About SMBWEST
Experience. Performance. Growth.
SMBWEST Contracting & Development LLC is a Connecticut-based construction and development enterprise built on 15+ years of industry experience — originally founded in 2012 as EMJ Contracting LLC and rebranded in 2025 — with a commitment to delivering lasting value for clients, partners, and communities.
$350M+
Total project experience
Est. 2012
Originally Founded in Connecticut
15+
Years of industry experience
Nationwide
Regional & national reach
Our Story
Built From the Ground Up
SMBWEST Contracting & Development LLC traces its roots to 2012, when Ladacia K. Westfield founded EMJ Contracting LLC in Connecticut with a clear vision: to build a construction and development enterprise defined by quality, accountability, and community impact. In 2025, the company was rebranded as SMBWEST Contracting & Development LLC — reflecting its expanded capabilities and national reach. What began as a focused construction operation has grown into a multi-service platform spanning commercial and residential construction, real estate development, property management, government contracting, property preservation, snow and ice management, and infrastructure services.
Over 15+ years, SMBWEST has accumulated more than $350 million in total project experience — delivering complex engagements for private clients, housing authorities, municipal agencies, and federal contractors across Connecticut, New England, and nationwide. Our growth has been driven not by shortcuts, but by earning the trust of every client, one project at a time.
Our Mission
To deliver high-quality construction, development, and property services through integrity, professionalism, innovation, and disciplined execution — creating lasting value for our clients, partners, and communities.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted and capable construction and development enterprise in the region — recognized for excellence, community investment, and the ability to perform on any project, at any scale.
Company Timeline
- 2012
EMJ Contracting LLC founded in Connecticut by Ladacia K. Westfield — the enterprise that would become SMBWEST.
- 2014
Expanded into property preservation and property management services across Connecticut.
- 2016
Secured first government contracting opportunities at the state and municipal level.
- 2018
Achieved MBE, DBE, and SBE certifications — opening federal contracting opportunities.
- 2020
Launched snow & ice management and infrastructure field services divisions.
- 2022
Surpassed $350M in cumulative project experience across 10 service verticals.
- 2024
Expanded nationwide reach with active projects across New England and beyond.
- 2025
Rebranded as SMBWEST Contracting & Development LLC — marking a new chapter of growth, expanded capabilities, and national presence.
- 2026
Continuing to grow — new markets, new capabilities, same commitment to excellence.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Integrity
We do what we say. Every commitment, every contract, every time.
Quality
Craftsmanship and precision are non-negotiable on every project we deliver.
Safety
Every worker goes home safe. OSHA compliance and site safety are foundational.
Accountability
We own our results — the wins and the lessons — with full transparency.
Performance
On-schedule, on-budget delivery backed by disciplined project management.
Innovation
We continuously improve our methods, technology, and approach to stay ahead.
Reliability
Clients, partners, and communities can count on us when it matters most.
Strategic Growth
We grow deliberately — expanding capabilities while deepening expertise.
Our Leadership
The People Behind SMBWEST
SMBWEST is led by a team of experienced professionals who bring more than 15 years of combined expertise in construction, development, government contracting, and operational management — delivering results across Connecticut and nationwide.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Ladacia K. Westfield
Ladacia K. Westfield is the President and Chief Executive Officer of SMBWEST Contracting & Development LLC — a Connecticut-based construction and development enterprise he originally founded in 2012 as EMJ Contracting LLC and rebranded in 2025 as SMBWEST. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a multi-service platform operating regionally and nationally. With more than 15 years of industry experience, Mr. Westfield has led the enterprise through a broad range of construction, development, property management, government contracting, and infrastructure engagements — accumulating over $350 million in total project experience across commercial, residential, institutional, and public-sector markets. SMBWEST has established itself as a capable, compliance-driven contractor with the operational depth to support federal, state, and municipal opportunities alongside private-sector development.
Areas of Focus
Vice President of Operations
Shenida M. Porter
Shenida M. Porter serves as Vice President of Operations at SMBWEST Contracting & Development, overseeing the day-to-day execution of construction, development, and contracting operations across the company's service lines. With deep expertise in project coordination, compliance, and operational strategy, she ensures that every engagement is delivered with precision, professionalism, and accountability.
Areas of Focus
Let's Build Something Together
Whether you are a private developer, government agency, or property owner — SMBWEST has the experience, certifications, and team to deliver. Reach out to start the conversation.