A Decade Strong: LaTasha McCall’s Trailblazing Journey in Construction

It was ten years ago that LaTasha McCall made a bold decision- one that would reshape not only her life, but also the landscape of the construction industry in Kansas City.

A decade later, she stands unwavering and grateful as the leader of a thriving construction business, a monumental feat built on perseverance, faith, and relentless determination. 

As the owner of LM2 Construction & Consulting, McCall is a pioneering force in one of the nation’s most male-dominated industries. While her presence alone challenges stereotypes, it is her proven longevity and commercial success that truly distinguish her impact. What began as a dream- one she wasn’t sure the city was ready for has grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise and powerful symbol of what resilience can build.  

In 2015, a pivotal moment arrived. Kelvin Perry, then President of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City, presented LaTasha McCall with a challenge and a calling: the city needed another strong Black-owned general contracting firm. With the passing of Byron MacIntosh of Greenleaf Construction, the Chamber believed McCall was the one to step into that legacy and fill a critical void.  

Her initial response came with understandable hesitation.  

“I told him no, several times,” McCall recalled. “I wasn’t interested because I didn’t believe this city or our industry was ready for a Black woman–owned contractor.”

But Mr. Perry saw something in me that I did not yet see in myself, and he was persistent. 

With that encouragement behind her and a newfound conviction growing within, McCall took the monumental leap. She left her secure job at a general contractor firm, cashed out her entire 401(k), and invested over $200,000 of her own savings into the company she dared to believe in.

In spite of her enthusiasm, the road ahead was anything but smooth. Banks refused her loans. Insurance companies denied her coverage. Doors were slammed before she even had a chance to knock. But for McCall, quitting was never an option. Though the path was fraught with resistance, McCall saw it as an opportunity to break barriers and build a vision. And that, she did. 

Her faith kept her steady on the road to success, particularly drawing strength from Romans 5:1-5, a scripture about finding peace, hope, and endurance through suffering. Through every obstacle, she would be reminded that she was not alone, and her commitment to staying the course would indeed pay off. She continues to live that promise today. For LaTasha McCall, construction leadership is not a job; it’s her purpose. 

“It’s a seven-day-a-week commitment,” she explains. “In this arena, you have to be better- you have to be ten times better than everyone else, just to earn your place at the table.”

When LaTasha McCall walks onto a job site, she owns it. For her, confidence is not optional; it’s a fundamental tool for triumph. “If you don’t believe in yourself and what you bring to the table, it will quickly work against you,” she states. McCall made a decision to boldly earn her spot at the table while setting out to pave the way for others through advocating for wage and opportunity equality, highlighting the necessity of industry support, and building a business that clients can trust.

“Being a Black woman is challenging and inspiring in this field. At first glance, people may struggle to believe in me and what I do, but the work we do at LM2 speaks for itself and has consistently transformed hearts and minds.” McCall explains.

For McCall, the mission has always been bigger than buildings and herself.

“I did this to break barriers for women in construction,” she affirms. “Not for recognition, but for purpose.” 

Her entire career has been a masterclass in showing up, speaking out, and standing firm on what’s right. Being the only Black woman contractor in the room does not define Latasha; it propels her. 

Reflecting on a decade of undeniable success, McCall shared the powerful, hard-won lessons that have guided her journey:

• On Ambition: “In the words of Tony Gaskins, life waits on no one. If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to build theirs.” 
• On Resilience: "No matter how bad things get, get up and show up. Never take advice from someone who has never run a successful business."
• On Wisdom: "Don’t regret your failures; learn from them. Learn from people more successful than you." 
• On Self-Preservation: “Celebrate your wins in silence when you need to; some people can’t handle your success. Rule over your emotions- a calm mind can handle any situation.” 
• On Balance: “Keep pushing, but take care of yourself. Work-life balance matters.” 
• On Self-Belief: “Always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, why should anyone else?

For young Black women entering the field, McCall’s advice is straightforward and uncompromising:

“Be ready. Stay positive. Believe you belong. Above all, she insists, “You can’t like this work; you have to love it.”

Despite the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, McCall has spent a decade building more than structures; she has built a stronger, more inclusive community. McCall’s commitment to her community is unwavering, reflected in her deep-rooted relationships and her professional journey, which has always been intertwined with her advocacy for justice and community support. She is passionate about building a stronger economy, uplifting individuals and families, driving social change, and promoting equity.

“It’s bigger than me,” McCall affirms. “If change is going to happen, it has to be for the whole community.” 

McCall credits her success to her unwavering faith, her supportive network, and her own remarkable determination. She also acknowledges the vital role played by the many individuals, organizations, and companies that poured into her company and stood by her side. 

As LM2 Construction & Consulting celebrates this remarkable 10-year milestone, LaTasha McCall stands as a living testament to what faith, courage, and unbreakable determination can build. Her story is not just a milestone; it’s a blueprint for the next generation who will rise, lead, and continue to transform the industry. In the years to come, McCall is determined to broaden her reach and champion the growth of emerging leaders in construction.