Looking back on 2025, Jonathan, what accomplishments are you most proud of leading your company through?
This year has been a turning point for me and Cross Builds. Looking back, I’m most proud of how much we’ve grown as a team. We use to build just two to four units a year, but now we’re completing close to ten at once. It’s not just the volume that’s changed: it’s our confidence, communication, and how we organize ourselves. That growth didn’t happen by accident. It came from a mindset of accountability and constant improvement that I carry with me every day.
One project that truly defines this growth is the Turnbow Project. It was our largest and most complex effort yet, and finishing it in ninety days pushed us in ways we hadn’t experienced before. The logistics and planning were intense, but the team’s dedication and collaboration made it possible. Seeing that project come to life and knowing the positive impact it would have on the community was incredibly fulfilling. It showed me we’re capable of so much more when we come together with a clear purpose.
The impact on the community has been the most rewarding part. This year, we housed over twelve families and helped create income opportunities for more than forty individuals. Every home we build touches so many lives beyond the walls, improving neighborhoods and community spirits. That responsibility motivates me every day.
Which partners, collaborators, or organizations did you work with this year, and how did those collaborations improve your work?
Partnerships have been key to our progress this year. Being part of the LISC Emerging Developers Cohort connected me with seasoned experts and trailblazers who challenged my thinking and inspired new approaches to affordable housing. This exposure has expanded my vision and strengthened our capacity to deliver developments that truly serve community needs. We also enjoyed supporting RAMP Houston, Zuri Gardens 3D, and the Acres Home Community Development Council.
Events like the Affordable Housing Conference and the Avenue Build Up Bash are more than networking opportunities; they’re forums where passionate advocates, developers, and policymakers come together to share ideas and build momentum for affordable housing. Being a part of these gatherings reaffirms that Cross Builds is contributing to a much larger movement, one that’s driven by shared values of opportunity, dignity, and community resilience.
These partnerships do more than open doors; they ground us in purpose. At every step, they remind me that successful development isn’t just about building structures; it’s about fostering lasting relationships and creating homes where families and communities can thrive. This shared commitment has been vital in shaping both our strategy and our heart as builders.
Looking back at the challenges your company faced this year, how did overcoming them influence your leadership and your personal and professional growth as a builder?
The market hasn’t been easy; interest rates and uncertainty have made things unpredictable. I realized we needed to be honest about where we needed help, especially in design and planning. Bringing fresh talent into those areas made a big difference, boosting both our creativity and efficiency. The biggest lesson I learned?
Growth demands humility; being willing to admit when things aren’t working and adapting quickly.
Personally, this year I’ve become more selective with the projects I take on, focusing on those that align with our mission to truly serve the communities. When I started, I just wanted as much experience as possible. Now, I want the right experience, the work that makes a difference. I’ve also learned to value collaboration more deeply, appreciating the people who support and challenge me. None of this happens alone.
What are your goals and plans for your company in the year ahead (2026)?
Looking ahead to 2026, my vision for Cross Builds is bold and focused on meaningful growth. We’re planning to take on bigger projects that allow us to create even more impact. Houston’s real estate market is evolving with several new developments and increased demand for community-centered housing, so it feels like the right time to expand our reach and deepen our influence. But it’s not just about building more homes; it’s about building better homes that truly meet the needs of the people we serve.
This commitment to community-focused development is what drives me every day, and I’m excited to see how Cross Builds can grow not just in size but in the meaningfulness of its work next year and beyond
Looking back this year, what advice would you give other aspiring builders or developers based on your experiences?
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer to aspiring builders and developers, it’s that slow and steady truly wins the race. The path to success is rarely a sprint or a series of quick wins. My journey hasn’t been some overnight success or “hail mary” moment. Instead, it’s a story of consistent effort, patience, and building year after year. People often overlook how much personal growth matters in tandem with professional progress. Every project, every challenge has been a step forward, shaping me into the builder and leader I aim to be.
Every year, I feel myself coming closer to the professional I once dreamed of becoming. I know there’s still so much more ahead, for myself and for Cross Builds. It’s a privilege, and I’m grateful for every step forward, every family housed, and every positive change we help create.