SPEAKER_00: 1:01

My name is Jessica. I am going to talk about expansion today. It's an honor to be here. So I have two businesses. I have one business called Expand the Soul, and that's where we connect people to their inner self, their inner calling, and help them really live a life of expansion. And then I want to talk about expansive development, which is my development company. I build multi-units, custom family homes for people, mainly in the DC area.

SPEAKER_01: 1:36

Wonderful. I love it. I'm really excited to just dig into this and hear more about all the exciting things you do. So kind of take me back to how you got started in all of this, especially with expansive development. And tell me how you got to where you are today.

SPEAKER_00: 1:52

Okay, perfect. You know, I didn't have a good childhood. I literally built myself up from the inside out. And I was like, oh, I need to find a job when I got out of high school. And I ended up being apprentice at a shipyard as an electrician. So I was an electrician for 10 years. I worked like 100, 200 feet in the air. It was kind of crazy. And then I kind of went through life and a government work wasn't that filling for me. I felt a calling to like entrepreneurship. So when I bought my second house, I started fixing things in the house, changing things. And then it ended up leading me into working for an investor where I was developing her properties. I was um basically overseeing everything with flips that she was doing. So I did everything from like the ground up, anything from setting toilets to, I don't know, moving vents, tiling. I tiled my first time. So I was running the contractors, and then from there I just expanded.

SPEAKER_01: 3:03

Wow. Yeah. So it seems like you've just been in just a whole bunch of stuff. And you really have a lot of time and experience under your belt. Um, you know, expansive development specializes in everything from additions to full gut renovations. Oh, yeah. What type of project do you feel your team shines in the most and why?

SPEAKER_00: 3:26

I think we really shine in customer service and getting the project to the finish line. Also creating peace for our client. I think that's the most important thing. We like to build proper, we like to build the correct way. And we want people to come home and love where they live and also feel expansive where they are. So, for example, um, you want to add an addition to your house, or you want to completely redo the whole kitchen or gut the whole, let's just gut the whole house, take out the floor, joist, everything, and redo it to what you love. And um, I love that we're able to help people love where they live.

SPEAKER_01: 4:08

Absolutely. And it seems like you really just provide this customized, personalized experience for your clients, no matter what kind of client that you are working with. And I just I think that that's amazing and very admirable. So you've handled complex projects that involve permitting challenges and multi-unit renovations. How does your technical expertise help clients navigate situations that would overwhelm most homeowners?

SPEAKER_00: 4:35

Oh, wow. Um, that's a great question. I think first and foremost, I want to say tenacity is very important to keep pushing for solutions, finding the right answer. Also while guiding the client, making them feel comfortable. And because I come from a technical background, I love code and building science. And I told myself I wasn't gonna get too technical today because I could spend two hours talking about underpinning or talking about different types of LVLs or TGIs, but I'm not gonna do that. Um, but I am very passionate about what I do, and I think that really shows and it helps people feel comfortable with what they're doing.

SPEAKER_01: 5:18

Absolutely. And as the owner of expansive development, how would you describe your philosophy when it comes to quality, communication, and integrity on a job site?

SPEAKER_00: 5:31

Oh man, if I were to speak to an entrepreneur about something, I would talk about your own personal character. I would talk about integrity, which you just mentioned. So I think when you have strong integrity and beliefs that shines through in everything you do, especially when it comes to client work, building a business, expanding, scaling a business, just working with a client and speaking with someone, I think that's paramount to success.

SPEAKER_01: 5:59

For sure. Communication is key. I mean, it's key in all fields, all fields, but especially yours because you're dealing with people's homes, their space. And, you know, you want to be punctual and let them know what's going on. So that's wonderful.

SPEAKER_00: 6:12

It's really an honor too.

SPEAKER_01: 6:14

And going back into your childhood a little bit, I know you mentioned you had a tougher childhood. How did that shape your resilience and your ambition and just the way you show up for clients today? Wow.

