Jose Rodriguez is the owner and president of R & Company Construction Group, a small construction contracting business in Nashville. Through his experience navigating the competitive realm of commercial contracting for over 3.5 years now, Rodriguez has seen firsthand the difference that strategic mentorship, such as what he found at NBIC, can make.
Rodriguez’s engagement with NBIC began through an indirect connection and evolved into a transformative partnership. “I decided to enroll into the beginners program… Foundations… and it was extremely helpful,” he recounts. The structured program and access to a wealth of resources facilitated a significant mindset shift for Rodriguez and his team. “It was just a shift in mindset that really allowed me to incorporate a lot of the things that we were learning and take advantage of the constant flow of resources I was provided with,” he notes, emphasizing the practical application of the program’s teachings to his business’s operations and strategy.
The impact of NBIC’s program on R & Company Construction extended beyond operational knowledge. It provided an attainable framework for growth and efficiency, enabling Rodriguez to refine his business plan, identify his ideal client profile, and enhance key skills necessary for business development. “Definitely how to be a better leader within my business, how to better implement and redefine systems and processes within our organization,” Rodriguez states.
Additionally, NBIC helped Rodriguez and his company obtain the resources they were previously lacking. For example, they granted Rodriguez and his team office space. This resource transformed the company’s operational dynamics, offering a stable and professional environment that was previously lacking. “Having access to the office space provided by NBIC was a game-changer for us,” Rodriguez stated. “It wasn’t just about having a desk or a meeting room; it was about the legitimacy and the operational foundation it gave our business.” This shift not only facilitated a more efficient workflow, but also played a pivotal role in the company’s ability to secure larger and more lucrative projects, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.
Beyond the immediate benefits to R & Company Construction, Rodriguez’s story is a reminder of the critical role that support networks and mentorship play in the success of small businesses. Through NBIC, Rodriguez was not only able to interact with professionals with prior experience, but he could connect with like-minded entrepreneurs in his realm of work that he continues to watch and learn from. His commitment to giving back, through community engagement and mentorship, highlights a cycle of positive impact that extends well beyond his company’s confines. “I’m actively engaging and participating in community events, [such as the Titans stadium], to make sure that I’m able to soak in the information so that I can go ahead and share it with other businesses as well,” he states.
As R & Company Construction works towards future expansion and potentially breaking into general contracting work in downtown Nashville, Rodriguez remains a strong advocate for the importance of programs like NBIC. “You know, I think any small business, regardless of where you are, you can get to that next level. And NBIC is a great resource to help you get there,” he asserts. His journey from navigating the challenges of early business growth to achieving significant milestones underscores the importance of the work at NBIC.
Sierra Henley Ashburn joined NBIC in December 2024 as a Special Projects Manager consultant. She now serves full-time as an Outreach Coordinator, focused on building community partnerships and supporting event and program execution. In this role, she works across NBIC’s Construction Consortium and the Metro Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Emerging Contractors and Mentor Protégé programs. She also serves as the staff liaison for the NBIC Young Leaders Board.
Beyond NBIC, Sierra is the founder and lead operations strategist of Amplified Innovation, a fractional operations firm serving nonprofits and mission-driven service businesses. She partners with leaders and teams to translate impactful visions into clear, actionable systems, helping organizations thrive in their zone of genius by aligning internal infrastructure with core values.
Sierra is an active member of Nashville’s nonprofit community, a Young Leaders Council graduate, and currently serves on the board of From Your Father as Systems and Operations Lead.
She is a strong believer in NBIC’s approach of meeting entrepreneurs where they are; equipping them with the tools and support to grow, create community impact, and build a lasting legacy.
Patrick Walker-Reese, MPA is an established and celebrated speaker and educator. Patrick Walker-Reese, or Mr. Reese, as his students commonly refer to him as has dedicated his work to serve his own community. He has motivated and encouraged youth and adults alike to dare to dream and to strive for greatness every day.
