Brothers Tom and Bob Walsh founded Walsh Construction in 1961 with a vision that extended far beyond building projects — they sought to cultivate a company rooted in family values, employee growth, and community impact. More than six decades later, that original spirit continues to guide the company’s leadership as it supports and celebrates its employees, partners, and the communities it serves.

Walsh Construction has made a name for itself not only through high-quality construction work but also through its commitment to mentorship, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The company actively promotes opportunities for employees to learn, advance, and lead, fostering a workplace where everyone has a chance to thrive.

“We really do strive to engage a diverse workforce and a local workforce in the communities where we build, and we also really strive to find sustainable solutions that contribute to the health of our projects and our communities,” said Maren Sinclair, Marketing Manager at Walsh Construction.

Exceeding Equity Goals on Major Projects

One standout example of Walsh’s DEI commitment is its work on HollywoodHUB, a transformative 12-story development currently under construction in Northeast Portland. Once complete, the building will provide 222 units of affordable housing and two on-site managers’ apartments, all situated above ground-floor retail space designed to energize the surrounding neighborhood.

HollywoodHUB had ambitious equity targets: at least 30 percent of the planning, design, and construction work was set to be completed by minority-owned, women-owned, and emerging small businesses (MWESB). Walsh not only met that goal but exceeded it, achieving an impressive 32 percent MWESB participation.

This achievement reflects a larger company-wide approach of intentional, inclusive contracting that helps strengthen local economies and provide opportunities for underrepresented firms.

Supporting Community Organizations and Workforce Pipelines

Walsh’s community impact goes far beyond the jobsite. The company is a proud supporter of several local organizations that align with its values, including Girls Build camps, which introduce young girls to construction skills and inspire them to consider careers in the trades, and Oregon Tradeswomen, an organization dedicated to promoting women’s participation and leadership in the skilled trades.

Walsh employees are also active community volunteers, participating in downtown cleanups, neighborhood events, and service projects that help maintain and uplift the areas where they live and work. Additionally, Walsh supports Transition Projects through its involvement at Bud Clark Commons, a Portland facility providing shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness.

Building a Culture That Lasts

Walsh’s enduring success comes from more than just its projects — it comes from its people-centered approach. By emphasizing mentorship, sustainability, inclusion, and community engagement, Walsh Construction continues to evolve as a forward-thinking leader in the construction industry while staying true to its family business roots.

From creating equitable contracting opportunities to supporting local nonprofits and fostering the next generation of builders, Walsh’s impact ripples outward, helping to shape stronger communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Originally reported by Up Stream Online.