We Build: The Podcast

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Stedman Graham. Known by many as being Oprah's partner, he is clear about himself, who he is, and so much more. As an author of 12 books, he shares what inspired his latest book, "Identity Leadership” and offers words of wisdom for all ages. "It's not how the world defines you, it's how you define yourself." Through his conversation with Lonoia and Paul, he guides the listeners through the thoughtful, self-reflective approach to achieving self-actualization and maximizing one's potential and being self-empowered. Although he describes many roadblocks that may exist in society and that many put in their own way, he offers a roadmap to navigating them, starting first with one's own understanding of self and the vision they have for their future. This is a must-listen podcast to those who want to get it together, and those who think they have it all figured out. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Delilah Wynn Brown, the Director of Real Estate Development at H. J. Russell & Company. Delilah shares, how from a very young age, she was interested in architecture and was the only girl in her high school drafting class when it wasn't generally allowed or encouraged for girls to take. Although her initial path was to become an architect, she really wanted to focus on community building and helping people have nice places to live. So, she refocused her education and career towards city planning and placemaking. She explored development and program management during her first stint at Russell, which gave her a chance to merge the technical with the creative aspects of building. After running a program management consulting business with a partner for nearly 20 years, she rejoined Russell. In this episode, she tells stories of what she learned from Mr. Herman J. Russell, the founder of Russell, and inspires others, who may be following non-traditional paths. Delilah concludes by sharing the details of a recently completed project, Marchon—one of Atlanta's latest transit oriented developments just south of downtown, adjacent to the King Memorial MARTA transit station and the Historic Oakland Cemetery. She explains how it came to life and how it now offers nearly a third of its units as WorkForce housing, making it a more affordable place to live for working people and families. A project that lives up to her dreams as a child.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia introduce you to Dave Pridemore, Founder and Executive Director of Camp Grace, an overnight camp for underserved youth featuring three camps on 300 acres with 500 beds, three fishing lakes, a pool, football field, and several additional features. Expanding to build a STEAM learning center to inspire and motivate youth, Camp Grace hopes to impact 7,000 - 8,000 youth each summer. His vision is crystal clear and supported by celebrities, athletes, and CEO's like Michael B. Russell of H. J. Russell & Company. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul Bryant, Vice President of External Relations, interviews PGA golfer, Jeff Dunovant, Director of Golf Operations at First Tee Metro Atlanta and the John A. White Park Golf Course. He's also the Chairman and President of the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. Jeff shares his family's rich history with the game of golf, following in his father's PGA footsteps, making him and his father, Harold Dunovant, the first and only Black father and son members of the PGA. You'll be captivated by the stories he shares of his family's experiences as Black golfers over the years. He expounds on his desire and passion to diversify and change the face of golf. He shares what it took to become a member of the PGA in the past, and what the process is like today. It's a fascinating interview that will leave you wanting to research more about the history of the game of golf and their father/son success in spite of it.   

