BIG BEN ENGINEERING
Advances Critical Sewer Upgrades on OC San’s $25 Million Taft Branch Improvements
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BIG BEN ENGINEERING
Advances Critical Sewer Upgrades on OC San’s $25 Million Taft Branch Improvements
By Brian Hoover, Editor and Photographer, CalContractor Magazine
Major underground utility projects rarely draw public attention, yet they are essential to keeping communities safe and functioning. In the City of Orange, Big Ben Engineering is leading one of the most significant sewer infrastructure upgrades currently underway in Orange County.
The project, officially titled the Taft Branch Improvements, represents an almost $25 million investment by the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) to modernize and expand an aging segment of its sewer system. Construction began with preliminary investigations in December 2024 and is scheduled for completion
in early 2027. Big Ben Engineering is serving as general contractor, overseeing all phases of construction while coordinating multiple subcontractors, agencies, and utility owners.
The work focuses on upsizing the upper reach of the Taft Branch sewer system. Crews are replacing nearly 7,000 feet of existing pipeline
Above: Placing a trench shield provided by Trench Shoring Company on Taft Avenue for ongoing excavation and placement of more than 7,000 linear feet of new sewer line.
along Meats Avenue and Taft Avenue, while constructing approximately 3,400 feet of new alignment along Sacramento Street and Taft Avenue. This new alignment resolves longstanding access challenges and increases system capacity for the surrounding community.
“The goal is to install a higher-capacity system that will serve the area well into the future,” said Project Manager Cesar Miranda. “We’re also restoring the roadway, so the public will see new pavement and striping once construction is complete.”
Despite the extensive underground work required, maintaining uninterrupted sewer service throughout construction has remained a top priority. Each phase is carefully sequenced to allow installation of new infrastructure while keeping the existing system fully operational.
The Taft Branch Improvements project reflects the type of complex municipal infrastructure work Big Ben Engineering has consistently delivered in the last several years. What began as small company in 1999 by its founder civil engineer Ben Sharifi has grown into a trusted underground utility firm
serving communities throughout Southern California. Today, the company is led by his children, Sep and Maryam Sharifi, who continue to build on that foundation while maintaining the principles that have long defined the business.
Miranda, who joined Big Ben Engineering two years ago, noted the rigor of the project’s early stages. “The early stages of the projects startup involved stringent requirements and included extensive submittals and approvals from different agencies,” he said.
“But once we moved past that phase, and into construction the project has progressed well. OC San has been a strong partner, and Resident Engineers Mike Fakih and Kacey Abu-Shaban have been instrumental in keeping things moving.”
One early challenge arose at a critical connection point located within a railroad right-of-way that had recently changed ownership. “We had to re-secure encroachment permits before proceeding,” Miranda explained. “That added complexity early on, but we were able to work through it.”
To enable construction, crews first diverted existing sewage flows. Charles King Company
installed a bypass system using dual six-inch pumps to reroute flows through a temporary above- and below-ground piping network. This system allows crews to replace sections of pipe while keeping the sewer fully operational.
Crews also relocated numerous residential and commercial lateral connections to ensure uninterrupted service for all properties.
The project is divided into seven phases, each requiring detailed staging, traffic control, and temporary restriping. Work occurs along busy corridors, with traffic shifted outward to create safe work zones. “Each phase functions like its own project,” Miranda said. “Different intersections, traffic patterns, and bypass setups all require careful coordination and need to be completed before moving onto the next phase.”
The scope is substantial. Crews are excavating approximately 25,000 cubic yards of soil and installing nearly 7,000 feet of 21-inch vitrified clay pipe, 3,400 feet of 18-inch pipe, and 400 feet of eight-inch pipe. The project also includes 43 precast manholes, ranging from 48 to 96 inches in diameter.
Above: Big Ben Engineering crew on the Taft Branch Improvements Project in Segment 4 on Taft Avenue near the 55 Freeway crossing.
As the new system comes online, roughly 9,000 feet of existing pipeline will be abandoned, and about 30 manholes will be removed or decommissioned. Crews must also relocate or protect numerous utilities, including storm drains, water lines, and service connections. Additional work includes pavement restoration, traffic loop replacement, restriping, sidewalk reconstruction, and cross-gutter installation.
