From Job Sites to Executive Roles: The Journey of Crisafulli Brothers at Kinley Construction

Kinley Construction takes pride in showcasing the remarkable journey of brothers Rennie and Josh Crisafulli, who started as laborers and ascended to executive leadership within the company. Their story is a testament to the values that have driven Kinley for over 130 years – a strong focus on people and an unyielding commitment to hard work.

Early Days in Construction

Growing up in a construction family in western New York, the Crisafulli brothers were immersed in the industry from an early age. Unlike many children who spent weekends watching cartoons, they were out in the field with their father, a residential builder. "We didn't get to sit around and watch TV. On weekends, we were in the truck with Dad, headed to work," Rennie recalls.

The lessons learned during those formative years laid the groundwork for their future success. From pouring concrete to installing septic systems, Rennie and Josh worked tirelessly, gaining invaluable firsthand experience in the construction trade.

"It felt defeating sometimes, like when you just wanted to sleep in. But then Dad would take us out for donuts or breakfast, and eventually, it became fun. We learned what it meant to work hard and do it right," Josh shares, reflecting on their childhood.

The Path to Leadership

After starting their careers with Kinley in New York, the brothers made the bold decision to move to Texas, gradually climbing the ranks from laborers to estimators and project managers. Today, Rennie serves as the President at Kinley's Arlington headquarters, directing daily operations, while Josh holds the title of Chief Commercial Officer at the Southern California office in Irvine, focusing on client relations and revenue growth.

Their milestone moment came in 2017 when they became minority partners alongside the fifth-generation leadership team. Just four years later, in 2021, they successfully led a buyout of the company, transitioning from minority to majority partners with their cousin Jimmy Kinley, who now serves as the CEO.

"When we first became partners, we didn't really tell anyone. Nothing changed; we just kept showing up and doing the work as we always had," says Josh.

Leadership Built on Experience

The Crisafulli brothers attribute their effective leadership style to their extensive experience on the job. "We’ve been there. We've built the work, made the mistakes, and learned what not to do. That gives us the credibility to coach our team with honesty," Josh explains.

Rennie believes that true leadership is rooted in serving others. "At Kinley, leadership only works if it is servant leadership. It's not about us; it’s about trusting the people we’ve hired and giving them the space to grow."

They emphasize the importance of building humility and collaboration within their teams. As Rennie puts it, sometimes the best decision is allowing the team the opportunity to lead, providing the necessary support along the way.

Looking Ahead: Legacy Over Ego

With the transition to ownership came immense pride and a renewed sense of responsibility for both brothers. "I started here as a $10-an-hour laborer. To now help lead this company, it's an honor. The people here? They’re like family," Rennie reflects.

Their focus is clear – cultivating the next generation of leaders. "We’re trying to work ourselves out of a job. Honestly, that’s the most rewarding part of it all," he says, looking towards the future.

As Kinley Construction gears up for continued growth, the brothers maintain their vision of meaningful expansion. "We’re not trying to chase shiny objects; we’d rather deepen our relationships with our existing customers and industries – that’s what The Kinley Way is all about," says Josh.

Kinley’s launch of its Industrial Services division two years ago exemplifies this meaningful growth, allowing them to provide additional support to clients beyond capital construction projects.

Commitment to Future Generations

With a legacy spanning 130 years, the brothers are committed to ensuring that Kinley will remain a strong presence for future generations. "We want Kinley to be here for the seventh and eighth generation. That means growing the right way, taking care of our people, and never forgetting what got us here," Josh concludes.

Founded in 1895, Kinley Construction specializes in complex industrial infrastructure across the U.S. Known for its boots-on-the-ground experience and a people-first culture, the company continues to thrive by embracing integrity, hard work, and long-term partnerships, crafting a robust future, one project at a time.

For more information, visit Kinley Construction.