Bogan’s Blueprints & Bold Moves:
Relationships Before Opportunity
When it comes to entrepreneurship, many people focus on the big ideas, the capital, and the hustle. Those matter—but according to Jamauri Bogan, CEO of Bogan Developments, the real foundation for entrepreneurial success starts with three letters: RBO—Relationships Before Opportunity.
“As an entrepreneur, we’re always looking for access to capital, access to people, access to resources,” Bogan says. “But in order to get access, it often requires relationships. Relationship capital is vital to being an entrepreneur.”
Building strong, genuine connections—with partners, mentors, capital providers, and community members—can open doors that no cold call or quick pitch ever could. Every person you meet has the potential to help feed your vision and expand your impact.
From Idea to Reality
Every business starts with an idea. For Bogan, the seed for Bogan Developments was planted in college. While studying personal financial planning, he met with a small business advisor to explore a range of ideas—from urgent care clinics to transportation services. But the conversation ultimately focused on real estate.
From there, Bogan drafted a multi-year plan, complete with financial projections, and began building the relationships that would turn that plan into reality. That roadmap eventually led to Zone 32, a $4.7 million redevelopment in Kalamazoo’s Northside that combines affordable housing, early education, and community revitalization.
The Freedom to Swing Big
Bogan’s leap into real estate development was made possible in part by timing—graduating at 22 with no debt gave him the freedom to take risks.
“I could take a swing at something huge,” he says. “And my swing was to create a real estate company, raise capital, and build projects.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Prioritize Relationships: Invest time in building connections before you need them.
Create a Clear Plan: A solid roadmap, with numbers to back it up, earns trust from partners and investors.
Leverage Your Position: Recognize your unique advantages—whether it’s time, resources, or expertise—and use them to take calculated risks.
For Bogan, the combination of strong relationships, a clear plan, and the courage to swing big has turned an idea into a company transforming communities.
