From the Field to the Front Office: Brothers Rennie and Josh Crisafulli Rise to Executive Leadership at Kinley Construction

Posted on August 25th, 2025 | Filed under Press Releases

DALLAS-FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kinley Construction is proud to share the story of Rennie and Josh Crisafulli. The two brothers started their careers in the field and, through decades of hard work and experience, earned their way to Executive Leadership in 2021. Their journey reflects Kinley’s long-standing values and commitment to people-first leadership as the company celebrates 130 years in business.

From Jobsites to Boardroom Decisions

The Crisafulli brothers grew up in a construction family in western New York. While other kids were watching cartoons on Saturdays, they were riding to job sites with their dad.

“We didn’t get to sit around and watch TV. If it were the weekend and school was out, we would be in the truck with Dad headed to work,” Rennie said.

Their father, a residential builder, taught them early how to work with their hands. From pouring concrete and installing septic systems to roofing and framing, they learned the business the hard way.

Josh remembers, “It felt defeating sometimes, like when you just wanted to sleep in. But then Dad would take us out for donuts or breakfast, and eventually it became fun. We learned what it meant to work hard and do it right.”

After beginning their Kinley careers in New York, both brothers eventually relocated to Texas, starting as laborers and steadily advancing through estimating, project management, and ultimately into executive leadership.

Rennie, now in his 31st year with the company, serves as President at Kinley’s Arlington, TX headquarters, overseeing day-to-day operations. Josh, in his 25th year, is Chief Commercial Officer, leading revenue growth and client relationships from the Southern California office in Irvine.

In 2017, they became minority partners alongside the fifth-generation leadership team. In 2021, Rennie, Josh, and their cousin Jimmy Kinley, now serving as Kinley’s sixth-generation CEO, purchased the company from their predecessors and became majority partners together.

“When we first became partners, we didn’t really tell anyone,” Josh said. “Nothing really changed. We just kept showing up and doing the work like we always had.”

Leadership Grounded in Experience

Rennie and Josh have earned their leadership style by doing the work themselves.

“We’ve been there. We’ve built the work, made the mistakes, and learned what not to do,” Josh said. “It gives us the credibility to coach our team with honesty.”

Rennie added, “At Kinley, leadership only works if it is servant leadership. It’s not about us. It’s about trusting the people we’ve hired to do the job and giving them space to grow.”

Both emphasize humility, collaboration, and building confidence in others.

“Sometimes the best decision you make is not making a decision,” Rennie said. “It’s about letting your team step up and lead and support them along the way.”

Focused on Legacy, Not Ego

For Rennie, the transition to ownership brought pride and a deep sense of responsibility.

“I started here as a $10-an-hour laborer. To now help lead this company, it’s an honor. And the people here? They’re like family,” he said.

Their focus now is on building the next generation of leaders.

“We’re trying to work ourselves out of a job,” Rennie said. “And honestly, that’s the fun part.”

Staying True While Moving Forward

While Kinley continues to grow, the brothers are clear about what kind of growth matters.

“We’re not trying to chase shiny objects or double overnight,” Josh said. “We’d rather go deeper with the customers and industries we already serve and do it The Kinley Way.”

They point to Kinley’s Industrial Services division, launched just two years ago, as an example of meaningful growth.

“That’s a place we can put our foot on the gas,” Rennie said. “Every one of our customers needs support beyond capital construction, and we’re building the team to deliver it.”

Looking Ahead

With 130 years behind it, Kinley Construction is preparing for future generations by focusing on what matters most.

“We want Kinley to be here for the seventh and eighth generation,” Josh said. “That means growing the right way, taking care of our people, and never forgetting what got us here.”

About Kinley Construction

Founded in 1895, Kinley Construction is a sixth-generation, family-owned company specializing in complex industrial infrastructure across the United States. With expertise in aviation fuel systems, rail terminals, energy distribution, and industrial services, Kinley delivers mission-critical projects that keep industries moving forward.

Built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and long-term relationships, Kinley is known for its boots-on-the-ground experience and people-first culture. The company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and craftsmanship has made it a trusted partner for clients in aviation, rail, energy, and beyond.

With 130 years of history and a next generation already in development, Kinley continues to grow with purpose, one project, one partnership, and one leader at a time.

Learn more at www.kinleyconstruction.com