Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robin Hughes, PhD (c), MPhil, MSHRM, Chief Diversity Officer of R Hughes & Associates, located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
R Hughes & Associates (RHA) is a certified MBE, SBE, and HUB (certified by DFW Minority Supplier Development Council) client-based business that provides services for General Contractors (served on the project management team for more than $800M in construction) and small business owners (helped secure more than $40M in contracts). We assist our international & US client base through controversial challenges such as DEI (Corporate & Supplier Diversity, EEOC, HR Compliance, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, and securing small business certifications. We provide services to assist companies in becoming HR and Business compliant and work to improve employee engagement and retention to impact the company culture and the bottom line positively.
Tell us about yourself
Helping others, building my legacy, and generational wealth… I'm a go-getter and a go-giver with a servant's heart who is unapologetically authentic, with more than 20 years of experience in HR, business, and law. I'm a life-long learner and take pride in helping others reach their full potential personally and professionally. I'm an extraordinary relationship builder who loves designing programs to navigate employers through the controversy and challenges to establish great company cultures, outstanding results that protect everyone, and positive outcomes that impact the bottom line.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am proud that I have established many goals and continue surpassing them. I secured a $257M construction project (the largest construction project in the history of the city) and designed a minority participation program (supplier diversity - $190M procurement) and community outreach program that is being used as models for the General Contractors, the City, and the County. Both programs received recognition from McGraw-Hill SouthCentral Construction Magazine for surpassing established goals. We received the Creative Visionary Award from the MidSouth Minority Business Council for thinking outside the box and designing a minority participation (supplier diversity) program that exceeded expectations.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Wearing many hats and ensuring you are taking care of the business and your people.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It is not for the faint of heart.
- Do your research, know your business, and do what you love.
- Network – It's All About Relationships.
- You cannot do it alone…trust your people and give them autonomy to get the job done.
- Contact R Hughes & Associates to become certified as a minority business enterprise (MBE), women business enterprise (WBE), or disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) to grow your revenues and ensure compliance so you do not put your company at risk.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.rhughesandassociates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinhughes6456
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robinhughes6456
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhughes6456/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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