Construction Company Owner Inspires Black Men to Join the Industry

To celebrate Black Business Month, Capital B Atlanta is profiling innovative entrepreneurs in Atlanta.For Jameel Hanif, success in the construction business comes down to two things: honesty and high quality work.“Always do what is right, even if it is against what benefits you,” the 48-year-old owner of Brad Construction Company II told Capital B Atlanta. “Our mission is to deliver professional service to our clients while producing products of the highest quality, ones that endure long after we’re gone.”Hanif built on his architectural design, civil engineering, and construction management experience, along with hands-on work as a craftsman, to launch his general construction and construction management company in 2003.But the road to success for his Fayetteville, Georgia, company hasn’t always been easy.“Competing for contracts in the construction industry as a minority-owned firm presents a distinct set of challenges,” Hanif said. “In many cases, minority firms are either excluded from consideration or pressured into accepting unfavorable contract terms simply to secure work despite possessing the same professionalism, expertise, and capability as their competitors.”Jameel Hanif visits the site of a new home project. (Courtesy of Jameel Hanif)And while he’s become adept at navigating industry hurdles to secure lucrative contracts with local municipalities, renovate homes, and win accolades like the Clayton County Award for Most Outstanding Mentor and being a Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Flex Fund Recipient, Hanif is also focused on helping others enter the industry.“Ultimately, we aspire to leave a lasting legacy, one that fosters generational stability and empowers future generations to thrive,” Hanif said.Here, Hanif shares how he funded his company and why bringing more young Black men into the construction industry is so important. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.Capital B Atlanta: What made you want to launch Brad Construction Company II?Jameel Hanif: It became clear to me that simply asking for a seat at the table was not enough, and the reality of exploitation by prime contractors is highly probable. The true solution lay in creating my own table, securing contracts as the prime contractor where other minority-owned firms could join, grow, and succeed together. With this vision, I directed my attention back into the family business and BCC2 was born, a company committed to providing opportunities for minority firms that are often overlooked, while ensuring fair treatment and fostering their growth. The goal was no longer to compete for a seat, but to offer a platform where others could thrive and build the capacity they need to succeed.Jameel Hanif’s construction company focuses on municipal contracts, home renovation, and restoration projects. (Courtesy of Jameel Hanif)What is the mission of your business?At the core of our vision is the creation of a company that not only excels in its industry but also nurtures the growth and well-being of its employees. We aim to cultivate a work environment that supports both personal and professional development, empowering individuals to build stable, prosperous futures for themselves and their families.“Being a role model for African American youth is one of the most powerful success stories a business can have. It is by far the one most important to me.”Jameel HanifWho is your business role model?My father, Salahuddin Hanif, a third-generation builder who not only taught me the trade but instilled in me [to have] integrity in business, work ethic, and the confidence that there is no problem that you can’t solve outside of yourself if you trust in your ability and have sincere faith in God.Read More: Developer Creates Space for Black Business Owners to ThriveWhere did you get the funding to launch your business?From a young age, my father instilled in me the importance of using both my hands and mind to create. He often said, “Learn how to use your hands, because that’s something no one can ever take away from you. You and your family will never go hungry.”I generated capital by leaving my 8-to-5 salaried job each evening to work as a handyman and home renovator. I followed this routine for three years, gradually discovering my true passion before finally launching my own business.By living frugally, spending only what was necessary to support my family, and reinvesting in tools and equipment, I created opportunities to earn, save, and grow. I kept this cycle going, using my craft to generate income, saving what I could, and then using those funds to purchase a dilapidated home that I could renovate and sell.In essence, I became my own bank. Instead of seeking external funding, I used my skills, hard work, and savings as the capital to grow my business. This allowed me to build enough financial capacity to eventually secure bonding for larger projects and scale my company.What’s your advice to other Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta?Identify what truly drives you and pursue business because of your passion for the business, not just for financial gain. When you do what you are passionate about and love with good intentions, you will become the best at it, which makes you sought after; the money will naturally come.What are some of the goals you have for the future?Build the company to a level where it can provide more opportunities for my community through employment or collaboration in growing other businesses.Develop and/or be a part of a training program for young people in our community in the construction industry.  Specifically, our young African American men.What would you consider some of your major successes since launching your company?Being a role model for African American youth is one of the most powerful success stories a business can have. It is by far the one most important to me. My measure of success is about much more than financial gain or project milestones — it’s about creating a legacy that inspires and empowers others. For young men, seeing someone who looks like them, comes from similar struggles, and has risen to success can be a life-changing experience.When they witness an entrepreneur who looks like them not only thrive but also build a respected business, it shifts their perception of what’s possible. It breaks down barriers, showing that success isn’t reserved for a certain type of person, but can be achieved by anyone with dedication, hard work, and a clear vision. This example is especially powerful for my sons and the young students I coach and interact with. They see someone who’s not just talking about success but living it — showing them that it’s attainable, no matter the odds.This type of success story isn’t just about business growth, it’s about shaping the future of the next generation and creating a legacy that extends far beyond the company itself. It’s a ripple effect that builds on itself, influencing countless others to reach higher, dream bigger, and become the change they want to see.Click here to read more about Atlanta’s game-changing entrepreneurs and learn their secrets to success.The post Construction Company Owner Inspires Black Men to Join the Industry appeared first on Capital B News – Atlanta.



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