Jonathan McKinney knows what it means to build from the ground up. He’s been doing it most of his life. Born and raised in Holt, Alabama, Jonathan moved to Samantha in 1987. He attended Northside High School, where he stood out both in the classroom and on the football field. He was part of the area championship football teams in 1991 and 1992. He also competed on the Scholar Bowl team.
“That time taught me discipline,” Jonathan says. “It showed me the value of hard work and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Today, Jonathan is the founder of AIP Construction, a custom home building and remodeling company based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Since earning his Homebuilder’s License in 2004, he’s built a career focused on quality and trust. But for Jonathan, it’s about more than homes.
“I like building things that last,” he explains. “Not just houses, but relationships and communities, too.”
In 2019, Jonathan graduated from Highlands College. There, he deepened his leadership skills and faith. His experience at the college helped him see his work through a new lens.
“It reminded me that everything I do matters,” he says. “Whether it’s leading a project or praying with someone at church, it all counts.”
Jonathan is a leader at Church of the Highlands, Tuscaloosa Campus. He serves as a prayer team leader and organizes a big community project every July. These aren’t small efforts. They’ve included building bedrooms for foster families, remodeling state offices for child visits, and updating recovery centers.Jonathan McKinney knows what it means to build from the ground up. He’s been doing it most of his life. Born and raised in Holt, Alabama, Jonathan moved to Samantha in 1987. He attended Northside High School, where he stood out both in the classroom and on the football field. He was part of the area championship football teams in 1991 and 1992. He also competed on the Scholar Bowl team.
“That time taught me discipline,” Jonathan says. “It showed me the value of hard work and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
Today, Jonathan is the founder of AIP Construction, a custom home building and remodeling company based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Since earning his Homebuilder’s License in 2004, he’s built a career focused on quality and trust. But for Jonathan, it’s about more than homes.
“I like building things that last,” he explains. “Not just houses, but relationships and communities, too.”
In 2019, Jonathan graduated from Highlands College. There, he deepened his leadership skills and faith. His experience at the college helped him see his work through a new lens.
“It reminded me that everything I do matters,” he says. “Whether it’s leading a project or praying with someone at church, it all counts.”
Jonathan is a leader at Church of the Highlands, Tuscaloosa Campus. He serves as a prayer team leader and organizes a big community project every July. These aren’t small efforts. They’ve included building bedrooms for foster families, remodeling state offices for child visits, and updating recovery centers.
These service projects are an extension of his day job. At AIP Construction, Jonathan builds custom homes and remodels spaces across Tuscaloosa and nearby towns. He treats each job like it’s personal.
“It’s someone’s dream,” he says. “You can’t treat that like just another project.”
Even when he’s off the clock, Jonathan stays active. He enjoys weightlifting and running 5K races. Physical fitness, he says, keeps him sharp.
“It helps me stay focused,” he explains. “You’ve got to train your body and your mind.”
Faith, family, and community are at the center of Jonathan’s life. He doesn’t seek attention or praise. He just wants to do what’s right.
“Giving back isn’t a burden,” he says. “It’s a blessing. I’m lucky I get to do it.”
Jonathan’s story is simple, but powerful. He’s a builder in every sense—building homes, building faith, building stronger communities. Through AIP Construction and his church work, he’s found a way to blend skill and service.
When asked what motivates him most, Jonathan doesn’t hesitate.
“I just want to make a difference,” he says. “That’s what matters.”
In a world full of fast talk and short cuts, Jonathan McKinney’s steady approach is a quiet reminder: real foundations take time—and heart—to build.
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