Tom Kelly Receives 2025 Remodeling Mastery Award

Each year, the Remodeling Mastery Award is presented to someone who exemplifies vision, leadership, and impact well beyond their own business. Created by Mark Richardson—former president and co‑chairman of Case Design-Remodeling and a senior fellow at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies—this accolade is reserved for those who truly define excellence. In Mark’s words, there’s no one better to exemplify “remodeling mastery” than someone who lives and breathes the industry, like this year’s honoree: Tom Kelly, of Neil Kelly Company.

A Northwest institution with purpose

Founded in 1947 by Neil B. Kelly with just a $100 investment, Neil Kelly Company has grown from humble beginnings into a multi‑faceted design-build remodeling and home improvement firm serving the Pacific Northwest. Over nearly 80 years, the company has expanded its services across kitchen and bath, exterior, custom homes, ADUs, handyman, and solar—operating from four locations: Seattle, and Portland, Eugene, and Bend in Oregon.

Built on the values of quality, innovation, and client satisfaction, the firm pioneered formaldehyde‑free cabinets, LEED‑certified showrooms, and became an early adopter of sustainable design processes. Today, the company remains fiercely values‑driven, declaring that people and planet come before profits.

Standing on his dad’s legacy

“I stand on the shoulders of my dad,” Tom reflected upon receiving the award. “He was an incredible man who did so much for this industry.”

Tom's entry into the family business was hands‑on—and deeply rooted. From digging basement foundations with a shovel at age 12 to summer jobs and production management in 1976. When his father suffered a serious heart attack, Tom took over as president in 1979. He recalled: “My dad… required a quadruple bypass… the doctor said he should never work again—but he was wrong.”

Under Tom’s leadership in the '80s, Neil Kelly Company adopted smaller, agile teams—a strategic shift that enabled the firm to scale while remaining nimble. “Even though we’re a pretty big company,” Tom explained, “we pair sales designers with project managers, carpenters, and design assistants.” This model fueled consistent growth, overseeing projects across multiple locations and services.

Tom emphasized his father’s commitment to diversity: “My dad started hiring women in nontraditional roles back in the early ’70s… we had women in design and sales soon after. Ever since, our company has recognized how important women are to this industry.” This inclusive approach, coupled with sustainability efforts, positioned Neil Kelly as a pioneer in responsible remodeling.

Optimism is contagious

Neil Kelly launched successful handyman and solar divisions, while acknowledging setbacks, too: “You have to continue to innovate. Be persistent, be optimistic—but be ready to fail too.” He admitted two attempts at launching an insurance division and a roofing venture didn’t work out—but views them as essential lessons in entrepreneurship.

“Be optimistic. Be determined. Show up every day…” Three years ago, Tom stepped away from daily operations, “…now, my job is to prepare the business for the next generation of success. We’ve been around for 78 years. I hope we’ll be around another 78.” Tom Kelly’s leadership at Neil Kelly Company reflects the true spirit of the Remodeling Mastery Award: a career defined by innovation, resilience, and purpose.