From storm recovery support to federal construction contracting, Leta Patrick is showing what it means to build with purpose. As CEO of M & L Fabrications, LLC—doing business as M & L Works—Patrick leads with integrity, skill, and deep roots in her tribal community. Based in Bolton, North Carolina, M & L recently achieved certification as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) through the U.S. Small Business Administration and has been certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Since 2023, M & L Works has been a client of The National Center’s APEX Accelerator, which helped the company achieve its WOSB certification.
Patrick, a citizen of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe, runs the business alongside her husband Mark. The company offers general contracting, welding, fabrication, and emergency response services throughout southeastern North Carolina—often stepping up where others fall short.
We sat down with Leta to learn more about M & L’s journey, how certifications are shaping their growth, and why community will always be at the heart of their work. To learn more about M & L Fabrications, visit www.mnlworks.com.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Leta Patrick, owner of M & L Fabrications, LLC—doing business as M & L Works. I’m a Native American woman from the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe in southeastern North Carolina. I’ve always believed in hard work, honesty, and staying grounded in faith. Those values guide everything we do as a company.
Why did you decide to start M & L Works?
M & L Works was built from the ground up by my husband Mark and me. We saw a need for dependable, skilled work in welding, fabrication, and general contracting—and we knew we could meet it. After years of subcontracting under others, I wanted to create something of our own. Our goal has always been to deliver excellent work and respond quickly, especially in our region where emergency site work and infrastructure needs are often overlooked.
You recently received SBA WOSB and DBE certifications. How has that changed things for your business?
These certifications have absolutely opened doors. Along with WOSB and DBE, we’re also certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and a North Carolina Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), and we’re working toward our EDWOSB and HUBZone certifications now. WOSB helped level the playing field—but it’s not just about the certifications. It’s about the skills, training, and work ethic behind them. Paperwork doesn’t replace the ability to do the job right.
How has The National Center supported your business journey?
The National Center has been a valuable support system. Whether it’s through information, encouragement, or creating opportunities to connect with others on the same path, it’s helped make the process feel less overwhelming. It’s reassuring to know that organizations like this exist to guide Native-owned businesses forward, especially as we navigate government contracting and long-term growth.
Tell us about some of the work you’ve done in your tribal community.
We’re proud to serve our community however we can—whether that’s small welding repairs for tribal elders, storm cleanup, or just being available when someone needs help. We’ve done tree removal jobs at discounted rates for the tribe to make sure work gets done even when budgets are tight. As we grow, we want to create job opportunities and hands-on training for young people in our tribe who may not see a clear path forward. We want to help build that path.
How has your heritage influenced your leadership and business philosophy?
My heritage reminds me who I am and where I come from. Growing up in a tribal community taught me the value of humility, service, and strength. I’m not just building a business—I’m honoring those who came before me and creating something meaningful for those coming after. That mindset shapes everything, from how I lead to how we treat our clients and approach every project.
What advice would you give to Native American women starting their own businesses?
Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start with what you have and grow from there. Stay humble, stay teachable, and never stop learning your craft. Learn the business side, too—know what you’re getting into and ask questions. You don’t have to know everything to begin. You just have to begin.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just that I’m grateful—for my tribe, my family, and the people and organizations that have encouraged us along the way. We’re still small, but we’re moving forward with purpose. I believe our best work is still ahead, and I trust the Author of it all—God—is still writing our story, one step at a time.