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing, turns the tables and interviews her co-host Paul Bryant, the VP of External Relations who spearheads Russell CARES, the philanthropic arm of H. J. Russell & Company. Throughout the interview, they discuss how philanthropy has been a big part of the fabric of the company, from the very beginning, 70 years ago. They also talk about the focus areas for their giving and the criteria for an organization to be eligible to receive support. Paul also shares more about the Annual Russell Rocks The Block event, where Russell companies and entities come together to say thank you to the community. Listen in to find out how Russell CARES got started and what its future holds.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia introduce you to three of the company's interns, who hail from three different Atlanta-based Historically Black Colleges & Universities—Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College. They share their unique personal and academic experiences on their different campuses and interning at H. J. Russell & Company. They share what they've learned about Russell's founder, Herman J. Russell, since beginning their internship. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Todd Pettigrew, a Scheduling Manager for H. J. Russell & Company. Todd, an engineer by training, has been with the company for more than six years, and he played in integral role in the award-winning City of Atlanta Water Supply Program. In his role as the project scheduler, he was responsible for developing the game plan in regards to scheduling, putting it together and monitoring the process, making and suggesting adjustments and tracking the project to get the job done. As one of the most complex projects in the company's history, in partnership with PC Construction, the project gives the City of Atlanta about 2.4 billion gallons of water as a reserve and increases the amount of time to make any potential repairs to pumps or related equipment from 6 days before the tunnel and reservoir was formed to now over 30 days without having to ration water. In addition to his construction scheduling expertise, Todd also shares details about his upbringing and various jobs that eventually led him to his current position, as well as his love for flying planes and figure skating.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia Murphy is joined by Claudette Hanks, H. J. Russell & Company's Diversity Manager. Claudette, who joined the company in the Birmingham, AL office more than 30 years ago, shares how one question posed to her early in her Russell career by Mr. Herman J. Russell, the founder, earned her the opportunity to work in every company division except for the Property Management group. Not only does she weave in lessons learned from Mr. Russell, but she also shares the extra focus and attention the firm CEO, Michael B. Russell, Sr. is giving to diversity, equity and inclusion, including the company's new READI Program (Russell Educational Academy for Diversity and Inclusion). The program is designed to better engage with and prepare the firm's trade partners/subcontractors, especially the minority and women-owned companies that want to do business with Russell. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Shaun Reinhardt, VP & Project Partner, and Jordan Jones, Government Relations Associate, of Dominium, a leading national affordable housing developer. With regional offices in Atlanta, Phoenix and Minneapolis, Dominium believes in making a positive difference in the cities and neighborhoods they call home. In this episode, Shaun and Jordan discuss the importance of addressing the affordable housing crisis as well as the foundational values shared between Dominium and H. J. Russell & Company, particularly building with a focus to serve the community. Just one of the exciting projects between Dominium and H. J. Russell & Company includes a $130-million investment of affordable senior independent living and family housing in the Greenbriar community of Atlanta, where the Magic Johnson Theater was located. Listen in and learn more.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul is joined for the second time by the inspiring legend of networking and Black wealth building, Dr. George C. Fraser. As a motivational speaker and 6-time best-selling author (Success Runs In Our Race), Dr. Fraser kicks off the new year and Black History Month by looking back and looking forward. From exposing and navigating the challenges with voting rights and the civil rights movement, to sharing his personal recommendations for newfound wealth-building opportunities. He has set his New Year's resolution to focus on what he believes is the “true struggle” while also sharing a personal story about how one speech he heard early in life impacted his mission to focus on race. His insights and enthusiasm for the advancement of the Black community is riveting. He also shares an exclusive offer for his Power Networking Conference just for We Build listeners. Join us once again to listen to learn at the feet of this community giant. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Curtis Wilson, the VP in charge of one of the largest set of projects in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport history and one of the largest for MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). As a part of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport's ATLNext, Curtis and his team program manages approximately 300 projects, totaling more than $6 billion over the next 30 years. With MARTA, he talks about the $3 billion More MARTA program, one of the largest projects in MARTA history impacting all 18 stations and the expansion of light and hard rail. He also shares his career path that led him to his current position at H. J. Russell & Company and 28 years with the company. Listen to learn about these exciting city-enhancing projects and Curtis. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Elaine Ubakanma, one of the longest standing Russell employees who started May 1989. What started as a temporary assignment with the company, has turned into a longstanding career. Driven by her work ethic and tenacity to take the initiative to serve the company beyond what is expected, she's been rewarded with more and more responsibilities over the years. Originally from Jamaica and one of eight siblings, she was raised by her grandmother where she learned her gift of service. She shares her life story and what motivates and inspires her in work and life. She also shares tips for those who are interested in being a valuable employee, including living out the Russell Fundamentals. What are those you say? Listen to learn more. 

Robert Gould was a child actor, with a gifted voice, and grew up in an entrepreneurial home. It was that exposure that made him want to explore the business and the “why” behind performances and all of the other details that make shows successful. With a performance background, RG Media CEO shares how he's married his two passions and the lessons and exposure his mother presented through her development and engineering firm, to create his business RG Media. He discusses how being on We Build is a full circle moment because his mother was mentored by Herman J. Russell, founder of H. J. Russell & Company, and he helped her navigate and launch her business in the state of Georgia.

Tune in and get a history lesson. On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Willis Johnson, CEO of JBJ Management, a government and public affairs firm based in Dallas, Texas. He shares stories about having worked with celebrity radio personality, Tom Joyner, meeting Muhammad Ali, and how his start in radio sparked the creation of his business. He shares stories about working with H. J. Russell & Company's founder, Herman J. Russell and the importance of relationships. As a family-owned business, he talks about how important it is for him to secure and continue to build a legacy for his children and his five grandchildren.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by the inspiring Yasmine Murray, H. J. Russell & Company's most senior female executive and second in command. Originally from St. Lucia, she shares her childhood story that inspired her to want to pursue law and is transparent about where her notable work ethic comes from and what motivates her to always take advantage of every open door. She shares why she sees it as part of her purpose to support other women and women of color and lends some light on where she sees Russell expanding its footprint into the future.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Allan Houston, former New York Knicks shooting guard, General Manager of the G-League's Westchester Knicks, and founder of the FISLL Project (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership and Legacy), an organization that focuses on leadership development and entrepreneurship under the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation umbrella. In this episode, Allan shares what's most important to him and his wife of 25 years as well as his family of seven children. He also explains where his principles and values come from and what motivates and inspires him daily.

The CEO of H. J. Russell & Company makes his guest debut on We Build: The Podcast hosted by Paul Bryant, Vice President of External Affairs, and Lonoia Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michael B. Russell, who was recently named one of the top 28 “CEOs to Watch” by Family Business Magazine. This personal and enlightening conversation the hosts have with the leader of one of the largest, privately-owned Black-owned companies in the country, and 3rd generation entrepreneur, explores the past, the present and the future outlook for the company. The interview also sheds light on what it was like growing up in Atlanta as a Russell and working within a family business environment.    

