2025 Year in Review: Brian Jurgens, WT Kenney Co. Inc.

What accomplishment or milestone stood out for you or your firm in 2025? In this year of uncertainty, with lots of larger projects put on hold, we’ve worked diligently to improve everything within our control. We’ve invested in new software, expanded our sales team, reorganized our labor, and changed insurance carriers. We essentially went through everything with a fine-tooth comb and made changes that have had crucial impacts operationally and financially. Being disciplined and sticking to good business principles will always serve you well - especially when the big shiny projects are fewer and further between.

As you look ahead to 2026, which emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or your market sector? While we happily rode the life science new construction wave over the last several years, it’s clearly gone out to shore, at least for now. In lieu of new lab and office buildings going up on every single block, we are finding plenty of customers in other sectors and regions outside Greater Boston. In fact, because some of the larger capital projects have been deferred, clients have shown greater interest in simple paint refreshes as a stop gap measure. We are showing one of our largest backlogs in years and are optimistic that 2026 will be a great year!