In the construction industry, women like Elizabeth Tene are paving the way for a new era of leadership and innovation. As the CEO and President of Access General Contracting, Elizabeth has not only built a thriving business but has also demonstrated that perseverance, teamwork, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit can break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
A Family Legacy in Construction
Elizabeth’s journey into the world of construction was inspired by her family’s entrepreneurial background. Growing up, she and her brother, Albert, were exposed to the industry through their father, who worked in construction alongside his brothers. Their upbringing was shaped by hands-on experiences—whether it was Elizabeth capturing job site progress through photography or Albert assisting in construction tasks, the foundation for their future business was set early on.
Rather than simply taking over their father’s business, Elizabeth and Albert decided to build something of their own. With Albert’s hands-on construction expertise and Elizabeth’s background in finance, the duo launched Access General Contracting, serving federal government and public utility companies across California, Arizona, and Nevada. Their complementary skill sets have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success.
The Challenges and Rewards of a Family Business
Running a business with family members can be both rewarding and challenging. While Elizabeth and her brother work well together, generational differences in opinion—especially when their parents were involved—presented unique challenges. However, their ability to communicate and problem-solve has been crucial in maintaining harmony and driving their business forward.
For those considering going into business with a sibling, Elizabeth’s advice is simple: go for it. While disagreements are inevitable, she believes that working with family offers an unmatched level of trust and understanding. However, she does note that family gatherings can sometimes turn into business meetings—a reality that requires setting boundaries and maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
Navigating the Competitive Landscape
Breaking into the federal and public utility contracting space wasn’t easy. Access General Contracting initially started with residential and public works projects before shifting focus to larger government and utility contracts. This transition required patience, persistence, and the right certifications. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of obtaining certifications to compete in the federal contracting space.
While many shy away from complex government contracts, Access General Contracting embraces the challenge. Elizabeth describes their company as one that runs toward the opportunitys others avoid, which has allowed them to carve out a niche and find long-term success.
A Passion for Growth and Teamwork
What keeps Elizabeth motivated? Her team. She finds immense fulfillment in knowing that her company’s success directly impacts the lives of its employees and their families. As a business owner and working mother, balancing personal and professional responsibilities is no small feat. However, with a structured routine, support at home, and a business coach, she has managed to find stability in the chaos.
Looking ahead, Access General Contracting is on track to double its revenue this year. With growth comes new challenges, including the need for additional manpower, funding, and more opportunities to collaborate with new clients.
Women in Construction: Advice and Inspiration
For women looking to break into the construction industry, Elizabeth offers this advice: Don’t back down. In a male-dominated field, resilience is key. Whether or not they are mothers, women possess an innate ability to juggle responsibilities and excel under pressure. The key is to show up, stay determined, and push forward despite challenges.
Elizabeth also highlights the invaluable support provided by WBEC-West and WBENC. These organizations offer critical resources such as certification programs, matchmaking events, and mentorship opportunities that help women-owned businesses thrive. She encourages all women entrepreneurs to take advantage of these programs to grow their businesses and expand their networks.
Looking to the Future
As Access General Contracting continues to grow, Elizabeth envisions a future with more in-person networking and matchmaking events to connect with potential clients and procurement teams. Her company is always looking for opportunities to collaborate, hire skilled workers, and secure funding to support their expanding operations.
Elizabeth and her team pride themselves on building strong, long-lasting relationships with their clients. Their responsive and personable approach ensures that every project is met with excellence, professionalism, and dedication.
For those interested in learning more or collaborating with Access General Contracting, Elizabeth can be reached at elizabeth@accessgcinc.com, and more information is available at https://www.accessgeneralcontracting.com/. Listen to her full journey on Women in Motion now: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/family-business/
With trailblazers like Elizabeth Tene leading the charge, the future of women in construction looks brighter than ever.
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
