A Small Business with a Big Story: Cube Root

BY: Omar Stephenson, President & CEO, Cube Root Corporation

The Beginning

This year marks the twelfth year of Cube Root. Just typing that seems unreal to me as I think about how far this company has come. However, I never took for granted every single step it took to get here. I started this company with a mobile office on my back – a backpack that housed my laptop, phone, pens, and a notepad. I set up shop at sidewalk cafes, libraries, communal meeting spaces, wherever I needed to conduct business.

You’ve heard the term pounding pavement. Well, that’s what I did. I walked the floors of several local government agencies and professional services companies knocking on doors begging for an opportunity. I believed my work was on par with the best engineers, and I was persistent in my messaging. Creating and leading Cube Root was my calling. I was not money motivated but purpose-driven, and that could be felt in my words and actions as I worked to establish relationships with potential clients and teaming partners. 

My efforts resulted in the District Department of Transportation opening their doors to me; the first agency to welcome me in. Later I was offered opportunities with Parsons Brinckerhoff (now WSP), AECOM, and currently have a formal Mentor Protégé relationship with JACOBS that gives Cube Root a nationwide footprint. To date, we have nearly 100 projects that are completed and/or ongoing.

Who We Are Today

I was born in the beautiful parish of Portland, Jamaica, in the town of Port Antonio, and came to the United States in January 1999 where I attended Howard University and graduated with a master’s in civil engineering. I knew I wanted to start my own firm, and when I felt my calling tugging at my arm sleeve, I followed the direction it was taking me.

Cube Root is a minority business and, in some respects, ‘disadvantaged.’ I don’t want to be labeled as disadvantage forever. I want to continue investing in myself, the people who work with me, and my community. I want to graduate from disadvantaged status and help those growing their own firms by mentoring, teaching, and philanthropic initiatives. 

In nearly twelve years, Cube Root has accomplished so much. We grew from mainly being a subcontractor to today, where more than 50% of our revenue comes from contracts on which we are prime. Our good work and compassionate ear to our clients’ needs catapulted us to where we are today. 

Recognition of Work

There are two very proud moments for me as president and CEO of Cube Root. The first is hearing a client say to my team that they can call on us anytime, day or night, and we will get the job done. They coined the phrase, “Cube Root gets it done!” and today we use that as our tagline. It was affirming to me that my team and I are doing all the right things and with the client at the heart of our work.

The second moment came when I learned Cube Root was awarded the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) 2021 project achievement award for our work on the COVID-19 Emergency HVAC Upgrades PM/CM Services for all DC Public Schools. It was like winning an Oscar. The award will forever be a crowning moment for Cube Root.

Diversity and Growth

As we celebrated black history month back in February and celebrate diversity month this April, I think about ways our AEC community can increase racial diversity in its senior ranks. I implore firms to recruit from HBCUs and invest in developing young talent. Offer training and development on the job and try to promote a work environment where employees feel a sense of belonging. Howard University, University of the District of Columbia, and Morgan State are great colleges in which to recruit tomorrow’s leaders.

I grew Cube Root from one person to now 70 people. That is 70 families dependent on the payroll that I pay every two weeks. I don’t take it lightly. I am compelled each day to make solid and sound decisions and am always aware of the consequences of my decisions. To do so consistently, I have surrounded myself with good people.

If you are reading this through the lens of an up-and-coming MBE firm, I am passing along advice from lessons I learned along the way.

• Empower your leadership team to take ownership of their department and support their decisions as long as it is based on sound reasoning, good intent, and ethics. 
• Invest heavily in business development (BD). Have a person or people dedicated to pursuing work that constantly builds on our pipeline and backlog. 
• Don’t waste time, don’t chase everything, say no more than yes.
• Never stop building relationships. I find ways to add value to the lives of others, and in turn, they offer the same. The biproduct is that we do good business in a trusted partnership.
• Think about the big picture, not just what’s immediately in front of you.
• Work smart and work hard.
• Be flexible and nimble; see the need and step into it.