Keeley’n Spotlight: Darrin Johnson

Our craftspeople are the heart and soul of everything we do and their hard work on our jobsites day in and day out is the reason we are able to serve our trusted partners across the nation. Our people are spreading the Keeley’n culture and growing our family on every job. Darrin Johnson, Laborer in St. Louis, got a taste of the Keeley culture and knew that he had to be part of the journey.

Darrin joined the Keeley team a little less than a year ago as a laborer on the STL CITY SC stadium project. This monumental project allowed him to unleash his true potential and see all of the amazing opportunities that Keeley has to offer for career growth. As he continues to grow, he has been able to learn more about the various career paths available to him and what he needs to do in order to achieve his goals.

“Keeley has allowed me to feel incredibly empowered in my work, especially when it comes to safety. Keeley truly gives people the power and the ability to keep each other safe. We are able to stop work and bring up issues, constantly improving our processes. This is something that is extremely important to me and I’m so grateful Keeley values safety the way they do.”

Darrin’s passion for construction started in 1992 when he entered the industry after seeing his brother’s joy working as a Supervisor. He has loved every moment and is proud to have his children follow in his footsteps; his son serves as a laborer and his daughter is earning various certifications so she can get her start in construction. Being part of such a family-oriented industry that focuses on people has been very rewarding for Darrin and he loves every project he works on. So, if he could give a piece of advice to young people just starting out, it would be:

“Always look out for each other. Your actions have an effect on other people and it’s important to keep safety at the forefront of your mind. There’s a lot of opportunities out there, so don’t limit yourself. You can always grow and advance your career in this industry, especially at Keeley.”

Construction is constantly changing and even though he is over 30 years into his career, Darrin still considers himself to be very teachable. Continuous learning has allowed him to be well-rounded in his career and be more valuable to every company he has worked for. However, when he looks towards the future, Darrin sees himself finishing his career at Keeley. He is looking forward to getting the most out of his Keeley’n experience as he has a lot of work left in him.

Darrin’s favorite thing about being a Keeley’n is the culture. In fact, it was the giving culture fostered by #KeeleyCares that brought Darrin to Keeley. Every year, #KeeleyCares partners with other local construction companies on Clean Up Build Up, cleaning up and revitalizing neighborhoods in need. Darrin was volunteering his time at a Clean Up Build Up event when he met Mary Sly, Vice President of #KeeleyCares. She brought Darrin into Keeley’s efforts and after meeting the team and seeing the culture in action, he knew he wanted to learn more. After finding himself on a Keeley project, he decided to officially become a Keeley’n and he has been with the team ever since. This is a perfect example of what it means to be a Keeley’n and why we do what we do.

“After over 30 years in the industry, I have known a lot of people. When we see each other and I tell them I work at Keeley, everyone comments on how great of a place it is to work, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’m so grateful to have found my way to Keeley.”

Darrin, we are so glad to have you as a member of our Keeley family. Your giving spirit, positivity, and enthusiasm continue to propel us forward. Your future is bright and we are so grateful to be part of your journey!

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Keeley Construction Industrial Group Partners with IKO

By Allison Kortkamp • January 15, 2026

Keeley Construction’s Industrial Group is proud to partner with IKO on the construction of a new crushing and coloring plant, supporting the company’s continued growth through a complex, full-scope industrial build. The project includes the construction of multiple buildings, the installation of all equipment & conveyors, and complete site utility work. This project will be delivered on an aggressive 18-month schedule. Keeley’s integrated self-perform teams will execute the work, with the Civil Group handling all civil and concrete scopes and the Steel Erection and Millwright teams leading building erection and equipment installation. “We’re proud to support IKO’s first shingle granular plant in the U.S. and look forward to building a strong, lasting partnership,” said John Herrin, Vice President at Keeley Construction. “Being selected by IKO for this project is a testament to our Industrial Group’s expertise and our ability to safely and efficiently deliver complex industrial work.” IKO emphasized the importance of selecting a trusted partner for this milestone project. “When selecting a contractor for the construction of the Bismarck Granule plant, our team performed a thorough analysis looking for a responsive partner who would be able to successfully execute the project,” said Helen Pejnovich, Regional Manufacturing Director at IKO. “We selected Keeley based on their capability and reputation in the St. Louis area. The fact that both companies are family owned and share values really validated we were making the right decision in choosing Keeley for this important venture for our U.S. operations.” This initial project marks the start of a new partnership with IKO and reflects a shared commitment to safety, coordination, and execution excellence. As IKO continues to expand, Keeley Construction looks forward to supporting future growth with reliable, performance-driven solutions. About IKO: IKO is a global manufacturer of roofing, waterproofing, and insulation products with operations throughout North America and beyond. Family-owned and operated, IKO is committed to innovation, quality, and long-term partnerships that support its customers and communities. About Keeley Construction: Keeley Construction Group was founded in 1975 as a family-owned paving company. Over five decades and 1,700+ Keeley’ns later, Keeley Construction has offices across the nation and is proud to provide world-class service in various market sectors. Guided by a steadfast mission, vision, and core values, Keeley Construction strives to exceed expectations on every project, giving customers the service they demand with the quality and safety they deserve.