Erica Dorsett, the co-owner of First State Hood and Duct was voted by Delaware today as one of the "40 Most Empowering Women in Business".

Here is what Delaware had to say about Erica Dorsett:

"Wilmington, Del. – Today, Delaware Today announced its 2021 list of Top Women in Business.

Erica Dorsett, co-owner of the Wilmington-based First State Hood & Duct was recognized as one of Delaware’s top 40 female business leaders.

Erica Dorsett and First State Hood & Duct - a woman-owned and black-owned business - will be honored by Delaware Today and Delaware Business Times on December 9 at the Chase Center located in Wilmington.  

Erica and her husband, Clarence Dorsett, founded First State Hood & Duct, a commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning and maintenance company in 2009. 

Since founding First State Hood & Duct the company has grown to service clients not only Delaware but Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. 

“I am extremely honored to be named as one of Delaware’s Top Women in Business. I can honestly say it has been nothing short of the grace of God that our company has been able to become one of the best kitchen exhaust cleaning providers in the country. Surrounding ourselves with great people, putting the customer first, and continuing to educate ourselves over the years have been key components to the success my husband and I have experienced thus far,” said Erica Dorsett. 

Erica continued: “Starting a family business and growing it with my husband, Clarence, has been one of my proudest accomplishments. I am happy to be included among other inspiring and trailblazing women.” 

While many businesses were unable to survive the pandemic, Dorsett and her husband found creative and innovative ways to adapt and thrive. 

Dorsett weaves integrity, hard work, and excellent customer service into the fabric of every interaction with clients, vendors, and even competitors. In 2020, First State Hood & Duct received Home Advisors Top Rated Pro and Elite Service Awards. In June of the same year, First State Hood & Duct, which has an A+ BBB rating, received accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and is currently the only service provider in her industry to be selected for this honor in the state of Delaware. 

Earlier this year First State Hood & Duct  was selected for The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation Equitable Ecosystem (E3) Program Dover Pilot. 

The company is in the process of acquiring the capital and warehouse/office space needed to launch a new branch of their company that will offer filter exchange service to the Delaware, Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area by early 2022.

About First State Hood & Duct: First State Hood & Duct is a women-owned and minority-owned commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning and maintenance company founded in 2009 and located in Delaware. First State Hood & Duct offers award winning service that helps restaurant owners avoid grease fires and pass health and fire marshal inspection by ensuring their restaurants stay safe, clean and compliant."