LA Stories
Subcontractor Spotlight: Mark Richey Woodworking
In 1981, Mark and Teresa Richey co-founded a full-service woodworking business that designs and builds precisely what their clients want – uber-customized, complex, high-end interiors and exteriors…The firm is certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise and committed to bringing its inclusive subcontracting and hiring practices to the historic Obama Presidential Center project. Equally impressive is the firm’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
Workforce Spotlight: Alyssa Radoicic
Alyssa couldn’t believe CWIT’s program was free, and after taking a quick test, she was accepted. Following the program, she applied for Local 130’s apprenticeship. Her first on-site assignment is a unique one – the Obama Presidential Center!
Meet Heather Yario Rice
For Women’s History Month, Lakeside Alliance spoke with Heather about how her journey in the industry, how working on the Center has impacted her and more.
Meet Elaine King James
For Women’s History Month, Lakeside Alliance spoke with Elaine about her journey in construction, overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field and more.
Meet Sandya Dandamudi of GI Stone
For Women’s History Month, Lakeside Alliance spoke with Sandya about how GI Stone is preparing for installation, her legacy as a second-generation woman owner in construction and more.
Meet Margaret Caspers Booth of Concrete Collective
For Women’s History Month, Lakeside Alliance spoke with Margaret about her role on this historic project, the advice she’d give to other women considering a career in construction and more.
Meet Shannon Coomes of Hill Fire Protection
Ask Shannon Coomes how she became the owner and president of Hill Fire Protection at the age of 30, and she will tell you, “I’m self-made and self-motivated.”
Meet Sharonda Williams of B.B.D. Trucking
Sharonda Williams grew up around trucks. She has fond memories of riding alongside her dad in his hauler as a little girl. He founded B.B.D. Trucking in 1978, and it has been a part of her family’s culture ever since. One of her brothers is trained to do mechanic work, another brother holds a CDL, her mother is president of the company and her father serves as vice president. B.B.D. Trucking Co., Inc. is certified in trucking, excavation and grading. As assistant vice president, Williams is the conductor who drives the business and works with various subcontractors.
Jimmy Akintonde Shines a Light on Black History in the Making
For Black History Month, Jimmy Akintonde — Lakeside Alliance Principal and Founder of UJAMAA Construction — shines a light on Lakeside Alliance’s success story, what he’s learned working alongside fellow Black-owned contractors and how joint ventures bring diversity to the table.
Mamon Powers Jr. Reflects on the Journey to Lakeside Alliance
For Black History Month, Mamon Powers Jr. — Lakeside Alliance Principal and CEO and Chairman of Powers & Sons Construction — reflects on his journey from his first encounter with engineering, to becoming a second-generation business owner, to the creation of Lakeside Alliance.
Workforce Spotlight: Candace “CJ” Brogdon
Originally born in Chicago, Candace “CJ” Brogdon returned to the city in 2021 looking for her next opportunity. That’s when she got involved with Chicago Women in Trades and got on track to a career in carpentry. Now, she’s a part of Lakeside Alliance principal firm Powers & Sons Construction and working on the Obama Presidential Center project.
Subcontractor Spotlight: John Keno and Company, Inc.
Lakeside Alliance is proud to spotlight John Keno and Company (JKC), a third-generation, family- and veteran-owned small business that has performed construction and excavation work on some of Chicago’s most iconic sites.
Workforce Spotlight: Marquis Ruffin
Born and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Marquis was first introduced to the building trades through St. Paul Community Development Ministries’ twelve-week pre-apprenticeship training program. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship, he joined the team at W.E. O’Neil as part of Concrete Collective and began working on the Obama Presidential Center project.
The Top 4 Things to Know About Apprenticeships
From November 13-17, employers, industry associations, educators, unions and community-based organizations come together to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and raise awareness of careers requiring skilled labor. As we enter National Apprenticeship Week, here are the top four things to know about apprenticeships.
Careers in Construction: Every Role Is a Piece of the Puzzle
October is Careers in Construction Month, an opportunity to shine a light on the more than 180 roles one might find within a construction project. Every role is essential to getting to the finish line, some of which have nothing to do with fabricating steel, pouring concrete, or architecture and design. Lakeside Alliance, builder of the Obama Presidential Center, checked in with members of our team who occupy roles that may not always be the first to come to mind, but cover a range of responsibilities that are essential to the project.