We were lucky to catch up with Erica Reed recently and have shared our conversation below.
Erica , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only woman /Black woman and many times the only person of color in the room in the construction industry has been both a challenge and an opportunity. I’ve learned that my effectiveness and success don’t come from blending in but from standing firm in who I am and what I bring to the table.
Owning My Expertise & Confidence, I walk into every room knowing that I deserve to be there. I’ve worked hard, I know my industry, and I don’t let anyone make me feel otherwise. Confidence isn’t just about how I speak—it’s about how I carry myself, how prepared I am, and how I let my work speak for itself. I make sure that when I talk, I’m bringing value, facts, and solutions.
Building Credibility Through Results In construction, matter more than anything else. I’ve earned my respect by delivering, by showing that I can lead, execute, and solve problems. When people see that I can bring in contracts, manage projects, and grow a business, they stop focusing on what I look like and start paying attention to what I do ; after all as our President always says. “The best person gets the job” no matter who you are.
I Turn Doubt into Fuel, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t faced skepticism, even by those I thought I was closest to, but I’ve learned to use it as motivation. If someone underestimates me, that’s their mistake—not mine. I don’t waste energy trying to prove myself to people who don’t believe in me; I prove myself through results, and I let my success speak louder than their doubts.
Leveraging My Unique Perspective, being different in the room is actually a strength. I bring a perspective that others don’t have. I understand different markets, different customers, and different ways to approach problems. Diversity in thought is an asset, and I make sure to use mine.
I ‘m good at Building Relationships & Setting Boundaries, Relationships matter in this industry. I’ve built strong partnerships by being reliable, knowledgeable, and direct. At the same time, I set clear boundaries, I don’t tolerate disrespect, and I don’t allow myself to be overlooked. I’ve learned to speak up when necessary and hold my ground when it matters.
Lifting as I Climb is something I pride myself in and not gatekeeping. It’s not just about surviving in these spaces, it’s about making room for others. I mentor, I advocate, and I bring other women and minorities into opportunities when I can. The goal isn’t just to be the only one in the room; it’s to open the door wider for the next generation.
At the end of the day, I’ve learned that my success isn’t defined by how others perceive me—it’s defined by how I show up, how I execute, and how I keep pushing forward no matter what room I walk into.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My Journey & Who I Am
Before stepping into construction, I worked in law enforcement and Investigations, a field that, much like construction, required confidence, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate high-pressure situations. Those experiences shaped my leadership style, teaching me the importance of strategy, discipline, and earning respect in spaces where women are often underrepresented.
Education has also played a significant role in my success. I earned my Bachelors degree from Florida A&M University and Masters from The University of South Florida. I also taught in the Homeland Securities Studies department at Colorado Technical University, All where I developed the foundation for my business and leadership skills. I’ve also completed work in my PhD studies in Organizational management. From there, I’ve never been restricted to just one thing and I pride myself on exploration in life. I transitioned into construction, quickly recognizing the need for diverse leadership and high-quality service in the industry.
What I Do & Why It Matters
I’m a business owner and in 2017 I founded “Intext Designs” a residential and commercial painting company. Originally I didn’t focus on the business because I was building at my current employer. At the advice of my significant other, I re-launched the business in July 2024, At Intext Designs, LLC, my focus is on delivering exceptional painting services for both residential and commercial properties. We don’t just apply paint, we transform spaces, elevate property value, and bring our clients’ visions to life. What makes Intext stand out is our dedication to quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.
As a Vice President: At Elite Construction Solutions, I lead the expansion of our Multi-Family and Commercial Division, working closely with apartment owners, property managers, and commercial investors to provide top-tier construction and roofing services. I ensure that multi-family property owners have access to a construction company that truly cares about their residents, prioritizing quality work, convenience, and long-term solutions.
What’s Next
I’m currently focused on expanding Intext Designs into new states, growing our reach and ensuring more communities have access to our premium painting services. At the same time, I am leading the nationwide expansion of the Multi-Family and Commercial Division at Elite Construction Solutions, making it easier for property managers and multi-family owners across the country to partner with a trustworthy, results-driven construction company.
