Q: How would you describe your company?
D. Weber & Sons trucking is a trucking company that hauls bulk commodities like asphalt, sand, stone, gravel, dirt and debris within Louisiana and the surrounding states. Our motto is don’t cuss don’t fuss if you need a haul you can trust us.
Q: When did you launch?Â
My husband launched the business in 1995.
Q: How were you inspired to start your business?
After I retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers I was inspired to grow the business by expanding to increase revenue and obtain various certifications required to work for the state, local, city and federal government.
Q: What were the biggest obstacles and how were they overcome?Â
The dump truck industry is highly fragmented. In this industry we’re faced with a purely competitive environment. It is very difficult to create a differentiation, or niche, strategy in this environment. D. Weber & Sons had to establish a reputation for quality, on time, superior customer service.
Q: What local resources have you used? Â
Fidelity Bank, Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC), Capital One Getting Down to Business Program, US Small Business Administration Louisiana District Office (SBA), Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), US Army Corps of Engineers Office of Small Business Program, Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center (LAPTAC), SJB Group, LLC: Quality by Design
Q: What is your big focus right now?
Ensure that we put standard structures and processes in place that will enable us to meet and surpass our business goals and also stay highly competitive in the industry. Become a subcontractor. Develop a marketing & social media plan.
Q: What is the best advice you ever received?
Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability so God can get the glory. Maximize the moment. Strive for excellence.
Q: What success have you had in the last year?
Purchased a 2019 MACK triaxle dump truck with no money down. Obtained the State and Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SLDBE) certification.
Q: What has been the biggest benefit of being a POWER member?
Gaining knowledge on the various resources available for small business and meeting other women in business. Through collaboration between LSBDC (Diane Sclafani) and Fidelity Bank (Shane Purvis) I was able to obtain an equipment loan (100% financed) to purchase a 2018 Volvo triaxle dump truck.
Q: What does POWER mean to you?
Potential of Women Entrepreneurs Realized is a forum to see, meet, network and learn with other potential women entrepreneurs. In addition, we share valuable information between each other and receive information from various presenters.
Q: What else would you like to share about your business?Â
In the past two years we have obtained the following certifications:
• Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD)
• Regional Transit Authority Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
• Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Division of Small Business Services
• Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Division of Small and Emerging Business Development
• State & Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
