The Commercial Builders’ Network (TCBN)

🏗️ What if students could graduate from high school with more than just a diploma? Imagine leaving high school with real work experience, industry connections, career direction, and even money earned while attending school! In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , I'm joined by Dr. Saecilia Jackson, Youth Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Program Specialist for Clayton County Pub...

🏗️ Want to win construction contracts with Holder Construction? Here's how to get started! How do small contractors get their foot in the door with a major general contractor? What does prequalification involve? And how do you position your business to receive invitations to bid? In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , I'm joined by Erica Pirtle, Senior Manager at Holder Construction...

⚡ Where can learning one skilled trade actually take you? For Craig Harris, Founder and CEO of New Beginnings Electrical Services , the answer has included the field, purchasing, warehouse management, project management, estimating, executive leadership—and ultimately business ownership. Craig has spent 35 years in the electrical industry , but his path didn't begin traditionally. After becoming...

🏗️ Want to grow your construction company and compete for larger contracts? Getting the opportunity is only part of the equation. Your business has to be prepared to handle it. In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , I'm joined by Claudette Freeman, Managing Partner of F&F General Construction , a Black woman-owned full-service construction firm providing design-build, general co...

👷 Construction companies say they need workers. Skilled trades programs are training people. So why are so many people still struggling to make the connection between training and employment? In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , I'm joined by Rick Ellis of Blest Trade Alliance , a workforce-development professional with nearly three decades of experience connecting people with em...

🏗️ Want to win contracts with Brasfield & Gorrie? This episode breaks down where to start. In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , I'm joined by Jessica McMahan, Senior Supplier Opportunity Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie , to explain how subcontractors, suppliers, trade contractors and small construction businesses can position themselves for opportunities with a major commerc...

🏠 HOUSE MEETING! The Commercial Builders' Network is evolving—and we need to talk about where we're going. After all of the conversations we've had across commercial construction and real estate, I started asking one question: When you finish watching an episode, what are you actually going to DO with the information? Information is great. Inspiration is great. Stories matter. But at some point,...

The biggest opportunity for your business may not be something you build alone. In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , Jonathan Clark of Community Solutions by Design shares how nine Tennessee State University graduates came together around one vision and built a successful architecture and engineering firm through collaboration, trust, complementary strengths, and strategic partner...

Want to work with a major general contractor but don't know where to start? In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , Yomi Adeyemo , Director of Community Engagement at Juneau Construction , explains exactly what his team looks for when selecting subcontractors, suppliers, and business partners. From prequalification and safety records to financial readiness, communication, and relatio...

Construction jobs are in high demand, yet the industry is still facing a shortage of hundreds of thousands of skilled workers. So where's the disconnect—and how can job seekers take advantage of the opportunity? In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , Jason Walker , National Engagement Manager for Building Talent Foundation , explains why the construction workforce shortage exists an...

Affordable housing isn't just about finding a place to live—it's about creating a pathway to homeownership, financial stability, and generational wealth. In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , Shedra Jones, Program Manager at Develop Clayton, explains the difference between affordable housing and attainable housing, how first-time homebuyers can prepare for ownership, and why homeow...

Millions of people are searching for meaningful careers while employers struggle to find skilled workers. Why is that happening? In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , workforce development leader Angelia O'Neal , founder of MWI Workforce Institute and Talent Acquisition Coordinator, explains how construction, skilled trades, apprenticeships, and workforce development are creating l...

What does it take to transform an entire region? In this episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , host TaNeshia Reed sits down with Shannon James Sr., President & CEO of Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance , to discuss how workforce development, economic development, commercial real estate, and public-private partnerships are reshaping the communities surrounding the world's busiest airport. Fr...

How do commercial real estate investors actually get financing? In Part 2 of my conversation with Kenneth Igwe , Co-Founder of Baker Collins & Co., we take a deep dive into commercial real estate financing , private lending , and what lenders actually look for before approving a deal. With more than $1 billion in commercial real estate debt and equity originated , Kenneth explains how experien...

If you want to understand real estate finance, commercial real estate investing, and how deals actually get funded , this episode breaks it down at a high level. In this episode of The Commercial Builders Network , TaNeshia Reed sits down with Kenneth Igwe, Managing Director of a real estate finance firm that has helped originate over $1 billion in commercial real estate debt and equity . From sta...

What does it take to build a construction and environmental firm from nothing—and sustain it for over 20 years? In this episode of The Commercial Builders Network , TaNeshia Reed sits down with L’Tryce Slade, founder of a multi-state construction, environmental, and geotechnical firm, known as the “Dirt Lady.” From starting her company while on unemployment to leading major projects across multipl...

What does the future of construction look like — and who will help build it? In this episode of The Commercial Builders Network , Dr. Irish Horsey shares her journey through the construction industry, from project management and workforce development to policy, technology, and authorship. As the Director of Industry Advancement at Procore and the bestselling author of You Can Be Here: A Woman’s Gu...

What does a Black commercial appraiser, land acquisition agent, and AI entrepreneur see that most people miss about real estate? In this episode of The Commercial Builders Network , Jessica Brown breaks down how redlining, appraisal bias, infrastructure, land acquisition, and AI all shape property values, business ownership, and access to opportunity. Jessica shares her path from historian to oil...

Are you a residential real estate agent tired of small commissions and low-paying deals, and ready to transition into commercial real estate? In this episode, commercial real estate broker, investor, and developer James Daughrity (SIOR) breaks down step-by-step how he went from the Robert Taylor projects to becoming a top commercial real estate power player, broker, and developer. ​ Most agents st...

Ionnie McNeill—known as “The Baby Billionaire”—joins The Commercial Builders’ Network to break down how real investing works when you’re building wealth on purpose, not hype. In this full conversation, Ionnie walks through the difference between debt vs. equity , what private debt deals actually are, and why she shifted from long-term, public-market investing to cashflow-focused strategies that ca...

The airport is more than planes and passengers — it operates like a full-scale city with constant demand for services, construction, technology, maintenance, and more. In this episode of The Commercial Builders’ Network , Charles Wilson of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) explains how small businesses can position themselves for real procurement opportunities inside major airp...

James B. Kynes Jr. is more than a commercial real estate broker — he’s a mission-driven entrepreneur, business coach, and founder of Rushman Moore Real Estate Group. From his early days cutting hair to structuring million-dollar deals, James brings a rare blend of street smarts, spiritual grounding, and sharp business acumen. In this powerful episode of The Commercial Builders' Network , we unpack...

In this powerful episode of The Commercial Builders’ Network, host TaNeshia Reed sits down with general contractor and visionary leader Glinda Jackson —founder of Jackson Management Group and the nonprofit Build Her Legacy, Inc. From building MGM National Harbor to launching construction camps for girls, Glinda shares how she’s rewriting the rules of the industry. ➡️ Hear her plans to expand to th...

If you’re a contractor, real estate investor, or entrepreneur trying to level up — this episode is your cheat code. Tommy Lester is the Atlanta Market Lead for Capital Impact Partners (a national CDFI) and President of Swann Development Partners. With 25+ years in real estate lending, community development, and commercial investment, he breaks down everything from capital stacking and syndications...

What does it take to lead with vision, rise from grief, and create opportunity for an entire community? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Commercial Builders Network , host TaNeshia Reed sits down with cultural strategist and nonprofit leader Taneshia Nash Laird to talk about: 🔹 Carrying generational dreams 🔹 Building legacy after loss 🔹 Creating access in commercial real esta...