Ebonie and Tarold Davis are crushing it in real estate development and Community Builders of Kansas City has been both a supporter and beneficiary of their growing success.
Ebonie has more than a dozen years’ experience with big area law firms as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, handling all aspects of commercial and residential real estate transactions and more before hanging up her own shingle, The Davis Law Office, in 2024.
“I did not envision being an entrepreneur, that was more Tarold’s realm,” she said. “It was a leap of faith and yet, just by word of mouth, the work has grown beyond my expectations.”
Her case load includes development, commercial leasing, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as navigating the very rigorous incentive channels for affordable housing work. “Affordable housing work can be tedious but so rewarding,” she said. “You see firsthand how your work transitions families from living in rough conditions to beautiful and affordable homes.”
Tarold started The Acquisition Group (TAG), a real estate development and investment company, in 2021 after years with an area company focused on quality affordable housing development in multiple states.
“When I launched my company, CBKC came right alongside me,” Tarold said. “Emmet (Pierson, Jr., president and CEO), Shannon (Hesterberg, chief operations and real estate officer) and Steve (Weatherford, chief financial officer) knew me. CBKC supported me on an earlier project, and they continue to involve TAG in different deals. It is pretty rare to have the support of an organization like CBKC.”
Both Ebonie and Tarold are working with CBKC on Urban 38, a redevelopment of the former Ivanhoe Gardens, an 80-unit multi-family property located adjacent to Bruce R. Watkins Drive at 37th & Euclid.
“They are a great young couple experienced in all aspects of developing quality affordable housing,” said Pierson. “They are experts in navigating the complexities of this kind of project, from legal and financing through construction and project delivery. They extend the CBKC team in such a good way.”
Tarold’s vision is for TAG to be vertically integrated, increasing efficiencies so the company can do projects that are socially responsible. “We are intentional about developing for a greater purpose, not just to make money,” he said. “It’s beyond development – we are a community partner.”
Ebonie shares that vision as well as some encouragement for other would-be entrepreneurs, “Don’t be afraid to pursue what you are passionate about. It can not only be a fulfilling career, but an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”