2025 We Are Making Black History Honoree | Building Cincinnati’s Future From the Ground Up 🏗️

Meet Kai Lewars, Principal and Founder of Kaiker Development + Construction. Kai has known since his youth that he wanted to be involved in construction. He made his dream come true when he founded Kaiker Development + Construction in 2015.

A Portland native, Kai earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and studied construction engineering management at Oregon State University. Kai pursued new opportunities when he moved to the Queen City in 2016. He purchased a portfolio of properties and took a role with Terrex Development, before solely focusing on scaling Kaiker Development +  Construction in 2021.

“I was raised to be elite in my endeavors, a dedicated family man, first-generation American, and a passionate builder of both structures and community,” said Kai.

Becoming a father to his firstborn son Malakai was a “cornerstone” event for Kai, motivating him to work towards setting future generations up for success in his profession. He volunteers with improvement programs and mentors youth interested in construction and development. He credits his mother with shaping him into the leader he is today, valuing hard work, integrity, and helping others.

“I hope to leave an organized legacy of innovation, community-centered development, and Resilience,” said Kai. “I want to be remembered as someone who not only built buildings but also uplifted people and contributed to the growth of a stronger, more inclusive Cincinnati.”

That’s what makes Kai a 2025 We Are Making Black History honoree.

Presenting Investors: BT RISE and Frost Brown Todd