Armstrong Builders Announces Leadership Transition: Marc Putman Named President, Jim Keller to Serve as CEO
Armstrong Builders, LLC is marking its 50th anniversary with a key leadership transition, naming Marc Putman as President and James Keller as Chief Executive Officer.
Putman, who has served as vice president and an equity partner, will oversee day-to-day operations of the company, including construction management, project delivery, and team leadership across Armstrong’s portfolio of residential and commercial projects. Keller, who has led the company as President for more than two decades, will step into the CEO role, focusing on long-term strategy, growth and strengthening client and industry relationships.
“This is a meaningful milestone for our company,” said Keller. “As we celebrate 50 years, this transition reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going. Marc has been instrumental in our success. He’s a strong leader, deeply respected by our clients and team, and ready to lead Armstrong into its next chapter.”
Putman joined Armstrong Builders in 2016 as an assistant project manager and advanced through the company, becoming a project manager and equity partner in 2017, senior project manager in 2019 and vice president in 2020. He has led proposal development, design-assist coordination, estimating, value engineering, and construction management across a range of projects.
His experience spans custom homes, residential communities, affordable housing and commercial construction. He has led high-profile projects including the award-winning Lau Hala Shops project for A&B Properties and luxury residential builds throughout the state, working closely with internationally recognized design teams.
As President, Putman will continue to build on Armstrong’s reputation for quality, collaboration and craftsmanship while investing in the company’s people and future growth.
“I am humbled and honored to step into this role during such an important time for Armstrong,” said Putman. “Over the past 50 years, this company has built an incredible legacy. I am committed to continuing that legacy, supporting our team, strengthening our relationships, and delivering the level of quality our clients expect.”
Putman has served on the Building Industry Association of Hawaii Board of Directors since 2021, contributing his time and leadership to support and advance Hawai‘i’s building industry. In recognition of his impact, he was named BIA’s Builder of the Year in 2024.
Prior to joining Armstrong Builders, Putman worked as a superintendent and field engineer with Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. He holds an MBA from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business where he graduated with honors, and also earned engineering degrees from Westmont College and Oregon State University.
Keller will remain actively involved as CEO. Since joining Armstrong Builders in 1985, he has guided the company through significant growth and multiple economic cycles. Under his leadership, Armstrong has delivered more than 1,000 homes across the state, completed numerous award-winning projects, and built a reputation as one of Hawai‘i’s premier builders.
The leadership transition reflects Armstrong Builders’ continued commitment to strong leadership, thoughtful growth and delivering exceptional results for clients across Hawai‘i.
