Meet The Team
Patrick Beal
CEO of Detroit Training Center
Patrick began his career in Landscaping and Property Management before co-founding Beal Incorporated, a Demolition Contracting business, in 2006. While growing Beal Inc., he earned a Finance degree with a specialization in Hospitality Business Real Estate Development and Construction from Michigan State University in 2010. He has overseen millions in construction and demolition projects, and Beal Inc. was recognized as the third fastest-growing company in the INC 500’s 2010 edition. In 2011, he co-founded MeritHall, a staffing company that has since grown to employ over 100 workers across Metro Detroit.
In 2012, Patrick co-founded Detroit Training Center, where he now serves as CEO, leading Workforce Development and Construction Training initiatives. Under his leadership, the company has graduated over 1,500 students and won multiple awards, including the SBA Emerging Leaders and 2019 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. He spearheaded the Contractor Development Training Program and secured funding to support Detroit-based contractors in the housing restoration sector.
In 2019, he co-founded Corktown Historic Developments LLC, focusing on real estate projects in Detroit. In 2021, he and his partners acquired Beaubien Property Acquisition LLC, renovating it to house a commercial kitchen for Strauss Brothers in Eastern Market.
Talia Greenberg
Business Development Specialist
Talia Greenberg finds purpose in developing community assets at the human scale to create systemic change. She believes that her work comes to life through process awareness, centering conversations and lived experiences to reveal how the larger ecosystem we inhabit is reflected in daily life.
Talia joined DTC in November 2024 as the organization’s first Business Development Specialist. Talia’s professional work focuses on researching and designing impact measurement tools in the architecture and construction industry. She has contributed to a range of tools quantifying barriers to work in AEC, operational and embodied emissions, and tracking organizational and regional development goals. Before returning to Detroit, Talia was based in Ithaca, NY and Los Angeles, CA pursuing similar research.
Outside of DTC, Talia provides design services for several projects in metro Detroit and spends time advocating for building deconstruction, material innovation, and circular design practices in commercial architecture.
Talia graduated in 2021 from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Design + Environmental Analysis and concentration in Urban and Regional Studies. She is a 2022 Challenge Detroit alumni and enjoys the unique design community in Detroit.
Layla McMurtrie
Communications Manager
Layla is a communications specialist with a background in journalism, digital media, and nonprofit work. She is passionate about amplifying the stories of underrepresented individuals in Detroit.
At Castle Rouge, DTC’s future home, Layla built the social media presence from the ground up. She captures video clips and photos for posts, writes and edits content, drafts and sends internal and external newsletters, and maintains communication with partners—along with managing other key communications tasks.
Outside of Castle Rouge, Layla is a freelance journalist covering Detroit’s arts and culture. She also co-founded The Vision Detroit, a nonprofit that provides young local artists with the tools to succeed. Through The Vision, she hosts Tell A Vision, a podcast where she interviews Detroit artists and helps them share their stories with the community.
She loves that her role at DTC allows her to merge her passions for communications and community impact.
Bram Lesko
Digital Services Manager
Bram is a graduate of Wayne State University and native of Southeast Michigan. He started at Detroit Training Center as a Social Media Class Admin and quickly worked his way up to Digital Services Manager. Bram is a problem solver and is proud to be apart of growing a skilled workforce.
Chris Espie
Building Manager
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, I grew up in a close-knit family supported by my parents, older siblings, and extended relatives. From a young age, I was deeply involved in competitive sports, including competing mixed martial arts regionally. These experiences taught me the importance of dedication, discipline, and teamwork—values I carry with me in every area of life. Outside of work, I’m a proud father of four and strive to be a strong role model for my children. I enjoy working with others, learning new skills, and continuously improving both personally and professionally.