MILES-MCCLELLAN CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

As a child, Lonnie Miles always had a passion for construction. This childhood passion followed him through college where he received his graduate degree in Civil Engineering and pursued a career in construction. When his second job a five years wanted to relocate him, Lonnie decided to start his own business, Miles-McCellan Construction and Development with business partner, Terry McClellan. Their dual business savvy paid off when Lonnie was introduced to Tony Piazza, Assistant Vice President of HR & Administration at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  Piazza and his associates suggested Lonnie bid on a contract to build a distribution facility in Columbus.  This Request for Proposal drafted a $25 million project and led to Lonnie building a Honda Aircraft facility in the form of a $70 million contract.  Lonnie Miles’ ability to build facilities and solid business relationships also gives Miles-McCellan Construction and Development the fuel it needs to thrive.  

HONDA DIVERSITY

As a Diversity Consultant to American Honda Motor, Dr. Tyrone Baines helps ensure the company has a broad range of skilled contract employees throughout the minority community.  This business agenda will set sail as Honda builds its next headquarters in Greensborough, North Carolina.  The venture is projected to provide 300+ jobs to the public. With that commitment, the City of Greensboro gave Honda a financial incentive of $600,000 which will be paid off over a three-year time span. American Honda feels that this project is a model for other large corporations as an example of providing maximum exposure and opportunities to minority entrepreneurs. 

SECRETS OF SUCCESS   

Bonique Edwards of Kaleidoscope Consulting Group (www.kconsultinggroup.com) advises viewers on creating a personalized email account to benefit their business.

STUDIO GUEST

 Manager of Corporate Procurement for American Honda Motor Company, Charles Harmon, provides an inside look at Honda’s diversity initiatives and how smaller companies can tap in on the action.