UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION’S BOURBON STREET BENEFACTOR RENEWS $300,000 SUPPORT 10 YEARS LATER

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Contact: Mary Bliss McCrossen

504-421-1792

marybliss@uncommonconstruction.org

 

10 YEARS AFTER A CHANCE ENCOUNTER ON BOURON STREET, PHILANTHROPIST BROOK T. SMITH RENEWS HIS TRANSFORMATIONAL DONATION TO LAUNCH NONPROFIT’S NEXT DECADE OF IMPACT

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, November 13, 2025—Ten years ago this week, a chance encounter on Bourbon Street led to a transformational $300,000 gift to unCommon Construction in the organization’s first year. Now, the organization’s “Bourbon Street Benefactor,” Brook T. Smith is renewing that donation with another $300,000 donation.

Since that meeting, the New Orleans-based nonprofit has validated a new model for workforce development that hires cohorts of high school students - called “apprentices” - for an on-the-job training program that positions them as leaders of themselves, each other, and adult partners on day-to-day construction projects. unCommon’s holistic “earn-and-learn” program provides apprentices with soft and technical skills, hourly pay, school credit, and the opportunity to earn scholarships based on their earnings and attendance.

“The way that unCommon Construction has taken shape over the past decade is nothing short of spectacular,” said Smith. “Its impact is far-reaching, with so many wonderful outcomes. The elements of unCommon are unique - on the job training that gives young people skin in the game with a share of the revenue in these projects, which are also investments in each other and their community. The diverse impact it has had locally and nationally is really unprecedented and is changing the game for education, workforce, construction, and more. The best is clearly yet to come.”

As the legend goes, unCommon’s founder, Aaron Frumin, ventured to Bourton Street on a Sunday afternoon after losing a bet to sing karaoke with out-of-town guests. On a pitstop at a nearby dive bar, he had a happenstance meeting with Smith, an entrepreneur and philanthropist visiting from Louisville, KY. In their initial conversation, unCommon’s mission and emerging impact struck a chord for Smith, inspiring him to make a $50,000 commitment to the organization. Over the course of several months, Frumin invited Smith to become more immersed in the nonprofit's work, resulting in him multiplying that gift by six “to send unCommon into orbit.”

“It’s a different spin than, ‘Let’s teach people construction,’” Smith said about his first gift to unCommon. “It’s more thoughtful. It’s not all about how you use a hammer - it’s how you’re interacting with someone else and thinking ahead and strategy. It’s time to put the wind in the sails of those that are making a difference in the world.”

The gift was the catalytic investment that fueled the organization’s growth from just 15 apprenticeships in 2015 to 100 in 2025. Over that time, unCommon has hired students for more than 550 apprenticeships, earning them more than $715,000 in wages and scholarships. The program’s success has also garnered national support and partnership from philanthropic funders such as the Catalyze Challenge, the Yass Prize, corporations such as Wolverine Boots, Lowe’s, and Sherwin-Williams, and workforce development advocates such as Mike Rowe.

“From a chance meeting on Bourbon Street to a decade of partnership, Brook has been part of unCommon’s story from the very beginning,” said Aaron Frumin, Founder & CEO of unCommon Construction. “His belief in our apprentices and in this work gave us the confidence to take big swings early on, and his renewed support today helps launch us into our next chapter. Brook’s trust and partnership remind us how far we’ve come — and how much more we can build together.”

Original 2015 story

About unCommon Construction
unCommon Construction (uCC) is a nonprofit that empowers youth with the skills, networks, and resources to lead the workforce. Through their construction apprenticeship program, high school students earn hourly pay, scholarships, and school credits by working alongside a diverse team of peers, educators, and industry professionals to build a house or other construction project. Through hands-on training, leadership opportunities, and professional development, uCC prepares students to succeed in the construction industry and beyond. Since its founding in 2015, uCC has created more than 550 apprenticeship roles that have collectively earned over $600,000 in net pay and scholarships. uCC is headquartered in New Orleans where they recently opened the unCommon Campus to expand their programming to adults and youth of all ages. To learn more, please visit http://www.uncommonconstruction.org/, or visit our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook (@uncommonconstruction). 

