Neil Kelly, an award-winning design/build remodel and home improvement company announces that after 43 distinguished years, Tom Kelly will retire as president.
Under Tom Kelly’s leadership, Neil Kelly Company has become the largest design/build remodeling firm in the US, with 2021 sales of $55 million and a staff of more than 200 serving clients from its offices in Portland, Eugene, Bend and Seattle.
The transition will occur in mid-2022, commemorating the company’s 75th anniversary. Tom Kelly will become board chair on Neil Kelly’s board of directors. Dan Watson, the current CFO, will become president and assume day-to-day leadership responsibilities.
In 1947, Tom’s father, Neil Kelly, started this remodeling company in the basement of his Portland home with a $100 investment and a commitment to quality, value and client satisfaction. Tom grew up working in the family business, where he remained for more than four decades. His son, Garret Kelly, who serves as the company’s VP of production, represents the third generation in the business.
“Tom is in a class of his own,” observes Kathy Long Holland, board director, Neil Kelly Company. “He is innovative, curious and supportive of new ideas. During the challenges of these past two years driven by COVID, Tom has been a stalwart, supporting his employees and customers. He has put a plan in place for his succession to ensure a bright future for the company.”
Neil Kelly board member Julia Spence states, “Tom’s courage to be innovative, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his ability to listen to smart people helped the company become one of the first certified B Corporations in Oregon, becoming a leader in solar installations, and incorporating many other steps toward environmental sustainability.”
“I am handing the company to a great leadership team and the best employees anywhere,” said Tom Kelly.
A Legacy of Leadership
Throughout his career, Tom has dedicated a great deal of time and effort to community and industry organizations and initiatives, including:
Oregon Business for Climate – Founding Chair and current board member
Oregon Business Association – Former/Founding Chair
Volunteers of America Oregon – Former Board Chair
PDC/Prosper Portland – Former Chair
Oregon Solutions – Co-Convener, Vernonia Schools and Western Juniper Projects
Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies- Advisory Council member
NAHB Remodelers Council – Trustee
Portland Meals on Wheels – Former Board Chair
Portland Metro Homebuilders Association – Former Board Chair
Oregon Remodelers Association – Former Board Chair
Oregon Construction Contractors Board – Former Chair
