The Troy University Small Business and Development Center punctuated an evening of fine dining at last Thursday’s second annual Taste of Crenshaw event to honor local small business Stephens Construction and Concrete.

The business, helmed by Michelle Stephens, began back in 1995, but has since flourished and expanded in scope to encompass commercial, residential and governmental needs across the entire Southeast.

The business began in dealings with sand and gravel in the early days, but soon expanded to become a concrete manufacturer.

But since the concrete business was a seasonal affair, Stephens decided to forgo it in favor of pursuing construction.

In a short time, Stephens grew from commercial and residential dealings to working as a government contractor, and decided to add concrete back into the business in 2012 as Stephens Construction and Concrete Inc.

Judy Callin, representative with the Troy University Small Business and Development Center, was present Thursday to present the pair with the award, and also to provide some personal examples of the Stephens’ hard work throughout the years.

“If you ask some of the people that work with Stephens Construction, they’ll tell you that one of the keys to Michelle’s success is customer satisfaction,” Callin said.

“Some of the numerous customer evaluation reports praised Stephens for her being well organized, dependable, professional and having a performance and attitude that made doing business a pleasure, and any of you who know Michelle know that she’s a pleasure.”

Stephens added that without the help of the Troy University Small Business and Development Center, her business wouldn’t be nearly as successful as it is today.

“They have been so helpful over the years,” Stephens said. I

“It’s a great honor to be given this award, and Ms. Judy and the organization have been such a godsend for us as federal minority contractors.”

But Stephens added she didn’t manage it alone.

“Calvin Stephens and I have worked really hard, and I couldn’t have done it without him,” Stephens said.

“We really appreciate them even considering us, and this award really means a lot to us.”