Community Highlights: Meet Reda Ibrahim of RK Contractors LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Reda Ibrahim

Hi Reda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Reda Ibrahim. I grew up in a small village in Egypt. I met my beautiful wife, Kalina, when we were both serving in a church community in Cairo. She is from Kansas City, Missouri, so this is where we settled when I was able to travel to the states. Moving here was a big culture shock, to say the least. I struggled to navigate this new culture, language, society, everything. I encountered people who helped me on this journey, people who are still my friends today. But I also experienced prejudice, racism, and other social injustices. I began working for roofing companies and grew my skills with hands-on work.

After a few years, I had the idea to start my own roofing company that would employ and train immigrants and refugees who encounter similar struggles as I did when moving to a new country. My wife was nervous about this venture, but she supported me as I went about forming my initial business, RK Roofing. With time, my skills and team grew, and so did my business. I founded RK Contractors LLC in 2018 and from the beginning began hiring local immigrants, refugees, second-chance citizens, anyone who is not generally given fair treatment in society and who needed a place to call home. The services we offer now include: residential and commercial roofing, flooring, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, concrete pouring, carpentry, whole-house framing, and more.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and there are unique challenges that come with being a minority business owner, particularly when leading a business that employs a minority-majority workforce. Unfortunately, discrimination in areas like funding is a reality. Minority business owners often face higher barriers to securing loans compared to their non-minority counterparts. However, there are programs that assist and advocate for minority-owned businesses, which can help level the playing field.

Even so, larger minority groups tend to have more support resources available. As someone who is considered a MENA minority, along with the majority of my employees, I’ve noticed that our community’s representation and support in the Kansas City area is relatively small. This, coupled with the stereotypes and misconceptions fueled by media portrayals, has added extra layers of difficulty.

That said, I’ve put a lot of effort into building positive and strong relationships within the local community. My actions carry extra weight because I’m not just creating opportunities for myself, but also for others from the MENA community who wish to be a part of contributing to and creating flourishing in Kansas City. Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to find a few great people who support me, which has made a significant difference. But we have a lot of work left in creating the unity I hope to see in Kansas City.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
RK Contractors is a Kansas City-based construction company known for its deep commitment to community building and social equity. We specialize in residential and commercial roofing, bathroom and kitchen remodels, framing, drywall, carpentry, and more. Our work not only creates welcoming spaces but also contributes to the broader community’s flourishing. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to empowering immigrants and refugees by providing them with trade skills and employment opportunities. Our diverse team, primarily composed of immigrants and minorities, reflects the vibrant fabric of the community we proudly serve.

At RK Contractors, we want people to know that choosing us means more than just hiring a contractor—you’re partnering with a company that is passionate about improving lives in Kansas City. We offer services tailored to fit your needs, providing customized quotes that ensure high-quality work at an affordable price. Whether it’s through a custom renovation or a community-focused project, our goal is to make everything we touch a little more beautiful. We’re particularly proud of our collaboration with Nueva LLC to build affordable housing in the Lykins Neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri.

We are always eager to discuss new projects and continue building strong relationships across the city. If you’re interested in working with us, we’d love to hear from you.

What matters most to you?
Love others because Jesus loved me. I am loved and accepted by Jesus and this motivates me to work and create work opportunities. Then, I love people to equip them to feel loved and accepted. Then, I ask them to love others in the workspace as I loved them. This love is what planted the vision inside me. The vision inside was so strong that it made its way out into reality. And when the vision was out of me, it became a mission. That’s when I made delegations for who to carry it and continue it with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rkcontractorskc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rkcontractorsllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkcontractors.co
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rkcontractorskc
• Other: mailto:info@rkcontractors.co