Today we’d like to introduce you to Chenise Offord.
Hi Chenise, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young child, my mom and dad stressed the importance of knowing your history and being community-focused. I was raised with values that informed me that while I’m an important piece to this world’s proverbial “puzzle,” I’m not the only piece. It’s bigger than me. I’ve taken this sage advice from my parents and have utilized it in every area of my life. As an adult who is now a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, small business owner with Maximum Property Investments, and non-profit leader, with Rebuild the Hood, Inc. operating with the mindset of “it’s bigger than me” has allowed me to push towards my own goals while assisting others in doing the same.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Whew! The struggle is an UNDERSTATEMENT! This stage of my life has presented so many difficulties and challenges. Being an entrepreneur and community leader is not for the faint of heart. One of the most significant issues I struggled with was the fear of the unknown. Every move I make as it relates to my businesses and not for profit comes with an element of not being in control and having to pivot to make the right decisions continuously. I can say that I’m finally getting over that hump! There is still an element of fear present, but I push past it because I realize that success is right on the other side of that fear.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rebuild the Hood, Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rebuild the Hood, Inc. is a 501c3 not for profit organization that is dedicated to revitalizing distressed communities via investment in small businesses and real estate. Although “Rebuild the Hood” started as an initiative started in 2017, we officially launched as an organization in May 2020; during the peak of COVID-19 and civil unrest. It was definitely challenging to launch during this time. The world was extremely vulnerable and there was a great deal of uncertainty as it relates to our lives. However, I knew that I had to take action and launch because so many people were in need.
I am proud to say that in our first year of operation, we awarded over 75K to black-owned businesses that were affected by COVID-19 and the civil unrest with help from a partnership with Image Architect and Award-Winning stylist Law Roach. We also serviced over 150+ individuals with our financial literacy and real estate programming. In addition to that, we served over 300 families during our holiday food drive.
In our second year of operation, our organization acquired over 40+ lots of land to develop! Rebuild the Hood, Inc. will literally be in the process of rebuilding our communities. It’s a very exciting time, but we know there is much more work to complete.
Ultimately, Rebuild the Hood, Inc. was created with this goal in mind: thriving black individuals, families, businesses and communities. We’re here to serve and create spaces for US where that dream becomes a reality.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Rebuild the Hood, Inc. has a strong focus in the real estate industry. As we all know, real estate is cyclical. While we are in HOT seller’s market, it is bound to settle and correct. However, Rebuild the Hood, Inc. will ensure that in ANY market, we will be dedicated to ensuring that we are building generational wealth for our people.
Contact Info:
- Email: chenise@rebuildthehood.org
- Website: www.rebuildthehood.org
- Instagram: rebuildthehood
- Facebook: rebuildthehood1
