Cheer for Business Game Changers!
At Tampa Electric, we believe that as a team, we can all thrive. That’s why we sponsor the Minority Business Accelerator (MBA), a Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation program. The MBA helps minority-owned businesses prepare for growth. Program participants are positioned to increase capacity, create jobs and build wealth.
In other words, to win.
In 2021, we decided to kick our support a little further down the field.
In a partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we launched our Business Game Changer program to showcase six businesses enrolled in the MBA program. During the football season, these “Game Changers” get the spotlight on their business – plus one month’s utility bill paid and a full VIP gameday experience at a Bucs game. We’re proud to cheer on these worthy recipients and help their businesses score big.
Aargh you ready to meet the 2023 Business Game Changers? Let’s Go!
John Diaz - Ceiba Ltd. Co.
Ceiba is named after a majestic tropical tree some cultures consider sacred. The South Tampa-based company does custom home building from the ground up, whole home renovations, commercial tenant buildouts and new construction commercial buildings.
Owner John Diaz, the son of a single mother of Cuban descent, is grateful for the MBA program Tampa Electric sponsors.
"The MBA program provides resources to really propel your business forward," he said. "It puts you in contact with the movers and shakers in Tampa. Those connections are vital."
His advice to other small business owners:
"Look for mentorships, get paired up with a program like MBA versus trying to blaze your own trail. It takes a team."
Congratulations, John, on being a 2023 Business Game Changer!
Floyd Freeman - CableLytics
CableLytics, founded in 2015, installs systems to enhance cell phone usage in buildings and stadiums all over Florida.
Its owner Floyd Freeman shares his advice to other business owners: Know who or what your “why” is.
“That’s what helps to drive you in rough times. You’ll quit on yourself but you won’t quit on that person.”
How does it feel to be a Business Game Changer?
“It’s very rewarding!” Floyd said. “Having the opportunity to be at the Bucs game on the field, to see the players in their real-time environment was great.
It gave me a great boost to feel recognized.”
Congratulations, Floyd, on being a 2023 Business Game Changer!
Charles Jackson - Mijan Construction
If you've visited the campus of the University of Tampa, you've no doubt seen some of Mijan Construction's work. From the athletic center to dorm space, the company's fingerprints are everywhere, says the company's president and CEO Charles Jackson.
Those types of construction projects are what fuels him and propels him to continually improve. Charles says his time spent in the Minority Business Accelerator program was a huge help, and he gives this advice to others:
"I would tell any entrepreneur, whether they've been in business or are just getting started, to reach out to the MBA program. They have tools and resources and it's all free! You just don't get that benefit anywhere else."
Congratulations, Charles, on being a 2023 Business Game Changer!
Damaris Ortega - Ortega Custom Cabinets
Damaris Ortega and her husband Uziel came to the United States from Cuba with a dream - to join forces with their two talents and start a business. Damaris had a background in banking, Uziel in carpentry and custom-made cabinetry.
The manifestation of their dream is Ortega Custom Cabinets in Tampa. The company designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinets for residential and commercial customers.
With the help of programs like the Minority Business Accelerator, the business continues to grow faster and smarter.
"We've really seen the difference when you get involved in the community and network," said Damaris. "We're able to really showcase what we do!"
Congratulations, Ortega Custom Cabinets, on being a Business Game Changer!
Max Volmar Jr. - M&G Janitorial Services
Max Volmar is the founder and CEO of M&G Janitorial Services, a company that offers a wide-range of cleaning services, from small commercial buildings to schools and high-rises.
His time as a participant in the Minority Business Accelerator was a turning point for the company he runs.
After completing the program, he says: "I was able to hire an account manager, a business consultant and new staff members. I can now work on the business instead of in the business."
What was his main takeaway?
"Building relationships is key. And staying in contact with the people who can help you take your company to the next level.
Congratulations, Max, on being a Business Game Changer!
Kalvin Weathersby - Power Civil Construction Services
Kalvin Weathersby, owner of Power Civil Construction Services, got his start in cell phone tower infrastructure working alongside his dad. It seemed a natural fit for what he likes to do.
"I love being outdoors, getting dirty, and getting better every day," he says.
Today he owns his own company that builds all the necessary infrastructure at the base of cell phone towers. His participation in the Minority Business Accelerator program helped him reach new heights in his success.
"The MBA program provided us a seat at the table. To meet people we wouldn't normally meet and get different perspectives," he said.
His advice to other business owners: "Stay in the know. Stay networking. Keep getting better. If you apply yourself, you can be in this seat too!"
Congratulations, Kalvin, on being a Business Game Changer!
