Fahteema Parrish is the founder and CEO of Parrish & Sons Construction, a Black woman-owned business based in Kansas City, Missouri. With over ten years of experience, her company specializes in earthwork services such as excavation, grading, storm utilities, demolition, and rock crushing. The company’s name reflects her dedication to her family, including her husband Clark and their four sons.
Before starting her construction business, Parrish worked as a software engineer and explored several small business ventures, including barbering, beauty services, lawn care, and property management. She credits her entrepreneurial spirit to growing up in a small business environment, as her father owned an HVAC company.
Parrish acknowledges the challenges of working in a male-dominated field. Transitioning from the tech sector to construction has required persistence, and she relies on her faith to stay focused during difficult times. She views each challenge as an opportunity to grow, despite facing barriers like sexism.
Her company has contributed to major infrastructure projects in Kansas City, including the Three Light Tower, KCI Airport, and the Kansas City Zoo. She values small victories and emphasizes continuous learning. Recently, she earned her National Standard General Building Contractor license.
Parrish is also involved in mentoring and community engagement. She supports programs such as the Full Employment Council and Awesome Ambitions, helping young professionals find their path. Her advice to others is to keep trying and embrace failure as a step forward.
More about the company can be found at ParrishAndSonsConstruction.com and on Instagram @ParrishAndSonsConstruction.
