Tamara Harris, the owner of Yes We Can Flaggers, exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of the challenges that come with small business ownership. Over the past 11 years, she has built a thriving business providing traffic control services while also serving as a certified instructor, helping others access careers in the industry. Through her hard work and guidance from resources such as the WSDOT DBE Support Services Program, facilitated by consultants like Mary Lerdahl of Emerald Consulting Services, LLC, Tamara has turned her vision into a growing enterprise that uplifts both her family and her community.
A Business Built on Grit and Vision
Tamara’s journey began with humble roots, fueled by her belief in creating a business that could provide steady, reliable services in a competitive industry. Her early years in business were marked by challenges, including understanding compliance requirements, ensuring her operations met safety standards, and learning back-office operations.
“I made sure my business was running right from the start, but back then, I had no knowledge of the backoffice operations,” Tamara recalls. “I was focused on keeping everything in line to survive.”
With over 30 years of experience as a flagger and more than a decade as a certified Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS), Tamara’s field expertise, charisma, and commitment to quality earned her recognition in the construction industry. Her secret to success? Building trust through strong networking and delivering exceptional results.
Support Through the WSDOT DBE Program and Tabor 100
Three years ago, Tamara connected with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Support Services Program, which provides free resources to DBE-certified firms, including women- and minority owned businesses. She also has received support through Tabor 100’s technical assistance program, which offers free consulting services to small businesses. Her technical assistance consultant Mary Lerdahl, of Emerald Consulting Services, LLC, has been pivotal in helping Tamara refine her skills and expand her business.
“Mary has been so inspiring,” she shares. “Attending the workshops and working with her through Tabor 100’s free technical assistance program has helped me grow. They meet you where you are and help you move forward.”
Through the DBE Support Services Program, Tamara gained critical knowledge in financial management, bidding strategies, and market analysis. She also learned how to use QuickBooks and analyze financial statements, which allowed her to make data-driven decisions for her business.
Breaking Barriers
One of Tamara’s biggest wins came this year when she secured a two-year contract with the City of Seattle to provide on-call traffic control services. The contract, which includes two potential extensions, puts Tamara among a select few companies trusted to handle key city projects.
Securing this contract required extensive preparation, from calculating true payroll costs to pricing specialized equipment like arrow boards and cones. “Mary walked me through the process, helping me understand every detail of the bid,” says Tamara. “It was a huge step for my company.”
The free consulting services provided through the Tabor 100 program were instrumental in preparing Tamara to successfully bid for this contract and others, positioning her business for continued growth.
Empowering the Community
Beyond growing her own business, Tamara is deeply committed to empowering others. She teaches flagging certification classes, often to individuals seeking a fresh start or a pathway into the construction industry. With her 30 years of experience as a flagger and over 10 years as a TCS, Tamara is uniquely positioned to guide others. This depth of expertise sets her apart from competitors.
“When people come to my classes, I see it as more than just training,” she says. “It’s opening doors for them to build better lives.”
Many of her students have gone on to secure high-paying jobs as traffic control supervisors or safety managers.
Looking Ahead
Tamara’s goals for the future are ambitious yet grounded. By 2025, she envisions having multiple contracts, employing 10 to 12 staff members, and taking on larger projects like Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) jobs.
“I want to grow healthily,” she says. “With what I’ve learned from the DBE Support Services Program and consultants like Mary, I now know how to approach growth strategically, without overextending myself.”
As she continues to navigate the complexities of small business ownership, Tamara remains grateful for the free support and resources available to her through Tabor 100’s technical assistance program and the dedicated professionals who help firms like hers thrive. “The contractors and unions know me now,” she says with pride. “I’m no longer just surviving—I’m thriving.”
A Model of Success
Tamara Harris and Yes We Can Flaggers serve as a testament to the power of determination and the importance of supportive resources for small businesses. With programs like WSDOT DBE Support Services paving the way for equitable growth, Tamara’s story is one of many that highlight how small businesses can drive economic empowerment and community transformation.