About Brook T. Smith

Brook Smith lives in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduating from Clemson University with a degree in finance, he returned to Kentucky and launched a career in the insurance industry, specifically surety, as a broker with his agency Smith Manus (now Acrisure) and as a risk-taker when a partner in Lexon Insurance Group (sold to Sompo). He is a serial entrepreneur and big supporter of numerous philanthropic endeavors. He started owning and racing horses 20 years ago, but has been most active in recent years primarily through his Rocket Ship Racing, winning a handful of stake races while having several runners graded stakes placed. Most recently, Brook joined Coolmore and their connections and is a co-owner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, Sierra Leone.

“I came in knowing nothing. Now I see a career path for myself.”

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Abby is a young mom, a high school junior, and one of unCommon Construction’s hardest-working apprentices.


Every week, she shows up with determination—not just for herself, but for her daughter, Vivianne. Whether she’s learning to use new tools, practicing teamwork, or exploring career options, Abby is building a future filled with possibility.


“I came in literally knowing nothing,” she says, “and I’m coming out with a lot of knowledge, a lot of friends, and a lot more.”


When she found out she was pregnant, Abby knew things had to change.
“I needed a job. I needed to support myself and Vivianne.”


unCommon’s program not only provides skills, but also a paycheck, access to scholarships, emergency funding and staff support — making the program the right fit for Abby.


At first, she didn’t think construction was for her.
“I don’t seem like the type for manual labor—but it really worked out. And this program helped me see that you don’t just have to work with a hammer. You can be a manager, work in an office—there are so many possibilities for a career for myself.”


Now, Abby is dreaming big.
“I want to graduate college. I want Vivianne to go to a good school. I want to feel stable, find peace and happiness, and be involved in my community.”


In just one week, early giving opens for GiveNOLA Day—and you can help make Abby’s vision a reality.


Your support fuels programs that empower young people to discover their strengths, build real-world skills, and step into leadership.


UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES 2025 GREATER NEW ORLEANS INDUSTRY CIRCLE COHORT

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Contact: Taylor Pettit

504-233-0139

taylorp@uncommonconstruction.org


UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES 2025 GREATER NEW ORLEANS INDUSTRY CIRCLE COHORT

In its second year, local nonprofit celebrates deepening collaboration with construction industry leaders committed to building the next generation of skilled professionals

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, May 13, 2025 — unCommon Construction, a local nonprofit that uses the construction build process to empower youth with the skills, networks, resources, and experiences to lead the workforce after high school or college, has announced its 2025 Greater New Orleans Industry Circle (GNOIC) cohort. Now in its second year, the GNOIC includes 15 leading construction companies who have joined the network to invest in the next generation of builders, while supporting equity and sustainability in the regional workforce.

“We’re proud to be growing this community of partners who are committed to building not just houses — but opportunities, relationships, and the future of our region,” said unCommon Construction Chief Executive Officer Aaron Frumin. “The GNO Industry Circle is helping us scale our impact by aligning with companies who are ready to invest in leadership development and expand access to careers in construction for our apprentices and alumni.”

Each year, unCommon Construction partners with public schools, homeschools, and youth-serving organizations to provide technical and soft-skills training for youth ages 16–20 through a paid apprenticeship model. Apprentices earn an hourly wage, school credit, industry exposure, and scholarships while building a house or other project over the course of a school year. Since 2015, the program has created over 500 apprenticeships that have earned more than $550,000 in net pay and equity awards.

GNOIC members engage unCommon youth year-round through events like hiring fairs, build days, field trips, and mentorship opportunities. In addition to their financial support, members provide direct access to professional networks and career pathways for young people.

