After 21 years with JC&A—with what Doug jokingly refers to as a five-year “sabbatical” in between—Project Manager Doug Kelly is preparing to officially retire at the end of this year.
Doug came to JC&A from Jackson Construction, following several familiar faces who had already made the move, including Steve Robak, Mike Crowther and Dan Charest. As Doug simply puts it, “Why not go with those you know?”
He became the first Project Manager in JC&A’s Special Projects Division, working under then-Director Jimmy Cahill. More than two decades later, Doug continues to bring the same old-school, get-it-done mentality to every project. He is knowledgeable, professional, dependable and always willing to share what he has learned—often through what he coins the “Dougie School of Project Management.”
Over the years, Doug has successfully managed projects for clients including Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Qorvo, Northpond Ventures, Middlesex Savings Bank, Vistaprint, NESN, Philips, Delaware Life and MarketStreet Lynnfield, among many others.
One project that stands out above the rest is Beasley Media in Waltham, where Doug and the JC&A team built five highly technical production studios in just four months. The work required intricate soundproofing standards, specialized doors and floating wall systems to ensure each studio functioned properly. Dedicated Daikin HVAC units were installed to independently maintain the temperature in each studio, along with two backup generators—one serving the studios and the other supporting the office area.
When the building’s existing natural gas pressure proved insufficient to operate the generators, Doug and the team worked with National Grid to increase the service and keep the project on schedule.
The Beasley Media representative overseeing the project had built recording studios across the country and worked with many different contractors. At the end of the job, he told Doug that JC&A was the most organized and professional contractor he had ever worked with—and that he would hire the team again without hesitation. For Doug, there was no greater compliment and no prouder moment.
Doug’s approach to project management has always been straightforward: treat people well, stay organized and get the job done. He believes strongly that our subcontractors should be treated the same way we would want to be treated.
“We don’t build anything—we manage the project,” Doug explains. “We’re only as good as our subcontractors.”
That philosophy is at the heart of how Doug defines The JC&A Way. He values being able to conduct himself as a gentleman—knowledgeable, professional, approachable and always willing to learn. As Jimmy Cahill would say, Doug’s style is “friendly but firm.”
Doug also appreciates the many ways JC&A recognizes employees for their contributions. He describes the company’s annual holiday meeting—when the atmosphere is less formal and more festive and bonuses are distributed—as “a real treat” and a meaningful reminder that employees are valued for their hard work, dedication and contributions to the company’s success.
Doug is also as loyal as they come—to JC&A and, most importantly, to his lovely bride, Barbara. He is always quick to dote on Barb, especially her impeccable sense of style, which Doug proudly describes as straight out of a Talbots catalog. A true creature of habit, Doug arrives each day with whatever Barb has packed him for lunch and somehow looks exactly the same as he did when he first walked through JC&A’s doors—living proof that a happy life keeps you young.
Whether he is walking the halls of JC&A or stopping by the café, Doug is always ready to strike up a conversation, share a story or simply check in. These everyday interactions are such a meaningful part of Doug’s presence at JC&A—and something we will all truly miss.
As he prepares for retirement, Doug is ready to trade project schedules, weekly meetings and closeout documents for more time with Barb. While we will certainly miss his experience, dependability, quick wit and old-school approach, we are incredibly grateful for everything he has contributed to JC&A and to the countless teammates he has trained and supported along the way.
Congratulations, Doug, on an incredible career. We are grateful for everything you have contributed to JC&A and wish you and Barb all the best in your next chapter together.
