The story of Kodiak Building Partners begins with a handshake, a shared vision and a belief that relationships—above all else—drive long-term success in business. Steve Swinney, co-founder and chief executive officer, has shaped the company from the ground up into a dynamic force within the building materials industry, orchestrating growth through connection rather than consolidation.
In 2011, Swinney helped found Kodiak Building Partners with the intention of creating something different: a platform that could acquire and support local businesses while allowing them to maintain their identity and leadership. It was a radical departure from the standard acquisition model, and it worked. What began as a small collection of companies has flourished into a network of over 100 locations across the country, each united by shared values but empowered to operate independently.
Swinney’s leadership has been a study in balance—giving local teams autonomy while providing the strategic infrastructure to help them thrive. Over the past three years alone, Kodiak Building Partners has scaled dramatically, fueled by a combination of targeted acquisitions, internal investments and a people-first culture. That culture, Swinney notes, has become the company’s greatest differentiator in an increasingly competitive market.
As a First-Year Titan 100 Honoree, his impact extends far beyond operations. Swinney has championed a leadership model grounded in humility, where listening is prioritized over speaking and learning never stops. When asked what skill he’d most like to master, he answers without hesitation: listening. For him, it’s more than communication—it’s the foundation of trust and the gateway to effective leadership.
Swinney views change not as an obstacle, but as a constant that demands proactive adaptation. The future of work, he believes, will depend on empowering people with critical thinking skills, self-awareness and the confidence to make decisions. Kodiak Building Partners’ workforce strategy reflects that philosophy through ongoing leadership development programs, cross-training and robust support systems for local businesses within its portfolio.
The accomplishments under Swinney’s tenure are staggering. Kodiak Building Partners has experienced double-digit growth, introduced innovative technologies to streamline supply chains and entered previously untapped markets. But when pressed to name what he’s most proud of, Swinney doesn’t cite numbers—he points to people. He speaks with genuine pride about employees who have advanced in their careers, leaders who have grown with the company and the enduring partnerships Kodiak Building Partners has forged with its customers and vendors.
Swinney’s vision for the next five years is bold but grounded. He aims to deepen Kodiak Building Partners’ national footprint while preserving its decentralized structure. Each business under the Kodiak Building Partners umbrella will remain true to its roots, bolstered by the shared resources and values of a greater whole.
In a world where scale often comes at the cost of soul, Swinney has proven it’s possible to have both. His Titan of industry distinction isn’t just a nod to what he’s built—it’s a recognition of how he’s built it: with integrity, clarity and a relentless belief in people.
