By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Sometimes, to make a house a home, you have to first fix what’s broken. That’s exactly how local business owner and community leader Blair Johnson approaches both real estate and public service.
Johnson is the founder of BMJ Enterprises, a Toledo-based remodeling and property investment company. He’s also stepping into a new role—running as an Independent candidate for Toledo City Council, seeking one of the six at-large seats.
We sat down with Johnson for a candid conversation about what drives him, the difference between real leadership and just holding a title, and how he hopes to create lasting change, one project—and one person—at a time.
The Foundation Is People
“If the foundation isn’t strong,” Johnson said, “everything else will fall apart. And in our communities, the foundation is people.”
That’s not just talk—Johnson’s lived it. With years of experience in residential remodeling and inspection, he’s seen firsthand how poor housing conditions can affect families. But he’s also watched how a little help—like a new roof, working heat or clean water—can lift people up.
“We don’t need heroes,” he explained. “We need listeners. People who will actually hear what residents are saying and figure out how to help. I’m not running to be a politician. I’m running to be a public servant. I just want to serve again.”
Before launching his own business, Johnson built a career rooted in service and leadership. He worked for the United States Postal Service for seven years as a carrier, clerk and supervisor—roles that strengthened his belief in fairness, efficiency and community connection.
He later transitioned into the private sector, managing regional operations for a hospitality and parking services company across cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Gary and Durham. Whether supervising mail routes or leading multi-city teams, Johnson says the same skills—clear communication, problem-solving and a heart for people—now help him deliver for his community in more meaningful ways.
Two Types of Investors, One Need
Johnson doesn’t just work on houses—he thinks deeply about housing. In our conversation, he explained that Toledo has “two types of investors.”
“There are the ones who just want to come in, flip properties and make money,” he said. “But then there are the ones who care about the community. They want to help fix up the neighborhood, create affordable housing and give people a decent place to live.”
He believes the city can do more to help the second group.
“There are already programs that help with things like new roofs, windows or energy-efficient furnaces,” he shared. “But just because something exists doesn’t mean people understand how to access it. A lot of people just don’t know where to start—or they get stuck in the process.”
The Power of Listening
Throughout our talk, one theme kept coming up: listening. But not just listening to reply—listening to understand.
“People know when they’re being ignored,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen folks pour their hearts out at town halls, the next month, nothing changes. That’s not listening.”
He compares real leadership to being a plumber. “Sometimes the problem isn’t what you see on the surface. You’ve got to listen carefully to find out what’s happening underneath. Then you fix the leak.”
Building the Next Generation of Builders
Johnson is only 35, but he’s already thinking about who will come after him.
“People aren’t going into trades like they used to,” he said. “But we’re always going to need people to fix things—carpenters, electricians, plumbers. Robots aren’t coming to hang drywall anytime soon.”
One of Johnson’s long-term goals is to train and hire local residents, especially young people, and teach them these skills.
“Even if they don’t stay with me forever, that’s okay,” he said. “I’d love for them to learn, then start their own businesses. That’s how we grow.”
He describes it like planting a garden. “If I grow one strong tree, that tree can drop seeds. Those seeds become more trees. That’s how we build a forest.”
Event Spotlight: Building Black Wealth
Johnson’s commitment to empowerment goes beyond housing. As a member of the Greater Toledo Realtist Association (GTRA), he’s helping to host Building Black Wealth Day on April 12 at the brand-new Wayman Palmer YMCA. The event is free and open to the public.
“We’ll have financial coaches, housing experts and local leaders sharing real tools,” he said. “A lot of people want to buy homes or fix their credit, but they don’t know where to start. We’re going to help with that.”
The event aims to make financial literacy feel less intimidating. “We’re not going to throw big words at you,” Johnson promised. “This is about giving people what they need in a way that makes sense.”
From the Mailbox to the Meeting Room
When asked why he decided to run for council, Johnson doesn’t hesitate.
“Our people need help,” he said. “And not just help—they need someone who will really show up.”
He talks about his parents’ backgrounds in service—his mother worked for the U.S. Postal Service, and his father is a Navy veteran and business consultant.
“I was raised to believe in working with people, not just over people,” he said. “That’s what public service is supposed to be about.”
Johnson’s not flashy, and he’s not trying to be. But what he offers is something every city needs: someone who cares enough to roll up their sleeves and do the work.
Home Is a Team Effort
Toward the end of our interview, we laughed about how home improvement projects can take over your life—and how having someone to guide you through it makes a big difference.
“Sometimes, I even need someone to coach me through my own house!” Johnson jokes. “Homes are like puzzles, and when the pieces are everywhere, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.”
But that, he says, is the whole point.
“You don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s fixing a house or fixing a system, we all need help. That’s why I’m doing this. Because if we work together, we can build something that lasts.”