When Doris Sandoval, co-owner of SSC Construction, talks about the single-family homes she’s built for clients living in New Mexico’s Pueblos, she takes pride in the final product. “It’s my home before we give it to you,” says Ms. Sandoval, who is a citizen of San Felipe Pueblo. “If it is my home, I would like to see it in great condition before I give it to you.”
It’s this mission that has helped Ms. Sandoval build or remodel more than 50 homes on tribal lands for the past 17 years. Lines of credit extended by The Loan Fund have helped her engage in a few projects at once
rather than completing one project at a time.
SSC Construction is also a family-oriented business. The business employs four workers, including her brother, and several subcontractors. And while many businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, SSC Construction started its first commercial project, an Emergency Operations Center at Zia Pueblo as a subcontractor taking care of the plumbing and electrical work. Restructuring the company during the pandemic also helped keep the business going strong.
SSC’s ability to find work during a previous recession, history of contract completion, workmanship and positive recommendations have helped the company build its reputation for dependability and creditworthiness.
Ms. Sandoval, who wants to eventually move into federal contracting, said The Loan Fund’s support has been more than helpful.
“It’s like having availability of funds so I can bid on houses or have funding available as opposed to waiting for a draw down and moving that way,” Ms. Sandoval said. The Loan Fund “has been a godsend.”
ALMA