Seattle District Office 8(a) Graduate of the Year
Jesse Cherian, the Seattle District Office 8(a) Graduate of the Year, is an owner of ST Fabrication, a steel fabricator providing products for projects across the Pacific Northwest Region.
Cherian’s journey with ST Fabrication began more than 20 years ago. After spending 10 years as a materials scientist with a major aerospace manufacturer, Cherian joined forces with a fellow engineer, and together they formed their new company Jabez Holdings, of which Cherian is the majority owner. In 2002, they acquired an existing steel fabrication company, ST Fabrication.
At the time of acquisition, ST Fabrication was a company with six employees and $1.4 million in annual revenue. As president and CEO, Cherian has grown ST Fabrication exponentially, supporting 75 employees with annual revenue exceeding $21 million. Cherian credits much of this growth to the guidance, opportunities, and connections he found through the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is a nine-year program created to assist firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy. The 8(a) Business Development Program offers unique and valuable business assistance and the opportunity to compete and receive set-aside and sole-source contracts with the federal government.
Cherian entered the 8(a) Business Development Program in 2008, with $4 million in annual revenue supplying steel for small-scale projects. During the first few years in the program, he increased revenue by more than 100%. Utilizing business connections through the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, Cherian was able to continue this growth trend steadily.
“The growth we have found has been created and completely sustained by the relationships garnered through our involvement in the 8(a) program, the networking opportunities, and the quality of general contractors we were able to interface with,” Cherian said.
“I hope other small business owners know what a valuable resource they have with the SBA,” Cherian added. “There is a wealth of experience and connectivity that would serve any small business well.”
Today, ST Fabrication contributes to projects throughout Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and Guam. They have provided structural steel for SeaTac Airport, Maui Airport, Sound Transit Stations, and many projects with the United States Department of Defense.
ST Fabrication dedicates no less than 10% of profits to charitable causes, and Cherian is actively working to support small businesses interested in applying to the SBA 8(a) Program. ST Fabrication was also named 2023 Seattle District 8(a) Graduate of the Year.