“Born to Build” with Mike Sunley

Mike Sunley (pictured left), senior project manager, really was “born to build.” As long as Mike can remember, he knew the construction industry was for him. “I grew up with tools and always had an interest in building and improving things, so when I was in kindergarten, I said I wanted to be an architect.”

But his dream of being an architect was short lived for young Mike. Instead of designing facilities, Mike decided he wanted to build them. Since Mike is the third generation of his family to work in the construction industry, he knew where to go to learn about the industry.

Mike’s grandfather, Herschel Sunley, owned a construction company, “Herschel L. Sunley Construction,” where Mike’s father, John (pictured), also worked. Later, John started his own residential construction company called “John R. Sunley Construction.” In addition to John’s own company, he also worked at the State Fairgrounds as a foreman for the carpenter shop and was a 45-year member of Carpenters Local 16. John also owned/managed 25 rental properties. “My dad got up early to get his team started on a job, then went to the fairgrounds and worked a full day, and at night prepped his jobsites for the next day,” Mike said. With all the hustle and bustle, Mike often visited his dad’s jobsites and eventually started working for his dad after he turned 13. “I remember going to breakfast with my dad every Saturday before we’d visit the jobsites,” Mike said. "He also always gave me the hardest and dirtiest jobs!”

With plenty of experience, Mike went to college so he could fulfill his dream of building. And one year after graduation, Mike got his wish and found his way to O’Shea Builders. “I saw O’Shea’s name around town and became aware of an opportunity, and the rest is history.”