Celebrating Black History Month: An Impact Real Estate Podcast revisit with Devean George

Celebrating Black History Month: An Impact Real Estate Podcast revisit with Devean George

In honor of Black History Month, the Impact Real Estate Podcast is revisiting interviews with some of our most impactful guests from the African American Community.

On this episode we welcome former 3-time NBA Champion Devean George. We talk about his nonprofit Building Blocks, how community work during his playing career ignited his passion for real estate that gives back to underserved communities, and how a team mentality is helping him change lives across the country.

EPISODE NOTES:

02:20 - From the NBA to real estate

03:30 - North Minneapolis born and raised

04:54 - Community Engagement with the NBA

06:06 - What is Building Blocks?

09:40 - The process of building affordable housing

11:46 - The advantages of investing in affordable housing

13:27 - Forming connections

15:26 - Characteristics of the community

16:59 - The after school program

19:08 - What’s keeping people from building more affordable housing?

23:59 - Relatable advise

26:12 - The future of Building Blocks

27:10 - What can we do to help?

29:42 - The Hot Seat Presented by KK Reset

Throughout his 11-year career in the NBA, Devean played for the Los Angeles Lakers (with whom he won three NBA Championships), the Dallas Mavericks, and the Golden State Warriors. Off the court, Devean has long devoted a great deal of his time and energy to numerous charitable organizations focused on families, education and children. For six years, he was a sponsor of the Minnesota-based program, Why Can’t I Go?, which provided underprivileged students with travel-based educational opportunities. Now retired from the NBA, Devean remains committed to positively impacting the North Minneapolis community that shaped who he is today. His desire to give back was the driving force behind the formation of George Group North, his real-estate company specializing in multifamily residential development, mixed-use projects, and property redevelopment and management, and its charitable subsidiary, Building Blocks, which is focused on mentorship programming, affordable housing, and sustainable community development. Devean serves as President and CEO of George Group North, and Executive Director of Building Blocks.