1 minute read
Employee Spotlight: Barbara Small- Robinson
By: Sherese Branch
Barbara Small-Robinson, administrative associate in the Office of Business Opportunity’s Certification division, has been with the City of Houston for 30 years. She has spent 17 years with the Houston Police Department and the past 13 years with OBO.
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Q: How does your position with the city impact the small business community?
A: I am the first person they deal with when applying for certification. I do the initial screening when they first submit their application.
Q: What is your favorite part of working within your division?
A: I like to do the initial screening, sometimes it is like putting together a puzzle when trying to understand the structure of a company. I also like the satisfaction when a company is approved and sent to the certified firm directory and knowing I had a part in it.
Q: What advice would you give to a small business that wants to do business with the City?
A: Do your research first and go to our website at www.houstontx.gov/ obo. There is a lot of information there. Also watch the video of the pre-certification workshop to understand the program. Also go to www.purchasing.houstontx. gov. There is a lot of information on there about how to do business with the City and to get your vendor number.
Q : What do you do outside of the office, as a hobby or in your leisure time?
A: I like to read, crochet, play games on my computer, and spend time with my family.
Q: Are you from the area? If so, what do you like about the Houston area? If not, where are you from and what are some highlights of your previous location that you would like people to know?
A: I am a native Houstonian. What I like about Houston is we are basically good people that believe in helping others. We also have a lot of different forms of entertainment, different types of restaurants, and plenty of places to shop.
Q: Are there any other fun facts about you that you’d like to share?
A: I’m a great-grandmother of two and grandmother of six. I’m 5 feet tall.
Barbara Small-Robinson
