February 1, 2023
February is Black History Month, and we are shining a spotlight on African American entrepreneurs and business leaders across the Advantage Capital portfolio. During Black History Month and every month, we are excited to share the stories of small businesses throughout the country that are growing and enriching their communities. From North End Teleservices in Omaha to Trucking Innovation in Louisiana and places in between, these companies showcase innovation, growth and powerful economic and social impact.
Otis Tucker Jr. has been in the trucking industry since he was 20 years old. In 2013, with a $10,000 loan and his personal savings, Otis bought a used dump truck and started Trucking Innovation as a one-man, one-truck operation. Less than a decade later, Trucking Innovation has become a local leader in trucking and hauling with a fleet of 14 trucks and more than 20 employees based in Chalmette, Louisiana.
North End Teleservices (NET) of North Omaha is the largest African-America owned business in Nebraska, employing more than 300 people. Owner, president and CEO Carmen Tapio stays focused on the impact these jobs have on individuals, their families and the surrounding area.
NET created Nebraska’s first U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program and also provides its employees with tuition reimbursement, helping to grow local talent and provide them with training for upward mobility. Additionally, NET goes above and beyond in providing support for its employees, from the household stabilizing benefits such as healthcare and other wealth creation opportunities, to the shuttle the company runs to make sure its employees get to work. All this investment in their employees is also paying off for the larger local economy. For every job created at NET, Tapio reports that an impact of $221,074 is felt in the community annually.
We know that Black History Month, and every day of the year, is an opportunity to reflect on the great accomplishments of Black entrepreneurs. From their business success to their amazing impact on the lives of their employees and surrounding communities, these entrepreneurs are truly change makers.
