By leveraging my experience and passion, I aim to make our advocacy efforts both effective and enduring in the years ahead. larger enterprises, to thrive based on their capabilities and contributions, not political influence. For me, this philosophy isn’t just about competition; it’s about fostering a culture of accountability and quality. When businesses are rewarded for their skills and dedication, the entire industry benefits. This approach is what sets ABC apart and makes it the ideal organization to represent all the diverse stakeholders in Rocky Mountain construction. Advocating for the Industry One of my most significant responsibilities as CEO is advocacy — ensuring that the voices of our members and the broader industry are heard at every level of government. Advocacy is more than a duty; it’s a strategic tool for shaping the policies that govern our work. ABC actively engages with local, state and national lawmakers to promote legislation that supports open competition and free enterprise while opposing unfair practices and policies that stifle innovation and growth. This commitment to advocacy is deeply personal to me. Before stepping into this role, I spent 20 years as a construction professional, gaining firsthand experience in the industry’s challenges and rewards. In addition to my industry career, I served as an elected representative in the General Assembly, both as a member of the House and the Senate, where I fought tirelessly for these same principles. That dual experience — both on the job site and in the legislature — has given me a unique perspective on the hard work, dedication and resilience required at every level of our industry. I understand the struggles of business owners, workers and contractors alike because I’ve lived them. I know the complexities of legislative advocacy because I’ve been in the rooms where decisions are made. Advocating for the construction industry is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment for election after election and session after session. It requires persistence, relationship-building and an intimate understanding of how policies impact businesses and workers on the ground. I bring this understanding to every conversation, ensuring that our chapter’s voice is not only heard but respected. By leveraging my experience and passion, I aim to make our advocacy efforts both effective and enduring in the years ahead. Building a Skilled Workforce Workforce development is one of the most critical challenges facing the construction industry today. As CEO, I see it as a top priority for ABC Rocky Mountain to address the growing demand for skilled labor. ABC has always been a leader in this area, offering apprenticeship programs, continuing education and industry-recognized training initiatives. These programs not only help individuals build rewarding careers but also ensure our industry has the skilled workforce it needs to succeed. I am especially excited about our plans to invigorate pathways for young people to discover careers in construction. By promoting our programs to schools, partnering with local businesses and showcasing the opportunities available, we can inspire a new generation of workers to join the industry. Workforce development is more than a practical need — it’s an investment in the future of construction. By equipping our workers with the tools and training they need, we’re not just improving projects; we’re elevating lives. Prioritizing Safety Safety and ethics are cornerstones of the construction industry, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that our chapter leads in these areas. Through initiatives like ABC’s Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP), we provide our members with best practices and resources to build a culture of safety on every job site. Every worker deserves to go home safely at the end of the day. By prioritizing safety, CONSTRUCTIOn ADVOCATE 7
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