Beyond business, I’m also writing a book about my journey, sharing my experiences as a woman in law enforcement and construction, the challenges I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned about leadership, resilience, finding love and success while in male-dominated spaces.
Through it all, my goal remains the same: to build, to lead, and to open doors for others. I want to leave a lasting impact, not just in the industries I work in, but in the lives of the people I mentor and inspire along the way.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey: Resilience, strategic relationship-building, and the ability to execute with excellence. These have shaped my career, helped me break barriers in male-dominated industries, and allowed me to build and scale businesses successfully. I also give honorable mention to “Removing my feelings out of it” I give my significant other credit for this quality.
Resilience, I have the Power to Keep Going, being in construction and before that, law enforcement meant facing obstacles, skepticism, and even outright bias. I had to develop a “thick skin” and a mindset that refused to accept “no” as the final answer.
Strategic Relationship-Building, Who You Know Matters …….Success isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about “who you surround yourself with”. In construction, relationships with suppliers, manufacturers ,property managers, general contractors, and industry leaders have opened doors I could never have walked through alone.
Execution with Excellence, Results Speak Louder Than Anything. In any industry, but especially in construction, delivering quality work consistently is what earns respect and long-term success. When I say I’m going to do something, I do it,and I do it well. That reputation has been key to building trust with clients, partners, and my teams.
My Advice for Others, Master your craft, Whether you’re just starting or leading a business, If you can study your favorite designer or sports player ,you can study your business. Always be learning and improving. Knowledge and expertise give you credibility. Be reliable and consistent. Do what you say you’re going to do, Always be on time and at a high standard.
Solve problems, don’t just point them out. People remember the ones who bring solutions, not just complaints .
Who you surround yourself in life with matters. I’ve lost people along the way but I’ve found the more successful you get the less friends and supporter you will have, you must be okay with this.
My final thoughts, For anyone starting their journey, believe in yourself before anyone else does. Stay persistent, build strong relationships, and always execute at the highest level. The doors may not always be open for you at first, but when they are, walk through them with confidence and make sure you leave them open for others behind you and know that you belong!!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes! I am actively looking to partner and collaborate with key players in the Multi-Family and Commercial construction sector who value quality, efficiency, and resident focused solutions.
Who I’m Looking to Connect With: Multi-Family Property Owners , and managers; Those who need a trusted construction and roofing and Exterior partner to maintain and enhance their properties while ensuring minimal disruption to residents.
Developers & Builders, Professionals who are constructing or renovating apartment complexes, condos, and commercial buildings and need a reliable painting and construction partner.
General Contractors & Investors , Those looking for an experienced company to handle large-scale multi-family and commercial projects with precision and professionalism.
Realtors & Asset Managers , Those who oversee real estate portfolios and need expert painting, roofing, and renovation services to increase property value.
Why Partner with Me?
Industry Expertise: I have years of experience doing inspections and leading construction projects. I understand the unique challenges of multi-family and commercial properties.
Resident-Focused Approach: I ensure that construction work is done efficiently and with minimal disruption, keeping tenant satisfaction a top priority.
Expansion & Growth: Though we are currently In 28 states I’m scaling my Multi-Family and Commercial Division nationwide to even more states meaning I am looking for long-term, strategic partnerships with industry professionals.
How to Connect:
If you are interested in collaborating or discussing potential projects, I’d love to connect! You can reach me via: Email: [email protected] Phone: 312-882-5777 Website:
Painting: www.intextdesigns.com
Roofing:https://roofsbyecs.com/multi-fam/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/enreed
Let’s work together to bring high-quality, efficient construction solutions to multi-family and commercial properties nationwide!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roofsbyecs.com/multi-fam/
- Instagram: @enreed
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoofsByECS/
- Linkedin: https://roofsbyecs.com/multi-fam/
Image Credits
Elite Construction Solutions, I have the heading on this photo, the other photos were taken by me.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
