Woman in Business Interview with Brenda L. Hill-Riggins, Presidendt of Mars Contractors Inc.in Miami, Florida
 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do professionally.
I am the co-owner and President of MARS Contractors Inc. I have worked one on one with individuals and with groups addressing issues such as understanding one’s purpose, starting over, organizational management, spiritual transformation, and building their business. With a strong desire to help others understand their purpose and move our clients more quickly to their desired destinations in life, in 2007 I transitioned from what I do (a construction contractor) to who I am, a transformation coach. I completed my speaker’s training with The Motivational Center with Dr. Tina Dupree. I completed my coach training at Florida International University and received my Life Coach Certification from the International Coaching Federation and North Star Group. I was  personally trained by Oprah Winfrey’s Life Coach Expert, New York Times best-selling author and “O” Magazine monthly contributor, Dr. Martha Beck.

What do you enjoy most about your profession and why did you choose it in the first place?
What I enjoy most about Life Coaching is the opportunity to help others move forward in life. . I feel that I was created to be what I am. As a construction contractor I did not choose to be in the profession, it chose me.  I was raised in the construction industry.  My father was a small residential contractor and I guess when my oldest brother left home; I was next in line to assist him.  I became very familiar and comfortable in this male dominated environment. Luckily, I never had any major problems as a female.

Tell us about the organizations your company supports and why?
The organization we support is MARS Community Dev. Corp. The MARS CDC Local Sustainable Communities Program (LSCP) has a secure and smart citywide strategic plan that is designed to empower local businesses and neighborhoods as a direct response to a man made or natural disaster. Its purpose is simple yet replete: provide opportunities for entrepreneurial and community growth with specific, long-term sustainable efforts.
 
What is the biggest risk you ever took professionally and/or the biggest obstacle you have overcome? 
The biggest risk that we (me and my husband) ever took professionally was that…we made the decision to start a company together and get married at the same time. The biggest obstacle that has hindered our growth has been the glass ceiling barriers … barriers dealt with start-up and getting in the game (Bonding, Cash Flow, union competitors, and issues with credit with suppliers).  However with our strength, commitment, and determination, we have prevailed over those obstacles.

From where do you draw inspiration? Your role models, mentors, etc.?
My inspiration came from my father. My father could not read or write and despite this, he was able to care for 10 children using his God given gifts and abilities. I appreciated my father and even though he is not alive today, he has given me the tools to do business and succeed.

How is the current economic situation affecting your company/organization?
MARS experienced its recession in 2002. The experiences / lessons  learned provided the knowledge and tools to implement procedures and measures to make the company and ourselves recession-proof. The most significant achievement is knowing that we are experiencing the success we envisioned…success without struggle. We pulled ourselves up by our own bootstrap and took advantage of the resources made available through the efforts of community leaders to ensure small business participation on contract opportunity.  In this time of recession, our company is stronger than it has ever been. Peace is the greatest gift and gratitude is the greatest feeling. We know that a lot of our counterparts are struggling and a lot of business owners have not been able to maintain. But after all that we have been through, we are still here and we are stronger than ever.  At the end of the day, everybody is paid and everyone is good and our future is really bright with a lot of great opportunities.  I feel like Oprah Winfrey. …” My future looks so bright, it burns my eyes.”

What one thing would you like to learn this year?
Relationship asset management….how to build, nurture, and grow partnerships and strategic alliances.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
For MARS Contractors, Inc, we hope to launch a plumbing service franchise. Personally, I want to launch myself as an author, speaker, and life coach with a product line. I also want to have my books on the New York Best sellers List and speak 3-5 times per month on national platforms.

What do you do for fun/relaxation/entertainment?
I love cooking, traveling, writing, and entertaining

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I want to let everyone know that we just won the construction management contract with two other larger companies to build the new 600 million Marlins Baseball Park in Miami. Also, if you want to experience success have a plan and include giving …if you want to experience sweet success work God’s plan by serving humanity and trust that he will work your plan.