Hello and Goodbye!

MY AGC story began on a construction site in Bismarck, N.D., as I entered my senior year of high school. Forty-one years later, I’m honored that the final chapter of my career will include serving as president of AGC Georgia. I plan to retire after the AGC Georgia Annual Convention in Hilton Head this June.

I grew up the son of a carpenter who didn’t believe summers were meant for being lazy! One day while I was digging a footing for the same company my dad became part owner of, the company’s namesake asked me what I was going to do after high school. He encouraged me to consider the construction management program at North Dakota State University, and dangled the prospect of scholarship money from AGC of ND. (He happened to be the AGC of ND president that year.)

AGC of ND helped me pay for college, and on my way to accept my last scholarship, I passed a McCarthy hospital job site. Sending them my resume started a blessed, 36-year relationship with that company.

I’ve known for years that we are all connected. McCarthy and AGC have been constants running through my life, and I’ve learned so much more from my work than just how to construct a building.

I’ve learned that workforce development doesn’t start with gathering resumes. It starts with a company owner taking an interest in a high-school student digging footings or raising money for a skills challenge. It starts with a program for elementary school students who have fun building teeny houses or middle school students who find out they have a knack for skills in our industry. Developing a workforce involves teaching younger employees to lead by giving them important work to do. YLP programs provide thousands of dollars to our outreach programs, but they also develop tomorrow’s executives and nurture key industry relationships. They’re also a lot of fun. I grew up the son of a carpenter who didn’t believe summers were meant for being lazy!

All of these programs rely on our relationships with state and local officials. AGC representatives are known for their measured approach and informed advice. We are trusted advisers for our industry, something that takes years to achieve.

I hope this Report to Members shows you how interrelated AGC Georgia activities are. Together, we are making a difference across the state and in individual companies. It has been my honor and privilege to serve you this year. As I leave the industry, I can only challenge you to continue the good work you and AGC Georgia can do. I wish for you the brightest tomorrow. If you have half the satisfaction I’ve had in the last 36 years, you will