SPEAKER_00: 6:26

That's that's a beautiful question. I think just the way I've navigated life is to always keep pushing and trying and also listening to your inner voice, you know, your calling to what you should be doing. Growing up, I didn't have family to lean on. Everything I have in my life is self-made. I'm self-built. And I guess I also like to build physical buildings too. Um, and I guess it shows in how I am uh a good listener and how I always push to get the job completed, very solution-based, problem solving. You know, when you can't just tap out, you have to keep going. And, you know, you make the best of it no matter what is going on. And I love the I love solving problems. I love the variety. Every day's different. It's pretty amazing.

SPEAKER_01: 7:18

I can really tell you just have that strive and that grit to show up and get it done. Yeah. And um, it's I think it's one of the best traits, personality traits that someone can possess. Wow. That's very sweet of you to say. You know, many clients describe you as deeply hands-on and highly reliable. What do you want someone to feel after working with you and your team?

SPEAKER_00: 7:44

I want them to feel like they made the right decision. I want them to feel a little bit of fun during the process. I want them to give me their stress. You know, most of my clients just kind of, you know, they pick and choose what they what finishes they want and items like that. And I just take care of everything else. It doesn't have to be a stressful process.

SPEAKER_01: 8:06

Absolutely. And I think that that's so important when, you know, you're talking to the person that owns the home. It's like you don't want them to feel that stress. And you guys kind of take care of that and they can kind of enjoy the experience, you know?

SPEAKER_00: 8:20

Yeah. I mean, you know, things are gonna happen. Sometimes things are unpredictable, like how 100-year-old plaster is gonna perform. Um, and it's important, like if we meet a roadblock, we're gonna work through it together. I'm gonna present the options and I'm gonna educate my client so they can make a very informed decision. I trust in myself and they trust in me.

SPEAKER_01: 8:43

Perfect. And I know you've recently launched the Caring Contractor Network. Yes. I'm so excited. Yes, I'm excited to hear about it. What is it and what inspired you to create this type of community-focused initiative?

SPEAKER_00: 8:59

Oh man, I years ago, I was working on a house and I noticed in the distance a nut a neighboring house. And, you know, the back of the house was kind of falling in. There was some mold on the back, water was leaking. There was um kind of like a broken window, and people lived there. And I just felt it in my heart. I said, I wish I could help them. And DC has a lot of amazing programs that help people, but I'm sure there are people that still fall through the crack. And so I want to help those homeowners. And it can be something so simple. The other part is the caring contractor network. Actually, it's the contractor caring network because the contractors care is a network of professionals that come together and they really care about their community and what they're doing. I think the world is built on contractors from the roads to this um office that we're sitting in to your home. And they take care of us. And I think, you know, when they can give back and feel good about themselves, I think I'm creating a network where it allows them to do that.

SPEAKER_01: 10:13

Absolutely. And I love the point that you made about how we need them for everything. I truly feel like our world would stop if we have to.

SPEAKER_00: 10:22

Yes, I definitely honor and value them.

SPEAKER_01: 10:25

For sure. So I think that that's that's an amazing opportunity that you are able to provide.

SPEAKER_00: 10:30

Yeah. So if somebody wants to join the network, please go to the caring contractor network.com. So we are looking for people to be submitted that might need help, like a homeowner in need, that, you know, it could be something small as their toilet has been stopped up for a month, or it could be a broken window. And then I'm looking for contractors who want to join this, professionals, even investors that want to give back into the community in some way. And you will, they will get to hear about the product or the, I mean the person that they help. They will get to hear about it. So it isn't like, let me just write a check. It's not about writing check. It can be a contractor just giving a little bit of time.

SPEAKER_01: 11:12

Absolutely. Yeah. Giving that time to just listen, understand, and kind of build a plan going forward. Yes, exactly. Very cool. And I know your work has largely grown through reputation and word of mouth. As you expand your visibility, what do you hope people truly understand about expansive development as a brand?

