Executive Vice President of Operations
Keith Callahan
Davie Construction Co.
“Operations is where the rubber meets the road. My team and I are responsible for the front-line execution of all Davie Construction Co. projects and the consistent quality and responsive service that drives our continuing growth and outstanding rate of repeat business,” said Keith Callahan, Executive Vice President of Operations. His team includes our Project Managers, Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Safety Director and field team foremen, and our network of subcontractors, all of whom, provide our clients, with comprehensive construction knowledge and extensive experience.
Keith started his professional career in welding, following the footsteps of his father, a coal miner, working on repair and production layouts for the mining industry. He cultivated team-building skills as an athlete, with Little League, multiple-sports in high school, and college-level baseball. He earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, followed by a Master of Building Science, courtesy of the US Army, where he served 24 years as an officer. Keith’s inspiring military experience involved leading teams of up to 600 people across various units and an assignment with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete military and design projects valued at more than $1.5 B. When he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, he completed several active-duty combat tours. “My military service provided me with an advanced education, a wide variety of military operations and the opportunity to manage many design and construction projects, with a very high level of fiscal responsibility, and the opportunity to lead exceptional men and women. Combat experience had a strong impact–it changes your perspective significantly,” he said.
During the decade after he retired from the US Army, Keith managed Wake Forest University’s Planning, Design, and Construction Department, supervising projects worth more than $1B. He joined the Davie family five years ago, bringing a wealth of experience that directly benefits our clients and enriches the professional development of every team member.
Keith is extremely selective about the individuals he trusts to complete construction and renovation projects. Relevant experience and education, technical competency, and motivation are intrinsic, and well-honed communication skills are the key to exceeding client expectations. “Efficient daily project management starts in the field, with our Superintendents communicating with our Project Managers, sharing their progress and challenges. This real-time reporting allows us to identify and solve problems by leveraging the breadth of experience held by our management team. Tapping into that rich resource, we can find effective solutions quickly, with the client’s complete satisfaction as our priority.
Our Superintendents and Project Managers earn the trust and respect of our clients with every interaction, providing them with the information they seek to have confidence in the process and experience minimal stress as their project progresses. The complimentary feedback we regularly receive from our clients tells us that our step-beyond efforts are noticed and appreciated. My team knows to go the extra mile even when no one is watching.” Exceptional professional skills are also provided by our subcontractors, “By treating them as an integral part of our team, fulfilling our obligations, and creating a pleasant work environment, we’ve built a reputation that attracts the best craftsmen in every discipline,” said Keith.
Continued success and repeat business require utilizing the most advanced construction processes, systems, and equipment for buildings in all the industries we serve. Keith consistently researches new products and services to integrate those that add value to our operations. Our expansion from serving clients within a few hours’ drive to our current regional footprint over eight states is much easier with current technology monitoring onsite progress for clients and the management team. Video also is an invaluable resource for our owners in their ongoing building maintenance and renovations. Videoconferencing has been around a while and continues to reduce travel time and costs while enhancing client and team relationships and providing real-time communication opportunities.
“There is no crystal ball for predicting the next hot construction technology, but there is a common theme,” said Keith. “Augmented and virtual reality (BIM) and AI all have potential for enhancing project management planning and scheduling. The sophistication of digital photo and video capabilities will continue to grow, primarily in its use for documentation and troubleshooting. Sustainability continues to evolve, with increased options in construction techniques and materials. We consistently evaluate product introductions and leverage those that provide the most benefit.”
One aspect of operations that will remain the same is Keith and his team’s commitment to maintaining the family focus that has been part of the Davie DNA since Carl started the company 32 years ago. “Whether serving clients, working with other team members, or giving back to the community, we strive to demonstrate our deeply-seated values of integrity, honesty, empathy, and excellence,” said Keith.