Meet Cyn Hartman-Price | Minority Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cyn Hartman-Price and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cyn, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the most important factor behind my success is the people I have surrounded myself with. In business, it is crucial to have individuals who possess skills that complement your own. Regardless of how proficient you are, there is always someone with greater expertise in certain areas. These are the individuals you need by your side. While I am capable of managing all aspects of my business, I recognize that my team members are exceptionally skilled and often outperform me in specific tasks.

Additionally, a strong support system at home is indispensable. My husband, a middle school band director and a Staff Sergeant in the Florida National Guard, and I have learned to support each other in our respective careers. This sometimes requires personal sacrifices to ensure mutual support and success in our professional endeavors.

What should our readers know about your business?
I hold a certified specialty construction license, focusing on aluminum construction work such as pool cages, soffit, gutters, lanais, entryways, windows, and doors. Additionally, I handle concrete, pavers, and siding projects.

Interestingly, my background wasn’t initially in construction. I spent 15 years working in the legal field and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on Forensic Psychology. My initial ambition was to work on crime scenes and cold cases.

An opportunity arose to help a struggling construction company, and I felt my business experience could turn it around. Despite having no prior knowledge of construction, I committed to learning the trade. I attended trade school and gained hands-on experience in the field, eventually passing my state license exam after two years.

Since then, my company has grown significantly. We’ve expanded to more counties, offered a broader range of products, and continued to evolve as a business. The journey has not been without its challenges. Construction is a constantly changing industry, and we’ve had to navigate significant growth, especially during COVID, as well as challenges such as government regulations, tariffs, material import issues, rising costs, and fluctuating interest rates.

Owning a business in the construction world means competing with both small businesses and large corporations. Staying ahead of the competition requires constant adaptation to the changing world, political, and local climate. Additionally, being a female in a male-dominated industry presents unique challenges. Although more women are entering construction and making their mark, I still encounter surprise when people realize I am a female construction company owner.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One thing about Florida is that there’s always something exciting to do. I love discovering new places to eat, distilleries, and speakeasies. Given my job and family, I travel all over the state, so I have some favorite spots to share.

In Tampa, I absolutely love the Urban Stillhouse. Their bourbon, Horse Soldier, is fantastic. I first tried it at Busch Gardens during their food and wine festival. The story behind the brand hooked me, and I encourage everyone to visit their restaurant. Another great spot in Tampa is Armature Works. It’s a food hall in a renovated streetcar warehouse with diverse food options, a great bar, live music, and a rooftop bar.

In Hallandale Beach, I recommend the Carousel Club. There’s an actual carousel in the center of the bar, and food trucks for snacks. Another cool spot is Mama Tried, a small bar off Biscayne Blvd in Miami with great drinks and friendly bartenders.

In Ocala, where my family lives, there’s Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar. They have delicious food and an extensive wall of bourbons and whiskeys. As a bourbon lover, I always enjoy trying something new there.

I’m also a huge sports fan. I love catching football games in Miami or Tampa. We have season tickets to the Buccaneers, so tailgating and game days are always on our to-do. My husband is a big Florida Panthers and Miami Heat fan, so we try to catch their games. We will make a weekend out of it. Hit some of our favorite food spots, get some cafe con leche and watch the games.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family and my best friend. When I started this company, I was juggling two jobs and finishing my bachelor’s degree. Over the twelve years I’ve been in business, I got married, divorced, and even went back for my Master’s degree. There were times I wanted to quit school or sell my company, or just felt like a failure. But through it all, they were always there, reminding me that I was much stronger than I felt in those moments.

Website: https://heightsaluminum.com

Instagram: https://heightsaluminum.inc