Building Stories

In this episode, Clark Machemer, Senior Managing Director at Crow Holdings, joins us to discuss economic development, real estate, and how to uncover opportunities for growth even in uncertain times. Episode Highlights:• From Buffalo to Crow HoldingsClark shares how his passion for real estate began and his career journey from Anderson Consulting to Rockefeller Group and Crow Holdings. • Tackling Rezoning and RedevelopmentClark dives into the challenges of rezoning and redeveloping historic sites in the Northeast market. • Mentorship MattersLessons from mentor Les Smith on respect, relationships, and taking calculated risks. • Standout ProjectsA closer look at redeveloping a former paper mill into a modern industrial site blending history with innovation. • The Crow Holdings CultureInsights into building a collaborative, innovative team at Crow Holdings. Connect with Clark:LinkedIn: Clark Machemer Connect with Steve:Email: [email protected]: Steve Harris If you enjoyed this episode, check out more inspiring conversations on Building Stories! Don’t forget to leave a review—we’d love to hear from you. Want to learn how StoryTrack can tell your story? Visit ⁠StoryTrack.com⁠ for more.

Alison Mills, Vice President of Design and Development at CRG, joins us to talk about how her love of the built environment led to a career in architecture and real estate and her vision for spaces that serve the people who use them. In this episode of Building Stories, Alison joins Steve Harris to discuss her career journey, the art of blending design with functionality, and the exciting projects shaping communities across the U.S. Episode Highlights: From Early Dreams to Professional SuccessAlison shares how her passion for architecture began at the age of 8, sparked by open houses and city atlases, and how that evolved into a career in residential design and development. Innovations in Residential DesignAlison discusses CRG’s groundbreaking new residential project at 220 North Ada in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, where innovative and functional design redefine urban living. Hotelification of Student HousingLearn how Alison and her team are integrating hospitality-inspired service and design into student housing projects, prioritizing wellness and community for the next generation of students. Community-Focused DevelopmentIn Madison, Alison’s team collaborated with local stakeholders to honor the history of the Greenbush neighborhood through murals and museum-quality exhibits within their new development. The Future of HousingFrom adaptive reuse to Big Ten campus projects, Alison highlights upcoming CRG initiatives, including exciting plans for Ann Arbor and other key markets. Connect with Alison:LinkedIn: ⁠Alison Mills Connect with Steve:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Steve Harris⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, check out more inspiring conversations on Building Stories! Don’t forget to leave a review—we’d love to hear from you. Want to learn how StoryTrack can tell your story? Visit ⁠⁠StoryTrack.com⁠⁠ for more.

In this episode, Jeff Berryhill, Founder and Managing Partner of InLight Real Estate Partners, shares his journey from banking to launching a successful real estate development firm. Discover how Jeff and his team are shaping the future of industrial real estate while navigating challenges and creating lasting value. Episode Highlights:• From Banking to Real EstateJeff talks about his career journey, transitioning from SunTrust Bank to founding InLight Real Estate Partners. • Navigating Market ShiftsJeff explains the importance of demand drivers, such as population migration and seaport proximity, in shaping development strategies. • Lessons in LeadershipInsights into building a company culture from scratch, with a focus on core values, teamwork, and creating a win-win for stakeholders. • Standout ProjectsJeff highlights significant development projects in Savannah and Jacksonville, showcasing their strategic vision and execution. • Raising Capital and GrowthA deep dive into launching InLight’s first fund and the partnerships driving their success. Connect with Jeff:LinkedIn: Jeff Berryhill Connect with Steve:Email: [email protected]: Steve Harris If you enjoyed this episode, check out more inspiring conversations on Building Stories! Don’t forget to leave a review—we’d love to hear from you. Want to learn how StoryTrack can tell your story? Visit ⁠StoryTrack.com⁠ for more.

