Keeley’n Spotlight: Domenic Serena

Our Keeley’ns in the Building Group passionately serve our customers by exceeding expectations on every project. With team members across the nation, we are proud to tackle any project, from a small renovation to new construction of a financial institution or 200+ unit apartment home. Domenic Serena, Assistant Project Manager, helps lead our projects from conception through to successful completion, fostering strong, long-lasting partnerships.

Domenic joined Keeley in February 2022 and was immediately given three remodel projects for open, functioning grocery stores. Domenic had previous experience working as a PM on the owner’s side of a project, so this was uncharted territory for him now working as a General Contractor. Given this level of responsibility so early on helped Domenic hone his craft and feel incredibly empowered in this new role.

“On those first projects, any time I was struggling, trying to determine next steps, or questioning any difficult decisions, there was always someone in my group that was more than happy to help. Everyone around me has given me the empowerment I need to push myself and believe in myself. I would not be as successful as I am today without this team.”

Domenic’s biggest influence, and the reason he chose to go into construction, is his father, Michael. Domenic’s father is a retired union laborer from local 75 in the Chicagoland area and Domenic grew up watching him work incredibly hard to ensure his family was always taken care of. When he was a kid, he would join his dad on weekends to help work on projects for family and friends and this allowed Domenic to learn every aspect of the hands-on part of the industry. These moments growing up along with the projects he has worked on in his professional career have been extremely rewarding as he is able to point out various things to friends and family and say he had a part in building that. So, if he could give a piece of advice to someone just starting out, it would be:

“Ask questions. Even though I grew up around the construction industry, there are still things I don’t know or understand. Almost every person in the construction industry will be more than happy to share their knowledge or a story with you, you just have to ask! Also, never stop improving. Even when you think everything is perfect, there is still something that can be changed. Challenge yourself to do the best and once you think you are there, do even better.”

Keeley lives by a set of core values – PRIDE – that are engrained in our culture. Domenic truly sees Respect lived out every single day. Treating others the way you want to be treated is the golden rule and throughout his two years at Keeley, Domenic has seen everyone treated equally across every level of the organization. Working at a company that shares the same values as him has shown Domenic that he has found his career destination.

“My favorite thing about being a Keeley’n is the people that make up this entire organization. Everyone at Keeley has their own story of how they ended up at this career destination and that’s what makes us all so special. No matter the amount of knowledge or experience someone has, we all have the same opportunity.”

Domenic, thank you for helping grow our Building Group – tackling projects with grit, determination, and positivity. We are so grateful you found your way to Keeley and can’t wait to see what you accomplish!