Tammie Ross, builder and general contractor with Residence by Ross, joins Host Carol Morgan on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to share her unconventional journey from homebuyer to home builder, her fight to break barriers as a woman in construction and the story behind her empowering new book, Breaking Ground, Breaking Glass Ceilings.

Ross has spent her career proving that education and passion can open doors that once seemed closed. As a licensed general contractor and home builder, she brings a level of precision and professionalism to the building industry, backed by an MBA in Project Management and a Six Sigma certification. These credentials reflect her commitment to building efficiently in today’s housing market.

Despite her impressive qualifications, Ross’s early industry experiences weren’t without obstacles. When Ross applied for her general contractor license during the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced skepticism and bias. Her initial approval came back at just $25,000, far below the $750,000 she applied for. Instead of accepting the limitation, she appealed, presented her qualifications to the licensing board and ultimately earned the full approval she sought.

“I overcame those challenges by being persistent and refusing to hear ‘no’ and instead reframing my mind to hear ‘not yet.’”

Ross’s new book, Breaking Ground, Breaking Glass Ceilings, offers readers an intimate look at her professional journey and the mindset that helped her overcome barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. What began as personal letters to her future granddaughters evolved into a collection of reflections on leadership and resilience.

Encouraged by her husband to share her story beyond their family, Ross submitted her manuscript to the National Association of Home Builders, where it quickly garnered attention and led to a three-book publishing deal. The first installment focuses on personal growth and determination, and the forthcoming second book, set to debut at the 2026 International Builders’ Show, expands into universal principles of leadership applicable across industries.

“The only limitations we have are the ones we create in our own minds,” Ross said. “If you work hard, have tenacity and stick with it, you can do anything you believe you can.”

Beyond her writing, Ross continues to make a mark through Residence by Ross, the company she founded to bring thoughtful, design-forward homes to life. Her current project, the Tuxedo Collection, is a curated series of five homes featuring black-and-white palettes that merge modern sophistication with timeless appeal. Each home in the collection reflects her design philosophy.

Ross is also stepping into a new role as a lifestyle correspondent on the television program Live at 9, where she educates viewers on construction and the connection between building homes and building fulfilling lives.

Ross is a passionate advocate for women in building and points out that women make up just 11% of the construction workforce. That is the highest percentage on record, but it is still far from equal representation, and she sees it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

“Real estate is saturated with women, and the construction industry is not,” said Ross. “That creates a window of opportunity where we can be the unicorns in a field of horses and chart our own courses.”

Ross emphasizes that construction isn’t just about structures; it’s about the long-term impact on community. For women considering the field, she encourages them to seek mentorship and build confidence through education. Persistence is also key.

Tune into the full episode to learn more about Ross’s career journey and her new book, Breaking Ground, Breaking Glass Ceilings. For more information about Residence by Ross, visit https://residencebyross.com/. Order your copy of Breaking Ground, Breaking Glass Ceilings from Builder Books, Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

Residence by Ross is a custom home builder focused on blending modern design and comfort with sustainability, aimed at “building legacies through luxury living.” Its services span floor plan design, new home construction, remodeling, storage and organization, house management and full-service design.

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