“I always remind myself and my team that it’s a huge industry, but it’s a small world,” reflects Jeff Leahy, Project Executive on McGough’s Raleigh team. That perspective has shaped his more than 30 years in construction, where he’s built a career grounded in trust, fairness, and long-term relationships. Jeff’s experience across Michigan and North Carolina includes leading high-performing teams on healthcare, life sciences, data center, education, and commercial projects, giving him a deep well of expertise in complex, fast-paced projects.
Those values are also what drew him to McGough. After helping grow a regional office for a local builder in the Raleigh-Durham area, Jeff was looking for a company whose culture matched his own relationship-driven approach. In early conversations with McGough, he saw clear alignment: a commitment to supporting teams, investing in people, and approaching every project as a true partnership.
Now helping shape McGough’s growth in the Southeast, Jeff brings that philosophy to the Raleigh office as he builds new connections, mentors emerging talent, and expands our presence in the region. We talked with him about why partnership matters, what it’s like joining a new team with decades of experience behind him, and what he sees ahead for our work in North Carolina.
Why is a partnership approach so important?
Among the most critical tools I’ve gained over the years are simple core principles that govern every project and every interaction: be open, honest, and fair. These are the things that lead to the most productive partnerships. The modern construction industry has shifted away from the old dynamic where the architect pointed fingers at the contractor, and vice versa. To succeed today, project teams need to understand that they are all one team now.
As someone with a lot of experience, what was it like starting fresh with McGough?
Coming in with years of experience, you want to make sure your perspective is valued and you aren’t forced into a box. Within the first week, I knew this was the right fit. I had complete support during onboarding, which was excellent, and within two weeks I co-led a large RFP. I got to put my experience to work as part of the team, and whenever I didn’t know something, the people I reached out to were willing to help. Everything clicked quickly. I had an immediate series of interactions with a broad group, which brought me up to speed on how McGough operates and how I can contribute.
How do you approach mentorship in construction?
I never had a mentor by title, but I was always around good people and good examples. Now that I have some experience, I get to pay that forward. When you get a team together in construction, you have a different mix every time. I try to see where each person’s strengths are and set them up for success. It’s a balance of macro and micro management. I assign a task, give them guidelines, then give them a chance to do their thing. Then we come back together and I can offer comments, critiques and reinforce good work.
What advice do you have for workers entering the field?
Building a good, long career isn’t just about projects completed; it’s about building your own toolbox of professional traits. I’d advise newcomers to always be taking the best traits from the people they work with and for. Whether it’s observing how a senior team member handles a difficult situation or how a colleague carries and presents themselves, continuously adding these soft skills is what ultimately builds respect and ensures long-term success.
What are you hoping to achieve in the Southeast region with McGough?
The exciting part of joining the Raleigh team now is that we are just getting started. Being part of the growth and helping establish our culture is invigorating. I believe we can establish ourselves as a sought-after partner, build a strong portfolio, and embed ourselves more deeply in the community, all while maintaining the McGough culture. I look forward to mentoring and coaching younger team members who will be the future leaders of our organization. And I’d like to see Raleigh grow from a single local regional headquarters to supporting other new offices across the Southeast.
Building the Future Together
Jeff’s perspective highlights the importance of partnership, mentorship, and culture as McGough expands in the Southeast. As our Raleigh office continues to grow, his leadership will shape both our local impact and our long-term presence in the region as well as strengthen the relationships that define how we build.
Want to learn more about our work in the Southeast?
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