iReach Podcast

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 people who look like you changes what feels possible, and the wild moment when high schoolers started asking 19- and 20-year-old tradespeople for autographs—proof that new role models are rising. He also previews October events in St. Louis and Cleveland, and the stat that keeps partners coming back: 80% of students leave interested in the opportunities they discover. 

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode

00:33 The Birth of "I Built This!" Experience

04:21 Impact on Students and Communities

06:58 Success Stories and Future Events

12:23 Addressing Industry Challenges

15:28 Role of Industry Partners

17:37 Conclusion and Call to Action

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 education to reshape underserved neighborhoods. He unpacks his focus on the intersection of race and urban form, the importance of honoring Black histories through preservation, and how he turned a local preservation effort in Apalachicola into a nationally recognized model for community-led development. You’ll also hear how he inspires students not just to design buildings—but to build equity and opportunity.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Andrew Chin's Professional Journey
02:50 Impact and Intentionality in Architecture
03:16 Research Focus: Race and Urban Form
06:53 Creating Opportunities for Students of Color
14:31 Rethinking the Hill Project
25:29 Building Community Capacity
31:41 Advice for Young Professionals
34:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Andrew Chin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechinhouse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechinhouse/
North Florida African American Corridor: https://nfaac.org

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 experience—not generational wealth—to unlock major capital, and why resident services must go far beyond rent rolls. You’ll hear real transformations: a returning citizen who kept his job through targeted support, and a single mom who moved from four gigs to a career, a raise, and a path to homeownership. We dig into human-centered development, the power of social capital, and how she is leading her team to scale impact across cities. 
Subscribe for more sharp, practical conversations. If this moved you, share it with a builder, policymaker, or philanthropist. Follow Dr. Merritt and support Project Community Capital to expand opportunity. 

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
01:08 Dr. Gina Merrit's Early Life and Challenges
02:15 Career Journey and Finding Purpose
04:28 Affordable Housing and Community Development
10:50 Impact Stories and Social Empowerment
14:14 Founding Project Community Capital
23:48 Challenges and Success in Raising Capital
28:53 The Importance of DEI and Philanthropy
34:42 Future Goals and Closing Remarks

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Dr. Gina Merritt
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gina-merritt-mba-7617ba6/
Website: https://drginamerritt.net

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 she turned her own pain points into a full-service real estate network. She breaks down misconceptions about the market, why now is still a great time to invest despite inflation, and how shifting from landlord to lender can create new pathways for ownership. Chase also opens up about balancing profitability with community impact, and why mentorship is the single most important step for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Subscribe to the iReach Podcast for more stories on entrepreneurship, ownership, and transformation. Learn more about Chase and her work at Investors Edge Network.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Chase's Journey into Real Estate
03:48 Understanding Land Banks
04:56 Transitioning to Real Estate Investing
09:51 Building a Turnkey Investment Firm
14:24 Navigating the Current Real Estate Market
19:34 Becoming a Lender: A New Approach
32:38 Balancing Profitability and Community Impact
34:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
36:19 Final Thoughts

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Chase Hunter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-c-hunter/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chasechunter
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWinningBrand
Website: https://thechasehunter.co/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 episode, Rice shares his full-circle journey—from discovering engineering as a college student, to becoming the only Black partner at a 500-person firm, to launching Legacy Engineers to shift the industry’s leadership landscape. He breaks down how energy and purpose have guided his life, why community matters, and the firm’s role in shaping iconic projects like JFK Terminal 1 and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. You'll hear how Legacy blends cutting-edge sustainability with a bold social mission: to change the face of engineering.

Subscribe for more inspiring founder stories. Learn more at Legacy Engineers.

In this episode:
00:00 Introducing John Rice of Legacy Engineers
02:52 Discovering Engineering
03:40 College Years and Early Career
04:43 Professional Journey in Engineering
08:18 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
11:38 Founding Legacy Engineers
22:50 Mission and Vision of Legacy Engineers
23:39 Discovering Ancestral Empowerment
25:01 Core Values of Legacy Engineers
26:09 Mentorship and Community Service
29:16 Generational Differences in Community Engagement
33:05 Launching Legacy Engineers
37:36 Major Projects and Innovations
43:00 Advice for Aspiring Engineers

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow John Rice
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-b-rice-p-e-leed-ap-0142a2b/
Website: https://legacy-engineers.com/team-johnrice/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 education to reshape underserved neighborhoods. He unpacks his focus on the intersection of race and urban form, the importance of honoring Black histories through preservation, and how he turned a local preservation effort in Apalachicola into a nationally recognized model for community-led development. You’ll also hear how he inspires students not just to design buildings—but to build equity and opportunity.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Andrew Chin's Professional Journey
02:50 Impact and Intentionality in Architecture
03:16 Research Focus: Race and Urban Form
06:53 Creating Opportunities for Students of Color
14:31 Rethinking the Hill Project
25:29 Building Community Capacity
31:41 Advice for Young Professionals
34:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Andrew Chin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechinhouse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechinhouse
North Florida African American Corridor: https://nfaac.org

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 off became the turning point that pushed him to launch his company, and how today, The Crowther Group is transforming neighborhoods by hiring from within the communities they serve. 

