Proudly Women-Owned: What WBENC Certification Means to Us

At Jarvis Handling, being a women-owned business is more than a status, it is part of our identity.

We are proud to be certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the gold standard for women-owned business certification in the United States. This recognition not only validates our ownership and leadership but also reflects our values, our mission, and the way we conduct business every day.

Susan, the owner of Jarvis Handling, leads the company with dedication and a commitment to excellence. Her leadership ensures that our company remains true to its values while striving to create opportunities for growth and inclusion.

WBENC certification is awarded to companies that are at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by women. The process is rigorous and comprehensive, ensuring that certified businesses meet the highest standards of ownership and management. For us, this certification affirms something we have always known: leadership, strength, and innovation know no gender.

Being a WBENC-certified women-owned business means that we are part of a growing movement of women-led companies making an impact across the economy. It means we value equity, representation, and opportunity, and we bring those values to every relationship we build.

For our partners and clients, it offers the opportunity to
• Support diversity in the business community
• Contribute to a more inclusive supply chain
• Work with a company that values integrity, resilience, and long-term collaboration

Our certification is not just a label; it is a commitment. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of leadership and excellence not only within our company but across every partnership we form. We believe in empowering others, championing diversity, and contributing to a more balanced and equitable business world.

At Jarvis Handling, we are proud of who we are and how we got here. We are equally excited about where we are going and who we are going with.

Thank you for being part of our journey. When you choose to work with a WBENC-certified, women-owned business, you are choosing to invest in progress, purpose, and people.

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Allison Desrochers

Director of Marketing

Allison Desrochers joined Jarvis Handling as the Marketing Director in 2024, bringing a strong foundation in business development, marketing, and the supply chain industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University and is skilled in communication and strategic marketing. At Jarvis, Allison plays a key role in advancing the company’s mission to provide businesses with efficient, reliable material handling and ergonomic solutions. Her work focuses on crafting marketing strategies that highlight Jarvis’s commitment to enhancing operational productivity, safety, and efficiency through high-quality products and tailored solutions.

Passionate about business and personal growth, Allison is dedicated to building strong, long-term relationships with clients and colleagues alike. She is focused on supporting Jarvis’s continued expansion by bringing creativity and innovation to the marketing efforts while ensuring that customer satisfaction and service excellence remain at the forefront of the company’s goals. Through her contributions, Allison helps strengthen Jarvis’s presence and impact in the industry as the company moves forward.

Paul Hart

Director of Sales and Business Development

Paul Hart is the Director of Sales and Business Development at Jarvis Handling, where he leads the company’s growth in modular and platform solutions. With over 14 years of experience in the construction and manufacturing sectors, Paul’s background includes roles in a large modular construction company and a foundation in a family-run construction business. Paul is also a veteran, having served in the army before transitioning into the construction industry.

Since joining Jarvis in 2022, Paul has played a key role in driving the company’s expansion, helping achieve its highest sales and revenue year in 2023. His expertise in product knowledge, design, and project management enables him to create innovative, cost-effective solutions for clients facing production and space challenges. Paul is passionate about building strong, long-term relationships with clients, ensuring that Jarvis continues to deliver value and stay ahead of industry trends.

Susan Smith

Owner & President

Susan Smith’s journey to owning Jarvis Handling began with a childhood dream of entrepreneurship and a background rooted in manufacturing. After working at a diecast manufacturing plant, where she assisted with operations and efficiency improvements, Susan went on to earn a degree in Finance while volunteering in her community. In 2004, she joined Jarvis Handling as an office clerk, quickly stepping up to manage the business. Her leadership helped the company weather a recession, and by 2014, Susan took the bold step of purchasing the business, officially becoming the owner in November of 2014.

As the owner of Jarvis Handling, Susan is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that improve her clients workplaces. Her mission is centered on delivering top-notch customer service and fostering strong partnerships with manufacturers to ensure successful outcomes for every project. A passionate advocate for women in a male-dominated industry, Susan is proud of how Jarvis Handling has grown under her leadership, overcoming challenges and adapting to an ever-evolving market.

Looking to the future, Susan’s vision is to continue building a team that is both talented and customer-focused, while growing the business in a way that stays ahead of industry trends. With a commitment to excellence and a customer-first mentality, Susan is shaping the future of Jarvis Handling while staying grounded in the company’s long-standing values.