Ugo Nwagbaraocha, who owns construction tools and safety equipment distributor Diamond Discs International, has been on a mission to change the overall business community’s perception of Black-owned businesses in Milwaukee.

Adonica Randall, president and CEO of Pewaukee-based Abaxent, LLC, is the leader of the only technology solutions company that is a certified minority/woman-owned business by an African American.

Ugo Nwagbaraocha, president of Milwaukee-based Diamond Discs International, grew his company during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to serve as a leader for Milwaukee’s diverse community of business owners.

On Thursday, September 10, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) presented its annual Minority Small Business Champion Award to Diamond Discs International President Ugo Nwagbaraocha at Diamond Discs International offices, 9300 W. Heather Ave.

Michels has selected a construction veteran and a community outreach professional to lead our Supplier Diversity program. Brian Mitchell, PE, is Supplier Diversity Manager. Stephanie Mercado is Supplier Diversity Specialist.

COVID-19 is ravaging many businesses, but historical handicaps have put Black-owned firms closer to the edge.

This was an opportunity to change the trajectory of the Phelps' family career path and create a new legacy for the family name.

Before an early February meeting, a JCP Construction worker discovered a 2008 business plan from around the time the company was founded. It came off the shelf, and president James Phelps Jr. took a look. He recognized milestones JCP Construction has hit since he helped write the business plan more than a decade ago. Like Phelps, the plan was ambitious.

In a strategic move that will result in one of the largest women- and minority-owned engineering firms in the region, TranSmart Technologies, Inc. has announced its acquisition of Chicago-based EJM Engineering, a company specializing in planning, design, construction engineering and program management of infrastructure projects.