gabe cunningham

Grading Foreman

Gabe Cunningham is a seasoned Grading Foreman with over 30 years of specialized experience in earthwork, mass grading, and underground utility infrastructure. A second-generation professional in the grading industry, Gabe combines decades of technical "in-the-seat" expertise with a sophisticated understanding of project management and large-scale site logistics. Since joining F.M. Kitchens Construction in 2015, he has been a cornerstone of the field leadership team, consistently delivering high-volume production on the company’s most complex developments.

Professional Experience

F.M. Kitchens Construction, LLC. | Grading Foreman 2015 – Present

  1. Mass Grading Leadership: Directly oversees the company’s largest mass-grading crew, managing high-volume dirt movement and site grading for large-scale industrial and commercial projects.

  2. Strategic Execution: Coordinates heavy equipment fleets to optimize cycle times and production rates, ensuring project milestones are met with precision.

  3. Quality & Precision: Maintains rigorous standards for grade accuracy and site drainage, translating engineered plans into build-ready terrain.

Field Leadership & Ownership | Foreman / Owner-Operator 2004 – 2015

  1. Crew Management (2009–2015): Served as a Crew Foreman focusing on the intersection of grading and underground utility installation, managing the critical transitions between earthwork and infrastructure.

  2. Business Ownership (2004–2009): Owned and operated a private grading and hauling company, gaining comprehensive insight into the operational, financial, and logistical demands of the industry.

Core Expertise

  1. High-Volume Production: Expert in mobilizing and managing large-scale earth-moving operations.

  2. Infrastructure Integration: Deep knowledge of underground utility installation and how it interacts with final site grading.

  3. Legacy Knowledge: Over three decades of hands-on experience, beginning as an equipment operator in his family’s business, providing him with a unique, intuitive understanding of soil mechanics and machinery.

  4. Safety & Team Development: Committed to maintaining a safe job site while mentoring the next generation of operators and field personnel.

The Foundation

Gabe’s career began in high school, working under his father’s tutelage. This early exposure to the grading industry instilled a "do-it-right-the-first-time" work ethic that has defined his 30-year trajectory. Whether managing a private business or leading the largest crew at F.M. Kitchens, Gabe remains focused on the fundamental goal of site development: precision at scale.