KEVIN D. KELLEY
Simi Valley
Summary
Results-driven Construction and Project Management professional with 28+ years of hands-on experience overseeing large-scale retail build-outs, ground-up construction, full-scale remodels, and grand opening operations. Over the past 20 years, successfully grand opened and remodeled retail locations across Best Buy, Apple, and Whalefish Corporation managing every phase from site preparation and foundation work through construction completion, remodel execution, and grand opening day. Proven ability to manage general contractors, coordinate multi-trade subcontractors, oversee complex remodel scopes, track budgets, and deliver projects on time and on budget. Proficient in QuickBooks for job costing and financial tracking. Combines deep field knowledge from ground-up builds and tenant improvements to large-scale remodels with strong leadership, stakeholder communication, and operational discipline.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager & Senior Operations Lead
Whalefish Corporation
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Managed construction coordination, remodel scopes, and grand opening logistics for retail operations -- overseeing contractor scheduling, site readiness, and turnover from construction to fully operational locations.
- Supported remodel project planning and execution, coordinating vendors, tracking budgets in QuickBooks, and maintaining clear communication with contractors and leadership throughout each project phase.
- Coordinated grand opening preparation activities including site inspections, punch list resolution, vendor setup, and operational readiness -- ensuring smooth transitions from construction completion to store launch.
Senior Manager
Apple
Greater Los Angeles Area
09.2014 - 06.2024
- Directed the full construction lifecycle for multiple Apple retail store build-outs across Southern California — from initial site evaluation and architectural coordination through construction completion and grand opening.
- Managed relationships with general contractors, specialty subcontractors (millwork, electrical, AV/tech infrastructure, flooring), and Apple's internal design and facilities teams to ensure all work met Apple's exacting brand and quality standards.
- Coordinated permitting, inspections, and certificate of occupancy processes with local municipalities, ensuring full code compliance and zero project delays attributable to regulatory issues.
- Oversaw punch list completion, final walkthroughs, and turnover readiness, delivering move-in ready stores aligned to grand opening schedules.
- Led end-to-end grand opening coordination and remodel project delivery across 10+ locations -- integrating construction handoff, remodel punch list completion, merchandising setup, technology deployment, staffing, and customer experience readiness into seamless launch and reopen executions.
- Managed multi-million dollar project budgets using QuickBooks for job costing, contractor invoicing, and financial reconciliation — consistently delivering within approved budgets.
- Elevated customer satisfaction scores by 12% year-over-year through operational excellence and people development programs initiated during store openings.
- Built and led high-performing teams of 50+ from the ground up at each new location, establishing culture, performance expectations, and operational standards from day one.
General Manager / District GM Specialty Coach
Best Buy
Southern California
05.1996 - 09.2014
- Spearheaded ground-up construction and full-scale remodel projects for 15+ Best Buy retail locations across Southern California over nearly two decades -- managing everything from site preparation, demolition, and foundation work through interior build-out, fixture installation, remodel completion, and grand opening.
- Served as primary on-site owner's representative during construction phases, conducting daily site walks, managing RFIs, tracking submittals, and holding contractors accountable to schedule and quality standards.
- Coordinated directly with architects, civil engineers, MEP contractors, and specialty trades to resolve field conflicts, sequence work efficiently, and maintain project momentum.
- Managed construction budgets up to $5M+ per project using QuickBooks and internal financial tools — tracking contractor pay applications, change orders, and final cost reconciliation.
- Oversaw permitting, local authority inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy processes for all new locations, navigating complex municipal requirements across multiple jurisdictions in Southern California.
- Executed grand opening and relaunch programs for 15+ new and remodeled stores over 20 years -- coordinating construction-to-operations handoff, grand opening marketing, community outreach, staffing, inventory setup, and launch-day execution with precision and consistency.
- Oversaw multi-unit district operations with stores generating up to $85 million annually, managing performance, budgets, and people across multiple concurrent locations.
- Earned 50+ district and 13 regional performance awards, including 7 consecutive years of 'Top Gun' recognition — reflecting an unmatched ability to deliver results at scale.
- Achieved top 1% company-wide employee engagement ranking through strong leadership, mentorship, and a people-first culture built from the ground up at each new location.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
New Mexico State University
Skills
- QuickBooks
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Project Scheduling Tools
- Construction Documentation Management
Timeline
Project Manager & Senior Operations Lead
Whalefish Corporation
01.2024 - 01.2026
Senior Manager
Apple
09.2014 - 06.2024
General Manager / District GM Specialty Coach
Best Buy
05.1996 - 09.2014
Bachelor of Science - Biology
New Mexico State University