How She Built a 20+ Year Construction & Environmental Firm From Unemployment

Commercial Real Estate Financing Explained | Bridge Loans, SBA Loans & Private Lending (Part 2)

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 experienced investors structure deals, avoid costly mistakes, and position themselves to secure funding for commercial properties. Whether you're purchasing an apartment complex, office building, warehouse, retail center, mixed-use development, or vacant land, understanding how lenders evaluate projects can make the difference between getting approved—or getting denied. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: ✔️ How commercial real estate financing actually works ✔️ The difference between bridge loans, portfolio loans, SBA loans, acquisition & development loans, and lines of credit ✔️ Why lenders evaluate Location, Property, and Person (LPP) before approving financing ✔️ What new commercial real estate investors need before applying for funding ✔️ Why experience matters when raising capital ✔️ The biggest financing mistakes commercial real estate investors make ✔️ How to prepare your financial package before approaching lenders ✔️ What credit committees really look for ✔️ Why getting the lowest interest rate isn't always the best deal ✔️ The truth about private lending, commercial lending, and access to capital ✔️ Why social media "real estate gurus" often create unrealistic expectations ✔️ How to build a finance-ready real estate business If you're a: • Commercial real estate investor • Developer • Contractor • Broker • Small business owner • Entrepreneur • Real estate professional ...this episode will help you better understand how commercial financing decisions are made. 🎧 Want more conversations like this? Subscribe to The Commercial Builders Network, where we restore trust, reclaim power, and build legacy through conversations with leaders in commercial real estate, construction, finance, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. Watch Part 1 if you missed it, then come back for Part 2! ---------------------------------------- #CommercialRealEstate #CommercialLending #PrivateLending #CommercialFinance #BridgeLoans #SBALoan #RealEstateInvesting #RealEstateDevelopment #BusinessFunding #CommercialBuildersNetwork #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding

How Real Estate Financing Really Works (From $1B+ Deal Maker) PART 1

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 starting in engineering to mastering finance, Kenneth explains how understanding capital, deal structure, and risk is what separates small investors from those operating at scale. This conversation dives deep into commercial real estate financing, private lending, deal structuring, and investment strategy—giving you a real look at how deals are evaluated across the country. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why understanding finance is the key to understanding real estate • The difference between private lending vs traditional bank financing • How lenders evaluate risk, borrowers, and deal structure • Why “playing with bigger deals” changes your outcomes • Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis and market downturns • How to pivot in business without losing everything • Why community and relationships matter in entrepreneurship • How real estate financing works across residential and commercial deals Kenneth also breaks down how his firm reviews 50–100 deals per month, giving him a unique perspective on what actually works—and what fails—in real estate investing. If you’re a: * Real estate investor * Commercial developer * Contractor or builder * Entrepreneur looking to understand capital This episode will change how you think about money, deals, and opportunity. ▶️ The full episode drops tomorrow on YouTube — subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it. ---------------------------------------- #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateFinance #PrivateLending #CREInvesting #BusinessFinance #WealthBuilding #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #CapitalMarkets #TheCommercialBuildersNetwork ----------------------------------------

How She Built a 20+ Year Construction & Environmental Firm From Unemployment

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 multiple states, L’Tryce shares the real story behind resilience, relationships, and building a business with purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How L’Tryce built her company from scratch with no safety net • Why internships and early experience matter more than you think • The truth about certifications vs. real performance • How due diligence and land analysis can make or break projects • The role of relationships in scaling a construction business • Why she believes “we don’t just build buildings—we build people” • How her company creates opportunities to uplift families and communities This conversation is for contractors, developers, engineers, students, and anyone interested in construction, real estate development, or entrepreneurship. #ConstructionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #WomenInConstruction #RealEstateDevelopment #SmallBusinessOwner #BlackOwnedBusiness #ConstructionLife #DueDiligence #BusinessGrowth #CommercialBuildersNetwork

Dr. Irish Horsey on Women in Construction, Workforce Innovation, and the Future of the Industry

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 Guide to Construction Careers, Dr. Horsey is helping transform how people think about construction careers, construction technology, and workforce development. This conversation explores the construction labor shortage, the future of the construction workforce, the role of technology in construction, and why more women and underrepresented groups must be included in the industry. Dr. Horsey also speaks on mentorship, construction career pathways, apprenticeship opportunities, mental health in construction, and how companies can stay competitive over the next 10 to 20 years. In this episode, we discuss: • Why the construction industry needs more women and diverse talent • How technology is reshaping construction careers and project management • What companies must do to retain workers and stay competitive • The current construction labor crisis and workforce gap • Why mentorship and sponsorship matter in construction • How students and career changers can get started in construction • Why Dr. Irish Horsey wrote You Can Be Here If you’re interested in construction careers, commercial construction, workforce development, construction technology, women in construction, apprenticeship programs, or leadership in the built environment, this episode is for you. ▶ Watch the full episode to hear how Dr. Irish Horsey is helping build a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready construction industry. Subscribe to The Commercial Builders Network for more conversations on commercial construction, commercial real estate, workforce development, leadership, and legacy building. #DrIrishHorsey #WomenInConstruction #ConstructionCareers #ConstructionTechnology #WorkforceDevelopment #CommercialConstruction #FutureOfConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #Apprenticeships #SkilledTrades #Procore #ConstructionIndustry #TheCommercialBuildersNetwork #BlackWomenInConstruction #CareerDevelopment

Redlining, Appraisals & Eminent Domain | How Utilities Negotiate Land Rights

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 and gas title research, infrastructure real estate, land rights acquisition, commercial appraisal, and AI-powered media. She explains how utilities, eminent domain, right of way work, and appraisal practices affect homeowners and communities every day. She also unpacks the lasting impact of FHA-backed redlining and why those racist valuation practices still influence property values in Black neighborhoods today. If you’ve ever wondered why some neighborhoods remain undervalued, why appraisals can feel unfair, or why representation matters in real estate valuation, this episode is for you. You’ll also hear: • How land acquisition and right of way work in infrastructure projects • What homeowners should know before negotiating with utilities or public agencies • Why more Black appraisers are needed in commercial and residential real estate • How Jessica uses AI and why small business owners need to pay attention now • Why newsletters and owned audiences matter for modern business growth If you care about commercial real estate, appraisal, real estate development, infrastructure, property valuation, AI for small business, or community wealth building, this conversation gives you real insight and practical gems. ▶ Watch the full episode to hear Jessica Brown’s full story and learn how property values, infrastructure, appraisal, and AI are shaping the future of our communities. Subscribe to The Commercial Builders Network for more conversations on commercial real estate, commercial construction, business ownership, valuation, economic mobility, and legacy building. #JessicaBrown #CommercialRealEstate #Appraisal #PropertyValuation #Redlining #FHA #Infrastructure #LandAcquisition #RightOfWay #AIForBusiness #SmallBusinessAI #CommercialBuildersNetwork #BlackWealth #RealEstateEducation #BusinessOwnership