60Robert Harris JH Kelly (robertharrisjhkelly)
Joined 5 months ago from Longview, Washington
Robert Harris is Executive Vice President of Business Development at JH Kelly, a major MEP and specialty industrial contractor headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. Operating out of Longview, Washington, the company is a significant employer in the region with over 1,200 staff members and consistently reports annual revenues surpassing $500 million. With an extensive career that spans over three decades in the construction industry, he offers a profound mix of experience and a commitment to client-oriented strategies, which he applies adeptly to enhance JH Kelly's project development and execution.
He was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1966 and relocated to the United States in 1975 when his father took a position with an engineering firm in Seattle, Washington. This early move played a formative role in shaping his professional interests, closely following in his father's engineering footsteps, a path that greatly benefited his career in later years. He was an active hockey player during his youth. He played in various competitive leagues, including the United States Hockey League and at Iowa State University, showcasing his lifelong passion for sports.
After leaving Iowa State, he returned to Seattle and completed his undergraduate education at Seattle University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Humanities. Post-graduation, his career commenced with an auditing role at a pension fund, where he met his future wife. His professional path in the engineering and construction sector began at Sverdrup Engineering, where he first managed the significant task of the demolition and expansion of Concourse D at the SeaTac airport, receiving mentorship from established experts in the field.
His journey with JH Kelly began with a role as a Field Engineer in Klamath Falls, Oregon, focusing on the reconstruction of a compressor station for PGT under a subcontract with Bechtel Corporation. He then moved on to manage the construction of a sulfur recovery unit at the CHS refinery in Laurel, Montana, and various other industrial capital projects and shutdowns in southwest Washington. His effective leadership and strategic vision led to his promotion to Business Development Manager at JH Kelly's Vancouver office and later to Director of Marketing and Business Development for the entire corporation.
In 1999, amidst organizational changes at JH Kelly, he accepted an opportunity to lead a service contractor team in San Diego for Cal-Air, where he refined his leadership skills and managed a sales team of over 30 professionals. He returned to JH Kelly, rejuvenated and ready to reassume his previous role, enriched with new skills and experiences.
In 2018, he was selected to lead the integration and development of Portland Mechanical Contractors (PMC) following its acquisition by JH Kelly. His effective integration strategies significantly boosted the service business's sales culture and financial performance.
He continues to work closely with the CEO on strategic acquisitions and expansions, playing a vital role in the company's ongoing growth. Additionally, he is actively involved in several regional boards, contributing his expertise to various civic and professional organizations.
On a personal level, Bob Harris enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures with his wife of 33 years. He also values family time with his three children and two grandchildren. A sports enthusiast and a music lover, he continues to play hockey in a senior league, maintaining a vibrant connection to his early sporting interests.