Owner/President: Rita Cortés
Company: Hoffman Cortes Contracting Company
Address: 1600 Baltimore
City/State/ZIP: Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816-842-6170
Web Site: www.hoffmancortes.com
Type of Business: Commercial General Contractor
Year Founded: 1920

Hoffman Cortes is a commercial general contractor for Kansas City-based companies. We provide full-service construction management, including commercial, industrial, adaptive reuse and design/build services. We have been building client relationships, understanding client needs, and exceeding client expectations for more than 80 years.

As Hoffman Cortes thrives in its fourth generation of leadership, the company continues to place a high value on honesty and integrity.

Personal Wealth
My decision to lead my family’s 80-year-old business was based on my desire to continue the success three generations before me had built. In 1994, I returned from Washington, D.C., to partner with my father in running the family business and transitioning to the next generation of leadership.

I am proud to run a company that provides income and security to hundreds of other people and to carry on a priceless family legacy. In my previous career as an attorney, I would never have had that kind of far-reaching impact. In addition, I am able to use my contacts and networks beyond the construction industry to make a long-term impact on the community as a whole.

Community Wealth
Hoffman Cortes provides economic impact on the community in a variety of ways.

First, as commercial general contractors, we help our clients grow their businesses, expand their warehouses and increase their retail space. This focus on growth resonates throughout the community.

Second, we employ hundreds of subcontractors and vendors that rely on the construction industry to grow their own businesses. Last year alone we employed more than 400 subcontractors and vendors. In turn, those subcontractors create jobs and return money to the local economy.

Third, we are dedicated to rebuilding our city and have completed multiple adaptive reuse projects that provide refurbished office and warehouse space in our underutilized urban core. Last year we completed the renovation of a 95-year-old railroad roundhouse into the Westside Business Park for DST Output. In addition, we completely renovated an obsolete building at 1600 Baltimore that is now home to the new Mexican Consulate.

Social Wealth
Dedication to the betterment of the community is a cornerstone for Hoffman Cortes Contracting Company as well as the Cortés family. I was raised to believe we have an obligation and commitment to give back to our community.

I am on the board of directors for Women With Once Voice, which assists area women with health care and educational assistance. I also serve on the Investment Committee for the Women's Foundation of Greater KC, an organization that invests and grants funds to promote equity and opportunity for women and girls.

I was recently nominated by Mayor Kay Barnes to serve on the Human Rights Commission. I am committed to the Kansas City Jewish community, actively involved in Congregation Beth Shalom synagogue and am a member of the Helzberg Fellows program. As a volunteer Assistant Girls' Basketball Coach for Notre Dame de Sion High School, I am fortunate to be associated with and learn from young women who are the 2001 and 2002 Missouri Class 3A State Champions.

In addition, I am on the board of directors for Kansas City Free Health Clinic, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Jewish Community Relations Bureau, Jewish Community Foundation (associate trustee) and Gold Bank.

Support Networks
My focus in business is not being a woman—it is providing ethical and high-quality contracting services to my clients. I firmly believe that by running a strong, growing business, by treating my employees fairly, by being a vocal volunteer and by building long-term relationships with my clients, I can improve the business climate for women, as well as men.

That said, I have found a wealth of trade organizations that have matured into invaluable networking and business support systems for women.

The best way to improve the position of women in the business community is to support and choose to work with women.

Most Significant Accomplishment
Only 3 percent of all family businesses operate at a fourth generation level and beyond. Hoffman Cortes is not only surviving, we are thriving.

Along with building my own name in Kansas City and the construction industry, my greatest accomplishment is not backing down from continuing the success of Hoffman Cortes. We have maintained our level of quality and served clients honestly and fairly for more than 80 years. I am proud to be a part of this outstanding success and to be making a contribution to my family's trade. I have built long-term relationships that are more to me than just business; our clients are a part of the Hoffman Cortes family.

Greatest Challenge
I began my career working on Capitol Hill, went to law school at George Washington University and practiced law in Washington, D.C. When my father called in 1994 and asked if I would consider taking over the business that my great-grandfather founded more than 80 years earlier, it was time to make a choice.

I had worked for many years to build my career, reputation and network in Washington, D.C. By returning to the family business, I started over. I wanted to build my own name in Kansas City and earn the respect of my father's clients on my own terms.

The greatest challenge for me professionally is to continue building upon what three generations before me started and to continue to make the business grow and prosper for the next generation.