Developer Spotlight: Reggie Brown
At 1DROP, we’re proud to uplift BIPOC developers committed to housing, community, and lasting impact. This Developer Spotlight features Reggie Brown, founder of Louis Rudolph Homes, longtime real estate developer, and a champion for passing opportunity to the next generation.
Reggie's work is deeply rooted in family history, resilience, and faith. Born in Oakland and raised in Concord, California, Reggie's passion for real estate stems from the powerful stories of his grandparents, Rudolph Ware and Lewis Brown, who defied racial barriers to protect and secure land for their families. That legacy of perseverance continues to guide his mission today.
Building from Legacy
Reggie's path into real estate development was inspired by the sacrifices of those who came before him. In 1863, his maternal grandfather’s family managed to buy 700 acres in Louisiana, an almost unimaginable feat for a Black family during that era. Decades later, they discovered valuable natural gas deposits on the land, proof that their commitment paid off across generations.
On his father’s side, Lewis and Ellen May Brown creatively overcame racial covenants in California to purchase their home, employing workarounds and building relationships to achieve what was otherwise denied to them. For Reggie, these stories are a call to action, not just pieces of history.
“I’ve just been very lucky and very blessed that people have come into my path over the years to help me get to the next step.”
- Reggie Brown
Turning Challenges into Momentum
As a Black developer, Reggie has seen firsthand that understanding how to put together a deal, and finding the equity to back it, can be the biggest hurdles. But over time, he mastered the art of structuring projects and building relationships with funders.
“Narrow the scope of what you want to build and where you want to build it,” he says. Whether it's duplexes in Tacoma or single-family homes elsewhere, clear focus creates faster, more strategic progress.”
- Reggie Brown
Where Legacy Meets Community
Among the projects closest to Reggie's heart are Lawrence, G20, and East 29th—a project he developed with his siblings, rooted in family collaboration and shared success. Using proceeds from a previous investment (originally supported by his mother’s loan), Reggie brought his siblings into the fold, helping them launch their own development company. Together, they broke ground on their first duplex project in December 2024.
These milestones are the realization of Reggie's core belief: family and community first.
From Left to Right: Angela Brown, Annie Brown (Matriarch), Jonathan Brown, Brandi Brown, Reggie Brown, Lexie Brown, Veronica Brown, Chris Brown.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Reggie’s focus is on creating opportunities for underrepresented developers, “Success is about lifting others. My goal is to support 40 underrepresented developers in completing their first projects within five years,” he says. He also hopes to see early entrants scale their work to 40+ units annually, helping reshape the real estate landscape.
Through Louis Rudolph Homes and his mentorship efforts, Reggie is committed to making sure opportunity doesn’t stop with him—it multiplies.
Reggie delivering insights at the 1DROP Inaugural Developer Kickoff.
About 1DROP
1DROP is a collective of underrepresented real estate developers addressing the Puget Sound housing crisis. We are committed to empowering underrepresented developers to build housing for all wages, all stages, and all ages while growing access to generational wealth.
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Advocating for funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development for emerging underrepresented developers.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all underrepresented developers.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP's website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
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