“The construction industry has long recognized the challenges of a severe labor shortage,” said Tom Barnhill, Project Executive at AECOM Hunt. “Organizations like unCommon Construction and their collaboration with the Industry Circle are playing a vital role in closing this gap by preparing the next generation of construction leaders.”

“As an inaugural member of the Industry Circle, AOS is proud to support unCommon Construction’s transformative work,” said Caroline Morgan, VP of Marketing and Strategy at AOS Interior Environments. “We’ve seen the impact firsthand, welcoming unCommon alumni to our team and watching these young professionals bring fresh perspective, purpose, and talent to the field.”

Members echo that the partnership is more than philanthropy — it’s strategic, future-facing workforce development.

“Mayer Building Company participates in unCommon Construction’s Industry Circle because we believe in building more than projects — we’re building a stronger industry and community,” said Ryan Mayer, Owner of Mayer Building Company. “Supporting young people who are learning the value of hard work, fairness, and collaboration reflects the same principles that guide our company every day.”

“At Gallo, we pride ourselves on our core values — Family, Service, and Performance,” said Travis Carter, Safety Manager at Gallo Mechanical. “The future of the industry is up to us. That means making sure new employees have every tool available to be successful, just like we’ve done for the last 80 years.”

The 2025 GNOIC includes the following member levels:

The GNOIC is co-chaired by Andre Kelly of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Jeb Bruneau of the Associated Builders and Contractors – New Orleans/Bayou Chapter.

GNOIC membership opens each January and closes March 31. For more information on unCommon Construction and the Greater New Orleans Industry Circle, visit www.uncommonconstruction.org or contact info@uncommonconstruction.org.

About unCommon Construction
 unCommon Construction (uCC) is a nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to lead the workforce after high school or college. Through the apprenticeship program, students earn hourly pay and high school credits by working alongside a diverse team of students, educators, and industry professionals to build a house or other construction project. Along the way, apprentices gain valuable professional and leadership skills, and access to industry networks. Since its founding in 2015, uCC has partnered with over 20 public schools in two cities (New Orleans and Minneapolis), and hired more than 500 of their students who have collectively earned over $550,000 in net pay and Equity Awards. To learn more, visit www.uncommonconstruction.org or follow @uncommonconstruction on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.



My identity is not a barrier—it’s a strength.

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When Charlotte Lundy joined unCommon Construction, she was a passionate high school student searching for direction. Today, she’s a graduate of the program, a future architect, business owner, and part of the 2% of architects in the U.S. who are Black women.

Before unCommon, Charlotte rarely saw people who looked like her in the field she dreamed of entering. But through mentorship, hands-on learning, and a supportive community, she found the tools—and the belief—to pursue her goals.

“The most valuable lesson I took from unCommon was that my identity, my experiences as a Black woman, are not obstacles—they are strengths.”

Charlotte has now graduated with her master’s in architecture, determined to create spaces that reflect the culture and diversity of the communities they serve. Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when young people have access to opportunity and support.

“unCommon changed my life and opened doors I never thought I could walk through.”

Help More Youth Like Jake Build Their Futures!

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Jake working with GiveNOLA Logo

Jake giving a Thumbs up with aaron

Jake looking at the camera on a build site


When Jake first joined unCommon Construction, he was looking for another extracurricular. A friend who was also homeschooled had suggested the program, and at 16, he thought it might be fun to try.  He didn’t have much knowledge about construction, but after three semesters of hands-on experience, Jake realized he loved building more than he expected.

Originally planning to attend college on an ROTC scholarship for engineering, Jake decided to put that on hold. Instead, he took a gap year to work on residential builds in Arkansas—and stayed for two years. "I just learned so much," he says. "When you start at the bottom and work your way up, you have a different perspective."

Returning to New Orleans, Jake explored his options and shadowed a neighbor working in restoration construction. That opportunity led to a promotion from Superintendent to Project Manager within a year. Now, he’s planning to own his own construction company and get training in estimating.

