SCORE Client HRV Conformance Verification Associates Nominated for National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

{Pittsburgh, PA}  The Pittsburgh Chapter of SCORE is pleased to announce HRV Conformance Verification Associates, Inc. (HRV), a SCORE client since 2003, was named Ernst & Young Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Region Entrepreneur of the Year for 2012 and is now in contention for the National award, to be announced in November.   Rochelle Stachel, Founder and President of HRV, accepted the award in the Construction Category.

When Rochelle Stachel decided to start her own business, she did not go it alone.  Very analytical by nature and an engineer by training, Rochelle first sought out the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  The SBA referred her to the Pittsburgh Chapter of SCORE (formerly Service Corps of Retired Executives).  Over the course of the nine year relationship with SCORE, Rochelle has worked with a series of counselors, each contributing different skills and talents to HRV from the initial launch of the business through their phases of explosive growth.

HRV sought assistance from SCORE to support their start-up based on the pragmatic understanding that SCORE counselors knew things about business that Rochelle did not.  While her background in engineering, accounting and consulting served as a springboard for the possibilities of HRV, Rochelle knew she needed practical advice and mentoring that she could not get from her extensive reading and research into entrepreneurship.  SCORE counselors brought the real world experiences of having addressed and overcome the challenges that she knew she would be facing. 

“They saw in us what we didn’t see in ourselves”, said Rochelle.  “Howard Martin and later, Dick Fitzgerald and Bill Mariotti, gave us moral support and acted as a sounding board.  They were our cheerleaders.  They affirmed what we were doing and helped us see that what we thought were mountains were actually hills that we could easily cross.  The added validation was that in their own careers and business endeavors, they had often overcome the same obstacles we were facing, so they were coming from a position of familiarity and experience.”

HRV was launched in 2003 from a home office.  They landed their first contract in early 2004, a mere 9 months after start-up.  Growing from two employees to the current count of 120, HRV has enjoyed sustained year over year growth.  Throughout, HRV continued to turn to SCORE. 

Both Dick and Bill built their own businesses so they understand firsthand the challenges of the course upon which HRV was embarking.  As volunteer SCORE counselors, they are available to mentor companies.  “We wore all the hats in our own businesses so we understand the breadth of the issues that HRV would face.  We offer the added value of being objective and like teachers, our reward is the hope that our clients will do well and listen to our counsel.  We receive no economic benefit as counselors, so we have no ax to grind,” Bill said. 

Dick and Bill are quick to point out the benefits of working with SCORE.  “We have tangible evidence that SCORE has helped to create jobs and improve businesses in Western PA.  As mentors, we recognize that what our clients need more than anything is an unbiased, objective sounding board; that is the role that we are happy to fulfill.  We are happier still when we can help them celebrate their success.”

The success that HRV has enjoyed has garnered significant recognition, awards and accolades.  Her SCORE counselor, Bill Mariotti, nominated her for 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. 

Bill explains why he chose to nominate HRV for this prestigious award, “HRV fit the profile.  The firm grew every year in all facets that could be measured: revenue, personnel, etc.  They have a great opportunity to compete on the National level and share the stage in November with the likes of LinkedIn.”    In addition to the E&Y Award, HRV has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as one of the fastest growing companies in the area every year since 2007.  Ms. Stachel was also recognized as one of the top 10 CEO’s in Pittsburgh and was awarded the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Diamond Award.  The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce honored HRV with a Small Business Excellence Award.

About SCORE

SCORE is a business counseling/mentoring organization. SCORE provides free counseling, resources and advice to people who are in business or want to start a business. SCORE also provides free or low cost Workshops on Business Topics.  Volunteer counselors are experienced owners or managers of businesses that volunteer their time to help small businesses succeed.  www.pittsburgh.score.org

About HRV Conformance Verification Associates, Inc.

HRV, established in 2003, has become a recognized leader in the construction management and materials and construction inspection industry.  From its inception, HRV has expanded its services, serving various industries in the private and public sectors including: the bridge and highway, water and wastewater, rail, power and commercial construction.  Building a corporate foundation based on a passionate commitment to quality service and employee excellence, HRV strives to have each and every client trust that when they turn their projects over to HRV, they can be assured that the work will be performed by qualified individuals and at a level that exceeds their expectations.   HRV’s mission is to become an eminent leader in the construction management and quality assurance, quality control industry through proven excellence, commitment to clients and employees, and use of technologies.

HRV is a certified WBE/DBE and their corporate office is located in Pittsburgh, PA.  www.hrvinc.com

About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program

The Entrepreneur of the Year Program honors entrepreneurs regionally in June, leading up to the national awards in November. The US Entrepreneur of the Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Now in its 26th year, the Entrepreneur of the Year Program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

I have been working with the Boston Score office since September of 2010. I have greatly appreciated the guidance, advice and mentorship that I have received from SCORE. Starting a new business is not an easy task and it really helps to have someone on your side who understands the world of business and marketing. Before I began my company, I didn’t have any knowledge about how to run a small business. I feel that through my work with my mentor at SCORE, I have been able to learn some key aspects of business development that will serve me throughout my career. Not only is my mentor is knowledgeable about current marketing trends, in addition to marketing help, he has been able to offer advise on everything from my website to pricing for my service.  He is also helped me focus on my "vision" for the company, while also helping me flesh out my ideas by making me create a Business Plan to help clarify my thinking and serve as a roadmap for my evolving business without being overly complicated.

In addition to my work with my primary mentor, I have also met with a handful of other Score counselors for specific questions on legal, insurance and tax issues. The entire Score staff is extremely dedicated, friendly, and always willing to help. In my opinion, working with a Score counselor is a crucial part of any new business owner’s strategy. I look forward to continuing my counseling sessions at Score this year.