If you’ve spent any time looking into the Central Ohio housing market lately, you’ve probably heard the name Mike Jenkins. Or maybe you saw that viral clip from late 2024—the one where a woman in an affluent neighborhood didn’t believe he lived there. It was everywhere. But behind the social media noise and the "Ring camera" headlines, there is a much more complex story about a guy who basically rebuilt his entire life from scratch to become a powerhouse in the Columbus real estate scene.
His full name is DaMichael Jenkins, though everyone calls him Mikey. Honestly, the "Mike Jenkins real estate developer Ohio" tag doesn’t quite capture the breadth of what he’s doing. He isn't just flipping houses or putting up cookie-cutter suburbs. He’s the COO of a company called 3D Visionz, and he’s carved out a niche for himself by focusing on high-end, custom home design and "visionary" development.
The Real Story Behind the Success
Mikey wasn't born into a corporate boardroom. He likes to say he was "born with it," but that refers to the construction dust on his boots, not a trust fund. He grew up in a family of builders and realtors. His grandfather was a Master Custom Home Designer, and that influence is pretty obvious when you look at the projects 3D Visionz puts out.
But it wasn't a straight line to the top.
There’s a piece of his history that often gets glossed over in the glossy brochures. Mike Jenkins is a developer who openly talks about reforming his life after serving time in federal prison. It’s a detail that matters because it informs how he does business. He isn't just looking for the next exit; he’s building a legacy. Since 2013, when he transitioned to full-time development, he’s closed over 100 deals.
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We’re talking about:
- Creative financing and deal structuring.
- Wholesaling and renovation rehabs.
- Custom, high-end single-family developments.
- Consulting for new investors.
Why 3D Visionz Stands Out in Ohio
The Columbus market is crowded. Seriously. You can’t throw a rock in Franklin County without hitting a new luxury condo project. So, how does Jenkins keep setting record-high comparables?
It comes down to what he calls the "3D Vision." Most developers look at a lot and see square footage. Jenkins looks at it like an artist. He handles the architectural designs himself, bringing a sort of "flair" that attracts buyers willing to pay above asking price. It’s about the aesthetic as much as the framing.
He's also deeply embedded in the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus & Franklin County. This is an important distinction. While he builds high-end custom homes, he also understands the systemic need for housing equity in Ohio. You’ll find him listed among the seasoned developers who help steer the conversation on how Central Ohio grows without leaving people behind.
Navigating the "Viral" Side of Real Estate
It’s impossible to talk about Mike Jenkins in 2026 without mentioning the racial profiling incident that went viral. In late 2024, a video surfaced of a neighbor, Michelle Bishop, questioning his presence at his own home. By January 2025, the story had reached a fever pitch with tearful apologies and national news coverage.
It was a mess.
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But for Jenkins, it seemed to serve as a catalyst for his philanthropic work. He and his wife, Brittany Jenkins (a licensed social worker), founded the Jenkins Hope Foundation. They aren’t just building houses; they’re trying to build community resilience. This isn't just corporate social responsibility fluff—it’s a direct response to the friction points he’s experienced as a Black developer in traditionally white-dominated spaces.
The Business of Mentorship
If you’re trying to follow in his footsteps, you should know he’s big on mentorship. He doesn't gatekeep. Through his coaching programs, he teaches the "nitty-gritty" of real estate that you don't find in textbooks.
- Precision in Design: Don't just build for the market; build to move the market.
- Authentic Networking: He’s built his scale through "high-achieving business partners" who value directness.
- Heritage Matters: He often cites his family’s multi-generational experience as his foundation.
He’s a husband and a father of two. When he isn’t at a job site or in a design meeting, he’s probably playing tennis or traveling. He says travel is where he gets his best design ideas. Seeing how people live in Tokyo or London helps him bring something "different" back to the Ohio suburbs.
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What’s Next for Mike Jenkins?
The "Mike Jenkins real estate developer Ohio" narrative is only getting bigger. As Columbus continues its tech-fueled boom (thanks, Intel), the demand for the kind of custom, visionary housing 3D Visionz provides is skyrocketing.
If you're looking to get involved in the Ohio real estate market, or if you're a buyer looking for something that isn't a "beige box," keeping an eye on his upcoming developments is a smart move. He’s proving that you can have a "checkered" past and still build a golden future, provided you have the grit to back up the vision.
Next Steps for Investors and Buyers:
- Check the Comparables: Look at recent 3D Visionz sales in Central Ohio to see the actual "above-asking" trends Jenkins is setting.
- Investigate the Affordable Housing Trust: If you’re a developer, see how their programs align with the kind of community-focused work Jenkins supports.
- Follow the Foundation: The Jenkins Hope Foundation is a great way to see how real estate wealth can be redistributed into community advocacy.
- Get a Mentor: If you're new to the game, don't try to wing it; look into established programs that focus on creative financing and deal structuring.