ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
Kenny Walker grew up in Dalton, Georgia, which is located on I-75 between Atlanta and Chattanooga, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a lush country, with hospitable people, who have a strong work ethic. Along with being known as “the Carpet Capital of the World” Dalton’s motto is, “One community, not a divided community” which Kenny takes to heart.
Kenny has always been involved in facets of construction and loves the industry. His father was in the electrical field, working in HVAC. Kenny graduated from Georgia Southern with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction Technology and went to work for his father, who taught him how to work hard, be practical, and have the right attitude to be successful in the industry.
With over 30 years of construction experience, Kenny joined LandSouth in 2018 as a Senior Project Manager and worked on projects that included Grande Oaks Parc in South Carolina’s Low Country and The Flats at Indian Land, also in South Carolina just near the NC/SC border. He quickly advanced to Division Manager, which is his role today. In that position, he oversees multiple in-progress projects and supports their teams.
When asked why he loves the construction industry, Kenny lights up and shares he loves the energy that comes from working on a project. Over his career he has worked in all kinds of construction – from retail to commercial, industrial to ports and rail, but has always favored multifamily most. He said there is a rhythmic sequence and flow to multifamily construction. Each site has its own feel, and the complexities and problem-solving that comes with building a development from the ground up leads to proud satisfaction of stepping back and observing a project once completed.
Kenny shares that people are passionate about where they live. He appreciates the large financial investment it takes to live in a quality home and supports providing the best living opportunity for new tenants. He says LandSouth is more than a general contractor, the LandSouth team becomes an extended part of the family of those who live in the projects the company builds. It is a privilege to be entrusted to be a part of the foundation of a person’s future and we should respect every aspect of the building cycle accordingly.
As a Division Manager, Kenny feels a responsibility to coach, teach, and mentor those who work with him. His “get it done” way of thinking is firm but fair, and he expects high standards and measurements to be met to ensure successful outcomes. He goes back to the sequence and flow, shares his philosophies and the technical side of what to do. He teaches through intangibles – past experiences, battle scars, problem-solving, learning the hard way, and ultimately doing what it takes to get the job done right.
Tim Retamoza, the very successful Superintendent at Integra Myst, recently moved to the corporate office in the role of Project Manager. Kenny is happy to mentor Tim and elevate him in this new role, and while LandSouth conflict resolution, problem solving, projects, and goals are discussed, they also talk about life outside of the company. Being a whole person, a father, husband, leader is important for work-life balance. Kenny coaches Tim not to take the work home with him, he offers to leave it at work and be present at home for his family for a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
Regarding the future of LandSouth, Kenny is excited about the current youth movement. He said the younger generation is flourishing and hungry for training. He is excited to be a part of elevating this group to develop them into future leaders of the company. They will be the right people who will holistically advance themselves and the company as well. He is enthusiastic about People Development as a whole, and while there will always be buildings to be built, it is important to invest in those who work at LandSouth and continue the implementation of their development and training for a better tomorrow on all levels.
When Kenny isn’t working or mentoring, he enjoys time on the water in his boat, and fishing for the big catch. He also enjoys spending time with his young granddaughter and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
There is a framed quote on Kenny’s office wall that highlights his overall life philosophy. It is titled, “Attitude” and includes the poignant message, “The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it…We are in charge of our attitudes.” – Charles Swindoll, author, educator, preacher.