Leadership

Matt McClellan

Matt McClellan

CEO

Matt provides strategic leadership all centered on Miles-McClellan’s foundation of delivering total client satisfaction. Developments of long-term strategies are focused on building strong relationships with the two most important parts of any business: clients and employees. Together, with his entire executive team, Miles-McClellan has grown into a $68+ million company known for collaboration, integrity, and excellence.

How or why did you get into construction?
I was 12 years old when I completed my first construction job. My dad asked me to help build a wall in Miles-McClellan’s very first office space (1979). I was paid a generous $.50 per hour and worked eight hours. I received an additional $1.00 bonus for my efforts — bringing home a total of $5.00. The same night a large snowstorm hit the area. My brother woke up and shoveled the neighbor’s driveway. His job took an hour, and he was paid $5.00. On that very day, I became hooked to hard work and low margins! Of course I am kidding — the real lesson was to become self-employed — accept the risk and the reward.

What do you like the most about Central Ohio?
I love watching Columbus change and evolve. Downtown is becoming a vibrant neighborhood and this change is exciting to watch and interact with. As my kids get older, I know Columbus will be an enriching, safe city in which they can raise their own families.

What is the best compliment anyone could give you?
Telling me or saying that I am absolutely a “man of my word.” I would like to think that we could return to old-school agreements on a napkin.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

  • “First with your head, then with your heart.” The Power of One, Bryce Courtney; a way to tackle any goal you set.
  • “A job worth doing is worth doing right.” My dad while shoveling snow in 1979; you don’t just shovel a path in the middle of the sidewalk, you shovel edge-to-edge and you help the neighbors out too.
  • “Set the right goals, have the right people. Take the work seriously but never take yourself too seriously and have fun along the way.” Blaine Walter, Business First Interview; work should be fun!

What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to bicycle across the United States along the Northern Tier US Bicycle route from Oregon to Maine.

Professional Associations
  • Young President’s Organization (2006 – Present)
  • FMI Construction Consultants Peer Group (2004 – Present)
  • General Contractors Insurance Captive Board Member (2018 – Present)
Current Community Involvement
  • Builders Exchange Board of Directors (2021-Present)
  • Star House Board of Directors – Chair (2021-2022)
  • Star House Board of Directors (2018-Present)
  • Upper Arlington Rotary (2018 – Present)