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A New Chapter: The Transformation of A&W Contractors

Company Name Change and Shift in Focus

Last year marked a significant milestone for Air and Wellness Safety Training, as the company officially rebranded itself to A&W Contractors. This new name encapsulates a broader shift towards construction-oriented services, highlighting the transformation that this Englewood-based company has undergone.

Origins and Early Growth

Originally founded in 2014 by former respiratory therapist Adrian Mobley, the primary mission of A&W Contractors was to provide CPR and safety training. However, in response to the changing demands of the market, the company pivoted in 2020 to include a variety of essential services such as traffic control for construction sites and the rental of temporary fencing. Over the past year, A&W has continued this trajectory by expanding its offerings to cover general contracting work. This now includes services like carpentry, flooring, and joint sealant—all while maintaining a commitment to respiratory health services.

Ongoing Projects and Opportunities

A&W Contractors is actively involved in several high-profile projects, including significant developments at O’Hare Airport, McCormick Place, and the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line extension to 130th Street. Despite these ongoing projects, the company faces challenges posed by new federal diversity guidelines from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which have altered the landscape of infrastructure construction.

Navigating New Regulations

In October, the Department of Transportation made controversial changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. They removed race and gender as criteria for determining social or economic disadvantage, revising the previous requirement that federally-funded projects allocate specific percentages of their contracts to DBEs. The updated definition now focuses on for-profit small businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Previously, A&W benefited from the CTA’s goal of assigning 20% of contracts for its $2.1 billion modernization of the Red and Purple lines to DBEs, of which A&W was among 119 minority- or female-owned businesses participating in the initiative.

The Recertification Challenge

The recertification process for DBEs has become crucial. It now mandates that businesses submit personal narratives and extensive financial documentation to substantiate their disadvantaged status. Mobley characterizes the new application process as "open-ended, qualitative, and time-consuming," reflecting on her five-page submission, which detailed her personal story, education, and financial background. “You tell your story and hope the person who reads it thinks you’re disadvantaged,” she stated. Fortunately, A&W was notified last month by the city of Chicago that the company would be re-certified as a DBE.

Importance of Recertification

For A&W Contractors, maintaining DBE status is “absolutely imperative,” as approximately 40% of the company’s contracts are tied to federally-funded projects. While the company did not lose any contracts last year, certain federally-funded initiatives faced delays, including the ongoing work on the CTA’s Red Line Expansion. Although A&W is still engaged in essential tasks like demolition and providing temporary fencing for the Red Line project, the overall pace of work has not yet reached full capacity.

Financial Performance and Future Goals

As for revenue, A&W’s earnings for 2025 were around $5 million—short of Mobley’s target of $8 million. The workforce currently consists of 20 to 30 project-based employees, which is significantly lower than the projected aim of 75 workers. However, such figures are a far cry from 2020 when the company operated with only three employees.

Mobley is currently exploring options for a larger headquarters in anticipation of further growth, considering various locations throughout Chicago although she has a preference to remain in Englewood.

Hiring Plans and Technological Integration

Looking forward, the company has plans to hire additional construction staff, including laborers and carpenters, along with administrative personnel and a project manager. A major challenge lies in integrating new technology and administrative software as A&W scales its operations. Mobilizing resources to support this technological advancement will be essential for streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency.

Optimism for the Future

As she sets her sights on 2026, Mobley plans to expand upon last year’s targets and expresses optimism about future projects. “I’m excited about all the new possibilities,” she shared, highlighting her commitment to growth and community development.

How AI legalese decoder Can Help

In navigating the complexities of DBE recertification and compliance with federal regulations, tools like AI legalese decoder can be invaluable. This technology can simplify and clarify legal jargon, making it easier for business owners like Mobley to understand their obligations and rights. By leveraging AI legalese decoder, A&W Contractors can ensure that they effectively manage their documentation and adhere to new compliance requirements without the added stress typically associated with legal processes. This can not only save time and resources but also empower Mobley to focus on strategic growth initiatives for her company.

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