Geared for Growth: USC Builds Develops People and Properties with Social Impact Business Model
USC Builds is a property development and commercial contractor with a focus on social impact in Greater Rochester. President Melissa Suchodolski was featured on Geared for Growth on Wednesday, August 21st as part of Greater Rochester Chamber’s ongoing partnership with 13WHAM/FOX Rochester. Suchodolski shared more about the talent development work they do in Greater Rochester, the company’s background and community partnerships, and exciting news about a recent expansion.
For over 20 years, USC Builds has been working in the Greater Rochester community on construction and real estate development for commercial, multifamily, and
residential construction projects. Some of their capabilities include wood framing, metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, insulation, and more. In addition to this work, they work to create training opportunities and skilled trades jobs for marginalized groups in the region. “It’s about building people,” Melissa explained, “We work with local groups in the community to provide access to great contracting jobs and we’re really passionate about that.” The company focuses on providing pathways to individuals who have not been afforded advancement opportunities as a way to create a stable career and uplift families. “Skilled trades training creates economic self reliance,” Suchodolski shared, “Once you’ve learned a skilled trade nobody can take that away from you.”
USC Builds works with additional community partners in the Greater Rochester region to support individuals in need. Melissa shared that the company began its social impact efforts as a result of her personal family connections to the Urban League of Rochester. Their goal with partnerships is to create an ecosystem of agencies and companies working together to address the skilled labor shortage in Rochester and to create meaningful career opportunities for individuals and their families.
USC Builds recently expanded their geographic footprint outside of the Greater Rochester region into Ithaca. “There is a tremendous amount of activity and opportunity in Ithaca right now,” Suchodolski shared. Their work there focuses on the same products and social services on new projects, including a large property development called South Works. Their workforce development efforts in Ithaca include partnerships with the local building trades councils, IAED, and other groups. Looking to the future, USC Builds is looking to further expand their footprint throughout New York State and around the country with the same social impact model.
To learn more, visit them online at USCBuilds.com.
To hear a new member growth story each week, tune in to Geared for Growth on FOX Rochester at 8:40 AM on Wednesday mornings!