Branka Minic, CEO

Building Talent Foundation

Branka Minic’s legacy in construction begins with her grandfather’s founding of Minichotherm in 1908, a construction business now led by her brother in Belgrade, Serbia – the city of her birth. Despite this longstanding connection, Minic, as a woman, was not permitted to work in her grandfather’s business. Minic earned a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Belgrade and soon after moved to the United States. After working in computer science and engineering, she discovered a passion for working with people and transitioned to a successful career in workforce development.

Minic’s career journey includes 16 years at ManpowerGroup, serving as the president of Future Work Consulting, and advising for prestigious organizations across the globe. Today, Minic is CEO of Building Talent Foundation (BTF), a national nonprofit she built from the ground up. Founded in 2019 by the Leading Builders of America (LBA) to solve the critical talent shortage, BTF is dedicated to advancing the education, training, and career progression of young people and individuals from underrepresented groups in residential construction. Minic’s work positively impacts families, communities and the industry.

As BTF’s CEO, Minic’s focus is on improving lives through meaningful employment, establishing and strengthening vital connections within the industry, building a sustainable talent pipeline, and utilizing technology through www.JobsToBuild.com, BTF’s career and jobs platform. The ambitious goal: to bring 100,000 new skilled trades workers into construction by 2030. To date, Building Talent Foundation has expanded its reach to 20 markets, served and coached over 100,000 individuals, and placed over 2,500 individuals into life-changing employment - 75% of those being youth - with the goal of revitalizing the industry and replacing retiring talent.

Minic and BTF actively work to reshape the workforce by empowering underrepresented individuals, including increasing the number of women working in construction. Minic firmly believes that women are a valuable and untapped source of talent, and BTF works to inspire women with rewarding opportunities they may not have considered. Reflecting on her journey, she states, “My younger self was full of doubts about my own abilities, and it prevented me from soaring earlier in life – we all have special talents and competencies. We should all have confidence in ourselves and follow our passions early on.” Under Minic’s leadership, BTF is already making a significant impact by bringing more than three times as many women into construction compared to the industry.

Through BTF, Branka Minic has established a unique legacy and remains deeply committed to changing lives, growing the construction workforce, and creating a substantial impact in the industry.

To learn more about Building Talent Foundation, visit: www.buildingtf.org