Navigating Challenges: Construction Business Growth in a Competitive Market

Proof Point

Michael Key is the Founder and President of Owen Key Construction Services (OKCS), which specializes in quality oversight of design and construction to maximize project value. With a decade of experience in the urban mixed project space, Michael began his career at Turner Construction, one of the largest general contractors in the US. He has overseen construction across the country as the former VP of Construction at Milhaus and contributed his expertise as President of the Construction Management Advisory Board for Ball State University, his alma mater. In 2021, Michael launched OKCS in Tampa, Florida, to fill the gap in high-quality, third-party project management.

In this episode…

Navigating challenges in the construction industry involves much more than managing materials like brick and steel. From managing complex projects to maintaining client satisfaction, quality partnerships and a skilled team are the true cornerstones of thriving in this competitive landscape. As market conditions shift and technology evolves, how can companies meld operational excellence with strategic foresight to build structures and thrive in this space?

Michael Key, a seasoned construction professional, highlights how cultivating partnerships with clients, vendors, and stakeholders is essential to long-term success. Trust and reliability build the foundation for lasting relationships, which drive referrals and repeat business. By selectively choosing projects that align with a company's strengths and values, construction businesses can grow sustainably, ensuring their work remains profitable and fulfilling. Additionally, Michael emphasizes the importance of leveraging a digital presence and investing in talent. His experience in the industry underscores how a balance of strategic growth, adaptability to market cycles, and an investment in people can enable construction businesses to thrive even in a challenging environment.

In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger interviews Michael Key, the Founder and President of Owen Key Construction Services (OKCS), about navigating the multifaceted construction industry. Michael provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing big-budget construction projects, leveraging digital strategies, attracting the right talent, and the importance of partnerships and maintaining a positive business.