Let me begin by making a public plea for help. I want to make a difference and save lives!

Studies have shown repeatedly that Hispanic workers are more likely to get injured and die at a higher rate than almost any group. Studies also show that the highest risk groups for injuries are small contractors with small crews. This is especially the case among small Hispanic crews.

As a business owner, I make more money going after larger established commercial or industrial firms than to seek out small business owners. They badly need what I have to offer, but they just cannot afford it.

So here is the problem. I want to help those disadvantaged members of my community at highest risk. But for my business to be successful I must market to my ideal client who has the resources to pay for services.

Last year I teamed up with Greenville Tech to create a fall protection class with Hispanic workers in mind paid for through a Susan Harwood grant. I was thrilled with the prospect of helping my community with high quality life saving education for free! Many took advantage of the training. However, I was surprised how many did not. Even when I offered it for free, contractors did not want to pay for employees to be out of work for four hours. They did not have to pay for the class, but the employee’s hours were still on their dime.

Also, the corona virus hit in 2020 making things more difficult for training. Many of the organizations that I was teeming up with canceled all training for the year.

So, I have this goal to serve and help my community. I want to provide them with life saving information, but even when I offer it for free, they do not take advantage of it.

I know who needs the help. I would really appreciate any strategies you might be able to share with me so that I can make progress in this area. I want to do more with this business than make money. I really do want to make a difference and save lives.

I would love to hear from you so please share your comments with me.