There’s Something In The Water
San Jose Water’s Tim McLaughlin saw the opportunity to drastically improve their percentage of Veteran businesses working not only with San Jose Water, but also with their Primes and water association partners. It was a perfect combination of networking, persistence and patience that allowed San Jose Water to achieve their goal and be awarded the VIB Network’s Corporation of the Year at the 2021 Above and Beyond Awards. Let’s learn more about how McLaughin was able to significantly increase his work with the veteran business community.
McLaughin’s first key to meeting their goal was to get out and meet as many veteran businesses as possible to see where and how San Jose Water’s needs could be met. “The VIB Network has been a critical tool in networking,” said McLaughlin. “We’ve utilized the Directory and attended numerous events to meet veteran business owners who are out actively looking for work.” Getting your veteran business out in front of these corporations is a big portion of the VIB Network’s priorities and this is a great example of what can come from huffing it and putting in the hard work of selling yourself and your business at these events.
The next step is persistence. Veteran business owners that nurtured their relationship with McLaughlin and consistently showed up at networking events kept their businesses at top of mind for when those opportunities arose. Not only did they stay at top of mind for San Jose Water opportunities, it also allowed McLaughlin to have a rolodex of Veteran businesses that allowed him to share veteran businesses with his Prime Contractors and other companies within the California Water Association (CWA). So while the opportunity for work may not be with San Jose Water directly, it could be with any one of McLaughlin’s other Corporate and/or Prime Supplier business contacts.
Lastly, patience is going to be your ally. “Contracts rarely happen overnight,” he says. “It could happen in a year, in 3 years, even 6 years. Where will your business be at that time? You’ve got to be ready to go when the contract is ready to go.” While a contracting opportunity may not be available immediately, McLaughlin advised that the best way forward is to stay in touch and nurture the relationship. Once the contract is ready for bidding, his job is to get your business in front of the right people. And considering the 2000% increase in veteran spend for San Jose Water, McLaughlin is very good at his job.
McLaughlin graciously accepted the award for 2021 Corporation of the Year at the historic California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA. He made sure to thank his California Water Associate colleagues, including VIB CAB Member Ed Simon, for their part in impacting the veteran business community. It truly embodies the VIB Network’s idea that together, Veterans can succeed. Bravo zulu, San Jose Water!
Written by: Sydney Santiago
Connect with Tim McLaughlin and San Jose Water
110 West Taylor St. San Jose, CA 95110-2131| timothy.mclaughlin@sjwater.com | (408) 279-7900 | San Jose Water Supplier Diversity