In this episode, Alice Benner, Principal of Bamboo Equity Partners, Intelica, Oak Line Studio, McLean Construction, and Atori Group, shares how she leads multiple businesses in commercial real estate. From adaptive reuse to fostering a strong team culture, Alice discusses the power of innovation, mentorship, and creating impactful real estate solutions. Episode Highlights:• Managing Five BusinessesAlice explains how she oversees multiple companies, from private equity to construction, all tied to real estate innovation. • Catching the Real Estate BugDiscover how Alice’s passion for real estate began in middle school and evolved into a thriving career. • Transforming SpacesAlice shares standout projects like turning a distillery into a mixed-use development and creating live-work-play spaces with rich history. • The Power of MentorshipAlice emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and fostering opportunities for the next generation. • Supporting Small BusinessesThrough Atori Group, Alice and her team provide critical shared services to small businesses, helping them grow and thrive. Connect with Alice:LinkedIn: Alice Benner Connect with Steve:Email: [email protected]: Steve Harris If you enjoyed this episode, check out more inspiring conversations on Building Stories! Don’t forget to leave a review—we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode, Mercedes Enrique, President of CMS Corporation, shares her journey from entrepreneurial beginnings to leading a global contracting powerhouse. Learn how CMS grew from a small mechanical construction firm into an international leader in federal contracting, working with the Department of Defense across the globe. Mercedes offers insights into leadership, growth, and creating sustainable success in the construction industry. Episode Highlights:• Starting Small, Dreaming BigDiscover how CMS evolved from a small mechanical construction company to a major federal contractor, growing sustainably while taking on multi-million dollar projects. • The Power of Strategic PartnershipsMercedes shares how collaboration with her business partner, Kush, and her brother Ernest created a foundation for CMS’s success. • Breaking Barriers in Federal ContractingLearn about the challenges and rewards of navigating the transition from small business to unrestricted federal contracts, including major wins like projects in Spain, Guam, and Japan. • Mentorship and LegacyMercedes emphasizes the importance of mentorship, training the next generation, and contributing to the broader construction community through initiatives like the Society of American Military Engineers. • Global Expertise, Local TeamsFrom Japan to Guam, CMS relies on local expertise and strong relationships to execute world-class projects for the Department of Defense. Connect with Mercedes:LinkedIn: Mercedes Enrique Connect with Steve:Email: [email protected]: Steve Harris If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to listen to more episodes of Building Stories. Share this episode with your network, and leave us a review to let us know what you think! Want to learn how StoryTrack can tell your story? Visit StoryTrack.com for more.

In this episode of Building Stories, we sit down with Anthony Johnson, President of the Industrial Business Unit at Clayco. From humble beginnings as a carpenter in Minnesota to leading some of the most transformative industrial projects in the country, Anthony’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and innovation. He shares how his hands-on roots shaped his leadership approach, the pivotal projects that propelled his career, and Clayco’s cutting-edge work in electric vehicles, data centers, and reshoring semiconductor fabrication. Episode Highlights: From Carpentry to Clayco: Anthony shares how his DIY upbringing and hands-on construction experience led to a leadership role at Clayco. Building During Recession: Hear how Anthony helped Clayco thrive through the 2008 economic downturn with a groundbreaking General Mills project. Shaping the EV Revolution: Discover Clayco's role in building facilities for EV batteries, automotive, and semiconductor plants—projects reshaping the global industrial landscape. Mentorship & Impact: Anthony reflects on bridging gaps between fieldwork and executive leadership, emphasizing teamwork and innovation. Inspiring the Next Generation: From school talks to promoting diversity in construction, Anthony opens doors for young minds to explore careers in the built world. Connections: LinkedIn: Anthony Johnson Linkedin: Steve Harris Whether you’re in construction, engineering, or looking for inspiration in leadership, this episode offers incredible insights. Like this episode?Subscribe to Building Stories for more deep dives into construction, architecture, and innovation. Explore how StoryTrack captures these stories with industry-leading video production at StoryTrack.com.

Hosted by Emmy-nominated producer, Steve Harris, StoryTrack presents Building Stories, a series of in–depth conversations with the most influential leaders in construction, architecture, engineering, and development. From challenges and triumphs to strategy and vision, each episode delves into the careers of these innovators to explore what it takes to succeed in the building industry. Tune in twice a month for insightful lessons on business, innovation, leadership and drive.