Giovanni Smith: A Beacon of Change in the Utility Sector
Giovanni Smith, founder of TCI
In the utilities sector, few accounts highlight the challenges and successes of Black individuals. Giovanni Smith, originally from Mandeville, Jamaica, sets himself apart in this context. In spite of attaining a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, he was compelled to switch his focus to the utilities sector due to systemic barriers. His journey, transitioning from an aspiring architect to ultimately a business owner, showcases his adaptability and impact in the sector. His story is not just about personal achievements; it reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of an individual who, despite numerous obstacles, managed to carve out a unique space for himself in an exceedingly specialized industry.
Upon moving to Canada in 2008, Giovanni was confronted with a harsh reality familiar to many newcomers. Despite his education and even offering his architectural services free of charge, he was unable to find employment in his chosen field. As a new immigrant, he struggled with the lack of recognition for his degree and qualifications. The field of architecture, which he was so passionate about, turned out to be inaccessible.
Rather than succumbing to disappointment, he chose to pivot. By 2009, he had immersed himself in the utilities sector. Joining Black & McDonald, he honed his skills, particularly in the interpretation and comprehension of drawings, which became instrumental in his career trajectory.
Giovanni initially began his tenure as a junior estimator. As his career progressed, this led him to roles with increasing responsibilities, eventually becoming a senior project manager and the director of project management and construction at Beacon Utility. In this position, he regularly hired and trained the company's office staff and managed key clients like Metrolinx and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
With more than 13 years of industry experience under his belt, Giovanni decided to embark on his entrepreneurial journey in 2022 and founded TCI (The Contractor Inc.). While transitioning from being an employee to an entrepreneur, he discovered that some of the dynamics of his supplier relationships had changed and the nature of those interactions were different. But with every challenge, Giovanni continued to persevere. He leveraged the relationships he had cultivated over the years to create new opportunities and navigate the complexities of the business side of the utilities sector.
Based in Toronto, TCI offers a comprehensive suite of services from project management to consultations. The company is a one-stop solution for clients seeking expertise in traffic signals, hydro, telecommunications, and commercial electrical and transit infrastructure. Since its inception, TCI has prioritized building strong relationships with its clients, ensuring their visions are transformed into tangible results. Despite its relatively short existence, TCI's strategic approach, coupled with Giovanni's foresight, positions the company to establish itself as a notable player in the sector.
In a predominantly homogeneous industry, Giovanni has often found himself being the only Black voice in meetings, negotiations and boardrooms. But instead of letting this deter him, he used it as an impetus for change and became an advocate for inclusion, underscoring the need for diverse voices and perspectives. He points out the often overlooked difficulties in the bidding process, spotlighting the hardships for emerging Black-owned companies, as well as the challenges a new company faces when attempting to procure new jobs.
By collaborating with organizations such as the Business Advisory Implementation Development Services (BAIDS) and the Afro Canadian Contractors Association (ACCA) as well as the Ontario Black Contractors Association (OBCA), Giovanni aims to increase awareness and empower fellow Black contractors to engage in and excel within the utilities sector.