July 15, 2025
Brunson Cooper is the CEO of Corenic Building, and his staff consists of fifty+ full-time workers who’ve collectively accomplished over 1,000 initiatives since its inception in 2009.
The corporate’s motto is: “A Dedication Made. A Dedication Delivered.” This has remained true for over 15 consecutive years. Brunson Cooper is the CEO of Corenic Building, and his staff consists of over 50 full-time workers members who’ve collectively accomplished greater than 1,000 initiatives for the reason that firm’s inception in 2009. Because of this, they’ve sound monetary stability. Corenic has rapidly change into recognized available in the market as a agency that delivers on time, each time! From an unlimited spectrum of foyer renovations to full-floor tenant enhancements, Corenic has the experience and the will to creatively construct past its shoppers’ expectations.
As for Brunson, constructing and nurturing relationships is a driving drive in his life—a price instilled in him by his father, after whom he’s named. With out intentionally taking time to foster key relationships, he’d by no means be doing what he does at this time: proudly owning and working his personal building firm, D.C.-based Corenic Building. Black Enterprise caught up with him to speak concerning the evolution of entrepreneurship and his position as a trailblazing chief of his multimillion-dollar firm.
Black Enterprise: What retains you impressed as a visionary chief at this time?
Cooper: The chance to supply a spot the place folks can see themselves growing their profession with out judgment or criticism.
BE: What are a few of Corenic’s most up-to-date awards and recognitions?
Cooper: Awarded FSC First Small Enterprise of the Yr Award
Ranked No. 21 for the Washington Enterprise Journal (Companies Ran By Folks of Colour)
Ranked No. 34 for the Washington Enterprise Journal (Largest Common Contractor)
Ranked No. 31 for the Washington Enterprise Journal (Most Various Enterprise)
BE: Since your organization’s inception in 2009, how has the corporate developed?
Cooper: We’ve grown from receiving our first test in 2010 for $17,000 to ending out final 12 months round $68 million. To start with, the kind of work we supplied for our shoppers was small carpet and paint initiatives, working with our shoppers to essentially get what they wanted. Then, rising from inside and retail initiatives to small-based buildings to bigger constructing repositioning initiatives to doing rec facilities, automotive dealerships, colleges, and one in all our largest initiatives presently, with a partnership with the Baltimore Ravens. This might be a three-year challenge, and our portion (revenue) might be roughly $75 million.
One of many largest issues for us as an organization is that our service has been No. 1. The identical because it has been from the start, actually ensuring we perceive our shoppers and deal with them the best way they need to be handled. We would like our shoppers to say that we make their life simpler—that’s the purpose of our service.
BE: What’s the newest building challenge you’re engaged on?
Cooper: We’re engaged on the Baltimore Ravens stadium, the place our portion of the renovation is roughly round $20-25 million per 12 months (it’s a 3-year challenge). Moreover, we’re engaged on the $330 million Suitland Excessive College challenge, the place we function a three way partnership (JV) accomplice. Individually, we’re engaged on a recreation middle in Baltimore in addition to on a number of JP Morgan Chase banks. Inside renovations for DGS in Washington, DC, and a number of nonprofits within the DC area. Additionally, we’re working with among the native universities and healthcare entities like Kids’s Hospital, George Washington College, and different seed initiatives.
BE: As a founder and CEO, what’s your small business philosophy? What retains you grounded in success?
Cooper: Staying humble and understanding that there’s all the time somebody who could possibly be higher than you. It’s necessary to all the time hone your abilities and keep robust in what you’re doing. By no means cease studying; by no means cease being a sponge. And all the time giving again. As rapidly as somebody offers you data, it is best to share that data with others.
In regard to the enterprise itself, I have a look at the individuals who work with me. They’ve a option to work at this firm. Due to this fact, I’ve the duty to make sure that they will develop and be all that they are often. The way in which I deal with my shoppers is identical approach I deal with my staff and contractors.
I really feel that I’m a connector of nice shoppers, connecting them to nice folks, together with nice subcontractors. I’m a connector in that sense. I make it my enterprise to resolve issues and supply turnkey options for my shoppers.
BE: What does the longer term appear to be for Corenic within the subsequent 5 years?
Cooper: Within the subsequent 5 years, our purpose is to develop our footprint. We’re proper now within the mid-Atlantic area, and our purpose is to maneuver from Pittsburgh, then go to Richmond and the Carolinas, down into the Florida area. So, over the following 3-5 years, our firm is seeking to develop from the place we at the moment are to an enterprise of a minimal of $300-plus million per 12 months.
BE: Who’s your mentor/coach, and why?
Cooper: I’ve two mentors. One is Thomas Moorehead, who used to personal Moorehead Industries. He was primarily the primary African American dealership proprietor of Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and different luxurious manufacturers.
The opposite mentor is Henry Gilford, who owns Gilford Company. Each of those gents have actually opened doorways for me. Moorehead, with the power to say, “Hey, I select you to do that work as a result of I consider in you.” I used to be afforded alternatives that the majority contractors would envy. And for him to have the individuals who work for me to make the most of their skillset to perform constructing areas like that for him is unbelievable and actually humbling.
From a enterprise perspective, I gleaned from how they ran companies and created an empire. Gilford opened up the doorways within the normal contracting area. Though he’s now not in enterprise, he was instrumental in opening doorways and helped me construct the corporate I’ve now.
RELATED CONTENT: Black Girl Main Detroit’s $4.9M Rail Alternative Challenge Goals To Make Building Extra Inclusive