SPEAKER_00: 11:34

That is absolutely right. I have all of my clients, all of my projects have been reputation and word of mouth. This is the first time that I'm getting a little more visible. Um, I've spent a long time being behind the scenes and working very hands-on and learning because I want to make sure I 100% know something before I tell somebody do it. I oversee it. And I'm ready to be seen. I'm ready to expand in that way too. Beautiful.

SPEAKER_01: 12:05

I'm so excited. And, you know, it's so fascinating hearing me talk about all the things behind the scenes that really go on to make this magic happen for your clients. Exactly.

SPEAKER_00: 12:14

Yeah. Right now I'm building a seven unit, and we are basically building a whole nother floor under the existing house without moving it. And we do that all the time. It's called underpinning, and um it's just a beautiful process, the creation.

SPEAKER_01: 12:29

How interesting. So when you think about someone watching or listening to this episode, what is your greatest wish for them? Whether they are a homeowner, a future client, or simply someone needing some inspiration.

SPEAKER_00: 12:46

Okay. That is a great question. I can go in many, many avenues to answer that. If somebody's watching this and maybe they work for the government or maybe they are not happy with their job and they have a calling inside of themselves, I want them to follow that. You know, if there's a voice that comes up and it's like, I want to create this kind of business, I want to be a photographer, I want to start a podcast, I want to encourage people to do that. If there's a homeowner that says, I'm so, oh, I don't feel good in my house, I want to make you feel good and expansive in your house. So call me and we'll fix that too.

SPEAKER_01: 13:22

And you're encouraging them to take that leap that they so desperately are wanting and needing, right?

SPEAKER_00: 13:28

I want people to feel good where they live and their heart for what they do and going forward in life. I think that's important, you know.

SPEAKER_01: 13:35

Well said. I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks. And also, I would love to hear a little bit more about expand the soul, if you could kind of dig into that. Sure.

SPEAKER_00: 13:46

So I am called to talk about inner architecture, you know, like we all have a voice inside of us. We all have a drive. You know, sometimes, especially in this area, Northern Virginia, we get caught up in our heads and we think we have to do blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I gotta do this, this, this. But if you just drop into your heart, what is your heart truly saying? What is that inner voice? Your intuition if I'm speaking to a woman, your instinct or gut if I'm speaking to a man. Because the world needs you to do what that calling is and expand the soul is about expanding that soul calling on a deeper level.

SPEAKER_01: 14:26

Wow.

SPEAKER_00: 14:27

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 14:27

That is super inspiring. And I think it is a good um, I think it's a good reminder for all of us to kind of tap into this side of things. You know, we get so caught up in work and just it's the fast-paced community we have here in the D. You're so right. You're so right. It's definitely important to take a step back and kind of reflect on things.

SPEAKER_00: 14:46

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 14:47

Very cool. And looking ahead, what is your vision for expansive development over the next few years in terms of growth, community impact, and the kind of legacy you want to build?

SPEAKER_00: 14:59

Legacy is a very important word for me. I am a single mom, and it's important to leave her multiple properties so she doesn't have to worry about things. Yeah, I don't know. I don't really see her carrying on expansive development, but how I see expansive development moving forward is I just want to reach and help more people. I really want us to make a community impact by bringing more contractors together for the Caring Contractor Network. And I really just, you know, want to help people feel better on many different levels.

SPEAKER_01: 15:34

Absolutely. And I can tell. And it really just shines through in your personality. And I think you are a great role model to your daughter and just uh thank you. To everyone around, honestly. And Jessica, as we wrap up, is there anything you would like to add that I haven't touched on today?

SPEAKER_00: 15:54

I think we covered a lot. Um I just want people to follow their heart, their inner calling, just expand their awareness, expand their house, and expand their feelings. You know, I want people to feel good in their house. You know, every time you come home, that's important. And also, you know, with investors, we are building more homes for people to come home to. And I think that's important too.

SPEAKER_01: 16:21

For sure. Yeah. If anyone asks me, I'm gonna say Jessica's your girl. Yes. Yes. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you so much for joining me on the podcast today. It was a pleasure to hear your inspiring story. And I wish you the best of luck in everything that comes your way in the future. Thank you so much.