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Tes Sobomehin Marshall, Founder of runningnerds, LLC and Race Director. The Race Half Marathon & 5K, an event Russell CARES sponsors, is the first endurance road race event of its kind with a heavy emphasis on supporting Black-owned businesses and charities as well as targeting the growing African-American distance running community. She shares her passion for the various races she organizes, the sport of running, and encourages others to look at new and different ways to exercise for their health and wellness and the importance of moving forward with a purpose. You'll hear her big plans for The Race 2022 when you stream this episode. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Logan Ortiz, PE, the Director of Program Management for H. J. Russell & Company's Texas operations. He shares his excitement for the industry and his passion for wanting to make a difference while working for Russell. Joining the Russell team more than two years ago allowed him to merge his construction and engineering backgrounds as well as leverage his extensive rail experience to impact one of the company's most key clients – DART – Dallas Area Rapid Transit. You'll hear his larger than life, enthusiastic leadership style shine through when you stream this episode.   

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Damian Lee, H. J. Russell & Company's Director of Operations for Texas. Join us as we learn more about Russell's expanded footprint in Dallas, where Russell has successfully completed several major projects over the years, having had a presence since the late 1990s. As the company shares its expansion plans, hear more about their exciting vision for Texas and the region.  

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by the inspiring legend of networking and Black wealth building, Dr. George C. Fraser. As a motivational speaker and 6-time best-selling author (Success Runs In Our Race), Dr. Fraser shares personal stories and decisions he's made that have impacted his life. He gives intimate stories about his childhood, how he came about coining the phrase, “It takes teamwork to make the dream work,” and being the Black father of the networking conversation 30+ years ago. He provides practical and meaningful networking advice including the importance of spending 40 percent of your time nurturing three critical networks: home, operational, and strategic. His advice is riveting, so get ready to take notes! 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Bryan Jackson, the Vice President of the Program Management division at H. J. Russell & Company. Join us as we learn more about the ins and outs of program management as a profession within the construction industry, and all of the award-winning program management projects Russell has been and is a part of in Georgia, Texas and New York.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul and Lonoia are joined by Reginald Scandrett, the Sheriff of Henry County, Georgia. Join us as we learn more about why he ran on the platform of “bringing the community and law enforcement together,” and the importance of cultural understanding and community policing. He brings to life his 32 years of law enforcement experience and shares some of the inherent challenges of the profession and how it impacts the person. He paints a picture of the day-in-the-life of a law enforcement officer, sharing the kinds of experiences they have that can change them psychologically, and why it's a priority for him to test his officers twice a year for their psychological wellbeing so they can better serve the community and their families.    

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia and Paul are joined by the Mayor of Stockbridge, Georgia, Anthony Ford. Join us as we learn more about what shapes Mayor Ford's leadership style and why representing Stockbridge and enhancing the community, like with the newly built Stockbridge Amphitheater, is important to him. Learn more about what his political future holds as well as the exciting future plans for the City of Stockbridge. 

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Paul is joined by Kirk Voekel, H. J. Russell & Company's senior project manager of the Stockbridge Amphitheater located in Henry County, GA. Join us as we learn more about what makes him successful in his field and how his background and experiences benefit structures and communities being built by Russell, especially the Stockbridge Amphitheater.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia and Paul are joined by Michael Swick, the Vice President of Operations, H. J. Russell & Company Construction Division. Join us as we learn about why he chose to expand his career at H. J. Russell & Company, the status of the construction industry and how his focus on stand-alone projects will set the company up for significant future growth.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia & Paul are joined by Malik Leaphart, Senior Associate at Stream Realty Partners. Join us as we talk about him blazing a path in his career and making a difference in the community.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia & Paul are joined by Reverend Dr. Clifton E. Dawkins, Chaplain Director for Fulton County Government Center. Join us as we dive into his life commitment to serving the people of his community.  

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia & Paul are joined by the CEO of Concessions International, Donata Russell Ross. Join us as we hear her inspirational story to becoming one of the most powerful and influential CEO in America.

On this episode of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia & Paul are joined by renowned poet, author, speaker, and activist Hank Stewart. Join us as we hear his incredible story and what has led him into becoming one of America's most talented poets and thought leaders.

On this episode of We Build, Lonoia and Paul are joined by the President of H. J. Russell & Company, H. Jerome Russell. Join us as we hear his amazing journey to becoming the president of the company and following in the footsteps of his legendary father and namesake, Herman J. Russell, Sr.  

In this inaugural episode, you get to meet and learn more about the hosts of We Build: The Podcast, Lonoia Brooks, Director of Marketing, and Paul Bryant, Vice President of External Affairs, as they discuss the vision, purpose and plans of the podcast and H. J. Russell & Company.