Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: Start With Why by Simon Sinek and Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Find your why, your purpose and your meaning and you will be the most effective, best version of yourself.
What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it? Leading the company remotely throughout a large part of the pandemic was a great challenge: I believe that I managed Covid reasonably well by being clear that I understood that our people were struggling, this was normal, and that it was okay to ask me and their colleagues for help.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I was an instrumental team member helping to secure Fulcrum’s largest dollar value single project. The project consisted of re-positioning a 250,000 s/f former office building into a state-of-the-art corporate R&D and secure lab space building for a national defense contractor.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? West Shore celebrated its landmark 50
th acquisition earlier this year with the addition of Atlas Bluewood Apartments, located in the rapidly growing North Dallas region of Texas, to its portfolio of diverse multifamily real estate assets throughout the United States.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I am proud of the work we have accomplished within Boston Logan International Airport. We have completed and are currently completing multiple concession programs, high-end lounge work and infrastructure work that is vital to the operations of the airport.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? A couple of years ago we undertook a project on the Massachusetts border for the Nashua Housing and Redevelopment Authority. It was an extremely complicated project, involving the first twinning of 9% and 4% LIHTCs in New Hampshire, the issuance of a $39 million TE bond to support the 4% project, FHLBB-AHP funds and other funding sources.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? South Bay Town Center in Dorchester! After years of design and permitting efforts including BPDA, MEPA, Massworks, DOT, creation of new city street grids and more, we are at the final step of roadway acceptance. It feels amazing to bring this from a napkin sketch to a successful completion.
What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it? Running a construction company places me in a unique situation where I interact with a vast spectrum of people. I frequently have the challenge of gaining the trust and respect of everyone involved in a construction project, from a skilled tradesperson to a CEO.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? My great grandfather founded W.T. Kenney (WTK) in 1939 and we are embarking on our 85
th anniversary. I have been working with WTK for 27 years as field painter, estimator, project manager, VP, SVP & now ownership. I am blessed to have experience in nearly every company task through the years.
What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? “Mike’s industry influence is unparalleled, marked by unwavering commitment and foresight. He forges key external partnerships and nurtures the next generation of experts through invaluable guidance and mentorship. His leadership defines him as a real estate industry luminary.” - James Glickman, Partner at NAI Glickman Kovago & Jacobs.
