Robert Harris JH Kelly

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Robert Harris JH Kelly

Robert Harris is the Executive Vice President of Business Development at JH Kelly, a distinguished MEP and specialty industrial contractor in the Pacific Northwest. Based in Longview, Washington, the company is a crucial employer with over 1,200 staff members and regularly posts annual revenues exceeding $500 million. With an extensive background of over 35 years in the construction industry, he plays a critical role in shaping the company's strategic direction and project development. He is responsible for leading a team of 12 in sales, marketing, and business development, skillfully balancing service operations, and developing large-scale industrial CapEx projects. He was born in 1966 in Toronto, Canada, and made the United States his home in 1975 when his father accepted an engineering job in Seattle, Washington. This move proved influential, planting the seeds of interest in construction and engineering, industries he observed closely throughout his father's career. His childhood passion for hockey saw him competing in the United States Hockey League and later at Iowa State University. However, he departed before completing his studies to explore other opportunities. His commitment to athletics has persisted throughout his life. After leaving Iowa State, he returned to Seattle and completed his education at Seattle University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Humanities. His career began in an auditing role at a pension fund, a position that not only sharpened his financial acumen but also where he met his future wife. His professional journey in construction and engineering kicked off at Sverdrup Engineering, where he was tasked with managing the large-scale demolition and expansion of Concourse D at SeaTac airport, an experience enriched by the mentorship of industry experts. His career at JH Kelly started with his role as a Field Engineer in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was involved in rebuilding a compressor station for PGT and subcontracting it to Bechtel Corporation. He later led the construction of a sulfur recovery unit at the CHS refinery in Laurel, Montana, and managed multiple industrial capital projects and shutdowns in southwest Washington. His proven management skills and strategic insight quickly elevated him to Business Development Manager at JH Kelly's Vancouver office and, subsequently, Director of Marketing and Business Development for the entire organization. In 1999, during a significant organizational reshuffling at JH Kelly, he assumed the leadership of a service contractor team in San Diego for Cal-Air, further developing his leadership capabilities and overseeing a team of more than 30 professionals. He returned to JH Kelly four years later, bringing a wealth of experience and a renewed zeal for his role. In 2018, he was entrusted with leading the integration of Portland Mechanical Contractors (PMC) after its acquisition by JH Kelly. His effective management was vital in integrating PMC seamlessly into JH Kelly's existing operations, significantly boosting the company's sales culture and financial performance. Today, he actively participates in strategic planning and acquisition efforts alongside the CEO, contributing significantly to the company's expansion. He also serves on the Cowlitz Economic Development Council board and has held various other board positions. On the personal front, Rob Harris relishes traveling with his wife of 33 years and profoundly values the time spent with his three children and grandchildren. He participates enthusiastically in hockey leagues and enjoys a lifelong passion for music, balancing a rich personal life with his professional responsibilities.

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