The P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs

Shelton A. Russell, publisher of American DBE Magazine
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs is a podcast helping diverse entrepreneurs in the infrastructure, construction and transportation industries live their passion, pursue their purpose, and grow their profits. Host Shelton A. Russell, publisher of American DBE Magazine, interviews thriving entrepreneurs, business experts and business leaders from across the country providing guidance to minority, women and diverse entrepreneurs seeking to improve their success in business. Small and diverse entrepreneurs that are MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE firms are especially encouraged to listen to the show.

  1. JAN 7

    No Shortcuts to Success: Anup Tamrakar on Building Urban Infraconstruction

    In this episode of the P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs, host Shelton A. Russell speaks with Anup Tamrakar, founder and CEO of Urban Infraconstruction, and the cover story subject of the latest issue of American DBE Magazine. Anup Tamrakar's story reflects the modern immigrant entrepreneur journey in America's infrastructure and construction economy. Born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Anup came to the United States at just 18 years old to pursue education, opportunity, and long-term growth. He began his career working for contractors in Texas before eventually founding Urban Infraconstruction, a firm focused on delivering high-quality work in complex infrastructure environments. Throughout the conversation, Anup shares how a simple lesson from his father, work hard, stay busy, and never look for shortcuts, became the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. In an industry where reputation, performance, and trust determine success, Anup explains why discipline, consistency, and effort remain non-negotiable for entrepreneurs building companies that last. This episode explores: The immigrant entrepreneur's experience in U.S. infrastructure and construction How Anup Tamrakar built Urban Infraconstruction through credibility and performance Leadership lessons for founders operating in competitive, compliance-driven industries Why work ethic still outperforms hype, shortcuts, and trends Building company culture, trust, and long-term value in construction and engineering Listeners interested in construction entrepreneurship, infrastructure leadership, DBE firms, immigrant-led businesses, and public-private project delivery will find valuable insights throughout this discussion. Anup also reflects on the personal responsibility of leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the mindset required to scale a business while maintaining integrity. 🎥 The full video interview is available on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/eoKSrkEzSVU 📘 Anup Tamrakar's cover story appears in the latest issue of American DBE Magazine 🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs, contractors, and business leaders seeking real-world lessons from someone who has built success through effort, resilience, and principled leadership.

    46 min

  2. 02/11/2025

    Aviation Expert Oscar Lewis Talks Air Traffic Control and Business After Recent Air Collision

    Air traffic control and aviation expert Oscar Lewis, president of The Lewis Company, visits the P3 Project podcast to discuss the recent midair collision of a military helicopter and passenger airplane near Washington, D.C. Lewis provides his insight on the accident and shares why DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) had nothing to do with this mishap. Lewis also discusses his journey to building a successful business in logistics management, aviation science and engineering services. The Lewis Company is based in North Carolina and has Orlando, Florida, and Virginia offices. Visit https://thelewiscompanies.com/ for more information. Shelton Russell, publisher of American DBE Magazine, is the host of the P3 Project. Visit http://www.americandbe.com

    39 min

  3. 07/04/2023

    Kadilex Construction President Karl Jefferson Jr. Visits P3 Project for Diverse Enterpreneurs

    Kadilex Construction President Karl Jefferson Jr. joins the P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs podcast to discuss his success in building a full-service Ironworking company in the infrastructure and transportation industry. Jefferson shares his experience of starting the business in 2010 specializing in rebar installation on bridge and highway projects but has expanded the company to include a variety of steel-related services. Jefferson shares how programs like the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) and others are helping minority-owned businesses to build capacity, gain market share and achieve success. Learn more about Kalidex Constructions at www.kadilexconstruction.com

    33 min

  4. 04/30/2023

    Family Ties: Nathaniel Ford Sr. and Jannet Walker-Ford Discuss Family and Leadership

    Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. and WSP USA Senior V.P. and National Transit and Rail Market Leader Jannet Walker-Ford visit episode #33 of the P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs. Both Fords share their journey as a married couple maintaining a thriving relationship while serving as leaders and transportation industry executives. They also discuss their philosophies on effective leadership in maximizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in their organizations, and how they are preparing the next generation of diverse professionals to assume leadership positions in the infrastructure and transportation industries. Nat and Jannet conclude the conversation by discussing how they advance opportunities for DBE, minority- and woman-owned businesses in their organization, and how organizations like the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and WTS International help advance the mission of creating a more diverse and inclusive industry. Shelton A. Russell, publisher of American DBE Magazine is the host of the P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs podcast.

    52 min

  5. 02/12/2023

    Monique Allen, ACMS Northwest and Steven Davis, Construction & Engineering Services Consultants

    Episode #32 of the P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs features a conversation with father and daughter entrepreneur duo Steven Davis and Monique Allen. Davis is President & CEO of Construction & Engineering Services Consultants, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida; and Allen is President of ACMS Northwest, LLC in Portland, Oregon. Both minority business leaders are growing successful enterprises as DBE firms in the infrastructure and transportation contracting industry. Davis and Allen discuss obstacles they have overcome to remain successful, how they attract and retain quality employees, and the people who have inspired their success. The P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs is hosted by Shelton A. Russell, publisher of American DBE Magazine.

    43 min

  6. 09/06/2022

    Fairpointe Planning CEO Tanisha Hall Visits The P3 Project Podcast

    Fairpointe Planning, LLC CEO and Principal Tanisha Hall visits the P3 Project podcast and shares her journey to growing a successful business in the transportation planning industry. Hall talks about her business strategy when starting the company, the importance of getting certified as a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) and a woman-owned business (WBENC); and how these certifications helped the company grow. Hall gives her thoughts on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) -- also know at the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. She also gives advice to aspiring DBEs about strategies to accelerate their success in the transportation industry and in government contracting. Visit https://fairpointeplanning.com/

    38 min

  7. 04/12/2022

    Legacy Rail Operations Co-Owners Gregory White and Jeffrey Wright

    Legacy Rail Operations co-owners Gregory White and Jeffrey Wright visit the P3 Project podcast to share their journey towards DBE success in building a rail operations consulting firm helping transit agencies across the country improve the design, construction and operation of passenger rail systems. The brothers discuss uniting Jeff's extensive experience working in rail operations at Chicago Transit Authority with Greg's business acumen and entrepreneurial experience to create a unique firm in the marketplace adding value to its clients. The brothers also discuss working together to build the company and carving out a niche in their market. http://www.legacyrail.com/

    36 min

  8. 03/23/2022

    DIGroup Architecture President Vince Myers Visits P3 Project

    DIGroup Architecture President Vincent Myers, AIA, LEED AP visits the P3 Project to share his firm's history as a merger of three architecture firms coming together to maximize their collective opportunity. Vince also talks about being a second generation architect after his father, Harvey Myers, became one of the first African American licensed architects in the state of New Jersey. He discusses the firm's strategy to take advantage of upcoming opportunities coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and how he is maximizing the firm's MBE and DBE certifications to add greater diversity in the design, engineering and construction industries. https://digrouparchitecture.com/

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The P3 Project for Diverse Entrepreneurs is a podcast helping diverse entrepreneurs in the infrastructure, construction and transportation industries live their passion, pursue their purpose, and grow their profits. Host Shelton A. Russell, publisher of American DBE Magazine, interviews thriving entrepreneurs, business experts and business leaders from across the country providing guidance to minority, women and diverse entrepreneurs seeking to improve their success in business. Small and diverse entrepreneurs that are MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE firms are especially encouraged to listen to the show.

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