The Business of Family

Innovation Built on Tradition Since 1920

At a time in the construction industry when clients hired a contractor to perform all the work, Eugene W. Kelsey, Jr. (Pop Kelsey), Contractor and Builder, was doing just that over 85 years ago. His words, "Family pride is the foundation for every decision, and quality workmanship is always the goal," are a testament to the excellence Pop Kelsey instilled in his company and its employees. As a result, today's Kelsey Construction, Inc. has flourished both locally and throughout the Southeast. And, it continuously has been owned and operated by a member of the Kelsey family representing four generations of Kelsey involvement.

When Orlando was a rural community, its population was made up of families who needed quality-built homes. Accommodating that need was Pop Kelsey, a contractor and builder widely respected as one that could get the job done right the first time. As those early families and their businesses began to prosper, the need for churches, military installations, schools and healthcare facilities increased. The company met those needs and prospered alongside its clients. Eugene W. Kelsey III (Gene) joined his father full-time in 1946, and the company's name was changed shortly thereafter to Eugene W. Kelsey & Son, which was later incorporated in 1964.

In the early 1970s when contracting slowly began to change from hiring one guy to perform all the work to hiring one to ensure the work was finished correctly, Bob and Mike, Gene's sons, joined the company full-time. In 1987 the company name was modified to the current Kelsey Construction, Inc.

While operating in a fluid and dynamic industry as construction, Kelsey Construction, Inc. still provides services to its clients from the family's corporate headquarters building erected in the 1930s in Orlando's College Park district. Kelsey's team of professionals provides exceptional, seamless service to its clients in market sectors that have been expanded over the years to include retail centers, warehouse/distribution facilities, office buildings, parking garages, correctional facilities, convention centers and themed entertainment structures.

As a result of a continuing team approach with clients, architects, engineers and other industry consultants, as well as personal involvement by the company's principals, Kelsey stands as one of the most respected general contractors and construction managers in the Southeast. It is this very commitment to excellence, a true hallmark of Kelsey Construction, Inc. since its inception, which enhances the value of client projects. Continually delivering quality within a full range of general contracting, construction management and design/build services is high on Kelsey's list of principles.

One of Kelsey's mottos for excellence is "Built to Last." It is a testament to the declaration long ago stated by its patriarch, Eugene W. Kelsey, Jr. - "Quality workmanship is always the goal." To this day, at over 85 years strong, Kelsey Construction, Inc. continues to succeed by virtue of its own family-based tradition and principle.