“I never would have found what I loved if it wasn’t for unCommon Construction,” Jake shares. “I was going to go to college for something I wasn’t interested in. uCC showed me how cool new construction is.”

Your support makes stories like Jake’s possible. Join him in making a difference by donating today and helping more youth like Jake discover their potential!

P.S. When you give $500 or more, you can become a part of the Hammer & Nails Society, joining a special group of donors who are building futures in the trades.

Hard Hats, Soft Skills: Aaron Frumin on How unCommon Construction Builds Futures

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Aaron had the incredible opportunity to be featured on Pitch Playground, a podcast from 4.0 Schools that highlights education innovators and social entrepreneurs working to solve big challenges.

Check out the episode Hard Hats, Soft Skills: How Aaron Frumin's unCommon Construction Prepares Students for College and Career Success to hear how uCC is building brighter futures—one house (and one apprentice) at a time. Apple Podcasts

You can also find it on Spotify here: Spotify Link

Even better? Pitch Playground made it to Apple Podcasts' New & Noteworthy list!
Find it on your favorite podcast platform and let us know what you think!

UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATES 10th ANNIVERSARY BIRTHDAY BASH WITH HUNDREDS OF SUPPORTERS

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Organization celebrates ten years of supporting hundreds of youth to pursue career or continuing education after high school

NEW ORLEANS, LA— unCommon Construction (uCC), a nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to join the trades or continue their education after graduating high school, celebrated their tenth Birthday Bash, September 21 at the Marigny Opera House, with over 250 attendees.

Over the course of a semester, uCC apprentices, aged 16-20, learn valuable trade skills and “soft skills” while building a house or another project. Currently, the organization serves 75 apprentices each year at their headquarters in New Orleans and in their new site in Minneapolis. Apprentices receive hourly pay, school credit and a matching  scholarship upon completion. 

uCC highlighted the success of its alumni, like Charlotte Lundy who used her scholarship to build her own business that helped support her as she pursues her Masters of Architecture degree.

Charlotte Lundy

 

“As a black woman, this journey has been one of resilience and determination, as black women represent only 2% of architects nationwide. Surprisingly, this 2% figure is higher than it was two decades ago when black women architects represented only 0.5% of the industry, “ Lundy said. “UnCommon played a pivotal role in shaping that path for me to become a part of the 2%.”

The event also highlighted uCC’s forthcoming campus expansion in New Orleans. The unCommon Campus will be a $3.5 million project that includes spaces for youth and adults to come together to learn more about the construction trades, continue their training, and earn certifications.

The event featured a silent auction, live band and a VIP patron party for special guests, sponsors, and Industry Circle partners. uCC’s Greater New Orleans Industry Circle includes locally based companies who provide philanthropic support as well as mentoring, engagement and employment opportunities for apprentices. 

Pictured from Left to Right: Arthur pulitzer, aaron frumin, sandra pulitzer, ben frumin and alexa pulitzer

“We are thrilled to have everyone in the room together,” said CEO Aaron Frumin. “To see all of unCommon Construction’s community who have come out to celebrate ten years of impact is so moving and truly monumental, especially as we enter a new phase of growth to deepen our impact in our New Orleans community.”

spencer grant, mpls site director and charie gill, mpls advisory team member p

Sponsors of the event included Pelican Playgrounds, First Horizon Bank, LP Building Solutions, Gibbs Construction, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, freeGulliver, Perrier Esquerre Contractors, DNAworkshop, 84 Lumber, SVN Urban Properties, Solomon Group, Riess LeMieux, Concordia, DM Steib LLC, Title Stream, Amanda Price Events, Sazerac/Goldring Family Foundation and Joe’s Septic Contractors. 






