2023 STL November Monthly Meeting

As CEO, Michael embraces change in the ever-evolving design and construction industry. His innovative and entrepreneurial spirit has helped make KAI a technology front-runner through the early adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Drone Scanning, Trimble Robots,  Reality Capture, and other cutting-edge technologies.

A second-generation leader, Michael worked closely with his father, Michael Sr., KAI’s Founder, early in his career to position KAI for future success. He spends his time leading KAI’s strategic vision, business alignment, expanding into new markets, developing new clients, and promoting diversity within the industry workforce.

As a Minority Business Enterprise, KAI started and has continued under Michael to serve the urban core of cities to transform depressed neighborhoods into thriving communities. Through working with Community Development Councils, higher education, K-12 schools, commercial office clients, health centers, retail outlets, Air, Rail Transit, Water, HUD and public housing authorities nationally. 

KAI has expanded from St Louis across the nation with offices in Dallas TX, San Antonio, TX, Atlanta, GA and Omaha, NE and grown a diverse staff from 60 to well over 150. KAI has also grown its revenue from $8 million in his first year as president, to more than $55 million.

Acquiring companies has also become one of Michael's areas of expertise. Since becoming president, he has orchestrated the acquisition of six companies since 2011 between KAI and The UP Companies.

In 2011, Michael founded a new holding company called The UP Companies, LLC, resulting from the acquisition of two companies to start. UPCO is now comprised of Square UP Builders, Power UP Electrical Contractors, Hustle UP Laborer’s, and Keep UP Services. Since its founding, UPCO has grown its revenue from $3.7 million in its first year, to more than $70 million a year. Through a complete company re-branding effort and a focus on talent acquisition, training and staff diversification, he and his team grew the companies from 34 employees to well over 470 office staff and workers in the field. The UP Companies focuses primarily on commercial and governmental building projects.

Involvement in the construction industry and his community has always been important to Michael who currently serves on the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Missouri Board of Directors and the Chair of the AGCMO Building Division. He also serves on the BJC Christians Hospital Board, Boy Scouts of America Board, National Black Empowerment Council board, and is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization. He has also previously served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Voices for Children, and Youth Lifeline America.