Jeanette Chavarria Torres

Chavarria-Torres started Franklin Park-based DCH Construction & Hauling four years ago as a college senior and single mother. The company, which moves dirt, gravel and sand to construction sites, has since grown from $50,000 in revenue to $1.3 million in 2017. That puts Chavarria-Torres in an exclusive club: Fewer than 2 percent of U.S. businesses owned by women break the $1 million mark.

Her involvement in the industry came at an early age. Her father also owned a trucking business but faced challenges due to his language barrier as a native Spanish speaker. She says that as a 10-year-old girl, she helped him complete his paperwork, which branched into a passion for trucking as she grew older. Her father eventually lost his business and filed for bankruptcy after a deal with a contractor fell through.

She earned a 4-year degree in Business Administration, and a minor in Accounting from Dominican University and help redeem the business.

She says that although her parents are not verbally expressive, she knows that they appreciate her hard work and dedication.

Cash flow was a constant problem at the start; no bank wanted to give her a line of credit. Ten insurers refused to write a policy for her truck and trailer. She kept going until she landed both. Now one truck and trailer has expanded to nine. Customers include Christy Webber Landscapes, Chicagoland Paving Contractors and Metra, which awarded DCH a $300,000 contract.

Success in this field meant more to Chavarria-Torres than just establishing a business. It was a redemption story.

Although there were many obstacles along the way, DCH Construction has grown from one “dinky” truck to now owning six. It has expanded its subcontracting area, allowing for collaboration with other women minority-owned businesses, and has earned a half-million-dollar contract with one of the largest real estate firms in Chicago. Chavarria-Torres hopes this experience creates a lasting relationship with Sterling Bay.