Article written and originally published by AGC Georgia.
Some people follow a direct path from a childhood passion to their career in construction. That wasn’t the case with Wallace Miles.
After playing professional football, including time with the NFL Detroit Lions and the Canadian Football League, he sought a fresh start—one that led him to a rewarding career as a project manager with Carroll Daniel Construction Company.
He credits his mother, Annette, for guiding him toward the industry. With 40 years of experience in construction, she connected him with an industry professional and that conversation led to an internship with a contractor. As they say, the rest is history.
For Wallace, the most fulfilling part of his work is the team environment. Specializing in public school construction, he values the diverse teams that collaborate to create spaces benefiting entire communities.
“Seeing the smiles of students and teachers when they walk into their new classrooms makes every challenge worth it,” he says.
Construction, for him, is about more than just buildings; it’s about shaping neighborhoods and making a lasting impact. He believes teamwork is the foundation of successful projects—when everyone works toward a shared goal, the whole team wins.
Beyond his work, Wallace is committed to mentorship. He authored UNDERR8TED: The Route That Caught an NFL Dream, sharing his journey of overcoming obstacles and finding success in unexpected places. “Life happens in moments, but the lessons we learn can last a lifetime,” he explains. His message? Challenges aren’t roadblocks, they’re stepping stones.
A passionate advocate for diversity in construction, Wallace emphasizes the need for greater African American representation in leadership roles. “The construction industry isn’t just about building structures—it’s about empowering young people to shape the future,” he says.
Inspired by James Baldwin’s words—“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”—he urges industry leaders to create more opportunities and visibility for African Americans in leadership.
One of the most meaningful projects Wallace has worked on is KIPP: Woodson Park Academy in Atlanta, near his childhood middle school. The project symbolizes hope for a long-struggling community, and witnessing students and staff embrace their new school was deeply moving.
“It was about creating a space that would serve as a beacon of opportunity for future generations,” he reflects.
“The construction industry is an industry of becoming. You are not born a contractor; you are made through the process of showing up and putting in the effort.”
Wallace believes construction not only builds communities—it builds character, offering endless opportunities for growth both professionally and personally.