Building Stronger Foundations: Atlas Real Estate Development’s Journey with the MN PROMISE Act

🎥 Check out Michael Atlas’s short spotlight video to hear his story firsthand!

Meet Michael Atlas, the proud owner of Atlas Real Estate Development, Inc., a business that has been thriving for 22 years in the residential construction industry. Specializing in heavy to moderate renovations, light commercial buildouts, and some new construction, Michael’s expertise shines in interior finishes. “When I first started out, I was a finish carpenter for a few years, a union finish carpenter,” he shares, reflecting on his roots.

Receiving funds from the MN PROMISE Act was a pivotal moment for Michael. “It was timely. We were just coming out of COVID, so we were post-COVID and the civil unrest,” he explains. With a strong network of clients and repeat customers, Michael’s craftsmanship has always spoken for itself. “I do got a vast network, you know, just of clients and repeat customers, 'cause I'm a good carpenter.”

The grant helped him explore new horizons, especially in marketing. “I never had a budget for marketing and two, I didn’t really know what I was doing,” Michael admits. Now, with support from the PROMISE Act, he’s leveraging platforms like Thumbtack, enhancing his website, and even advertising in local cafes. “I got some advertisement on their tables coming out in the short. That’s what I felt like was the best use of that capital.”