93: Building Responsibly with Keith Shaw, President Delphi Construction

Design Development

Keith Shaw is the President of Delphi Construction, a leading construction firm in Massachusetts. His career began in vocational school, bypassing college for hands-on work. After founding his own construction business in his early 20s, Shaw joined Delphi, advancing from superintendent to COO and now President. His leadership and strategic vision have been vital to Delphi’s growth, especially in the multifamily, healthcare, and education sectors.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes interviews Keith Shaw, President of Delphi Construction. They discuss Shaw’s career journey from vocational school to leading one of Massachusetts' top construction companies. The conversation covers leadership development, building a sustainable business, and adapting to industry changes, including the shift from authoritative to collaborative leadership.

Delphi Construction specializes in multifamily, healthcare, and education sectors, working mainly with non-profits. Shaw details Delphi’s approach to “building responsibly” by fostering team collaboration, emphasizing sustainability, and focusing on community impact. The episode also explores Delphi’s growth strategies, including self-performance for better margins and quality control, and the importance of developing future leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Development: Identifying and nurturing future leaders with humility is vital for scalability.
• Leadership Transition: The industry is shifting from an authoritative style to a collaborative, team-focused approach.
• Organic Growth: Delphi focuses on sustainable growth by enhancing its people’s skills.
• Operational Improvements: Training and processes are crucial for consistent, quality project delivery.
• Industry Challenges: The episode touches on COVID-19’s impact and adapting to ongoing industry challenges.

Resources:

• Delphi Construction: Delphi Construction Website
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: Book Link
• Turn the Ship Around! by David Marquet: Book Link
• Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast: Listen Here

Tune in to this inspiring conversation and discover how Delphi Construction merges leadership, sustainability, and strategic growth for long-term success. For more valuable industry insights, don't miss future episodes of Design Development!

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