Meet Reggie and Tanora Polk, NBIC graduates and the power couple behind Polk & Associates Construction in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 2011, the firm gained momentum quickly in new construction, tenant improvements, real estate development, facilities maintenance, and civil development. However, after several years in business Reggie felt he lacked the necessary tools for substantial and long term growth.

Reggie says, “Our biggest obstacle in starting our company was the lack of “know how” & availability to financing. We are a first-generation construction company, and I did not have anyone show me how to start and grow the company. I took the skillsets I obtained from previous employers along with my passion for learning, to lay the foundation for Polk & Associates Construction.” Reggie and Tanora also had to navigate the unique challenges that come with owning a business as a couple. Tanora told us what she’s learned in the process and what she would pass on to other couple’s aspiring to succeed in business together. “Setting the right expectations of what is expected of each other is a must. Your respect for each other has to start at home so disrespect doesn’t end up in the work environment. You will also want to have weekly meetings or business dates over lunch to discuss any internal issues and to check on each other mentally and emotionally. Make each other feel valued in their position.” 

In 2017, Reggie came to NBIC, which proved instrumental in exposing Polk & Associates Construction to the industry’s core elements essential for success, sustainability, and scalability. NBIC’s programs provided essential skills such as risk mitigation, operational enhancement, and maintaining the integrity of back-office and accounting functions. Reggie says, “The NBIC program helped establish a solid foundation for our company and we are still building upon that same foundation year after year. The program exposes entrepreneurs to key components that are needed for every business that will help the company scale and create sustainability. We took hold of those principals and applied them to every area of our business. The NBIC program accelerated our growth and provided a level of support that was crucial to our success.” In addition to the technical proficiency provided, Reggie says NBIC stressed the importance of social capital, noting the entire construction industry is all about relationships and how you impact the people in your circle. He believes in the reciprocal nature of relationships, emphasizing the importance of pouring into the lives of others, knowing that it will be reciprocated. 

Due to Reggie’s focus on business development and relationship building and Tanora’s mastery of networking and business operations, this husband-wife team continues making strides both inside and outside of the Nashville community. Today, Polk & Associates Construction manages 22 dedicated employees, and has completed projects in14 states. Reggie attributes the great strides the company has made with NBIC, stating that it helped establish a solid foundation for the company, which they are still building upon year after year. Tanora says, “NBIC provided Reggie with a lot of direction and business knowledge that we did not have previously. We are still using one of the consultants that was offered through the program today.” 

Since joining the NBIC program, Polk & Associates Construction has grown exponentially, allowing them to offer new positions such as project managers, superintendents, administration, and more. Reggie speaks to one of their most recent joint ventures, the new Titan’s stadium, “Regarding our Joint Venture, Tennessee Builders Alliance (TBA), Polk & Associates Construction has partnered with Tuner Construction, AECOM Hunt, and ICF Builders to pursue the new Titans Stadium. Collectively, our team has more than 55 years of NFL stadium construction experience and a long history of building iconic sports facilities. Turner and AECOM Hunt have successfully worked on 17 of the 30 most recently completed NFL stadium projects. Our entity was awarded the project in August 2023. The new stadium will be built on the east side of the current stadium campus, along Nashville’s East Bank. Features of the building include: a circular translucent roof; exterior porches with panoramic views of Nashville; improved sightlines for all spectators through a range of diverse seating experiences; and a 12,000 square foot community space available for use year-round. TBA will oversee the preconstruction and construction management services in the development and construction of the stadium and will also select trade contractors to work on the project.” 

Winners of the 2023 Nashville Black Chamber’s “Business of the Year” award, the future is bright for Reggie and Tanora Polk. Reggie says there are several companies and individuals who have played a role in their overall journey and they are extremely grateful for NBIC’s employees who didn’t just tell him what needed to change, but actually helped him make the changes. Staying coachable, open to constructive criticism, and passionate about continuous learning are a few pieces of advice Reggie offers fellow entrepreneurs. Tanora tells us how she stays motivated during stressful times, “Keeping the end goal in mind. If I know I need to reach a certain destination to make my business successful, I will ride out difficult circumstances, because I know where I am going or where I am trying to get to.” 

Working with NBIC has helped propel Polk & Associates to becoming leaders in their industry. This success story is a testament to the power of continuous learning, strategic planning, and the pursuit of excellence. Ready to embrace the future with enthusiasm and success with newfound confidence and skills? Jumpstart your entrepreneurial goals and take the Biz Quiz now!