EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT: Certification Officer Louis Banks Builds Career Rooted in Service

By: Mark Luo

Sr. Business Development Coordinator Louis Banks joined the Certification and Designations Division of the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) in January 2020, just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. His passion to help small businesses reach their full potential earned him a senior-level promotion within two years. He also serves as OBO’s Wellness Ambassador. After high school, Banks enlisted in the United States Navy for four years on the USS Shoup, deploying twice in the Pacific Ocean. Banks received a humanitarian medal for the work he did during a tsunami in Indonesia.

Q: What brought you to the Office of Business Opportunity?

A: I liked the idea of public service and having a job where I’m able to help people and businesses. I worked in banking before this, but I just felt like I had something more to offer. Working at OBO has given me an opportunity to help businesses in Houston grow.

Q: How would you describe your role at OBO?

A: I process the applications for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Small Business Enterprises (SBE), and Persons with Disabilities Enterprises (PDBE). With these certifications, businesses can grow and have the opportunity to work with the City of Houston.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: I most enjoy the people that I work with. We have a really good team where everyone helps each other. We teach each other, and we learn from each other. It also feels good when you get a call from a business owner who is really excited that they have completed the application process. It’s exciting to hear their prospects as they grow their business.

Louis Banks, Sr. Business Development Coordinator - OBO Certification

Q: What do you think is an undervalued part of your division?

A: In my division, we really look in-depth at the certification applications. It’s a lot of documentation, and we ask a lot of questions and do a lot of reviews. We vet these applications to make sure they meet the requirements of the program, which takes tons of time. A lot of times the leg work involved with that is the most undervalued part.

Q: What is something you’d like the community to know about the Certification and Designations Division?

A: We’re always eager to help and assist when people call or when they come in with questions. If we don’t have the answers to your concerns, we will find them. We really enjoy helping applicants and prospective applicants anytime.

Q: What are some things you like to do for fun?

A: I like to travel, play basketball, and go fishing. Earlier this year, I went to Jamaica for a week and in August I will be going to Hawaii. I also fish every weekend with my favorite spot being in Freeport, Texas.