Robert Harris serves as the Executive Vice President of Business Development at JH Kelly, a foremost MEP and specialty industrial contractor based in the Pacific Northwest. Situated in Longview, Washington, the company employs a robust staff of over 1,200 and regularly achieves annual revenues of over $500 million. With a deep reservoir of over 35 years in the construction industry, he has become pivotal in steering the company's strategic project development and enhancing its market growth. He leads a dynamic team of 12 across the sales, marketing, and business development departments, focusing on both the service delivery side and the pursuit of substantial industrial CapEx projects.
Born in Toronto, Canada, in 1966, he moved to the United States with his family in 1975 when his father secured an engineering position in Seattle, Washington. This early transition laid the foundation for his lifelong engagement with the construction and engineering sectors, deeply influenced by his father's career. Additionally, he was actively involved in hockey, playing in the United States Hockey League and briefly at Iowa State University before leaving college to pursue other interests. His enthusiasm for sports has remained a significant part of his life.
He later returned to Seattle and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Humanities at Seattle University. His initial professional experience was auditing for a pension fund, a role that, while not directly related to his current field, provided him with crucial professional skills and led him to meet his future wife. His entry into the construction and engineering field was marked by a position at Sverdrup Engineering, where he managed the comprehensive demolition and expansion of Concourse D at SeaTac airport under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
His association with JH Kelly began with his role as a field engineer in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he was tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of a compressor station for PGT and subcontracting to Bechtel Corporation. He subsequently took charge of constructing a sulfur recovery unit at the CHS refinery in Laurel, Montana, and managed several other critical industrial projects and shutdowns across southwest Washington. His effective leadership and strategic insights led to his rapid promotion to Business Development Manager at JH Kelly's Vancouver office and later to Director of Marketing and Business Development for the entire company.
In 1999, amidst a wave of managerial changes at JH Kelly, he took on the leadership of a service contractor team in San Diego for Cal-Air, refining his leadership skills and managing a team of over 30 professionals. After four years, he returned to JH Kelly, equipped with enriched skills and renewed enthusiasm for his marketing and business development role.
In 2018, he was selected to lead the integration of Portland Mechanical Contractors (PMC) after its acquisition by JH Kelly. His leadership seamlessly blended PMC into JH Kelly's operations, enhancing the company's sales culture and financial performance.
He works closely with the CEO on strategic acquisitions, playing a critical role in the company's growth and expansion strategies. He also serves on the Cowlitz Economic Development Council's board and has been active on several other influential boards.
Outside of his professional commitments, Bob Harris enjoys traveling with his wife of 33 years and spending quality time with his three children and grandchildren. An ardent sports fan, he still actively participates in hockey leagues for players over 35 and enjoys music, maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling personal life.