Painters USA is a certified woman-owned company
Our WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) certification validates much more than supplier diversity.
If you ask her how long she’s been with Painters USA, President, Chairman of the Board, and Owner Meg Cook laughs and asks back, “Do you mean paid or unpaid?”
For many years, as her husband Paul managed operations and sales, Meg did the invoicing and payroll, without taking a paycheck and while working another full-time job. Gradually, Meg became more involved in Painters USA and quit her day job. It was a client who recommended WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) certification, which Meg initially resisted. But after learning more about the process, they decided to go for it.
In 2014, Painters USA became a certified woman-owned business enterprise, a status they've maintained ever since in an annual recertification process.
- Painters USA is both a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier to major corporations that are committed to satisfying their diversity spending goals.
- In addition, Painters USA is a registered vendor under SAM #LSRNN7N2DLF8 (System for Award Management) and CAGE #6LJ95 (Commercial and Government Entity).
Benefits of Working with a Woman-Owned Business
Support
of women and other minorities who are under-represented in the trades
Diversity
Expanded procurement sources and supplied diversity goals
Incentives
Federal (and possibly state or local) Tax Incentives
Women in Construction Trades
While the number of new woman-owned businesses has surged, the construction trades continue to be male-dominated. According to the American Express 2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report:
Between 2014 and 2019, the number of woman-owned firms in construction expanded by 68% and their revenue grew by 31%, yet woman-owned businesses still comprise less than five percent of the construction industry.
As a WBENC certified business during those years, Painters USA is happy to be part of the group and proud to offer career opportunities and valuable skills to women in painting, coating, and flooring.
Why WBENC Certification Matters
As a certified Women's Business Enterprise, Painters USA is both a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier to major corporations that are committed to satisfying their diversity spending goals and expanding supplier networks in the communities they serve. Yet supplier goals can never come at the expense of business requirements for reliability, quality, and value, and certifying agencies like WBENC also play a vital role in that regard.
WBENC not only ensures a legitimate claim to woman ownership and leadership; the agency also validates financial and operational excellence.
In short, certification demonstrates that a supplier like Painters USA can meet a number of different requirements:
WBENC Certification Process
The WBENC process can last several months as it includes a variety of reporting and inspection requirements. To become certified:
- Company must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, including management and daily operations.
- Female owner(s) must show proof of capital and/or equity investment.
- Business licenses, financial statements, and three years of federal tax returns must be provided.
- The process also includes a site visit and interview by WBENC staff.
- Certification must be renewed annually to ensure the company continues to meet WBENC standards.
Women in Management Roles at Painters USA
Meg Cook
President Meg Cook says this about key female managers she relies upon:
Nicole Hanik
“We would not have been able to grow without Nicole’s big picture view of possible improvements and how to get them done.”
Laura Schulz
“Laura did construction work with her dad during summers off from school, so she brings great working knowledge and ideas to the management team.”
The Women Behind Painters USA
Alysa Medina
Senior Vice President of People Operations
Marlene Gambino
Human Resources Manager
Stephanie Cooney
Project Manager
LaWanda Cosby
Accounting
Karina Reyes
Technology & Sales Administrator
Jennifer Placha
Learning & Development Specialist
Kahla Bowman
Integrator & Office Manager
Samantha Kazumura
Marketing Manager
Melissa Gonzalez
Human Resource Coordinator
Jeale Baryl
Executive Administrative Assistant
Ximena Hernandez
Bilingual Human Resources Recruiter
Amy Slabach
Project Coordinator
Saide Cruz
Office Coordinator
Jazmine Rivera
Safety Administrator
Nina Baker
Assistant Controller
Virginia Morales
Learning & Development Coordinator
Candace Kay
Integrations Specialist
Stephanie Suszko
Project Coordinator
Leslie Evans
Project Coordinator
Jennifer Morris
Sales Representative Texas Region
Meet Supplier Diversity Objectives with Painters USA
We are a good choice to not only help achieve your specific goals, but also provide you with the benefit of working with a respected name in painting, flooring, and industrial cleaning.
