First and foremost, we would like to thank Mr. Leroy Kinser for his hard work, dedication, and determination over the years. 25 YEARS to be exact! That’s half of our company’s existence as we are celebrating our 50th anniversary as a company this year. It is absolutely incredible to have such a great employee like Leroy and we are so grateful to have such a top-notch Superintendent on our team. Without further ado, get to know more about Leroy by reading more below.
Name: Leroy Kinser
Title: Superintendent
Hire Date: September 1996
Where are you from?
I was born in the Netherlands and raised in Tulare, CA.
What do you do at work?
I am a Superintendent
What did you do before working at Huff Construction?
Before working at Huff Construction, I had just graduated from high school and was attending Modesto Junior College.
How did you get your start at Huff Construction?
I replied to a help wanted ad for warehouse work that Duane Huff posted at the JC.
What has changed at Huff Construction since you started?
The main thing that has changed since I started is the growing use of technology.
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning?
Tackling and solving the day’s unexpected issues.
What’s your favorite part about working at Huff?
One of my favorite things is knowing that you have a solid team behind you to help accomplish the project.
How does Huff support you as an employee?
Huff supports me as an employee by trusting that I have their best interests in mind and therefore they help facilitate me achieving my goals.
What has surprised you about working at Huff?
Honestly, I can’t say that anything has surprised me. I have grown up with Huff Construction, and I have evolved with them.
Do you have a favorite Huff quote or mantra?
I have heard subcontractors compare our way of running jobs to other general contractors, and they always state that they need to do their work “The Huff Way.” Although unofficial, I believe there is a “Huff Way.”
What is your favorite project that you have built?
My favorite project that I have built is the Rossmoor Event Center. This project received several awards including:
2015 NAHB Gold Award, Best 50+ Clubhouse, over 6,000 sqft
2014 Gold Nugget Merit Award, Special Use Project
2013 Gold Nugget Merit Award, Senior Housing Community, On-the-Boards
What has been your proudest moment at Huff?
I am fortunate to have had many proud moments at Huff. From completing my first tenant improvement project for Pier One in Vallejo with Brad Ardis as my PM. To my first ground-up project at the Escalon Christian Reform Church with Bob Ott as my PM. Building the Rossmoor Event Center with Bob Ott was a nice feather in my cap and The Rossmoor Event Center is still my favorite and most complex project I have built to date.
What do you find sets Huff employees apart from people working at other companies?
Huff Construction is the only company I have ever worked for full time so I can’t compare them to any other companies. But from what I hear, other companies don’t seem to have the sense of family or community that Huff Construction has. Our owners, Gary Huff and Brad Ardis, know and understand that life happens and that family always comes first. Because of Gary and Brad’s understanding and relatability, they are willing to be flexible which I believe makes their employees the most loyal around. I consider this company as my other family and would do anything for them, within the law of course.
Are there certain personality traits or skills that do well at Huff?
Being independent and trustworthy are the two most important. Huff Construction puts a lot of trust in our employees that are typically in charge of projects large and small and usually far from home.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I have 3 teenagers at home so we like to get out and be adventurous. We like to take our Jeep out and go rock crawling on a trail followed by camping in the forest or taking the boat out to go wakeboarding and tubing on the lake.
Who or what inspires you?
Always learning new things and my wife, Jennifer. Jennifer has been by my side since high school and as I have grown up at Huff, I have watched her grow as a person while raising our two kids while I’m usually working out of town. During our life together, she has continued to pursue and achieve her education and career goals. She recently graduated with her master’s degree in therapy and soon will be a licensed therapist. On top of all that we became foster parents to help teens find a better path to adulthood. After fostering 6 children over the course of a few years, we adopted our last one, Mr. Hunter Holt. Jennifer’s strength and commitment to family and work are what inspire me to be the best version of myself.
What is on your bucket list?
I have always wanted to fly a plane. I came close one time – Thanks, Duane!
Where is your favorite place to eat?
At home, I like to BBQ!
Where is your favorite place to travel to?
I don’t travel much but going camping and renting a cabin during Christmas time in the snow with the family is always fun.