MBE Profile: Henry Hodge, HCH Enterprises, LLC

Henry Hodge said the first step for a minority business is understanding that being certified as a Minority Business Enterprise with the Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion means the state is committed to investing in its success.

“A business should be active and not only get certified with the state but should continually reach out to the state, and DEDI, to see what opportunities they are offering,” he said. “Make yourself known to DEDI’s MBE office and let them know that you are seeking work.”

Hodge is the founder, president, and CEO of the Warwick-based HCH Enterprises, LLC, an information technology company that he has owned and operated for over 20 years. HCH was recognized as the number one MBE company in Rhode Island in the 2022 Book of Lists that is published by the Providence Business News.

Hodge said that being open to doing work of any kind in the industry is a recipe for growing and evolving. As part of that mindset, his company is actively seeking to provide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion services wherever possible, including with various contractors in 16 other states.

“When you showcase your company’s expertise through your work then the doors [to contracts] start to open,” said Hodge, noting that minority businesses need to focus on performing quality work to succeed. “Good work begets work, and that is how we have managed to grow as a company.”

Hodge said he has helped other MBEs through mentoring and working with them. His advice to MBEs: “Try to do everything that you are asked to do when under contract. Expand your horizons when you can.”  

Find more information about DEDI, including how to get certified as an MBE by visiting dedi.ri.gov at https://bit.ly/3YvOazP.