BAC Members in IMI’s Aspiring Contractor Course Share Big Dreams of Owning Their Own Businesses

There is a lot that goes into running your own business, but many entrepreneurial BAC members have big dreams of doing just that. To help them understand how to start and run a successful union contracting company, IMI offers the Aspiring Contractor Certificate Program.

This spring, over 20 BAC craftworkers from across the country signed on to participate in the 5-day virtual course. The program covers all the basics for getting started, from creating a business plan, to registering a company, securing financing, meeting legal requirements, obtaining licenses, and more. Beyond that, the course also explains BAC Collective Bargaining Agreements, and how multiemployer pension and healthcare plans work. Plus, it dives into the services and support union contractors receive from BAC, IMI, and the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF).

BAC Local 1 PA/DE member Joe Magazzeni wanted to start his own company not only to support his family, but to build something he can leave behind for his children. Having worked as a non-union bricklayer before joining Local 1, there was no doubt in his mind that opening a union shop was the best decision for his business.

“As a bricklayer in the field, the benefits and security for my future are what motivated me to join BAC,” Magazzeni said. “As a contractor, there’s no better way to build a quality, skilled workforce than with the union.”

The Aspiring Contractor Program helped build Magazzeni’s confidence when it comes to the ins and outs of running a construction company, in particular payroll processes and bidding work. Just after the class concluded, Magazzeni was proud to land his first project — a quarter million-dollar contract for an addition on a car dealership. The project kicks off this summer and is expected to employ 4 bricklayers.

In Chicago, BAC ADC 1 of IL member Josue Cabrera was also signing on virtually each evening with IMI to attend the Aspiring Contractor Program. Cabrera, like Magazzeni, has spent the better part of his career working as a foreperson. “I’m starting to think about the next phase of my career,” he said. His goal is to transition his years of experience working as a tile setter and foreperson into an office role, helping with bidding, project management, and other management tasks.

“This class took me to another level, and I want to learn more,” said Cabrera, who frequently uses his downtime to take advantage of upgrade and certificate training offered through IMI and IMTEF.

As for starting his own company? “Maybe one day, I’ll be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take over someone’s business as they look to retire.”

Regardless, Cabrera feels the insights he gained from the class will also help him in his current role. “I talk to a lot of architects, owners, and contractors on a day-to-day basis. I now have a better understanding of how to speak their language — and I think that’ll build their confidence in me and show that I know what I’m talking about.”

Similarly, Magazzeni said that having the union’s reputation for quality work behind him has helped as he’s establishing himself in the industry. “When I tell general contractors we’re a union company, they seem to be pleased with that.”

“Some of BAC’s most successful contractors started their careers as skilled craftworkers,” said Caryn Halifax, President of IMI and IMTEF. “We’re proud to continue supporting that tradition through programs like the Aspiring Contractor course as we work together to grow and strengthen the union masonry and tile industry.”

“This class took me to another level, and I want to learn more... I talk to a lot of architects, owners, and contractors on a day-to-day basis. I now have a better understanding of how to speak their language.”— ADC 1 of IL member Josue Cabrera