They say necessity is the mother of invention, and in the case of the Lamars, it was the beginning of their small business journey. Four years ago their home wa flooded during the global pandemic. They faced many challenges and difficulties working with contractors to renovate their home, so they decided to do things right on their own. And just like that, J J Freemann Construction & Painting was born.
Over the next few years, Jerry and Tameka began developing their business. Their primary goal was for customers to have a much better experience with their home renovations.
Jerry, who is a veteran, graduated from Finishing Trades Institute NW as an industrial painter. Tameka, a natural people person with a background of sales, handles the operations and overall development of the business.
While initially building up a portfolio of residential work, they transitioned to commercial projects in 2023, securing their first commercial contract in January 2024. The couple also discussed their involvement in community projects and their future goals to hire young adults providing the skills to build their futures.
Their ultimate goal is to expand to working on naval bases and become a go to connection for government contracting.
Maintaining strong community ties has been a big driver for the Lamars. Tameka often does outreach events with schools and local fairs throughout Seattle and Tacoma alongside Angie Mosley, CEO of Double Dutch Divas. Her first foray into bidding non residential jobs began with schools, successfully winning Sierra Heights Elementary with Bayley.
After joining Tabor100 and getting serious about growing the business, they credited the importance of accessing technical assistance and learning, including getting licensing, networking, and maintaining relationships that lead to their eventual long-term success.
Mentorship and relationships
During Rainier Beach High School’s outreach event with Lydig construction, Tameka met Darling Nava, another Tabor member who works as an independent DEI Consultant. Their connection was instantaneous, as both women share a passion for business development and growing their small businesses. With Darling’s guidance and a host of community mentors both of the Lamar’s hardwork ethic, they grew their business steadily, or as they like to call it, “brick by brick.”
Positioning for Public Works
2024 has become the breakout year for J J Freemann.
Their big entrance into public works began with the estimating assistance they received from John Julius Muwulya, Senior Project Manager at Bayley, who recently became a Tabor100 member.
Through ongoing mentoring and training with Darling Nava, Tameka continued to build her networks and joined a group called “Ladies Who Golf” with Thuli Lushaba of Korsmo Construction
All Good Things to Those Who Wait
Now in their fourth year of business, the Lamars have developed strong relationships with the community and small business advocates to the point where they are able to receive a number of offers.
With their recent painting project award for Sierra Heights Elementary School in Renton, the floodgates have finally opened, this time in a good way, with new businesses in multiple markets and recently joining the Renton School District Capital Planning & Construction Committee.
Just this summer, J J Freemann started working on several residential projects, awarded from Tacoma/Pierce Habitat for Humanity, Tacoma Housing Authority and Heron’s Key Retirement living in Gig Harbor.
What’s the secret to their success?
Tameka says: “The importance of showing up for yourself, your business, and the team that you bring along the way. And finding passionate mentors who help guide you along the journey.“
