InfraPros

Constructing a Better, More Inclusive World

InfraPros team members are trained with skills that are long-lasting and ready for the new age of construction.

InfraPros is shattering barriers and creating opportunities for future generations to create wealth in an industry that has long been resistant to change. InfraPros is a fully licensed mechanical and electrical contractor providing professional contracting services for commercial, industrial, and public customers for off-site construction and ongoing operations. Their services include offsite fabrication of mechanical, process, and electrical systems for industrial, mission-critical, and other technical clients.  

In 2020, Kevin Cooper asked his friend, Jeff Farlow, to hire him. Jeff was surprised by Kevin’s request because he knew Kevin was overqualified. Kevin’s resume was impressive. He started his career as a commercial painter and home restoration specialist and created his own company, Cooper Residential Restorations. He learned carpentry, tile setting, and other trades to rely less on other subcontractors to complete his contracts. He later grew into facility management for the largest nonprofit agency providing family services throughout the Triad, Family Service of the Piedmont. This period served as the foundation for Kevin and Jeff’s friendship. Kevin met Jeff when he sought help bringing Family Service out of a deep deferred maintenance situation. Their work together resulted in over 30% savings on utilities for the agency.    

Needless to say, Jeff was confused by Kevin’s job request, but he came to understand what Kevin was facing. Around the same time, there was unrest among Americans due to the death of George Floyd. The circumstances surrounding Floyd’s death shed light on the disparities that minorities face within the legal system, and for Jeff, they also revealed the inequalities within his industry as he recognized minorities were often passed over for work they were well-qualified to do.     

Instead of hiring Kevin, Jeff seized an opportunity to be a catalyst for change by making Kevin his partner. Jeff sold Kevin 55% of his company, and a new business was born, with Kevin taking the lead as president and CEO of Infrastructure Professional Services and Equipment, LLC.  

As a certified Minority Business Enterprise by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Infrapros’ primary mission is to bring minorities and women into the mechanical contracting industry to train and prepare them for the new age of construction that is on the horizon. Leah Farlow, director of marketing, shares, “We strongly believe that trades and skills are long-lasting and valuable. We are committed to providing excellent service to our clients while embracing diversity and other possibilities to grow and develop our business.”  

The staff at InfraPros is dedicated to providing professional contracting services for commercial, industrial, and public customers. Mike Diamond, TowneBank senior vice president and private banker, far left, joined by the InfraPros team for a celebratory dinner.

 

InfraPros is taking every opportunity to create a more inclusive future for multiple generations. Leah says, “We’ve been actively engaging with the community through various initiatives, such as sponsoring local high schools like Dudley High School and meeting with their football team to discuss future career opportunities.” In the near future, they also hope to provide internships to students in trade schools. 

When InfraPros was looking for a new banking partner in 2020, a close friend mentioned Mike Diamond, senior vice president and private banker at TowneBank in Greensboro. Kevin shares, “Gratitude is the interest we pay to those who invest in our success. Mike Diamond and TowneBank are key partners in our journey. Mike has not just managed transactions, lines of credit, and investments, but has enriched our business with unwavering support, strategic insights, and dedication that goes beyond numbers. Their positive impact is the invaluable asset that truly defines partnership.”  

For more information, visit InfraPros.net.