Drawing upon over two decades of industry experience, rising from a union carpenter to overseeing multi-million-dollar projects, Melvin Henley has established himself as a prominent figure in the field of general contracting and commercial construction management. Since founding PAC Leaders Construction LLC in 2017, Henley has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the company’s founder, owner and president.
PAC Leaders Construction is a Chicago-based commercial general contractor and construction management firm specializing in union carpentry and painting. The company’s portfolio spans diverse sectors, including commercial office spaces, luxury projects, aviation and exhibition setups.
Before establishing PAC Leaders, Henley honed his skills at firms like Clayco, Path Construction, and Kiewit, progressing from apprentice to superintendent. Since PAC Leaders’ inception, Henley has been instrumental in the company’s growth, mentoring apprentices, fostering partnerships and delivering innovative projects. Notable achievements include completing a $2 million project for the Venice Architecture Biennial.
Under Henley’s leadership, the construction firm has consistently demonstrated adaptability and growth, finishing 2020 with $700K in revenue and achieving $2 million annually by 2023. The company has also evolved its market focus from a mix of residential and commercial projects to exclusively commercial endeavors, as well as a three-year joint venture with Clark Construction at O’Hare Airport.
Henley’s dedication extends beyond business success to community impact. PAC Leaders Construction partners with initiatives like Career Launch Chicago, offering apprenticeships to local youth and creating pathways into the trades. Through the newly established PAC Leadership Academy, Henley said he aims to address skilled labor shortages by sponsoring apprentices into union programs. The company’s real estate development arm focuses on revitalizing disadvantaged communities, addressing housing shortages and fostering economic growth.
Committed to personal and professional development, Henley invests in continuous learning through events like the Aspire Tour and strategic masterclasses. “I am a student of learning and following great leaders,” he said. “I try to network and educate myself as much as possible, and these strategies have helped me reignite my passion.”
He shares these insights with his team, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Despite challenges, including staffing and financial setbacks, Henley’s resilience and strategic mindset have been key to PAC Leaders’ success.
Looking ahead, Henley envisions expanding PAC Leaders’ market presence, diversifying services and embracing sustainability. His ultimate goal is to pioneer community-enhancing projects such as building schools and homes for the homeless.
“To exist in survival mode and in reactive energy is not conducive for creativity,” said Henley. “I aim to spark creativity from the information that I can retain and create actionable results.”