Episode 192: ‘Vision Builds Reality’ with Michelle James
In this episode:
Christi Powell and co-host Angela Gardner interview Michelle James, owner and operator of Grace Construction Group and coordinator for WIC Week at NAWIC Columbia, about pivoting into construction at 47 after work in nonprofit and the legal world, including serving as a municipal judge. Michelle shares why she chose construction after COVID, how her legal background helps with contracts, liability, and building business processes, and how she brings accountability to a family-run company through communication, meetings, documentation, goal-setting, and aligning projects to a mission. She emphasizes “the cost of silence,” arguing that asking questions prevents expensive project misunderstandings and creates a healthier team environment. Michelle also discusses faith-driven community giving, partnering with HomeWorks, and her former Prosperity Project nonprofit in Columbia.
Sponsored by: GirlUp Greenville and Groundbreak
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Meet Michelle James
00:43 From Judge to Builder
03:26 Why Construction Fits Women
06:31 Sponsor Break Girl Up
07:15 Legal Skills on the Jobsite
08:57 Scaling a Family Business
12:13 The Cost of Silence
15:59 Sponsor Break Groundbreak
16:36 Grace and Giving Back
18:47 Prosperity Project Story
20:52 Connect and Closing
22:26 Episode Wrap Up
About Michelle:
Michelle James is President and Owner of Grace Construction Group, a family-owned commercial construction company based in Columbia, South Carolina. After earning her degree from the University of South Carolina and building a career in the legal industry—including serving as a Municipal Court Judge—Michelle made a bold midlife pivot into the construction industry at age 47.
Prior to construction, she founded and led a nonprofit organization serving inner-city students in Columbia, building it from the ground up and managing staff, volunteers, and operations. Today, she oversees business development, financial management, subcontractor coordination, and client relations at Grace Construction, while helping transform the family business into a structured, growth-focused company.
Michelle is passionate about relationship-driven leadership and encouraging women to pursue new opportunities in every season of life.