If you care about building inclusive pathways in business, this one’s a masterclass in servant leadership, workforce development, and legacy.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction

01:04 Thomas Crowther’s Early Life and Education

03:18 Journey to the United States and Career Beginnings

04:19 Building a Career in Construction

04:57 Entrepreneurial Influences and Family Background

08:19 Challenges and Lessons from Early Career

12:45 The Decision to Pursue Entrepreneurship

15:28 Reflecting on Career Aspirations and Next Steps

18:56 Starting a Business with Support

19:14 First Big Opportunity

21:09 Lessons in Leadership

22:20 Challenges and Growth

25:18 The Crowther Group's Mission

28:04 Community Impact and Workforce Development

33:17 Company Culture and Hiring Practices

36:04 Client Relationships and Business Philosophy

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Thomas Crowther

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-crowther-ab970645/
Website: https://thecrowthergroup.com/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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-authoring a children’s book with his son to launching the first-ever National Code Compliance Summit, Pete is on a mission to professionalize and diversify the field of code compliance. You’ll learn how local regulations touch nearly every aspect of community life—and why they matter more than you think.

Whether you’ve never heard of code enforcement or you’re deep in the industry, this episode offers a refreshing, heartfelt, and motivating look into how one person—and one profession—can make a difference block by block.

Grab the book: Code Enforcement Officer Lucas Cleans Up Our Street – available on Amazon.

Upcoming event: Code Comply Summit, July 22–24 in Orange County, CA.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
01:02 Pete Roque's Journey into Code Enforcement
04:12 The Role and Impact of Code Enforcement
07:43 Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement
26:13 Challenges and Evolution in Code Enforcement
33:22 Upcoming Events

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Pete Roque

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-roque-84a55748/

Website: https://codeenforcementeducators.com/

Website: https://www.4leafinc.com/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 financial transparency in relationships is a game-changer. He also breaks down how SpenDebt works, the power of the debt snowball method, and the importance of building financial literacy in underserved communities.
A powerful conversation on faith, family, and finances—this one will shift how you think about debt, marriage, and legacy.

In this episode:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Childhood Memories and Gratitude
01:33 The Journey to Founding SpenDebt
03:06 Financial Struggles and Realizations
06:39 Debt Snowball Strategy
08:37 The Importance of Financial Conversations
13:37 The Birth of SpenDebt
18:14 The Turning Point: Answering Key Questions
19:05 Founding SpenDebt: The Journey Begins
19:48 Understanding SpenDebt's Micropayment System
23:01 The Personal Connection: Building for My Mom
24:59 Financial Communication in Relationships
29:57 Advice for Young Adults: Financial Literacy
32:18 Call to Action: Taking the First Steps
37:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

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 Atkins Impact during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and turned crisis into opportunity. Her work now helps organizations create meaningful change through leadership development, mentorship, and cultural strategy—rooted in equity and impact.

But this episode goes deeper than business.

Shayla opens up about the lessons learned through rejection, the power of counting your "no’s" as data, and why being true to yourself is the most strategic move you can make. She introduces her leadership framework, SPICE, and talks about the movement she’s building—one that redefines what it means to lead as a Black woman in today’s world.

You’ll hear about her book Leading with SPICE, her growing leadership ecosystem, and how she’s using storytelling to create a community of authentic, bold, and impactful leaders.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or simply on your own journey of becoming, this episode will challenge you to rethink failure, embrace your identity, and lead with purpose.

Hit play and get ready to be moved, motivated, and reminded that your pivot might be your purpose.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction

01:39 Reconnecting with Shayla

02:45 The Journey of Atkins Impact

06:04 Navigating Business During COVID

07:50 The Importance of Mentorship

09:50 Discussing DEI Initiatives

17:06 Embracing Rejection and Growth

19:18 Launching the Book 'Leading with Spice'

22:21 Authenticity in Leadership

29:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Shayla Atkins

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-n-atkins

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachshaylaspeaks2.0
Website: https://shaylanatkins.com

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach