Spark! Founder Feature with Katrina Smith

Posted on October 24, 2019
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Katrina Smith

SYI Construction

What are some of the some of the biggest hurdles you’ve experienced in growing SYI?

As a minority and woman construction business owner, I have experienced hurdles with the lack of professional mentors in a typically male field. It took time building relationships and taking small jobs, patiently waiting to build trust for larger jobs. Another hurdle was difficulties accessing loans and working capital, which are key components in a strong business future. I’m driven and motivated to succeed in business, though, as I’m a single mom of two young sons. I would like to build a successful business they can inherit in the future. And as an Arkansas native, I want to grow and help create jobs in my community.

What would you like to gain from the Spark! program?

I’d like to gain leadership and entrepreneurial business skills, networking opportunities, and community connections from the Spark Program. So far, I’ve gained so much knowledge in business and related fields that I will implement as my business grows from speakers and the network we’re developing at Spark!

Who is your favorite entrepreneur?

My favorite entrepreneur is Tyler Perry. He had humble beginnings and has an unwavering vision to accomplish his dreams.

What’s your favorite book?

My favorite book “Year Of YES” author Shonda Rhimes. I felt it was speaking to me because I had received so many no’s and it gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going until I had yes’s!

Katrina Smith is an Arkansas native and founder of SYI Construction Company, established in 2014.