Past Winner Stories
Mezetta Construction
Tenacity has paid off for Darlene Mezzetta,president and CEO of Mezzetta Construction,Inc. As she described it,she hasn’t just jumped through hoops,she’s jumped through fire-ringed hoops.
Mezzetta and her husband actually started in California,where they owned a construction business. Through a biblical and research ministry program,they traveled to Indiana and eventually decided to settle in Indianapolis. “We fell in love with the city,”she said. While they were prepared to move back to California, they recognized the business opportunities in Indiana and Mezzetta Construction was born.
Mezzetta Construction was founded in 2000 and Darlene Mezzetta brought reputable experience to the market and the industry. However, stereotypes still exist. As a Hispanic woman in a traditional male line of work,she knew the challenges to be faced. “In many male-dominated industries today,women are showing we can do the work. We’re proving it every day,”she said. “Maybe it’s because a lot of us are mothers so often we’re more sensitive. We’re showing others how to use compassion in business.”
One of the many hoops has been the attempt to receive Minority and Women Business Enterprise status and certification. “The scrutiny has been intense,”she said. “After many interviews,on-site visits,documentation, attorney fees and court appeals,I finally received my MBE/WBE/SDB and my federal 8(a) government contractor certification.”
Diversity in the workplace is a matter of pride for Mezzetta. She estimates that 62 percent of her company’s workforce represents women, African-Americans,Hispanics,Asians and other cultures.
Mezzetta Construction handles commercial construction management, general contracting and facility maintenance. The company is thriving through manageable growth and a focus on client relationships. “It’s important to us to keep a personal relationship with our clients,” Mezzetta said. “If we get too large or we grow too fast,that can’t happen.” The company is mindful of the use of technology while also keeping an eye behind the scenes. “Our laborers are the people who allow us to use the technology,”she said. “Our communication strategy and our ability to thrive with technology are directly related to the people who provide the hands-on work everyday.”
Another point of pride for Mezzetta is the “well-kept secret”of her company. “People are continually surprised to see this real-life company and all we have accomplished.” As the secret is unveiled,the exposure leads to more opportunities.“Our associates are so proud of our accomplishments,”she said. “We know our capabilities but we’re starting to take advantage of the chance to get the message out there.”
Mezzetta has achieved many goals. She has many more on the horizon. “I really want business people to realize that we have so much to offer. As women,as minorities, there’s a label that might preclude seeing the talent and skill,”she said. “We’re making a difference.”
Mezzetta and her husband actually started in California,where they owned a construction business. Through a biblical and research ministry program,they traveled to Indiana and eventually decided to settle in Indianapolis. “We fell in love with the city,”she said. While they were prepared to move back to California, they recognized the business opportunities in Indiana and Mezzetta Construction was born.
Mezzetta Construction was founded in 2000 and Darlene Mezzetta brought reputable experience to the market and the industry. However, stereotypes still exist. As a Hispanic woman in a traditional male line of work,she knew the challenges to be faced. “In many male-dominated industries today,women are showing we can do the work. We’re proving it every day,”she said. “Maybe it’s because a lot of us are mothers so often we’re more sensitive. We’re showing others how to use compassion in business.”
One of the many hoops has been the attempt to receive Minority and Women Business Enterprise status and certification. “The scrutiny has been intense,”she said. “After many interviews,on-site visits,documentation, attorney fees and court appeals,I finally received my MBE/WBE/SDB and my federal 8(a) government contractor certification.”
Diversity in the workplace is a matter of pride for Mezzetta. She estimates that 62 percent of her company’s workforce represents women, African-Americans,Hispanics,Asians and other cultures.
Mezzetta Construction handles commercial construction management, general contracting and facility maintenance. The company is thriving through manageable growth and a focus on client relationships. “It’s important to us to keep a personal relationship with our clients,” Mezzetta said. “If we get too large or we grow too fast,that can’t happen.” The company is mindful of the use of technology while also keeping an eye behind the scenes. “Our laborers are the people who allow us to use the technology,”she said. “Our communication strategy and our ability to thrive with technology are directly related to the people who provide the hands-on work everyday.”
Another point of pride for Mezzetta is the “well-kept secret”of her company. “People are continually surprised to see this real-life company and all we have accomplished.” As the secret is unveiled,the exposure leads to more opportunities.“Our associates are so proud of our accomplishments,”she said. “We know our capabilities but we’re starting to take advantage of the chance to get the message out there.”
Mezzetta has achieved many goals. She has many more on the horizon. “I really want business people to realize that we have so much to offer. As women,as minorities, there’s a label that might preclude seeing the talent and skill,”she said. “We’re making a difference.”