Rebuilding For Record Growth

How Leon Davis Rebuilt His Business Through ICIC’s Building for Growth Program

By ICIC | November 12, 2025

When military veteran Leon Davis looks back on 2020, he calls it his “black swan moment.” His commercial and industrial electric services provider company, CheckMate Communications & Electric, had been thriving for years, serving major clients across the Tri-Sate Area. Then his largest account shut down work without warning.

“Business was abysmal that year,” Leon recalls. “We went from having 47 employees to eleven”. Rather than walking away, Leon made a choice that would redefine his leadership and his company’s future. “I could have just given up and got a job, right,” he says, “but I chose the unpaved path of entrepreneurship to continue on with the company, which under normal circumstances would have been considered a failure.”

That choice led him to the Building for Growth (BFG) program, a national executive education program designed to help construction contractors build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies. His enrollment coincided with a transformative year for the program, which debuted its first New Jersey-specific cohort and introduced a hybrid curriculum format. These developments were made possible through a partnership between ICIC, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and Kean University.

A Career Built on Connection and Leadership

Rebuilding After Crisis

Through ICIC’s Building for Growth program, Leon found the structured support he needed. The program connected him with seasoned mentors and a network of contractors navigating similar challenges. “The program gave me mentorship and perspective,” Leon says. “It helped me realize that even though I had a large business, I still had a lot to learn. Programs like this are invaluable to small businesses”. One concept from BFG immediately changed how he managed his company: the vision statement. 

“Every week I ask how each project aligns with the vision statement.”

He traces this discipline back to the program’s early exercises. 

“It all started with writing the founder’s belief and doing a SWOT analysis,” Leon explains. “The program taught me how to exceed stakeholders’ expectations and turn every threat into an opportunity.”

Innovation Through Humility and Teamwork

As CheckMate recovered, Leon began re-examining what truly set his firm apart. “There are many companies offering similar services with great craftsmanship,” he says. “I had to break down what made us different in communications engineering.”

The answer was clear: “Our team differentiates us from the rest.”

That mindset reshaped the company’s culture. “I learned to sit back, listen, and let other team members spearhead projects,” he explains. “This instilled more confidence and trust.”

Leon began encouraging his eleven remaining employees to take ownership of their roles. 

“I always say, ‘I want you to be the CEO of your position.’”

The results were significant, Leon says. 

“We’ve now become one of only seven companies certified by the Port Authority to do communications engineering.” 

The certification means CheckMate can receive direct referrals without the need to bid—a milestone Leon attributes directly to the systems and confidence developed through Building for Growth.

From Subcontractor to Prime

Leon’s proudest moment came when his company finally stepped into the role of prime contractor. “We’ve always been a subcontractor,” he says. 

“I was afraid to be a prime contractor until I did the program. I would never have ventured out before.”

Through Building for Growth’s structured lessons on documentation, positioning, and strategic planning, Leon learned how to present his firm’s qualifications more effectively. 

“The program taught me how to document properly and exercise all our capabilities”.

In 2025, CheckMate achieved its highest year of revenue yet, with contracts in place that project a pipeline three times larger in 2026.

A Story of Resilience and Inclusive Growth

For Leon Davis, the Building for Growth program was more than an educational experience—it was a lifeline. It helped him rebuild not just a business, but a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and shared purpose.

Today, CheckMate Communications & Electric stands as a testament to what is possible when determination meets opportunity. Through ICIC’s Building for Growth in New Jersey cohort, Leon transformed a moment of crisis into a blueprint for long-term success.

Ready to Build for Growth in New Jersey?

Join a dynamic cohort of construction contractors committed to scaling their businesses and driving impact. Through a hybrid curriculum and expert-led sessions, you’ll gain the tools, strategies, and connections needed to grow sustainably.

Apply now to be part of the 2026 New Jersey cohort—where innovation meets opportunity.