Philadelphia construction trades educator Evin Jarrett is redefining what a classroom can be—running a hands-on build lab, a student-led podcast, and a culture where standards are high and the buy-in is real. From fourth graders sweating copper to alumni crushing CTE high schools, his results speak for themselves. In this episode, Evin breaks down how he built a top-tier program from four blank walls, why middle-school exposure beats 10th-grade “too late,” and the mindset shifts that ke...

Michael Russell is the CEO of H.J. Russell & Company, one of the largest Black-owned real estate and construction firms in the country. The company was founded by his father, Herman J. Russell. After 16 years learning every corner of the business, Michael stepped into the top role. Today he leads a fast-growing operation with offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Boston. In this episode, Michael gets real about what it takes to scale. He talks about building the right culture, keeping clients a...

Founder of ConstructReach, Paul Robinson is the force behind the “I Built This!” experience—live, work-based learning events that bring students behind the construction fence to meet industry pros, try hands-on activities, and see real career paths in action. In this special episode, Paul shares how “I Built This!” went from a 2019 pilot in Atlanta with Target to a national movement connecting educators, contractors, and young talent. You’ll hear why visibility matters, how seeing peopl...

This week on the iReach Podcast, we're joined by Andrew Chin, Dean of the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology at Florida A&M University. One of only a few Black academic leaders in architecture nationwide, Dean Chin shares his journey from being a young student navigating racial boundaries in Long Island to leading one of the most impactful architecture programs at an HBCU. In this powerful conversation, we explore how Dean Chin combines community advocacy, design, and educa...

Dr. Gina Merritt is a real estate developer and social-impact innovator behind Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures and Project Community Capital. From a childhood marked by loss to a career building community-centered developments, she’s redefining what “affordable housing” can do—opening doors to jobs, stability, and long-term wealth for overlooked talent. In this episode, Gina shares the wake-up moment that led her into construction (yes, a bulldozer dream), how she leveraged experien...

Chase Hunter is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Investors Edge Network—a turnkey investment firm helping people across the country build wealth in Detroit’s housing market. Starting with two properties she bought sight unseen, Chase has grown into a powerful force for affordable housing and community development. In this episode, Chase shares how she went from corporate America to owning multiple properties, why Detroit offers unique opportunities for investors, and how s...

John Rice is a pioneering mechanical engineer and one of the founding partners of Legacy Engineers, a Black-owned MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) consulting firm based in New York City. With a 30+ year career spanning sustainable building systems, high-performance design, and leadership in large-scale infrastructure projects, Rice’s mission is bigger than engineering—he’s building a legacy of access, excellence, and opportunity for Black and Brown professionals in the field. In this ep...

This week on the iReach Podcast, we're joined by Andrew Chin, Dean of the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology at Florida A&M University. One of only a few Black academic leaders in architecture nationwide, Dean Chin shares his journey from being a young student navigating racial boundaries in Long Island to leading one of the most impactful architecture programs at an HBCU. In this powerful conversation, we explore how Dean Chin combines community advocacy, design, and educa...

From a humble upbringing in The Bahamas to leading one of Dallas’s most values-driven construction firms, Thomas Crowther’s journey is anything but typical. As the founder of The Crowther Group, Thomas has built more than structures—he’s built opportunities, relationships, and community. In this episode, Thomas shares how early lessons in hustle and humanity—learned from his entrepreneurial mother—shaped his rise from project engineer to vice president to founder. You’ll hear how getting laid...

Pete Roque went from a Navy serviceman navigating gang-ruled streets to becoming the National Director of Code Enforcement at Four Leaf. His journey is anything but traditional—and it’s reshaping how cities think about safety, representation, and the next generation of civic leaders. In this episode, Pete breaks down how a chance encounter changed the course of his life and sparked a 20-year mission to bring equity and education to the often-overlooked world of code enforcement. From co-autho...

Kiley Summers is the co-founder and CEO of SpenDebt, a mission-driven fintech company helping people pay off debt through micropayments tied to everyday purchases. After personally climbing out of $140K in consumer debt alongside his wife, Kiley turned that lived experience into a solution now changing lives across the country. In this episode, Kiley shares how growing up with a single mother shaped his views on money, what it took to leave his corporate job to launch a startup, and why fin...

What if your next "no" was the doorway to your greatest "yes"? In this inspiring episode, host Paul Robinson reconnects with Shayla Atkins—CEO of Atkins Impact, author, and leadership strategist—for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, authenticity, and the journey of personal transformation. From their days walking the halls of high school to navigating boardrooms and business pivots, this dialogue is a heartfelt mix of wisdom, laughs, and real talk. Shayla shares how she founded ...

In this episode of the iReach Podcast, host Paul Robinson welcomes C. David Moody Jr., President and CEO of C.D. Moody Construction. With over 35 years in the business, Moody has built some of the country’s most visible projects—including work on the 1996 Olympic Stadium. But this conversation goes far beyond construction. Moody opens up about childhood trauma, silent struggles with anxiety, and the years he spent pushing through pain while growing a business. He shares how an HBCU education,...

Mark Scott - There is so much construction going on while you sleep! Construction Super Intendant Mark Scott and Paul discuss the parts of the construction industry that you don't see! ------- 💻Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📺Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 😀📘Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔗LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Led by CEO and founder @Paul Robinson, this podcast is primed to dive deep ...

Teimon Phillips, CAPM, Construction Project Manager From only one year in college to an associate project manager! Paul and Teimon talk about what it is like to be so young and in the managerial side of construction. ------- 💻Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📺Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 😀📘Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔗LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Led by CEO and founder @Paul Robinson, this podcast...