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Access Granted
ACCESS GRANTED
NATION'S FIRST BLACK-OWNED DENTAL LAB TO OPEN IN CNY
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Todd Reid and wife Dr. Shanelle Benson-Reid
Photography by SMarie
Todd and Dr. Shanelle Benson Reid are betting on themselves, and on our city. They are on a mission to build Syracuse’s Black Wall Street by tackling one project after another. Each is accomplished independently, but together they are a force. Originally from Southern California, Dr. Shanelle Benson Reid is a consultant, coach, author, and professional speaker. Her expertise is in the areas of educational and employment equity, cultural competency, social awareness, entrepreneurship, community and individual empowerment.
After teaching for several years, Dr. Benson Reid decided to pursue her doctorate in Organizational Leadership and later start her consulting company, ACCESS Global. She met her husband, Mr. Todd Reid, here in Syracuse. A seasoned professional himself, Mr. Reid has built a career as an expert in the dental field. He has over twentyfive years of experience in the industry and specializes in full-mouth reconstruction. Recently, the couple decided to build their own dental laboratory, ACCESS Dental Laboratories, the first and only black-owned, full-service dental laboratory in the United States. Together, Shanelle and Todd now run the ACCESS Global Family of Companies.
2520 S. Salina St. Syracuse
Trulia.com
ACCESS Global Enterprises has several projects in development, from recently gaining site-control of a 16,000 square-foot building from the Syracuse Landbank to designing a state of the art curriculum and training program for the laboratory employees.
“I’m a movement by myself but a force when we’re together.” –Neo
Access Dental Laboratories
Photography by SMarie
Continued
Once complete, the four-story building will include childcare, office rental space, a café and a fitness center, the ACCESS Dental Laboratory and the ACCESS Dental executive offices. At capacity, the Reids anticipate hiring 50 people from the Southside of Syracuse. The couple has been intentional about locating their business in the city, getting community buy-in, and being a cornerstone in the rejuvenation of Syracuse’s south side. They understand it will require a lot of work, but they are ready and willing. This project is the culmination of a two-year process that included, late nights, numerous meetings, unexpected expenses, yet here they are, ready to transform a community. For Shanelle, this desire to impact a community comes from within and knowing that her beginning does not dictate her ending. “People see all the accomplishments.
Access Dental Laboratories plans to build the nation's first black-owned dental lab.
However, I’m no different from anyone. I was a teen mom. I had two children before I was twenty-one years old. I grew up in poverty. But I knew there was more to my life.” For Todd, this commitment to serving the Southside community comes from acknowledging that it was someone who took a chance on him over 20 years ago, and that opportunity changed the trajectory of his life. “Someone bet on me right out of high school and I feel obligated to do the same.”
If you ask them, Todd and Shanelle will candidly share, “We knew it would be great, but we had no idea how great. We are in awe of the community support. We are focused and driven but we feed off of their energy, as well. We love Syracuse, but we especially love the Southside.” They continue to “take the next best step, make the next right move and know it will be great, a mustard seed of faith.” Their advice for aspiring MWBEs? Always be willing to bet on yourself. the hard work, the paperwork, the fees, the attention to detail.
Contact Details
ACCESS Global Enterprises, LLC 422 David Drive North Syracuse, NY 13212-1929 info@accessglobalenterprises.com www.accessglobalenterprises.com
Dr. Shanelle Benson-Reid
Dr. Shanelle Benson-Reid
Photo courtesy of Dr. Shanelle Benson-Reid