About unCommon Construction
unCommon Construction (uCC) is a nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to lead the workforce after high school or college. Through the apprenticeship program, students earn hourly pay and high school credits by working alongside a diverse team of students, educators, and industry professionals to build a house or other construction project. Along the way, apprentices gain valuable professional and leadership skills, and access to industry networks. Since its founding in 2015, uCC has partnered with more than 15 public schools in two cities (New Orleans and Minneapolis), and hired more than 450 of their students who have collectively earned over $475,000 in net pay and Equity Awards. To learn more, please visit www.uncommonconstruction.org, or visit our social media accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook (@uncommonconstruction). 





UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION LAUNCHES GREATER NEW ORLEANS INDUSTRY CIRCLE

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In celebration of their upcoming 10th anniversary, local non-profit convenes unique network of construction leaders working collaboratively to empower regional youth development programs

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, April 16, 2024—unCommon Construction, a local non-profit organization that uses the construction build process to empower youth with the skills, networks, resources, and experiences to lead the workforce after high school or college, launched its first cohort of the Greater New Orleans Industry Circle (GNOIC) this spring. Seventeen construction companies serving the region joined as founding members to support the organization’s mission and deepen their engagement with the 100 high school apprentices who participate in the program each year. 

“We’re excited to have so many leaders in the Greater New Orleans construction industry make this commitment to serve our youth through this unique opportunity for collective action,” said unCommon Construction Executive Director Aaron Frumin. “This new industry circle will increase unCommon’s impact on the leadership development of our apprentices and alumni who represent the next generation of skilled leaders in our community.”

unCommon Construction partners with public schools, homeschools, and youth-serving organizations to  provide training in soft and technical skills for youth ages 16-20 through its apprenticeship program. Apprentices earn above-minimum-wage hourly pay, school credit, and scholarships for building a house or other project over the course of a school year. The experience provides them with exposure to a lucrative career in the trades and opportunities to develop their leadership potential.

“Since 2015, unCommon Construction has developed 400 apprentices who have earned over $400,000 in pay and scholarships from their work in the program,” said Michael DeGruy, GNOIC co-chair and President of Ryan Gootee General Contractors. “As members of the GNOIC, we’re honored to help the organization grow their impact over the next ten years.”

Members will convene multiple times throughout the year to discuss how to support and develop a younger and more diverse workforce for the construction industry. 

“There’s a huge shortage of workers in the construction industry nationally,” said Sarah Busch, GNOIC co-chair and Vice President of Operations for Landis Construction. “unCommon’s GNO Industry Circle will help the local construction community continue to grow our workforce and empower the next generation of leaders for our industry.”

Members will also have first access to engage directly with apprentices and alumni through volunteer build days, field trips, hiring fairs, mentorship opportunities, and “lunch & learns.” 

“The Palmisano Foundation and RNGD are committed to fostering professional growth for the next generation of builders,” said Wes Palmisano, CEO of RNGD and  President of the Palmisano Foundation. “unCommon Construction has provided a unique opportunity for our team to mentor and engage with apprentices through hands-on training, creating a fun learning experience for both the RNGD team and unCommon apprentices.” 

In this inaugural year, members are looking toward the long-term impact their support can provide in creating more robust local workforce development opportunities and a stronger regional economy.  

“At LEMOINE, we recognize the profound impact of Uncommon Construction's mission on the youth of greater New Orleans,” said William Lemoine,  President of Building Construction for LEMOINE. “We firmly believe that investing in the development of our youth through organizations like Uncommon not only enhances individual opportunities but also contributes to the long-term prosperity and resilience of our community.”

Along with co-chairs Sarah Busch and Michael DeGruy, the GNOIC is co-chaired by Andre Kelly of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors (LAGC) and Jeb Bruneau of the Associated Builders and Contractors - New Orleans/Bayou Chapter (ABC - NO/BC), two national trade associations that provide support to the construction industry. 

