Behind the Build: Meet Alyssa Turner, Construction Manager
At McKinley Homes, our communities are brought to life by dedicated professionals who pour skill, passion and heart into every detail. In this edition of our Behind the Build series, we’re excited to introduce Alyssa Turner, Construction Manager at Mulberry Summit, who joined McKinley Homes in June 2022.
A Day in the Life
As Construction Manager, Alyssa oversees every phase of the building process at Mulberry Summit, from the first foundation pour to the moment homeowners receive their keys. Her goal is to consistently deliver quality homes on time and within budget.
Her days start early and often begin with planning the night before, ensuring each home is ready for the trades scheduled the next morning. “I walk my homes one to two times a day, making sure everything is on track and that my trades have what they need to deliver a quality home, while just as importantly, staying safe,” she explains. Alyssa’s attention to detail and commitment to teamwork are key to keeping construction moving smoothly and efficiently.
Building Her Path in Construction
Alyssa’s passion for homebuilding began with personal projects, where she discovered the satisfaction of creating something new from the ground up. What started as a personal interest soon became a calling.
“I only landed here because of some of the best managers, mentors, and some of the most talented builders who took a chance on ‘a girl’ who asked a ridiculous amount of questions but had a strong drive to learn and wasn’t afraid to work,” Alyssa recalls. That determination, combined with curiosity and grit, is what has fueled her growth in the industry and earned her the respect of her peers.
Why She Loves Her Work
For Alyssa, the reward is tangible and deeply personal. “The most rewarding part of my career is physically seeing the results of the hard work you put in: a quality house that a family will call home and make memories in,” she says. Watching Mulberry Summit evolve from open land into a thriving neighborhood filled with happy homeowners has been one of her proudest accomplishments.
Every project feels unique, no matter how many times she’s built the same floor plan. “You get to learn new ways and better yourself with every project,” she adds.
Advice for Future Builders
Alyssa believes success in homebuilding comes down to attitude and adaptability. “This industry takes a lot of self-drive, problem-solving skills and excellent communication. Above all, flexibility is key. Things don’t always go as planned, but getting it back on track is what it’s all about.”
She’s quick to credit the strength of McKinley’s construction team, too. “Our team is made up of some of the most talented individuals and is led by some of the most knowledgeable building pros I’ve met. They constantly challenge us to be better, while still having a good time. It makes our jobs very enjoyable.”
Looking Ahead
Alyssa sees exciting innovation ahead for homebuilding, especially as technology continues to shape the industry. “I see more smart home technologies being incorporated in the future, and I look forward to being part of that process in the field,” she says.
Life Beyond the Jobsite
Outside of work, Alyssa’s world revolves around her husband and two children. “They rarely let me rest,” she laughs. The family loves traveling, spending time outdoors and staying busy with their kids’ activities—whether it’s cheering at the ballpark for her son or traveling to gymnastic meets with her daughter. Still, her favorite moments are the quiet ones: a cozy night in watching crime shows after a long day.
And here’s an interesting plot twist: Despite her self-described “tomboy” side, Alyssa spent eight years as a competitive cheerleader before ever picking up a hammer!
Stay tuned for more Behind the Build stories as we continue to highlight the incredible people bringing McKinley Homes’ communities to life.