Iam Tucker

Engineering

Iam Tucker
Owner/CEO
Integrated Logistical Support Inc. (dha ILSI Engineering)

ILSI Engineering is a 100% female-owned, minority-owned, 8(a) certified civil engineering firm. ILSI’s infrastructure experts specialize in sewer, water, streets and drainage design projects, stormwater management planning, and program and construction management. ILSI is an award-winning firm with a strong performance record on multiyear, multimillion-dollar projects completed in the federal, state, municipal and private development sectors.

- Sponsors -

ILSI is a family business that was started by the late Robert H. “Bob” Tucker Jr., who sold the company to his only daughter, Iam Christian Tucker, a former Baton Rouge police officer, in June 2008. Since then, ILSI has grown its team from nine to the over 55 people the company employs across the nation today. ILSI was the winner of the Morial Convention Center Authority of New Orleans’ 2023 Ernest “Dutch” Morial Small Business of the Year award.

Most Excited About in the Coming Year
We are most excited about our ongoing civil engineering and stormwater management work on The River District Neighborhood of New Orleans. We have also been invited to engage on the Top Golf project and a couple of other projects slated for this up-and-coming area that will be an economic boom for the riverfront area. It is very difficult for diverse companies to break into the private sector on projects of this magnitude, and we are proud that our reputation and work ethic has paved the way for our participation in such opportunities.

Biggest Challenge Facing Your Industry
Companies in engineering and technical fields nationwide face difficulties finding great talent at a reasonable rate to add to their teams. We face that same challenge as a small business competing daily with companies infinitely larger than us. Rising insurance and business costs are a real concern, especially while some public clients seek lower fees for highly specialized technical services. This is a real problem in the industry, and I ponder whether public clients are aware that they are hurting small businesses and driving a decrease in competition.

- Partner Content -

Entergy’s Energy Smart Program Brings Cost Conscious Innovation to New Orleans

Offering comprehensive energy efficiency at no cost to the consumer, Entergy’s Energy Smart program incentivizes Entergy New Orleans customers to perform energy-saving upgrades in...

I also profoundly worry for diverse businesses like mine in a country with a Supreme Court that ignores the very real statistics regarding inequity in our nation.

It’s a highly stressful time for minorities in America right now, and for disadvantaged business owners who need these programs to gain access to the marketplace.

There are forces dedicated to dismantling the programs that exist to seek equity. If you find yourself in favor of these types of efforts, it’s probably because you have never experienced inequity, and therefore cannot or will not empathize with those who have. I hope and seek to work with those that understand the verifiable fact that historic and systemic inequities do exist, and with greater humanity and intentionality we can heal the wounds of injustice.

 

Digital Sponsors / Become a Sponsor

Follow the issues, companies and people that matter most to business in New Orleans.

Email Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter