Paint us a picture of growing up “down under”.
Growing up on a farm, was an incredible experience. My grandparents built the house. It’s a place filled with decades of history and memories. The farm remains in our family, making it an enduring connection to my roots. Growing up in that environment taught me resilience, problem-solving, and a deep respect for hard work. The freedom to explore and express myself in wide open spaces fueled my imagination and shaped my hands-on approach to life and work.
Tell us about your life path.
My grandfathers were practical men, earning a living in trades, engineering, and farming. I think it’s in my blood. I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged my interests. Growing up, I built my own three-story treehouse, worked on motorcycles, constructed zip lines, and a half-pipe for our bikes, basically turning our farm into my workshop. I thought I’d go into a trade like carpentry or mechanic. However, after working for a local builder and earth-moving company, I became fascinated by the business side of construction. That curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Construction Management at the University of New South Wales, where I received a dual Academic and Rugby Scholarship. It just so happened that this is where I forged a relationship with my long-time business partner, Scott Lumby.
Explain your “walkabout” through the Americas.
Scott and I were working together when we decided to take a yearlong backpacking trip. We resigned from our jobs, landed in the USA, and bought an old beat up Suzuki Sidekick for $1000. We ripped out the back seats to make room for our backpacks and camping gear, then set out on an unforgettable voyage across the USA, Central and South America. That trip was transformative.
What brought you to Stamford?
When the financial crisis hit, I lost my job. I worked part-time doing random jobs, including driving limos, which is a story for another time! I was given an opportunity for a construction project in NYC. That was a turning point for me and was literally where I lived for 12 months. It laid the groundwork for what would become Wellbuilt Company. In 2013, we expanded into Connecticut.
Stamford became the perfect place to grow the business because of its energy, potential, and strong sense of community. I stayed because it felt like the right place to build both a company and a home. Even though my wife and I didn’t grow up here, we have been welcomed and accepted into the community with open arms. Those connections, along with the shared commitment to making Stamford a better place, have deepened my roots here and given me a strong sense of belonging.
What are some of your notable construction projects?
The very first cottage Scott and I partnered on 20 years ago, it was a small but important start. Renovating the Shangri-La Hotel overlooking Sydney Harbor. A full-floor renovation of the Ritz-Carlton overlooking Central Park, and, our recently completed, Lafayette Stamford.
What makes the Lafayette special?
It’s more than a building, it’s a community hub. From modern amenities to curated community making initiatives, it was designed to enhance both the lives of its residents and the surrounding area. The Lafayette is a key part of place making initiatives to foster a vibrant, connected community.
Community Art is important to you. Why?
Community art offers so many benefits, it brings people together, inspires creativity, and creates a sense of shared ownership in public spaces. Art can transform bland or forgotten areas into places where people feel connected and engaged. It’s not just about beautification; it’s about fostering civic pride, and creating a sense of belonging.
What are some installations that we can view?
One example is the Stillwater Flowers mural at 57 Stillwater Ave. This vibrant interactive installation has a cool augmented reality feature triggered by a custom app we created which allows the mural to come to life. Our most recent installation, The Seed, located in Mill River, is a transformed shipping container into a Pop Up Art gallery. It’s a testament to how art can transform any space and make it feel welcoming and inspiring.
What are you most proud of?
My family is my greatest accomplishment and my greatest joy. Professionally, I’m proud of the team we’ve built at Wellbuilt Company. Together, we’ve created projects that stand the test of time and bring real value to the communities they serve. Watching people thrive in those spaces is incredibly rewarding.
What’s the title of your biography?
“From the Ground Up: The Mitch Kidd Story.” Or perhaps a more fitting title would be “From Tree Houses to Towers,” reflecting my journey from building treehouses on the family farm to constructing transformative buildings in urban communities.
Supporting local artists helps to tell the story of a community and amplify its culture.
By integrating art into our projects, we’re creating environments that are both functional, emotional, and culturally enriching.