Community Highlights: Meet Derrick Solomon of Hard Bargain Association

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Solomon.

Hi Derrick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story really starts with two things: a love for people and a love for community. I spent over 12 years at Comcast NBC Universal leading and mentoring incredible teams, and while I was proud of the work we accomplished, I always felt this deeper pull — a calling to serve in a way that would leave a lasting impact, especially for those who didn’t always have a seat at the table.

Hard Bargain Association is personal to me. It’s not just another organization — it’s part of my family’s story. My wife’s grandfather, Reverend R.L. Denny Denson, helped found HBA to preserve and protect Franklin’s oldest historic African-American neighborhoods. When I had the opportunity to step into leadership here, it felt like God’s way of aligning my heart, my experience, and my purpose.

Spending over 15 years with the organization from an active volunteer to Executive Director, the journey hasn’t always been easy. Affordable housing is a tough field — especially in a place like Williamson County, one of the wealthiest areas in the country. The average home is now $1.2 million dollars. The average median sale is $805,00 and the median $115,000. But every time we hand the keys to a first-time homeowner, every time we watch a family put down roots in a neighborhood full of history and hope, I’m reminded why we do what we do.

At the end of the day, I’m just a servant trying to build something bigger than myself — a future where families can thrive, where history is honored, and where hope has a home. I’m grateful for every step that led me here, and even more excited about where we’re going next even in this current housing climate.

“Success isn’t measured by titles or trophies — it’s measured by the lives you touch and the communities you lift.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not, but those bumps in the road? I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Venturing into affordable housing in Williamson County, right next door to Nashville and one of the nation’s most affluent areas, has definitely presented its share of hurdles. You quickly see the disconnect between the core mission and the very systems meant to enable it. Navigating zoning regulations, the soaring costs of construction, and the tightrope walk of securing capital for those who need it most feels like a constant uphill climb. And perhaps the biggest ongoing effort is shifting the perception that affordable housing isn’t just charity—it’s a fundamental community necessity for the entire Nashville region.

We’ve certainly faced our share of nail-biting moments. Think delayed funding, projects teetering on the brink, and more ‘no’s than any of us would prefer. I even remember a time we had to unexpectedly shell out thousands just to prevent a project shutdown—all because of a minor sewer line misalignment. It’s those kinds of intricate details that can bring progress to a screeching halt.

But through it all, a crucial lesson has emerged: struggle isn’t a detour; sometimes, it’s the clearest sign you’re on the right path. I’ve witnessed firsthand how these challenges refine our vision, forge stronger partnerships, and deepen our resolve.

So, no, it hasn’t been a smooth journey. But each obstacle we’ve overcome has uniquely equipped us to lead with greater clarity, deeper empathy, and unwavering courage—qualities essential for building a more inclusive Nashville.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Hard Bargain Association, we build more than houses — we build legacy, equity, and hope.

We are an quarter century old grassroots, community-based nonprofit focused on preserving and revitalizing the oldest historic African-American neighborhood in Franklin, Tennessee: the Hard Bargain community. Our work centers around affordable homeownership — developing high-quality, energy-efficient homes for hardworking families who otherwise may be priced out of Williamson County.

We specialize in first-time homebuyer education, affordable housing development, and neighborhood restoration, with a deep focus on cultural preservation. What sets us apart is that we don’t just build homes — we walk alongside families throughout the entire process. From financial counseling to closing day, we’re there. That personal connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We’re proud to be known for our deep roots. We’re not an outsider-driven initiative — our organization was co-founded by community members, including my wife’s grandfather, the late Rev. R.L. Denny Denson. That history matters. Our work is led by people who live here, serve here, and believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors.

Our signature programs include our affordable housing builds, our Homebuyer Education Classes (certified by THDA & HUD), and our community engagement initiatives, such as our Annual Spring Cleanup, youth programs, and legacy events that honor the family heritage of Franklin.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud that we represent dignity in housing — showing that affordable doesn’t mean lesser. It means accessible. It means possible.

If readers take away one thing from learning about us, I hope it’s this:
Everyone deserves a place to call home. And that place should reflect pride, peace, and possibility. We’re here to make that happen — one family, one house, one street at a time.

Any big plans?
Our future is rooted in one word: expansion — not just in homes, but in impact.

At Hard Bargain Association, we’re planning to scale our affordable housing efforts beyond Franklin, deeper into Williamson County, and ultimately across Middle Tennessee. We’re currently working on the final homes on Glass Street, and preparing to launch new housing projects that will serve more first-time homebuyers — especially families who have been systematically excluded from the housing market.

We’re also expanding our Homebuyer Education offerings, partnering with local and regional banks, and connecting more families with grant opportunities and CRA mortgage products that reduce the financial barriers to homeownership.

One of the biggest changes on the horizon is our focus on adaptive reuse and innovative development. We’re exploring ways to convert underutilized spaces — like vacant lots near churches and municipal properties — into high-efficiency homes using sustainable designs. We were inspired by models we saw from developers at the Tennessee Housing Conference at the Music Center City in Nashville, Tennessee last week and are actively working to bring those ideas to life here. We look forward to working with more with our local municipalities for private public partnerships in the near future.

In addition, we’re building out our youth and leadership development pipeline to raise up the next generation of community builders, advocates, and leaders who understand the power of home and neighborhood preservation.

What we’re looking forward to most is this: continuing to honor the legacy of the past while building a future where every family has the opportunity to own a piece of the American dream — right here at home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hardbargain.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbaneighborhood/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardBargainAssociation
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-l-solomon-21313720/
• Twitter: https://x.com/HBAneighborhood
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@derricksolomon7295
• Other: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/498282/derrick-l-solomon-has-been-inducted-into-the-prestigious-marquis-whos-who-biographical-registry