David’s career began in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio where he was accepted into a five-year plumber apprenticeship program. Later, he furthered his education by taking engineering courses and specialized in nuclear mechanical engineering and quality control. He had a seven year stint as a nuclear mechanical test engineer at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Perry, Ohio. Burnley transitioned his career and became a general superintendent/project manager for one of the nation’s largest construction firms. After several successful years he relocated to Michigan to form his own business.

David is President and CEO of the Devon Group which is comprised of Devon Contracting, a general contractor and precast installer and Devon Industrial Group, a specialist in construction management and special projects, and is co-owner of Tri-Tec a 100% minority owned engineering, project management and integration services company. For the last 18 years, Devon Group has been in partnership with Walbridge, one of the largest construction companies in the United States. Clients are inclusive of, but not limited to, Toyota, Ford, General Motors, FCA, Honda, University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Detroit Public Schools.

Asked to explain his success, Burnley simply responds, “The key to success for me is to stay focused”, “I stay in my zone, but I always look to see where the industry is going and I ask myself, how can I add more value to my customers”. One of Burnley’s greatest accomplishments is reaching out to help other diverse businesses succeed. He is also an important part of the Detroit community and strives to develop other minority-owned companies in their “journey to success”.

He is a proud member of several professional organizations including, MMSDC, CAM, MBCC, GLWBC and AGC.