22 December . 2020
The “Make It Happen Man” of Tehaleh
If you haven't been to Tehaleh for a while, chances are you will hardly recognize it. Neighborhoods are forming, streets arranged just so, and construction teams are working throughout. Do you ever wonder how this can happen so fast and proficiently? Meet Jim Kelly, Project Manager for Tehaleh. After 35 years in the field contractor and management business, Jim has spent the last three years working his magic in Tehaleh. As Vice President of the company who did the initial grading for Cascadia in 2006-2008 before Newland purchased the land, his pride in this project makes him the perfect Tehaleh team member.
Based on traffic studies and traffic engineering plans, Jim has to make it happen; his business experience and relationships are a great advantage to Tehaleh. Putting together bid schedules, making sure the communities, public roads, and site development are getting done efficiently and on time keep him busy. You can see him drive through the community three times every day, making sure crews onsite have everything they need. While he checks for vandalism to builder equipment, building sites, and supplies, he says the elk herds are usually the culprits. Banqueting off newly seeded grass make it necessary to temporarily fence some areas for a while, "That's part of life in the forest," says Jim, who good-naturedly shrugs off the inconvenience.
Safety is a big concern to Jim, who wants everyone, workers, and homeowners, to go home to their families at night. With regular tailgate safety meetings and safety protocol adhered to, there have been no injuries on the site since Tehaleh opened.
When talking to Jim, it's easy to identify the friendly outdoorsman for what he is. Proud, conscientious, and concerned that things are done right. When living in the community, you might not recognize Jim's work, but everyone is undoubtedly benefiting from it. His first job as Tehaleh Project Manager was the Wastewater Treatment Plant, now built and running smoothly.
Jim says he has only one regret, "I wish I would have started working here sooner. When you work for Newland, you become part of a culture that cares not only for their employees but for the people that call this place home."