At McKinley Building, Senior Project Manager Stephen Nunn brings more than two decades of hands-on construction experience from early years in the field to leading complex commercial projects across the region. Raised in a family construction business, Stephen developed a problem-solving mindset that now guides clients from concept to completion. Known for his mentorship, teamwork, and steady leadership, he also supports the company as its voluntary internal IT director. When he’s not on a jobsite, Stephen enjoys boating, fishing, golfing, and exploring the outdoors with his family. We sat down with him to learn more about his career, values, and the lessons that continue to shape his work.
About Your Role & Experience
What initially drew you to a career in construction and how did your education and early work experiences lead you to your current role?
“My dad operated his own construction company his entire career and my mom was his controller. In college Construction Management just seemed like a natural fit. I only wanted to go into commercial construction so after graduating college I went to work for a commercial general contractor in Raleigh. We specialized in tilt-up construction along with conventional construction. I worked my way up in the field from Assistant Superintendent to Superintendent and eventually was asked to come into the office after 5 years of field experience. From there I worked under Project Managers and eventually was promoted to Project Manager until eventually being promoted to Vice President of Business Development, where I oversaw client relations, estimating and proposals. Experiencing the business from the field to the front office shaped how I solve problems today. I can see issues from multiple angles and connect the right people and resources quickly, ultimately helping clients get the best outcome.”
Since joining McKinley in 2016, and with over 20 years in the industry, what about your role as Senior Project Manager gives you the greatest sense of fulfillment?
“Working with younger personnel and helping them develop a love for our business. It’s very fulfilling to see them and our clients succeed. “
You work with clients from conception through project completion. What aspect of that full-cycle involvement do you enjoy the most and why?
“the project, everyone involved is excited about ground breaking and progress of a project coming to life. The completion of a project is great also, but that last 5% is often the hardest.”
Project Experience & Philosophy
Looking back through your many projects, including the NHRMC Parking Deck and Pedestrian Bridge, which projects stands out as especially meaningful or challenging, and what made it so memorable for you?
“It was something special to see that bridge set in one piece across 17th street that night. We knew it was a complete success when you saw the bridge set on the anchor bolts 30’ in the air and it was a great feeling when the crowd roared and clapped when it rested in place.
I have also been fortunate to complete construction projects for our armed forces and government agencies. It is a very rewarding feeling when you complete a facility that aids in training & success of our brave men and women in the military.”
When you approach a new project, how do you balance cost-engineering, quality, and schedule, especially in the face of evolving client requirements or market pressures?
“I try to get buy-in from subcontractors early on. Getting your team to the table early makes us, the owner and the project successful.”
How do you maintain relationships with clients over the long term and ensure that you’re managing each project “as if you were the owner”, as you’ve said is your approach?
“I treat each client as a personal friend, it is not a transaction for me. If we can be friends and help our friends be successful, then we will be successful.”
Leadership, Mentorship & Team Values
As part of McKinley’s senior management team, how do you help shape internal processes and mentor project managers or younger staff members?
“As our voluntary internal IT director, I work to keep our field staff updated with the most efficient tools to help them and our projects succeed.”
How would you describe the kind of culture you strive to foster within the McKinley team, especially given our core values around relationships, teamwork, integrity, and service to others?
“I love our core values, they really exemplify who we are. Though I could talk in-depth about each one, Teamwork stands out the most. Teams build relationships with each other through hard work and standing by each other. When we all work together in the same direction we all are successful.”
What advice do you give to someone entering project management or construction management today, perhaps someone who shares McKinley’s commitment to quality and client satisfaction?
“Treat everyone the same way you want to be treated and be respectful. This goes for our client making an investment all the way to the labor or subcontractor sweeping the floor. It takes everyone to make a project successful.”
Personal Life & Outside Interests
Outside of work, you enjoy fishing, boating, golfing, and spending time with your family. How do those pastimes help you stay balanced and bring perspective to your work life?
“My family and I love being outdoors, that’s what drew us to Wilmington. Getting outside to enjoy this amazing place where we live helps keep the stress low and its a good reset after a long week.”
Being a former football player at Appalachian State University, what lessons from athletics (teamwork, discipline, and leadership), do you find still apply to construction and project management?
“As a freshman I spent a lot of time on the scout team. One particular day we were running kick-off plays and our starting outside linebacker decided to welcome me to the team. I never saw him coming from the side, I still say he clipped me. He hit me so hard that he knocked me out. When I came to, I had all the coaches standing over me asking if I was ok. They helped me up, dusted me off, told me to get back in line and keep my head on a swivel next time. Construction is hard and not for everyone, just like football. When our guys run into hard times or get knocked down I want to be there to help them up and be a friend/leader to help them succeed through this situation.”
Looking Ahead
As McKinley continues to grow and take on larger more complex projects, what are you most excited about for the future of your role and for the company?
“That I get to work with this incredible team and be involved in each project. These are really exciting times in our area and the landscape is going to keep evolving as industry moves in.”
Are there any emerging trends in commercial construction (design-build delivery, sustainability, building technology, client relationships), that you’re particularly watching or hope to integrate more as McKinley evolves?
” Everyone is talking about AI these days. I think it does have a place in our industry, but it will never replace our field guys. I hope it develops as a tool that can streamline safety and quality processes.”
Finally, what would you like clients and team members to remember most about working with Stephen Nunn and McKinley Building, what do you want your legacy to be here?
“That I’m a good friend and colleague that helped McKinley Building continue its legacy as the best general contractor in Wilmington. It’s not just me that makes our projects memorable, it’s our whole team. I’m just one of many.”
