Today we’d like to introduce you to Toree Dabney.
Hi Toree, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was introduced to the construction industry by a close associate, by way of residential roofing, later leading to commercial construction. While learning the business of residential roofing, I sensed there was more to gain with construction as it related to commercial projects.
Knowing organizational management and financial strategies, I began to research the actual process to move into the commercial territory. I then reached out to a longtime friend with over 30 years of construction experience to get founding knowledge of commercial construction. He introduced me to blueprint reading, material takeoffs, and estimating. From there, I moved to metal stud framing, installation, drywall, painting, and acoustical ceiling tile. He demonstrated the process of bidding projects and while working together, we were awarded several projects throughout the city.
Projects ranged from $500,000 to over $3.5 million. The company initially started as Roofing, Incorporated, then moved to Dabney Construction when there was consideration of moving from residential to commercial. It was offered to Solomon Johnson to be a founding partner of the company, but considering he was retired from the business, he would only accept being a consultant. To pay homage, the company moved from Roofing, Incorporated to Dabney Construction, and finally to Dabney and Johnson Construction.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. COVID-19, inflation of materials, employee dependability, and financing have all been challenges. Being new to the industry, many mistakes were made: from planning to operations to managing roofing projects. Learning from those mistakes gave me the push I needed to pursue commercial construction.
While building Hotel Tupelo (March 2020), in Tupelo, Mississippi, horrifying times that our country had never seen, COVID-19 emerged. Timelines could not be met, material costs increased by 400%, and manpower was depleted – practically non-existent.
But having the mindset of “never giving up” and finishing, regardless of any circumstance, I was able to finish the project on schedule, without making any profit at all.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dabney and Johnson Construction?
I am a native Memphian and I am President and CEO of Dabney and Johnson Construction, D & J Homes, and the Founder of The T3C Foundation. I am a product of Memphis City Schools and a proud graduate of American Intercontinental University, having obtained a degree in media and audio production. Later, I was introduced to the construction industry, creating a successful enterprise.
Dabney and Johnson Construction, the parent company of the group, is a general contracting company based out of Memphis, Tennessee, specializing in commercial and residential builds. D & J Homes specializes in custom residential design. Lastly, The T3C Foundation (501c3) is a non-profit organization geared toward educating youth and individuals reentering the population from the corrections system.
The goal is to give an understanding of the construction and real estate industry (R.E.A.L. Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, and Logistics). I am a community advocate, who heavily focuses on entrepreneurship and equipping those who are interested in financial freedom. I am always exploring growth for my companies by seeking new opportunities.
I am most proud of being one of the youngest minority presidents/CEO of a corporation specializing in metal stud framing and drywall. I offer full commercial and residential-based construction, from architect blueprint design to turnkey.
What’s next?
My plans include organizational growth and company branding, by moving to residential renovations and builds of luxury homes. Plans also include commercial structures, such as multi-level buildings, from building my hotels to corporate offices, and residential multi-million dollar subdivisions. The residential extension of the Dabney and Johnson brand is D & J Homes, LLC.
The last branch of the Dabney and Johnson family is the T3C Foundation, which is a non-profit aimed at educating in the area of real estate, commercial, and residential construction, giving knowledge of engineering, architecture, and logistics (R.E.A.L.) to youth and those reentering society from the corrections system.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dabneyandjohnson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dabneyandjohnson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dabneyandjohnsonconstruction/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toree-dabney-498506269/
Image Credits
Josiah Weiss and Daniel Zapata
