Q&A — Keith J. Stewart

Editor’s Note: Keith J. Stewart, president and CEO of Pacific Rim Constructors and Affiliates was named the U.S. Small Business of the Year for 2026, nominated by Bank of Guam. 

Pacific Rim was named the Guam Contractor of the Year in 2025 and recognized with the Associated Builders and Contractors Safety Pinnacle Award two years in a row. Pacific Rim was also named a leader in Guam Business Magazine’s Best Companies to work for in 2024, among larger businesses. 

Founded in 2012, as of 2026, the company does business in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Hawaii. Pacific Rim employs 459 staff in the region and reported $83.76 million in gross revenues in the Bank of Guam ASC Trust list of Top Companies in Micronesia in the May-June issue of Guam Business Magazine this year. 

Q: The U.S. SBA Small Business of the Year is a unique award, particularly since the awardee is now chosen by off-island judges. What do you think were the strengths and uniqueness that contributed to your selection?
A: Our success ultimately comes down to our team — our people. We've built a team of driven individuals who are united by a shared ambition to grow and achieve great things. Over the past 14 years, our companies have experienced remarkable growth — and while market conditions have played a role, the real driver has been the people around us. Our team extends far beyond our employees; it encompasses our clients, banking partners, bonding company, subcontractors, vendors, designers, and every individual who has been part of this journey and contributed to where we are today. 

Q: How did you come to found Pacific Rim?
A: When I founded Pacific Rim, my vision was to operate as a developer — but within the first year, I earned my contractor's license and stepped into the role of general contractor to serve the needs of our very first client. It wasn't part of the original plan, but it taught me one of the most valuable lessons in business: be willing to pivot when your clients need you to. That adaptability has become a cornerstone of how we operate. As long as we remain committed to meeting our clients' needs, Pacific Rim will continue to exist and thrive.

Q: What areas of business does Pacific Rim Constructors and its affiliates operate in?
A: We perform general construction, real estate development, property management and manufacturing of building materials for the construction industry.  

Q: What are some of the challenges that the construction industry currently faces?
A: The Guam construction industry faces challenges unique to its geography and market. Our remote location means virtually all materials must be shipped in, demanding careful advance planning and driving up costs. A shortage of skilled local workers and a limited subcontractor pool add further strain, while entrenched relationships can make new teaming opportunities difficult to establish.

On the market side, the military's move toward larger-scale projects has increasingly favored bigger mainland firms, and high construction costs have slowed private and local commercial development. Add in housing shortages, typhoon risks, and permitting delays, and it's clear that operating here requires resilience, resourcefulness, and a long-term commitment to the island.

That said, challenges and opportunities go hand in hand. For those willing to tackle these obstacles head-on, the very difficulties that deter others become the foundation for growth and competitive advantage.

Q: Despite challenges, there are a lot of opportunities for local companies in the region to do well and secure work. Why is that?
A: Opportunities exist primarily for local construction companies if they are able to perform and establish a good reputation for performance, quality and safety.  The barriers of entry for off-island companies are significant. The amount of work currently being undertaken on the island is significant, so if a local company has capacity, they have a good opportunity so long as they perform. Those who want to provide solutions can thrive in this market, while it exists.

Q: What are the biggest errors you’ve seen contractors make that you have worked to avoid?
A: One of the most common mistakes we've seen in this industry is overcommitting — taking on more work than a company can realistically handle. While the opportunity is easy to see, growth that isn't carefully managed can quickly lead to cash flow problems, gaps in management and supervision, and a cascade of workforce, safety, and quality issues when risks aren't identified early enough. The companies that sustain long-term success are those that grow deliberately, pacing themselves rather than chasing every opportunity. Managing growth over time is just as important as winning the work in the first place.

Q: There is currently a focus on the development of skilled labor needed in the construction field. Please comment. 
A: There is a real and growing demand for skilled local labor in construction — and the pay reflects that demand. While the industry doesn't always top the list of career aspirations, it offers stable, well-compensated work for those willing to pursue it. My advice to anyone in the field, whether in a trade role or a supervisory position, is to strive to be indispensable. Invest in your craft, keep learning, and build your expertise — because the knowledge and skills you gain don't stay with the job. They stay with you, and they become the foundation of a rewarding and lasting career.

Q: There is a certain fluidity in the industry in the movement from one company to another of management and supervisory staff, as well as some skilled employees. How do you counter that trend?
A: At Pacific Rim, attracting and retaining great people is a priority — and that starts with building an environment where our team can truly thrive. We offer competitive compensation, a culture rooted in growth and recognition, and a clear career progression path that rewards individuals as they develop. We make it a point to position people where opportunities exist, and when they perform, we recognize and celebrate that growth.

As a rapidly growing company, there is no shortage of opportunity for those who are ready to take on greater responsibility. The results speak for themselves — our senior management team has tripled in size, and our group of employees with five or more years with the company has more than doubled over the past five years. Our people aren't just staying, they're growing with us.

Q: Technology has a role to play in the construction industry today. Do you see this as a continuing and beneficial trend?
A: Absolutely. Technology is becoming a bigger part of how we build, and that's only going to continue. Guam may not always be the first to adopt new tools, but the direction is clear and we're moving that way. We see things like AI and other emerging technologies as real opportunities — to work more efficiently, serve our clients better, and help push the industry forward here in our region. mbj