Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Muhammad.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been involved with the family construction business for a little over a decade. My father is an electrician and started the company nearly 20 years ago. This is part of the inspiration for me majoring in Electrical Engineering at Prairie View A&M University with the mindset to use my degree to expand and grow our operations.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have to laugh at this question because when it comes to running a business, it’s never an easy road. I will speak in general in that what I am finding out about Black businesses is we are usually under-resourced. Whether it’s a lack of capital or information, it’s a challenge competing in any industry when you’re starting far behind others. However, it’s a challenge I know that we are up for as a people, and I believe that the new civil rights movement will be one of economics and independence. I also know that the more we work together to lift each other up, the more we can overcome the obstacles that we are faced with.
My struggle is also a blessing. I didn’t have to start from scratch because my father built a foundation for me. My challenge is building on that foundation so that my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on can have an even stronger foundation than me.
Please tell us about S&L Electrical and Construction.
My family company is a full-service construction company that specializes in electrical work. We also offer HVAC, remodel, and plumbing, along with other services. Outside of being a family business that’s Black-owned and operated, I would have to say that what I’m personally most proud of isn’t even the construction work. I am in the construction industry as an engineer by profession, but my passion is community development. The bigger goal that I want to accomplish is to make the Black community, first and foremost, a safe and decent place to live. If you look at Houston, it’s no reason why 3rd Ward, 5th Ward, Alief, and others like it cant rival communities such as River Oaks.
Over the past year, I’ve been brainstorming over different ways to contribute to that goal by combining my passion and my profession. So, in 2020, we’ll be focusing on launching the “Building Better Communities” campaign that will be a two-pronged approach. One is, of course, promoting innovative ways to bring sustainable design and development to underserved communities. The other approach is an investment in the people who live in these communities. It’s fine to build beautiful brick-and-mortar structures, but if you don’t combine that with building up the people that inhabit those structures, then the beautification won’t last long or be appreciated. I’m excited about the rollout and want to connect with like minds because it’s a mission that will take us as a people working together.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing, because it has all been a wonderful learning process; the ups and the downs. It’s now about taking what I have learned thus far and being better in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: slecservices.com
- Phone: (832) 398-2088
- Email: info@slecservices.com
- Instagram: My page: @isaibn / Company page: @slecservices
- Facebook: facebook.com/slecservices
Image Credit:
Jabari Sherman
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
