History was made in Kansas City when Fahteema Parrish’s construction company earned the prestigious KC Chamber Mr. K Small Business of the Year award in June 2023. This landmark achievement marks the first time a Black woman-owned business has claimed this honor in the award’s 36-year history.
Parrish & Sons Construction, specializing in excavation, grading, and demolition, has contributed to major Kansas City projects including the Three Light Tower and KCI Airport. The company’s groundbreaking success challenges norms in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry.
Historic Small Business Achievement Breaks Barriers
The Mr. K Award, named after renowned Kansas City entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Kauffman, recognizes small businesses in the Kansas City area that demonstrate exceptional growth, commitment, and stability. This prestigious recognition from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce highlights businesses that embody entrepreneurial excellence.
Parrish’s victory represents a significant milestone for diversity in Kansas City’s business community. Her company’s achievement breaks new ground for both women and Black entrepreneurs in construction and contracting services, a sector where diverse leadership remains underrepresented.
From Tech Engineer to Construction Leader
Parrish’s journey to construction success followed an unconventional path. Before establishing her construction firm, she worked as a software engineer in the technology sector. Her career has spanned multiple industries, including barbering and property management.
“They’re like, ‘What? How, why did you go from technology to construction?’ In construction, there’s technology,” Parrish explained. This adaptability and willingness to transfer skills across industries has proven key to her entrepreneurial success.
Family Legacy Drives Entrepreneurial Spirit
Parrish’s entrepreneurial drive stems from strong family influences. Her father operates an HVAC company, which inspired her ambition to build a business of her own. The company name itself—Parrish & Sons Construction—honors her husband and sons, reflecting the family legacy she’s creating.
“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. Despite these challenges, Parrish credits her resilience and determination for helping her navigate both industry biases and daily operational hurdles.
Building Kansas City’s Infrastructure Projects
With over ten years of experience in construction, Parrish & Sons has established itself as a significant contributor to Kansas City’s development. The firm’s expertise in excavation, grading, demolition, and other construction services has earned them contracts on prominent local projects.
Their work on high-profile developments like the Three Light Tower and KCI Airport demonstrates the company’s technical capabilities and growing influence in the region’s construction landscape. This track record of successful project delivery helped position Parrish & Sons for the prestigious Mr. K Award recognition.
Mentorship and Community Investment
Beyond her business achievements, Parrish actively invests in developing future talent. She participates in mentorship through organizations like the Full Employment Council and Awesome Ambitions, helping guide the next generation of potential entrepreneurs and construction professionals.
Her commitment to professional growth continues as well. Parrish recently obtained certification as a National Standard General Building Contractor, further strengthening her credentials and expanding her company’s capabilities in the competitive construction market.
Perseverance in Entrepreneurship Journey
Parrish offers clear advice to aspiring entrepreneurs based on her challenging journey: “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.”
This philosophy of resilience defines her approach to business challenges. For Parrish, obstacles represent opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. Her story demonstrates how determination and adaptability can transform setbacks into stepping stones toward greater success.
