Photo By: A Byrdseye Photo
Breaking Glass
Written By: Ambrea Mikolajczyk
My name is Ambrea Mikolajczyk and I am one of the first Black Female Real Estate Developers in the Northwest Ohio region and the country. A native of Toledo, OH I met my husband Kevin while we were teenagers working at the athletic apparel store Finish Line. I later discovered we attended the same high school, Roy C. Start. I earned a fully paid for academic scholarship from The University of Toledo with a Pharmacy Administration Degree. I studied and made connections in order to land a career that spanned 15 years as a pharmaceutical sales manager for Pfizer, and then Genzyme.
Curious about real estate, Kevin and I attended an auction and purchased our first distressed properties: a house and a duplex. Not having experience in the fields of construction nor real estate, we attended meetings, watched videos, read, and researched everything we could to gain a better understanding of these industries. We partnered with experienced professionals to assist us in our efforts. With each project we placed our livelihood on the line, using every dollar of our personal savings, 401K and Roth IRA plans, loans and all the sweat equity we could muster to invest in our neighborhoods. Fast-forward to today, we have renovated over 20 structures, improved property values in desolate communities, and own and manage, with our team, nearly 200 apartments.
In 2017, I felt a calling to leave my successful career in pharmaceuticals to launch our construction company, where I am majority owner. Kevin and I had acquired the knowledge necessary to help clients with their construction needs and we wanted to pursue this new venture full-time. I named the company ARK, because very much like Noah in The Bible, I knew our novel career journey would be challenging, yet necessary. I knew the move would require tremendous faith in order to see it through to have any success. I also knew that starting the company would be difficult to navigate especially as a Black woman, as we are a scarcity in this male-dominated field.
It's been very challenging navigating the field of real estate and construction as a black woman. The industries are harsh and difficult to penetrate. I find myself having to always explain my presence in certain rooms, I’m here because “I own a construction company,” I’m here because I own this building.” I recently held a ribbon-cutting for the largest project we’ve ever tackled, a former Wonder Bread factory and I was referred to as the tour-guide, the spokesperson and the realtor, all great professions but all of which I am not. People have a tough time rationalizing me owning buildings and having employees. When I applied to become a minority certified company in my hometown, I was denied initially. The reason given: they did not believe I actually owned the company and I was simply a front for who was truly in charge. Even though I face ridiculousness like this on a daily basis, I refuse to let it stop me from the necessary work that has to be done in the space. I recently read a quote:
“You can’t be what you can’t see” by Marian Wright Edelman.
The impossible is in fact possible, regardless of the industry or what is deemed an acceptable career path for women. To show we are more than the box that we are placed in. To normalize women leading as change agents for their communities and economic growth drivers.
Curious about real estate, Kevin and I attended an auction and purchased our first distressed properties: a house and a duplex. Not having experience in the fields of construction nor real estate, we attended meetings, watched videos, read, and researched everything we could to gain a better understanding of these industries. We partnered with experienced professionals to assist us in our efforts. With each project we placed our livelihood on the line, using every dollar of our personal savings, 401K and Roth IRA plans, loans and all the sweat equity we could muster to invest in our neighborhoods. Fast-forward to today, we have renovated over 20 structures, improved property values in desolate communities, and own and manage, with our team, nearly 200 apartments.
In 2017, I felt a calling to leave my successful career in pharmaceuticals to launch our construction company, where I am majority owner. Kevin and I had acquired the knowledge necessary to help clients with their construction needs and we wanted to pursue this new venture full-time. I named the company ARK, because very much like Noah in The Bible, I knew our novel career journey would be challenging, yet necessary. I knew the move would require tremendous faith in order to see it through to have any success. I also knew that starting the company would be difficult to navigate especially as a Black woman, as we are a scarcity in this male-dominated field.
It's been very challenging navigating the field of real estate and construction as a black woman. The industries are harsh and difficult to penetrate. I find myself having to always explain my presence in certain rooms, I’m here because “I own a construction company,” I’m here because I own this building.” I recently held a ribbon-cutting for the largest project we’ve ever tackled, a former Wonder Bread factory and I was referred to as the tour-guide, the spokesperson and the realtor, all great professions but all of which I am not. People have a tough time rationalizing me owning buildings and having employees. When I applied to become a minority certified company in my hometown, I was denied initially. The reason given: they did not believe I actually owned the company and I was simply a front for who was truly in charge. Even though I face ridiculousness like this on a daily basis, I refuse to let it stop me from the necessary work that has to be done in the space. I recently read a quote:
“You can’t be what you can’t see” by Marian Wright Edelman.
The impossible is in fact possible, regardless of the industry or what is deemed an acceptable career path for women. To show we are more than the box that we are placed in. To normalize women leading as change agents for their communities and economic growth drivers.
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ARK Restoration & Construction, a minority-certified construction business, provides quality construction services for residential, industrial, and commercial clientele. As a locally-grown business, we support our workforce, many of whom are people of color, because ARK strives to provide economic opportunity for our family of employees.
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In 2017, Kevin and I purchased a former Wonder Bread Factory, an 80,000 square foot building that had been vacant for 20+ years, the $7.5M dollar project will be converted into 33 new loft apartments with office space on the first floor. The Lofts at WB is a groundbreaking development in the Historic Vistula neighborhood in Toledo that has long experienced disinvestment and structural barriers to capital and development. The project will greatly add to the economic development plans and overall growth of our community and region. I believe in supporting and championing causes that ensure the progression of the community, realizing that I can only do my small part, but it is worth doing nonetheless less. Every decision made I keep this top of mind, I currently mentor young ladies as well as volunteer and serve on
several impactful boards: The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Toledo Warehouse District Association, The University of Toledo Alumni Association, and Mosaic Ministries. I believe in supporting businesses and championing causes to remove the hurdles and barriers that exist. My mission remains true today and everyday to improve my community through development, construction, and motivation. To lead by example and encourage women to leave their legacy by using the gifts they were given.
several impactful boards: The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Toledo Warehouse District Association, The University of Toledo Alumni Association, and Mosaic Ministries. I believe in supporting businesses and championing causes to remove the hurdles and barriers that exist. My mission remains true today and everyday to improve my community through development, construction, and motivation. To lead by example and encourage women to leave their legacy by using the gifts they were given.
How I Met The Author
I was blessed to meet Ambrea Mikolajczky in my 2nd tour of living in Toledo. We connected over kids sports at the school that our children attended. Back then and even more so now, I can't understand how and when Ambrea finds the time to run a history making successful business, pour out into the community through leadership / mentorship and be awesome wife and very hands on Mom. Even though she is breaking glass ceilings all over the City of Toledo, you will still see her in the morning dropping off at school, in the pick up line, and at various school events. The best part is that she does this with the brightest smile and warmest hello. Ambrea is truly amazing... she is truly SUPERWOMAN!
I was blessed to meet Ambrea Mikolajczky in my 2nd tour of living in Toledo. We connected over kids sports at the school that our children attended. Back then and even more so now, I can't understand how and when Ambrea finds the time to run a history making successful business, pour out into the community through leadership / mentorship and be awesome wife and very hands on Mom. Even though she is breaking glass ceilings all over the City of Toledo, you will still see her in the morning dropping off at school, in the pick up line, and at various school events. The best part is that she does this with the brightest smile and warmest hello. Ambrea is truly amazing... she is truly SUPERWOMAN!