Kimberly Black, Trusted Field Services

As a woman owning a small construction company, Kimberly Black appreciated the coaching and support from business mentors and community partners. 

She got help from the Knoxville Area Urban League and Denark Construction, earning a subcontract to install hardscape infrastructure at Covenant Health Park – concrete bollards, bike racks, benches and trash containers.

She built connections and expanded the capacity of her business, Trusted Field Services.

Now, she’s on the giving-back-to-others side of the equation, hiring additional local workers for the stadium work and volunteering as an 865 Academies mentor.

"It's great to show kids what’s possible – that a woman can run a construction company," Black says. "I'm happy to reach out to the next generation of trades people and to introduce young people to the unlimited opportunities they have here in Knoxville."

Her office at 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue is just a few blocks from Austin-East High School.

Black says it’s especially gratifying to create new public amenities. Prior to the stadium work, her company poured concrete for ADA-accessible Knoxville Area Transit bus stops.

"It’s fulfilling to work on public projects," she says. "To help people with mobility issues be able to get to their bus stop, or to see families enjoying these benches at the stadium – that’s just a great feeling."

To team up with Denark, Black first turned to the Urban League, which prioritized connecting small and minority-owned businesses with Denark and training the owners and managers to be ready to join the team on a large project like the stadium.



The Knoxville Area Urban League sponsored four mixers and conducted 58 workshops.

The effort resulted in 1,424 contacts and 505 hours of training.

"The Knoxville Area Urban League is honored to be a participant in the planning and direction of the multi-use stadium project, ensuring full participation by the minority community," said Dr. Avice Evans Reid, KAUL’s Interim President and CEO.

"This required an understanding of the workforce needs, providing training to meet those needs and participating in biweekly planning meetings to successfully contribute to the project."

Black agrees: The Urban League’s outreach and training were impactful.

"Because of the patience and time dedicated by the Urban League, we were able to be better prepared," she says. "I'm grateful to have been able to join in on this transformative Covenant Health Stadium project."

For smaller businesses, there was training, and courses, and introductions to insurers and bonding companies. Even for businesses that weren’t able to do subcontract work this time around, the groundwork has been laid for future success, Reid and Black say.

"Everyone took seriously the work of building up east side businesses," Black says. "We were able to grow and able to hire in the community."

Trusted Field Services, with six full-time employees, hired 12 temporary employees for the stadium work.

"I love East Tennessee," Black says. "My message is: Knoxville is a great city for small businesses to thrive. The money stays here locally. So keep investing in small businesses. It pays dividends."