Jonathan Roy McKinney, founder of AIP Construction in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has spent the better part of two decades shaping homes—and communities.
Raised in Holt and later Samantha, Alabama, his journey from local high school football standout to respected homebuilder and faith-driven leader offers insight into what it takes to succeed in both business and service.
In this interview, Jonathan shares how his upbringing, commitment to faith, and hands-on experience have built the foundation for AIP Construction and his broader community work.
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to go into homebuilding?
Jonathan McKinney: I’ve always enjoyed building things, even as a kid. I grew up in Holt, then Samantha, and spent a lot of time outside—whether it was working with tools or helping out with projects around the house. After high school at Northside, I didn’t go the traditional route straight into college. I worked. I learned. Eventually, in 2004, I got my Homebuilder’s License. That’s when it got serious. I realised I could take that hands-on passion and turn it into something that helps people live better lives.
Q: What makes AIP Construction different from other homebuilders in your region?
Jonathan: We focus on relationships. Yes, we build houses—but really, we’re building trust. Every home or remodel is personal to the homeowner. I meet them where they are, listen to their needs, and then get to work. We’re not chasing volume. We’re chasing quality and meaning. Also, I make sure my team understands that. Whether it’s a custom build or a kitchen remodel, every detail matters.
Q: You graduated from Highlands College in 2019. How has your faith shaped your approach to business?
Jonathan: Faith has always been a part of who I am, but Highlands helped me grow in leadership and service. That experience deepened my sense of purpose. Business isn’t just about contracts and deadlines—it’s about serving others. That’s why each July, I lead a service project through Church of the Highlands in Tuscaloosa. We’ve built rooms for foster families, renovated visitation spaces for DHR, and done work near the University of Alabama and rehab centres. These projects are personal. They’re funded by AIP and volunteers, and they’re worth every bit of time and effort.
Q: Do you see a connection between building homes and building community?
Jonathan: Absolutely. A house is more than walls and a roof—it’s where families grow, where life happens. I’ve seen that firsthand, both in my work and in service. Take the foster home project. The family was overwhelmed with the number of children they wanted to care for. We added a bedroom so they could welcome more kids. That’s more than construction. That’s changing lives. Same with the DHR visitation room. We made it feel warm and human. That matters.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?
Jonathan: Early on, it was just about getting enough work to stay afloat. I didn’t have investors or a big company behind me. Every project was a chance to prove myself. There were times I underbid just to land a job and ended up taking a loss. But that taught me the importance of knowing your worth—and standing by your work. Over time, the quality of our builds and word-of-mouth helped us grow.
Q: What keeps you grounded during stressful times?
Jonathan: My faith. My family. And to be honest, physical fitness helps too. I lift, I run 5Ks—that keeps my mind clear. When things get hectic, I remind myself why I started this business: to help people. That puts things back in perspective quickly.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in construction today?
Jonathan: Learn the trade first. Get your hands dirty. Don’t jump straight into running a business if you don’t know what it’s like to be on a roof in July or in the mud pouring footers. Also, be honest with people. Integrity still counts in this business. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.
Q: What do you see as the future of AIP Construction?
Jonathan: We’ll keep doing what we’re doing—building custom homes, doing remodels, and helping where we can. I’d like to mentor more young builders too. I think the next generation needs leaders who care about more than just profit margins. If I can pass that on, that’s a win.
Q: Last question—what are you most proud of?
Jonathan: It’s not just one project. It’s the consistent effort to do right by people. Whether it’s a family getting their dream kitchen or a child walking into a room that finally feels safe, knowing we had a part in that is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Conclusion
Jonathan McKinney’s career isn’t just about construction—it’s about connection. Through AIP Construction and his faith-led service, he continues to strengthen the Tuscaloosa community one project at a time. His story proves that success built on skill, values, and heart can stand the test of time.
