When you meet David Paulin, Vice President of Always Underground Inc., you immediately sense his passion for the industry. With over 24 years of experience in underground construction, design, and maintenance, David has played a pivotal role in transforming Always Underground Inc. from a small team into a thriving organization with over 500 employees. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence have helped establish the company as a trusted name in utility construction.
A Humble Beginning
David’s journey into the world of underground construction began in the late 90s in an unexpected way. A friend’s father purchased a boring machine, and David took on a laborer role, quickly becoming fascinated with the industry. What started as just another job soon turned into a lifelong passion. From there, he worked his way up, gaining hands-on experience and an in-depth understanding of the field.
The Leadership Philosophy That Drives Success
David describes himself as an easy-going guy until someone lies to him. He values honesty, hard work, and the growth of those around him. His leadership style is built on collaboration, creativity, and sustainability. As a transactional leader, he rewards employees for their accomplishments while encouraging them to reach their full potential. “There are a lot of families that count on me day in and day out,” he says, underscoring his sense of responsibility as a leader.
His motivation stems from witnessing young men and women succeed in life. For David, success is not just personal achievement; it’s about helping others grow and develop their careers. He believes in setting big goals because, as he puts it, “The sky is the limit. If you set small goals and never have large goals, you are going to be stuck in that mindset.”
A Day in the Life of a Vice President
Running a company the size of Always Underground Inc. is no small feat. David’s daily routine is packed with responsibilities that keep operations running smoothly. His day typically includes phone calls with managers, customer interactions, office meetings, job site visits, and attending daily safety meetings. Safety, after all, is a core pillar of Always Underground Inc.’s success. Under David’s leadership, the company has developed and enforced safety protocols that have significantly reduced job site incidents.
Beyond project oversight, he is also deeply involved in equipment procurement, wage management, and regulatory compliance. His ability to juggle multiple roles has been instrumental in the company’s steady growth and ability to complete large-scale underground utility projects on time and within budget.
Values Rooted in Family and Hard Work
David credits his father, great-grandfather, and grandmother as the biggest influences in his life. Growing up on a farm, he learned the value of money, hard work, and perseverance from an early age. “My father was a mentor, and he never gave up,” he shares. Those lessons have stayed with him throughout his career, shaping him into the leader he is today.
Despite his demanding schedule, David makes time for what matters most, his family. He enjoys spending time with his four-year-old son and unwinding on his vast acres of land. His favorite retreat? A pole building on his property where he can disconnect from work and recharge.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
When asked about a defining lesson in his career, David’s response is simple but powerful: “Never work for people you don’t know.” Trust and strong relationships are key to his business philosophy, and he has built Always Underground Inc. on those very principles.
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind, it’s not just about the company’s success it’s about people. “I want to help others succeed in life and leave behind a great future for my son,” he says.
Under David’s guidance, Always Underground Inc. continues to thrive, not just as a business, but as a company that values its employees, clients, and the communities it serves. His story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the belief that success is measured not just in numbers, but in the lives you impact along the way.
