Kansas City, Missouri, is home to Parrish & Sons Construction, a thriving construction company with a unique distinction; it is led by Fahteema Parrish, a Black woman defying norms in an industry dominated by men.
With over ten years in the field, her firm handles excavation, grading, demolition, and more, leaving its mark on major projects like the Three Light Tower and KCI Airport, according to KSHB.
Parrish’s path to construction wasn’t straightforward. Before launching her business, she worked in tech as a software engineer and also pursued various ventures, from barbering to property management.
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“They’re like, ‘What? How, why did you go from technology to construction?’ In construction, there’s technology,” Parrish said.
Her entrepreneurial spirit traces back to her upbringing. According to Parrish, her father operates an HVAC company, instilling in her the drive to build something of her own. The transition to construction however came with hurdles.
“This is a tough industry to go from technology, which was a male-dominated field, and then to enter into construction, which was another male-dominated field,” she told KSHB. Yet, she credits her resilience for her success, navigating both industry biases and daily challenges with determination.
Beyond her business, Parrish invests in the next generation, mentoring through initiatives like the Full Employment Council and Awesome Ambitions. Her recent certification as a National Standard General Building Contractor underscores her commitment to growth.
In June 2023, Parrish & Sons won the KC Chamber Mr. K Small Business of the Year award. It was the first time a Black woman-owned business had won in the award’s 36-year existence.
The Mr. K Award is given by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Named after Kansas City entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Kauffman, the award recognizes small businesses in the Kansas City area that show growth, commitment and stability.
Parrish’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Stay the course. Growth and comfort, they cannot coexist. Be okay trying, and be okay failing. But choosing to fail forward and learn from that.”
For Parrish, every obstacle is a stepping stone, and her company’s name, honoring her husband and sons, is a testament to the legacy she’s building.