Pictures right to left: Sarah Busch (Landis Construction), Aaron Frumin (unCommon Construction), Jeb Bruneau (ABC), Andre Kelly (AGC), and Michael DeGruy (Ryan Gootee General Contractors)

“The work of Aaron and unCommon Construction is easily one AGC’s proudest efforts we support. It makes sense for the industry and will greatly benefit our members both now and in the future. Having been a part of UnCommon’s growth from infancy, we at AGC are confident of the impact this organization will have on the youth of New Orleans and count ourselves lucky to stand with these students and this grand character-framing organization.” - Andre Kelly, LAGC’s ​Vice President of Member Projects and Southeast Area Manager for Southeast Louisiana

“The partnership between ABC New Orleans/Bayou and Uncommon Construction is a powerful example of collaboration for a stronger community. By working together, we can provide vital opportunities in workforce development and ensure a skilled and qualified construction industry talent pool. This focus on building up the local workforce will not only benefit the businesses involved but also create a ripple effect of positive economic and social development throughout Greater New Orleans and Bayou areas.” - Jeb Bruneau, ABC-NO/BC’s President and CEO

2024 GNOIC Members:

Leaders ($10,000 donation): Landis Construction, LEMOINE, RNGD, Ryan Gootee General Contractors

Journeyman ($5,000 donation): AOS Interior Environments, Frischhertz, Gallo Mechanical, Roof-Tech

Helpers ($2,500 donation): A-1 Electrical, AECOM Hunt, Brighter Horizons, C.D.W. Services, LLC, Gibbs Construction, Mayer Building Company, RMS, Southern Builders of Louisiana, Inc., VPG

GNOIC Membership opens in January and closes on March 31st each year. To learn more about unCommon Construction’s work and impact and the Greater New Orleans Industry Circle, please visit www.uncommonconstruction.org or contact development@uncommonconstruction.org. 



CERTAINTEED SUPPORTS UNCOMMON CONSTRUCTION’S NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

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The National Manufacturer Provides Youth with Materials to Build Homes in New Orleans and Minneapolis

NEW ORLEANS, LA, January 23, 2024— unCommon Construction is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with CertainTeed, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain North America and leading manufacturer of sustainable building materials, has teamed up with them to support their apprenticeship programs in New Orleans and Minneapolis. unCommon Construction uses the build process to empower youth with the skills, network, resources, and experience to lead the workforce after high school or college. CertainTeed is providing important building materials for home construction projects led by unCommon Construction’s apprentices.

“unCommon Construction is so grateful for CertainTeed’s support of our impact on youth development,” says Executive Director Aaron Frumin. “A donation of building materials like this can be a game-changer for our program and also provides our apprentices with the opportunity to see how much members of the construction industry want them to succeed.'“

Over a semester, unCommon Construction apprentices, aged 16-20, learn valuable trade skills and “soft skills” while building a house or another project. Currently, the organization serves 75 apprentices each year at its headquarters in New Orleans and at its new site in Minneapolis. CertainTeed’s first donation of Grace Ice & Water Shield™ underlayment and shingles is being used to build a new house on N. Roman Street in the Seventh Ward of New Orleans with 25 apprentices.

“CertainTeed is committed to serving communities across the country,” says CertainTeed Siding Vice President & General Manager and Saint-Gobain North America Foundation President Joe Bondi. “We know how important it is to train and develop the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. That’s why we’re proud to support the incredible young leaders at unCommon Construction.”

CertainTeed will also supply roofing materials for unCommon Construction’s new campus building located on Freret Street in the Central City neighborhood of New Orleans. The unCommon Campus will provide a space for increased programming for apprentices and community members and will be the headquarters for the organization’s continued growth and expansion to other cities. 

unCommon construction alumnus and general contractor josh bolds stands with a donation of goods from certainteed

Through innovative and sustainable building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed, founded in 1904 and headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, is at the forefront of industry advancements that are making the world a better home. With building science as its foundation, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds – making it easier than ever to create high-performance, energy-efficient solutions for where we live, work and play.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The group had total sales of approximately $5.6 billion in 2021. www.certainteed.com.