VBE Spotlight: Oya Construction, LLC

Oya Construction is a certified DBE, SWaM, woman- and Veteran-owned firm specializing in stormwater management and compliance. We provide construction site stormwater inspections, post-construction BMP inspections and maintenance, and utility line CCTV evaluations. Our team also develops SWPPPs, SPCC plans, and technical reports, and offers program support and training for municipalities and private clients. With licensed Professional Engineers on staff, we bring both regulatory expertise and design knowledge to deliver practical, cost-effective stormwater solutions.

Contractors, Municipalities, Developers, Commercial/Industrial Facility Owners

I started Oya Construction in 2021 because I wanted to see real change in the construction industry. After years of working in engineering and stormwater management, I saw too many companies where employees were treated as disposable and compliance was viewed as just another box to check. I knew there was a better way.

Oya was built on the belief that people should be valued, celebrated and appreciated for the work they do. Integrity is at the core of everything we do, from how we treat our team to how we serve our clients and protect our waterways. I wanted to create a company that not only delivers technical excellence, but also raises the standard of what it means to be a partner in construction: honest communication, respect for the environment and a workplace culture that empowers people to thrive.

What started as a small, bootstrapped business has grown into a trusted partner for municipalities, contractors and facility owners across Virginia. Every inspection we perform and every plan we write reflects the same mission I started with: To protect water, uplift people and lead with integrity.

When I launched Oya Construction, one of the first challenges was figuring out the right direction for the business. I had an initial investor who helped me purchase tools I thought would be essential, but as the company evolved our focus shifted and those tools weren’t what we truly needed. That left me with a 5% investor when I’d prefer 100% ownership. In the end, it became an important lesson: Stay true to your vision, invest only in what aligns with your mission and maintain independence whenever possible.

Another challenge was establishing credibility in an industry that is still primarily male populated. Rather than being discouraged, I saw it as an opportunity to raise the bar, proving our value through consistent results, technical expertise and integrity on every project.

Finally, building the right team was both a challenge and a priority. I wanted a workplace where people are valued and appreciated; something not always present in construction. It took patience and intention, but today we have a team that’s not only skilled, but also passionate about protecting our waterways and supporting our clients with excellence.

The success of Oya Construction comes down to one thing: our people. I am fortunate to work alongside a team that is passionate about protecting our waterways, committed to excellence and determined to change what workplace culture looks like in construction. They show up every day ready to support one another, support our clients and do work that truly matters.

It’s not me that makes Oya special; it’s the team. Their integrity, creativity and heart are the reasons this company has grown the way it has. They inspire me daily, and I am incredibly proud to stand with them as we build a company that values people just as much as performance.

The most valuable lesson I can share is to always be true to yourself and never compromise your integrity. Know why you are doing this, because that “why” will carry you through the hard days. Entrepreneurship can be lonely and exhausting, and there will be plenty of sleepless nights, but if you stay anchored in your purpose, it’s worth every minute.

You also need a strong support system; people who believe in you and remind you of your vision when you start to doubt yourself. Success in business takes grit and determination, but it’s not something you achieve alone. Surround yourself with the right people, hold fast to your values and you’ll build something that lasts.

One of the biggest pitfalls to avoid is getting discouraged and giving up. Yes, it’s hard, but so was everything else we tackled in the military. There will be plenty of moments for self-doubt, and plenty of people ready to tell you why your idea won’t work. If you let that get in your head, it can derail you before you’ve even had a chance to succeed.

You have to believe in yourself and your company, even when others don’t. Determination is everything. And honestly, sometimes a little spite, the drive to prove the doubters wrong and say “I told you so,” can be just the fuel you need to push through the hard days.

Veterans bring unique skill sets to entrepreneurship: leadership, adaptability, grit and the ability to perform under pressure. Those strengths are what I’ve built Oya Construction on, and they’ve shaped the way we serve our clients and support our team.

I also want to remind fellow Veterans that there are incredible resources and networks out there specifically for us. Take advantage of them. The Veteran community understands you in a way no one else can, and having that support system can make all the difference when the challenges feel overwhelming. Leaning on those connections has been a big part of my own journey, and I believe it’s one of the keys to long-term success.