Bryan “Scottie” Irving got involved in construction in high school, worked as a construction teacher at Booker T. Washington Public Charter School, and even as a sports agent. Originally from Columbia Heights, the founder and owner of Blue Skye Construction, LLC got his start when his grandfather gave him his first apartment building.

Not yet out of high school, Irving began renting out the building, then, years later, moved onto development, buying and converting more properties to rent out. Eventually, he started Blue Skye Construction, an award-winning construction and development firm and DC government-certified contractor. But his true passion through Blue Skye Construction is giving back to the city he grew up in.

Through the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program, which helps businesses better compete in contracting opportunities, Blue Skye Construction has been able to take advantage of contracts they may otherwise have missed. “This is a small city, everybody knows somebody and says ‘Yeah, give me that contract’. But our council people and people in the mayor’s office are smart enough to say, ‘If I give them this, this is going to be a big mistake’”.

But Irving says being a CBE has made people take a closer look at Blue Skye’s work. “Now they have to take a look at us, and as they take that look they find out there’s more there than just a building. There is something that you can grab on to, some sustainability in us, some good fabric to us,” says Irving. “DC spends close to $1 billion a year on construction and other goods and services, and we return that tax dollar to the people in DC.”

Now a company with more than 13 years of experience in business, their services have expanded to include construction management and consulting. But more than that, the company maintains an unwavering focus on bettering the DC communities where they work.

Through engaging DC residents with employment opportunities in government-issued projects—including community centers such as Rosedale Recreation Center and Edgewood Recreation Center, and parks such as Mitchell Park and Volta Park—they invest in making DC a better place.

Today, Irving stays dedicated to his community roots, and not just through his work with Blue Skye. He’s currently a board member for the District of Columbia’s Housing Finance Agency and the Boys and Girls Club of Washington. His passion doesn’t end there—he’s also involved with several local charities and homeless prevention initiatives.

Irving has built his mission on his construction work to improve communities and be an integral part of making Washington, DC a thriving city. Irving and the entire Blue Skye Construction team look forward to continuing working with local neighborhoods and engaging DC residents!