A lifelong learner with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Abdull Khamis (PMP, MS) has always dreamed of investing in himself and owning his own company one day.

Founded in 2022, Abdull created Absons Project Management, a construction-focused project management company that ensure’s it’s customer’s projects are successful. When asked what motivated him to invest in himself and his own practice, Abdull touched on the financial stability Absons Project Management has brought both for himself and his family.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own business and be my own boss one day,” Abudll said.

However, Abdull also emphasized his desire to use his platform to support other aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented & historically marginalized communities, such as the Black/African American community, in achieving their dreams as well. He mentioned how a lot of his colleagues possess great skill sets and sometimes just need some encouragement, learning how to channel their skill sets into building up their own capabilities and their own professional network.

“I want to help bring opportunities to people like me in the business,” he said. “So that they can help their families too.”

While Absons Project Management has experienced significant contracting achievements, including large campus modernization projects with Microsoft and complex multi-family housing unities in Seattle, WA, Abdull credits his largest achievement to the professional network he’s created along the way. From non-profit organizations such as Apex Accelerator, Tabor 100 and SBDC, to connections he’s made with federal and state government agencies like WSDOT, Sound Transit and City of Seattle, Abdull spoke to the pride he takes in the supportive network he’s taken the time to build for himself and others.

“I get to be myself everywhere,” he mentioned. “Achievement is getting contracts, but for me, achievement is also being able to connect with all of these big agencies.”

The road to success is never easy, though, and it isn’t meant to be walked alone. When you’re a new business owner, you’re already competing with established competitors who have a proven track record and preexisting relationships with potential clients. But when you’re a minority owned business, you face additional challenges. Most recently, one of these additional challenges was fighting to maintain his Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification, a status focused on leveling the playing field of equal access to contracting opportunities towards entrepreneurs of historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

As of October 3rd, 2025, due to new policy changes implemented by the United States’ federal government administration, minoirty-owned businesses owners were required to apply for their DBE status, even if they received approval in the past. Needing to submit to their request to Washington State’s OMWBE, the application process requires applicants to provide very specific examples of their lived experience and meet very specific criteria.

Otherwise, they’d risk losing their DBE status.

Absons Project Management was one of many businesses affected. They are also one of the many businesses who reached out for help with navigating it.

“Everyone who was talking about it was shocked” Abdull emphasized. “Everybody was depending on this program, including myself.”

A member of Tabor 100 who’s received assistance previously, Abdull learned Tabor was offering free technical assistance to businesses who needed help in writing and editing their narrative for submission to OMWBE, submitting an intake form to request services. Within two days of his submission, Abdull received one-on-one assistance from Tabor 100 directly in helping him review and edit his narrative to make sure it met all the requirements.

Abdull submitted his narrative statement shortly after receiving help from Tabor 100. Shortly after that, his narrative was approved – Absons Project Management would keep it’s DBE status.

Needless to say, he was beyond excited and relieved.

“Your heart, it pumps fast whether it’s for good or for bad” Abdull described when he initially saw the notification in his email inbox regarding the decision on his status. “So when they said ‘hey, you’re approved, I said WOW! It was great!”

Thinking about the legacy and impact of Absons Project Management, Abdull spoke to the importance of being able to leave the business to his children one day, keeping it in the family, hoping the company will continue long after his time with it has passed. With this sentiment, though, Abdull desires a greater impact: Community building and inspiration. Using his success to show others that they can start their own business, like he once dreamed about not too long ago.

“This business will be a tool for other people to have their own business,” Abdull stated. “As long as you focus, put in your efforts and desire to do anything, you will achieve and get where you want to be.”

For more information on Absons Project Management, www.absonspm.com.

To request Technical Assistance from Tabor 100, visit tabor100.org/technicalassistance