their families.

Do you have advice for aspiring entrepreneurs or other businesses in Indian Country?

Get a consultation with the National Center. It is a great resource and its representatives will help you learn from others’ successes and struggles. It also can provide you with contacts for teaming and joint ventures.

Second, talk to a banker you trust. They are a resource you will be tapping throughout your company’s lifespan – not just for funding, but for advice and insight. Most bankers have seen it all.