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BuzzHouse: Building community with R.E.D. Academy

Jul 15, 2025 · Authored by Garrick Gibson, Donald N. Bernards

Baker Tilly's podcast series specifically for professionals in the multifamily housing industry

In this episode of BuzzHouse, Don Bernards and Garrick Gibson sit down with Aron Thompson, executive director of R.E.D. Academy, a developer training program in Nashville backed by the Urban League and Amazon. From filling the "if-but-for" gaps to building a pipeline of local leaders, Aron unpacks what it really takes to grow a developer and why proximity, trust and support systems make the difference.

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BuzzHouse hosts

Donald N. Bernards

Donald Bernards, principal in the real estate group with Baker Tilly, has been active in many aspects of affordable housing since 1999.

Garrick Gibson

Garrick Gibson is a principal with Baker Tilly’s development and community advisory practice. He has more than 15 years of experience, specializing in partnership tax concepts and tax incentivized real estate for development projects.

Affordable housing resources

For articles, webinars and additional resources for developers, housing authorities, property managers, state housing credit agencies and lenders, visit our affordable housing page.

For more information on this topic, or to learn how Baker Tilly specialists can help, contact our team.