Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenia Jones.
Hi Kenia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My entrepreneurial journey has been built on faith, determination, hard work, and a passion for creating opportunities not just for myself, but for others.
In 2012, I founded First Midwest Investments, a real estate investment and consulting company, with a vision of helping individuals navigate the real estate market, build wealth through property ownership, and recognize the value of investing in their communities.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong belief that real estate is one of the most powerful tools for building generational wealth. What started as a passion for real estate grew into a business focused on real estate consulting, property investments, redevelopment, and helping others turn their real estate goals into reality.
Like many entrepreneurs, my journey hasn’t always been easy. I’ve faced challenges, learned valuable lessons, and had to make difficult decisions along the way. However, every obstacle has helped shape me into the businesswoman I am today. I’ve learned that success requires patience, consistency, resilience, and the willingness to take calculated risks.
Over the years, I’ve expanded my entrepreneurial portfolio beyond real estate into several industries, including retail, hospitality, and community development. As the owner of multiple businesses, I’ve had the opportunity to create spaces, provide services, and contribute to the economic growth of Detroit.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been combining entrepreneurship with community service. As a co-founder of the Fenkell Avenue Business Association and through my involvement with The Movement Stop The Violence Detroit, I’ve been able to advocate for small businesses, support youth development, promote neighborhood revitalization, and help connect residents and entrepreneurs with valuable resources and opportunities.
I’m especially passionate about the revitalization of Detroit. I believe in investing in neighborhoods, restoring properties, supporting local businesses, and showing others that there are opportunities to create success right here in our city.
Today, more than 14 years after founding First Midwest Investments, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also recognize that I’m still growing, learning, and evolving. My journey has never been just about owning businesses or acquiring properties. It’s about creating a legacy, building generational wealth, empowering others, and making a lasting impact in my community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road! Entrepreneurship and real estate are a lot like riding a roller coaster. There are highs, lows, unexpected turns, and moments when you question whether you’re heading in the right direction. But I’ve learned that those challenges are all part of the journey.
Being an entrepreneur means wearing multiple hats, making difficult decisions, taking financial risks, and constantly adapting to changes in the economy and the real estate market. In real estate, you face challenges such as fluctuating property values, unexpected renovation costs, financing obstacles, managing contractors, and the uncertainty that comes with investing. There are times when things don’t go according to plan, and you have to figure out how to turn a setback into an opportunity.
One of my biggest lessons has been understanding that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, sacrifice, consistency, and sometimes starting over when things don’t work out as expected. I’ve had to learn to trust the process, believe in my vision, and keep pushing forward even when the road gets difficult.
Balancing multiple businesses, family, and my commitment to community service also comes with challenges. However, I’ve always believed that your purpose has to be greater than your obstacles.
What keeps me motivated is knowing that my work is making a difference. Whether I’m helping someone navigate the process of investing in real estate, encouraging a new entrepreneur, revitalizing a property, or connecting families with resources, the greatest reward is being able to help others.
For me, success isn’t measured solely by how much money you make or how many properties you own. It’s measured by the lives you touch, the opportunities you create, and the legacy you leave behind.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder and owner of First Midwest Investments, a real estate investment and consulting company I established in 2012. We specialize in real estate consulting, property investments, residential and commercial real estate, property redevelopment, and helping individuals understand how to build long-term wealth through real estate.
As a licensed real estate agent, investor, and entrepreneur, I have a passion for helping people recognize opportunities in real estate, whether they’re purchasing their first home, exploring investment properties, expanding their portfolio, or simply learning how real estate can create financial freedom and generational wealth.
One of the things I’m especially passionate about is revitalizing Detroit, one property and one neighborhood at a time. I believe that real estate is about more than buying and selling properties. It’s about restoring value, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and helping people see the potential in areas that others may have overlooked.
In addition to real estate, I’m a serial entrepreneur with businesses in several industries, including retail, hospitality, and personal services. Each business represents a different part of my entrepreneurial vision, but they all share a common purpose: creating opportunities, providing valuable services, and contributing to the economic growth of our community.
What I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily the properties I’ve invested in or the businesses I’ve established. It’s the impact I’ve been able to make along the way. Through my involvement with The Movement Stop The Violence Detroit and as co-founder of the Fenkell Avenue Business Association, I’ve been able to combine my entrepreneurial experience with my passion for community development. From supporting small businesses and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs to helping revitalize neighborhoods and providing resources to families, giving back has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just see real estate as a transaction; I see it as an opportunity to transform lives and communities. I understand the challenges of entrepreneurship because I’ve experienced them firsthand. I know what it means to take risks, overcome setbacks, and build something from the ground up. That experience allows me to connect with people on a personal level and offer practical guidance, encouragement, and real-world knowledge.
I also believe that there is room for everyone to succeed. I’m not afraid to share information, connect people with resources, or help another entrepreneur get started. To me, true success is not just about what you accomplish for yourself, but how many people you can help along the way.
My ultimate goal with First Midwest Investments is to continue expanding our real estate portfolio, creating opportunities for homeownership and investment, and playing a meaningful role in Detroit’s continued growth and revitalization.
I want my legacy to be bigger than the businesses I own. I want to be remembered as someone who opened doors, created opportunities, inspired others to dream bigger, and helped make a difference in the city I love.
What’s next?
I’m really excited about what the future holds! I believe there’s always another level to reach, another opportunity to explore, and another way to make a difference.
My goal is to continue growing First Midwest Investments by expanding our real estate portfolio, investing in residential and commercial properties, and creating more opportunities for individuals to build generational wealth through real estate. I’m especially passionate about revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods and transforming underutilized properties into valuable community assets.
I’m also looking forward to expanding my real estate consulting services and sharing my knowledge with aspiring investors and entrepreneurs to help them achieve financial independence.
Another major focus is community development and youth empowerment. Through The Movement Stop The Violence Detroit, we’re working toward developing a youth training center that will provide entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, career development, and life skills. I also plan to continue advocating for small businesses and neighborhood revitalization through the Fenkell Avenue Business Association.
Most importantly, I’m focused on building a lasting legacy for my family while creating opportunities that positively impact others.
For me, the next chapter isn’t just about building a bigger business. It’s about building a bigger impact.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come since founding First Midwest Investments in 2012, but I truly believe the best is yet to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.1stmidwestinv.com
