Mack Major has always exhibited a knack for entrepreneurism.
It was not because of a need for money but mostly for an outlet from his rigid engineering career.
About 20 years ago, Major said he turned to his home improvement hobby, where he has found success even as he continued his journey up the corporate ladder.
“There was a friend who inherited property from their grandparents. There were back taxes, and the house was a little bit dilapidated,” Major recalled. “I loaned them some money that I had saved working during the summer as an intern because he wanted to keep the property in the family.”
In short, Major’s friend realized an inability to afford the home and asked him to take the property.
“So, I fixed it up and did about $7,000 to $8,000 in repairs and put a tenant in there, and six months later, I sold it for $52,000,” Major exclaimed.
He was just 22 and on his way to a real estate career with flipping homes at the center of his business.
Major is the principal at House Tur Investments, LLC, where he proudly advocates for investors. His lending team supports a family of investors to ensure and protect their financial integrity.
Major said the mission of House Tur Investments, LLC, is to alleviate investors’ concerns with the loan process so they can focus efforts on real estate investment properties.
The company leads its investors through the acquisitions process to the sale of the property.
Major insists his journey wasn’t comfortable, particularly for an African American.
“The 22-year-old guy straight out of college,” Major, almost incredulously, recounted.
“I was just starting, and I had loans. I was stressed,” Major admitted.
Major continued:
“I was always worried that corporate America could snatch me, being a Black individual, at any point.”
With that, Major noted that he always endeavored to have a backup plan.
“I always wanted to have a secondary income, even though I was working my corporate America job and being an engineer, I just felt like I needed to be able to do that for sustainability,” Major stated.
He offered that he used money and credit that he’d obtained from his day job and parlayed that into purchasing more properties.
“It wasn’t just about my future, but those neighborhoods in those people that were surrounded because you have one or two blighted properties on that block,” Major said. “They were crime-infested, drug-infested, so rehabbing homes helped lift neighborhoods.”
Today, Major thrives in purchasing distressed assets, working with homeowners in foreclosure and bankruptcy.
“Real estate is my life, and I enjoy meeting new people and embracing the challenge of finding solutions that positively change lives,” Major proclaimed.
He hasn’t stopped there. He’s also the owner and partner of Gayanga Company, a consulting, engineering, and construction firm with offices in Houston, Texas, and Detroit, Michigan.
“We specialize in project management and construction with an emphasis in commercial and residential demolition, water and sewer works, and commercial and residential building and restoration,” Major said.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. concluded, “Throughout Black History Month 2021, the NNPA has focused on the continued excellence, high achievement, and success of African Americans in all endeavors of life including business and economic development. Mack Major’s outstanding career in real estate development exhibits the tremendous overall economic progress that results from hard work and service to Black families, businesses and communities across America.”
For those aspiring to flip houses, Major offers sage advice.
“You have to have a network of people around you to help you become successful,” Major deduced.
“You have to get to know the city officials where you are, get permits, contractors and suppliers. It’s a lot of work, and you have to find people who believe in you to loan you the money. Educate yourself, and I went out a got a builder’s license so I could really understand the trade. I knew what I was paying for, like if someone said you need a new roof or you need to redo the plumbing, you don’t overspend.”
Finally, Major cautioned about those individuals who might choose to work with you.
“A lot of [problems] came from the people that I employed,” Major said.
“I tried to employ friends, family, and people close to me because I wanted all of us to come up together. That didn’t go too well.”
Major’s next mission is to develop business incubators in cities like Detroit, where he’s working with returning citizens and veterans.
“I want these people who are returning not only to have a place to live but to learn trades and how to build,” Major assured.
“My wife is a Navy veteran and a doctor now. But, when she came back from Iraq and Afghanistan, many women were mistreated, sexually assaulted, and harassed. So, I want to allow women an opportunity to live in communities and feel like they are nurtured and developed and offer counseling and work in the community. I am trying to partner with different organizations to really help people. Even while I might be earning money, I believe I can do it and help people at the same time.”