Patrick Walker-Reese is the epitome of resilience. Directly translating in his teachings, his ability to make powerful connections and impacts on each individual who attends a workshop or speech he gives. He made it and is living the life of his dreams. This message is especially powerful to youth who are lacking ambition and guidance. Patrick attended Tennessee State University. Although school never came easy for Patrick, whose knack was always for speaking but not the traditional educational curriculum, he graduated from Tennessee State University with a History degree in 2010. His educational pursuits did not end there. He received his Masters from Tennessee State University in Public Administration in 2014.
In 2012 he formed ASPIRE LLC, an Educational Consulting Firm. Aspire specializes in highly interactive motivational presentations, workshops, curriculum, and literature. ASPIRE has worked with varied reputable organizations and companies such as The National Urban League, Caterpillar Financial, Metro Nashville Public Schools, YMCA, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, Clemson University, University of DC. The list of who ASPIRE has worked with has continued to grow. Now including, 100 Black Men “100 Kings” program, Oasis Center, The Educate ME HBCU College Tour, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, Boys And Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, and a host of professional athletes.
Patrick has authored two books on self-help and socio-emotional development. Patfacts Volume 1: From One Dreamer to Another and Patfacts Volume 2: More Than a Dream. The latter of which was self-published through his newest business venture Aspire Publishing. Designed to turn dreamers into published authors.
Victor Tyler serves as a Digital Asset Specialist at NBIC, where he manages, organizes, and creates digital media resources that support the organization’s storytelling. In this role, he ensures that NBIC’s growing online presence remains cohesive, engaging, and aligned with its brand identity.
Before joining NBIC, Victor built a career in art direction and content production, leading campaigns that combined strategic storytelling with result-driven creative. His experience spans brand development, media production, and digital marketing.
Victor is passionate about using creativity to bridge artistry with strategy to help ideas come to life. Outside of work, he enjoys drawing, running, and exploring new places to eat, often finding inspiration for his work in the world around him.
Dr. Contrecia “Dr. T” Tharpe joined NBIC in November 2025 as Marketing and Communications Manager, bringing more than 15 years of experience in brand strategy, marketing, and communications leadership. A visionary strategist known for her creativity and results-driven approach, she leads NBIC’s brand, storytelling, and communications efforts with a focus on amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs and positioning NBIC as a leader in inclusive business growth.
Before joining NBIC, Dr. T built an impressive career spanning entrepreneurship, consulting, and organizational leadership. As Founder and Chief Brand Strategy Architect of FayeVaughn Creative, a full-service agency serving startups through Fortune 500 companies, she has helped organizations across industries craft powerful narratives, elevate visibility, and drive measurable results.
Her expertise bridges creativity and strategy, combining data-driven marketing with authentic storytelling to strengthen brand trust and engagement.
Beyond her role at NBIC, Dr. T serves as President of Nashville Cable, the region’s premier network for women in leadership. A sought-after advisor and speaker, she is passionate about helping others build brands that mean business, strengthen communities, and reflect the power of purpose.
Dynamic, forward-thinking, and unapologetically authentic, Dr. T embodies NBIC’s mission to inspire innovation and empower entrepreneurs to grow, scale, and thrive.
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Octavia Wilson-Simmons brings more than 20 years of diverse industry experience to her role at NBIC, where she drives operational excellence, grant compliance, and technological innovation. She began her career in the oil and gas sector in 2000 as a Contract Analyst, where she developed expertise in contract negotiation, trading operations, and stakeholder management.
Over the course of her career, Octavia expanded her skills across account management, operational optimization, and project coordination, gaining cross-industry experience that includes consulting and healthcare. Her transition into consulting in 2021 further honed her ability to streamline logistics and operations for business growth, while her work in healthcare deepened her customer-first approach and adaptability.
Since joining NBIC in 2022, Octavia has been a driving force behind key operational improvements, data-driven decision-making, and program support initiatives that empower small businesses to scale. She leverages platforms such as Zendesk, Looker, and Salesforce to optimize workflows, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance service delivery for entrepreneurs.
Passionate about creating efficient systems and sustainable impact, Octavia’s expertise in operations management, compliance, technology integration, and strategic support ensures NBIC’s entrepreneurs have the foundation needed for long-term success.
