At Nacional, we embrace our role as responsible stewards of the opportunities we receive. Brian Ortiz’s journey, from experiencing the loss of a family-run, minority-certified business to building a successful enterprise for global corporate clients, underscores our commitment to uplifting diverse businesses through mentorship and project opportunities.
Our team, diverse in ethnicity and gender from apprentices to executive leaders, is dedicated to building careers that inspire and empower.
Nacional’s President, Mike Meagher, co-founded HIRE 360 Chicago, connecting underrepresented communities with the building trades. Together with Brian Ortiz, they’ve been pivotal in shaping this program into a nationwide model.
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Most Certified Diverse Owned Businesses rely on governmental programs with diversity utilization requirements. These well-intentioned programs have, unfortunately, led numerous construction companies toward gradual failure due to low bidding and slow payment processes.
Nacional’s growth is attributed to corporations that have earnestly developed meaningful opportunities for small and diverse businesses. The key lies in working with those who want to collaborate with us, rather than those who feel obligated to do so.
Brian Ortiz created the Changing the Face program to equip MBEs with the experience and skills that have enabled us to serve over 30 Fortune 500 clients. This program is dedicated to honoring the memory of Brian’s father, Darrell Ortiz, a proud Mexican American who made his way into the construction trades and later started his own business. Unfortunately, this business ultimately failed due to an environment where low price was the sole differentiator. Darrell was a man who positively impacted many as a husband, father, church leader, neighbor, and business owner. The Changing the Face program is our tribute to this caring industry pioneer.
The Changing the Face program aims to offer direct mentorship to diverse business owners and collaborate closely with our clients. Our goal is to be “super-intentional” about creating winning project opportunities for these firms alongside Nacional’s corporate clients.
Business Owners Who Are Changing The Face of the Industry
Join us in this journey of changing the face of the construction industry, creating a legacy that honors those who paved the way and inspires the next generation of builders.
Nacional’s President, Mike Meagher, recognizes the need for innovative approaches to bring diverse individuals into the construction trades. With over 30 years leading one of the Midwest’s premier construction companies, he co-founded HIRE 360 Chicago. This initiative aligns the largest contractors, developers, trade unions, and labor associations in a joint effort to diversify the construction workforce. HIRE 360 Chicago has grown to become a national leader in this space. Its success serves as a blueprint for America’s largest cities seeking to replicate its innovative model. At Nacional, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformative movement, shaping a more inclusive future for the construction industry.
We believe in the power of partnership, where mutual success fosters exceptional outcomes. Together, we can create not just successful projects but also life-changing opportunities for our suppliers, employees, and clients.
Ready to explore a partnership that elevates your goals?
