It’s no secret that rigid leadership can often lead to failure in business, and the underground engineering sector is no exception. This industry demands innovative leaders who can tackle complex problems with adaptability and embrace advanced technologies to drive progress.
David Paulin, Vice President of Always Underground Inc. (AUI), embodies this type of forward-thinking leadership. With over two decades of experience, David is committed to delivering top-tier, sustainable underground engineering solutions. Under his guidance, Always Underground Inc. continues to thrive, achieving exceptional results and setting new industry standards—making him one of the The Most Admired Business Leaders To Watch In 2024.
A Journey of Growth and Influence
David Paulin’s career began as a laborer in Northwest Indiana. Wearing many hats— equipment operator, crew lead, and general foreman, he steadily climbed the ranks. These roles equipped him with essential business knowledge and project management skills. Today, his expertise is multifaceted—spanning underground construction, design, and maintenance. With a keen focus on safety, risk, and environmental management, David is pivotal in delivering projects that are both efficient and compliant with the highest safety standards.
His journey with Always Underground Inc. began in 2013, as he was appointed the Vice President—overseeing daily operations, equipment purchases, and wage hikes, and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. Led by his passion for finding creative and sustainable solutions for underground challenges, David collaborates with diverse teams of engineers, architects, contractors, and stakeholders at AUI.
“David has successfully delivered numerous underground projects across public, private, and industrial sectors in various geographies.”
Driving Success through Transactional Leadership
David Paulin identifies opportunities and takes calculated risks to drive Always Underground Inc.’s growth. He promotes the company to ensure others achieve their dreams and goals. As a trusted advisor, he ensures every project meets client expectations. David’s leadership philosophy revolves around transactional leadership, rewarding employees for their successful work. He is dedicated to helping others become the best versions of themselves and excel in their roles.
Transformative Approach to Underground Engineering
Always Underground Inc. is a woman-owned business specializing in wireless/wireline, aerial, and underground projects, providing comprehensive design-build utility construction services. With over 60 years of experience, AUI offers 24/7 emergency response for the most challenging projects.
Its design, build, turn-up, and test teams are strategically located throughout Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky, and eastern Missouri, ready to assist at any given time. For decades, the company’s emergency response crews have been crucial in mobilizing to support storm damage and other natural disasters.
Always Underground Inc. provides an end-to-end client experience that includes seamless communication, budgeting, staffing, on-site organization, and high-quality construction. With connections in over 80 jurisdictions in the Midwest, the company guarantees on-time, within-budget project delivery. Its strong core values of safety, quality, quantity, and leadership make it a trusted partner. Prominent clients include MYR Group, Altice, Comcast Xfinity, Lumen, Dish, Crown Castle, Zayo, and AT&T.
A Thriving Workforce
Starting with just three employees, Always Underground Inc. has evolved into a thriving enterprise with a dedicated workforce of 420 individuals. The company is currently working on significant projects like SIFI-Rockford (6.2 million feet), Kenosha (3.2 million feet), and SIFI-Farmington (2.8 million feet).
AUI specializes in fiber optic installation, engineering, permitting, fiber splicing and testing, directional boring, trenching, and aerial construction. As part of Always Underground’s community engagement, the company has supported the Lake Village Little League for over a decade and has donated to its newest state-of-the-art baseball field.
In 2023, Always Underground Inc. secured a significant contract for construction, maintenance, and round-the-clock field support in northwestern Illinois. This contract involves both underground and aerial work, including copper and fiber network projects, covering several counties where Bright Speed, one of the company’s prominent customers, provides services.
Tackling Obstacles
Always Underground Inc. excels at addressing challenges in wireless, aerial, and underground projects. For example, when faced with obstacles at project sites, the team collaborates with clients to find alternative solutions to ensure smooth progress. Moreover, in adverse weather conditions, the AUI team swiftly restores service by installing new utility poles and repairing lines—often within a mere four hours.
Sustaining High-Level Expertise
Since its inception, Always Underground Inc. has maintained a high level of expertise within its team. Under the leadership of David, the teams stay updated with the latest industry trends—attending training sessions from various suppliers and through the IBEW. As a woman-owned business, the company actively promotes diversity and inclusion by hiring women and minorities.
Striking Work-Life Balance
David Paulin lives in Lake Village, Indiana, with his wife and son. In his free time, he enjoys visiting his family’s cabin in Minnesota to fish and unwind. He is also actively involved in his local community and plans to run for a position on the Baseball division’s board next year.
Company Information:
| Website: https://alwaysunderground.net/ |
| Industry: Telecommunications |
| Company size: 201-500 employees |
| Headquarters: Joliet, IL |
| Type: Privately Held |
