Honoree:
Keith Dalton

Company:
KDW

Title:
CEO

How has your office/employees evolved in the past 5 years?
Over the past five years, KDW has experienced steady growth, thanks to our loyal clients and talented group of associates. Over 50% of our clients are repeat customers, and our employees’ average tenure is 10 years, more than double the national average. This reflects the supportive and rewarding work environment we’ve cultivated, empowering individuals to thrive. Recently, we’ve expanded our reach by bringing several international companies to Houston, including Elin Energy, MAN Energy Solutions, Mapei, Tenaris and OMV Petrom. Additionally, we opened a second office in Austin to support our growing portfolio of projects in Central Texas.

What is a book or podcast that has influenced your leadership style and why?
A book that has significantly influenced my leadership style is “Fly into The Wind,” by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney. This book helped me understand how to apply the concept of CAVU — Ceiling and Visibility Unrestricted — to my life. By focusing on the things immediately under my control, I have been able to navigate challenges more effectively and maintain a clear vision for my goals. Rooney’s insights have taught me the importance of staying grounded in the present while striving for excellence, a lesson that has been invaluable in my leadership journey.

What has surprised you the most since becoming a top executive?
What has surprised me the most since becoming CEO is the demand for my time. Balancing responsibilities while ensuring I’m available to support my team, make crucial decisions and drive the company forward requires a level of time management and prioritization that I hadn’t fully anticipated. Additionally, the need to constantly stay informed about industry trends, maintain relationships with key stakeholders and remain accessible to employees has underscored the importance of being adaptable and efficient. This role has truly taught me the value of every minute and the necessity of delegating tasks and empowering my team to ensure we continue to achieve our goals.

What is your leadership philosophy?
My leadership philosophy revolves around cultivating diligence, humility and resilience among our team members. I encourage the development of well-rounded individuals who embrace continuous improvement and learn from setbacks. Clear and collaborative communication, both written and verbal, is fundamental to achieving clarity and fostering teamwork within our organization.

What advice would you give to emerging leaders?
Work hard, be humble and focus on what will get you to your goals.

How do you relax/unwind?
To relax and unwind, I cherish spending time with my family. This quality time helps me disconnect from work and refocus. It’s so important to rejuvenate and maintain a healthy work-life balance — something I encourage all employees at KDW to do.

Who were the biggest mentors for you in your career, and how are you now mentoring others?
My father played a pivotal role in shaping my work ethic, instilling in me the core values I use to lead KDW today. Additionally, my company founding partner, Jim Kingham, served as an inspirational mentor, accompanying me through the complexities of leadership and business strategy. As CEO of KDW, I dedicate significant time to mentoring individuals in need, offering support to help them achieve their goals. Members of the community and associates at KDW know they can always come to me for guidance and direction. At KDW, we are eager and willing to provide our employees with the tools they need to grow and thrive in their careers. We believe in creating an environment that supports personal and professional development, ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities to succeed. We prioritize extensive training, mentorship, and ample opportunities for advancement.

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