MBN USA Portal

MBN USA

September 06, 2024

Argent has benefited from being a certified HBE

Q: Tell us a little about your business. When and why was it started?

A: With an entrepreneurial mindset, in 1998 I left corporate America and established Argent Associates, in my New Jersey home awhile raising two small children. The company began as a technology reseller and distributor. It has evolved as the technology changed, offering engineering, installation, testing and integration of IT [information technology], wireless and 5G solutions. Recently, Argent’s Innovation Hub began deploying its UX Edge Interactive digital kiosks and EV [electric vehicle] charging as a service.

Throughout my journey, I discovered the significance of mentorship, collaboration, and enduring relationships based upon respect, accountability, integrity and diversity. Argent has been profitable since its inception and boasts a highly diverse and talented workforce.

Q: How has being a certified Hispanic business enterprise (HBE) impacted your business?

A: As a Latina-owned business, Argent Associates has benefited from being a certified HBE. This certification has not only allowed Argent to thrive in competitive markets but also to contribute positively to the community by creating job opportunities. The recognition and support have propelled the company to new heights, managing larger contracts and collaborating with industry leaders. For those entities looking to work more with the Hispanic community, Argent is ideal. The company has hired, trained and advanced warehouse workers who are now certified technicians. Argent’s clients have seen the benefits of our work ethics, talents and capabilities.

Q: What is your company’s biggest challenge as an HBE, and how do you combat that?

A: Competing with non-minority companies, especially in certain industries, is challenging. Argent is a player in the technology and supply chain industry with major, formidable competitors that are not Hispanic or woman owned. We combat this through the talent and diversity of our employees, and the quality of work we provide. We know we are doing something right because several of certified technicians have been hired away by our clients. We’ve successfully been in business for 26 years not only because of our pool of talent but also the partnerships we have formed that are a critical part of our continued success and the ability to combat competitive global threats.

Q: How is your company taking advantage (or preparing to take advantage) of an ever-changing, artificial intelligence (AI)-focused global marketplace?

A: AI has been a key focus for Argent by hiring our own software developers to help manage our growing business. We’re utilizing AI as a major component for the planning, forecasting, management and optimization of our supply chain activities and for our e-commerce distributor focus for utilities. Managing platforms and financial systems requires large amounts of data. Our AI platform improves our supply chain decision-making and creates operational efficiencies. We believe [that] if we can create solutions for our internal use, we can market it to other small businesses, SaaS [software as a service].

Q: What impact has (or will have) recent court rulings and policies threatening diversity equity and inclusion’s (DEI’s) continued advancement – and, thus, supplier diversity – had on your business?

A: While there are many attacks on DEI, and we have some concerns about its impact upon business. We are more about championing the economic impact diverse businesses bring to the table. We understand that by utilizing the diverse talents within our communities, training them and educating them, we build a stronger workforce, community and economy for everyone. Being diverse opens doors for us, but it is because of our excellent talent, work ethic and skills that we are able to compete and thrive in our industry.

To learn more about Argent Associates, visit argentassociates.com