2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: David Kelliher, Auburn Construction

“Dave’s unwavering commitment to client success, our employees, and community impact defines his leadership style. His focus on fostering meaningful partnerships has elevated both our firm and the industry, while his strategic insight and collaborative approach continue to inspire excellence and innovation at every level.” 

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? Charlie Altieri, founder of Auburn, has had the greatest impact on my leadership journey.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? One of my proudest accomplishments was assembling and guiding the team that rebuilt Brockton Hospital after a devastating fire forced its closure. The hospital’s shutdown disrupted critical healthcare services for thousands of residents. By coordinating resources and driving the reconstruction process, we restored operations ahead of schedule, ensuring the community regained access to essential care.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? One major challenge I’ve overcome as a leader is transitioning from a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to empowering my team with greater autonomy. As the company grew, I recognized the importance of trust and delegation while maintaining appropriate oversight and support. This experience taught me that effective leadership is about enabling others to succeed, not controlling every detail.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership? While I draw insights from various sources, I regularly engage with Alex Hormozi’s YouTube content.