Celebrating Martin Jones II’s Achievement of His General Contractor License

At R.J. Leeper Construction, we believe in recognizing the dedication and achievements of our team members who strive to grow both personally and professionally. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on project engineer Martin Jones II, whose recent accomplishment of earning his General Contractor License is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and passion for construction.

A Builder of Dreams, Ideas, and Legacies

Martin Jones II has always been a builder—not just of structures but of dreams, ideas, and legacies. Growing up, his knack for creating things shined through in unexpected ways. His mother loves to tell stories of her son excelling in elementary school art competitions, always finding joy in putting things together. But it wasn’t until later in life that Martin discovered construction would become the cornerstone of his career and purpose.

“I was always drawn to creating something from nothing,” Martin said. “Whether it was art, sports, landscaping, or T-shirt branding, I wanted to make things better, to leave something behind.”

While his early years included a deep passion for basketball, Martin’s construction journey began taking shape during his time at North Carolina A&T State University, a prestigious historically Black college in Greensboro, North Carolina. There, he discovered a new calling through his coursework in construction management and his entrepreneurial ventures.

“Construction gave me a way to bring my creativity and problem-solving together,” Martin shared. “I realized I could build not just structures, but also a future that helps communities thrive.”

The Road to a General Contractor License

Earning a General Contractor License is no small feat, and for Martin, it required grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to his goals. The journey began with identifying the right institution offering a curriculum tailored to the licensing test. Fortunately, a friend provided guidance, leading Martin to enroll in courses with Aldridge Consulting Group.

These courses included video modules that broke down the 11 essential books required for the exam. The program catered to various learning styles, featuring highlighted test information, supplemental resources, and detailed study aids that helped Martin master the material.

To qualify for the license, Martin completed 20 pre-qualification modules, each with its own challenges. These modules involved evaluating his financial standing—assets, liabilities, and working capital—while also completing background checks and providing character references. The extensive application process required significant effort, including assembling detailed personal and family information, which took almost two months to finalize.

“The application alone felt like a hurdle,”   Martin shared. “But with diligence and focus, I stayed on track and finished the self-paced course in four months, giving me the confidence to schedule my exam.”

The exam itself was no walk in the park. It consisted of 100 questions, with a time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Despite his thorough preparation, Martin initially missed passing by just two points. However, he didn’t let this setback define him. After a mandatory 30-day waiting period, Martin reevaluated his study approach, dedicated additional time to practice tests, and ultimately passed his second attempt!

“Every failure sets you up for a bigger success,” Martin said. “The hardest part wasn’t the information—it was believing in myself and staying disciplined.”

Through perseverance, tons of preparation, and a commitment to self-improvement, Martin successfully achieved his General Contractor License. This accomplishment represents not only a significant professional milestone but also a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome challenges.

Guiding Principles and Vision

For Martin, his journey isn’t just about professional success—it’s about living by a set of personal principles. “Have some pillars in your life. Mine are: faith, family, finances, fitness, and freedom,” he shared. “Anything that doesn’t involve those—I’m probably not doing it. These pillars give you parameters, benchmarks, and standards. They keep you grounded in your ‘why.’ If you fall, at least you’ll fall on your foundation.”

Affectionately nicknamed the "construction preacher" by his mom, Martin is known for sharing motivational quotes and wisdom with everyone he meets. “I always have a quote of the day,” he said with a smile, underscoring the positivity he brings to his work and life.

Martin’s Advice for Aspiring Builders

Martin’s journey is an inspiration for anyone pursuing a career in construction. His advice? Start with self-improvement and find a mentor who can guide you through the process.

“Work on your mindset first,” he explained. “Construction will challenge you, but if you’re grounded in who you are and what you want to achieve, you’ll find success. And always surround yourself with people who can teach and inspire you.”

Advice Given to Martin 

One of Martin’s most memorable career experiences came during his first project after graduating college—a pivotal moment that shaped his vision for the future. His first job out of school involved constructing an office building for a major tech company.

During an OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meeting, Martin had a chance encounter with the project owner, who arrived in a sleek Ferrari—his first time seeing one up close. Martin went up to the project owner and asked him, “What did you do to get that?”.

“I worked hard, stayed diligent, and persisted through challenges,” the owner replied.

For Martin, this brief interaction was transformative. “That moment made me realize there’s no limit to what you can achieve,” he said. “Seeing the owner’s freedom and success opened my eyes to what’s possible in this industry.”

Exposure to the owner’s accomplishments and vision inspired Martin to think beyond immediate tasks and focus on building his legacy in construction.

Looking Ahead

With his General Contractor License in hand, Martin is ready to take on new challenges and make an even more significant impact at R.J. Leeper Construction. He sees this milestone as the beginning of a new chapter, with opportunities to lead projects that address critical needs like affordable housing and community development.



“This license is a step toward building a legacy,” Martin said. “It’s not just about personal growth—it’s about changing lives and creating opportunities for others.”

Congratulations, Martin, on this outstanding accomplishment!

We’re proud to have you as part of the R.J. Leeper Construction team and can’t wait to see what you build next.

***Disclaimer***
The mention of North Carolina A&T State University, Aldridge Consulting Group, and any other schools, institutions, or brands in this article is for context and storytelling purposes only. These entities are not affiliated with or endorsing R.J. Leeper Construction or this publication. All trademarks, names, and logos remain the property of their respective owners. This article is solely intended to highlight the personal achievements and journey of Martin Jones II.