With excavations reaching depths of up to 20 feet, trench safety is critical. Big Ben Engineering employs a range of
shoring systems, including trench shields, hydraulic jacks, manhole boxes, and beam-and-plate systems, depending on site conditions. The company has partnered closely with Trench Shoring Company to ensure safe and efficient operations.
“Having the right shoring equipment at the right time is essential,” Miranda said. “Trench Shoring Company has always been extremely professional and responsive whenever we need something. If we run into a situation in the field and need additional equipment quickly, they are able to
Big
setting trench shield provided by Trench Shoring Company. Nothing is more important than worker’s safety.
step in and get us what we need so we can keep working safely and stay on schedule.”
Field operations are led by Superintendent Art Dominguez, Foreman Sergio Avina, and Project Manager Cesar Miranda. At peak activity, the project employs approximately 18 crew members operating excavators, loaders, backhoes, and paving equipment, along with bypass pumping systems.
One of the most technically demanding areas is near Taft Avenue and Tustin Street, where { Continued on page 10 }
Above:
Ben crew
Left: Big Ben Engineering crew excavates and loads spoils in preparation for the next shield pull.
{ Continued from page 8 }
crews must install a 36-inch casing pipe and push a 21-inch sewer line through it while maintaining just 12 inches of clearance from an existing 80-inch transmission water main. “It’s a tight, high-risk environment in a busy intersection,” Miranda said. “Everything must be precisely coordinated, with safety as the top priority.”
Traffic management presents ongoing challenges. Work occurs along heavily traveled streets near businesses and schools, requiring crews to operate within a limited footprint while minimizing disruption. “Balancing construction activities with traffic and pedestrian safety, especially near schools, is one of our biggest challenges,” Foremen Sergio Avina said.
The project also requires coordination across multiple agencies, including OC San, the City of Orange, Metrolink, and various utility owners. Crews operate across both day and night shifts to maintain progress.
“Strong communication has been key,” Miranda said. “With so many moving parts, collaboration across all stakeholders has kept the project advancing steadily.”
Upon completion, the project will deliver a modernized sewer system with increased capacity, improved reliability, and fully restored roadways, benefiting residents and businesses throughout the City of Orange.
For Big Ben Engineering, the project marks both a significant infrastructure achievement and
Above: Boom truck setting 60-inch polymer manhole shafting. A total of 43 precast manholes, ranging from 48 to 96 inches in diameter will be installed.
Top Left: As the pipe layers install the 21-inch new sewer line, the Big Ben crew prepares the next joint to be hoisted into the trench.
Top Right: Big Ben excavator operator awaiting the signal to lower the next pipe joint into place.
Right: Big Ben Crew utilizing their Cat 270 XE skid steer to backfill the 21-inch clay pipe.
a milestone in the company’s continued growth.
BEHIND THE COMPANY
While projects like the Taft Branch Improvements highlight Big Ben Engineering’s work today, the company’s story begins with its founder, Bahman “Ben” Sharifi.
In 1985, Ben fled war in Iran and arrived in the United States with his wife and three young children, leaving behind everything he knew. With limited English and only a few dollars to his name, he was forced to start over, despite being a trained civil engineer. He took on small jobs across Orange County, working long days and longer nights, slowly building a reputation through persistence, integrity, and grit.
In 1999, he founded Big Ben, Inc., operating out of a small office and managing every detail himself. What began as one man’s effort to provide for his family gradually grew into something more. His son Sep joined in 2009, bringing new energy and vision to the business. In 2013, Sep took over the reins of the company, and his sister Maryam joined in 2015. Along the way, a pivotal partnership with pipeline operator Art Dominguez helped shape Big Ben Engineering into the underground utility contractor it is today.
Today, although Ben has passed, the values he instilled
remain central to the company’s culture. Family members and employees often recall his simple philosophy that success comes from working hard, doing the right thing and keeping your word. Today, these values continue to guide the company, shaping how Sep and Maryam lead their team and carry forward the legacy their father began. Those principles continue to guide Big Ben Engineering as it takes on projects like OC San’s Taft Branch Improvements. Cc
Above L-R: Maryam Sharifi, Art Dominquez, Sep Sharifi.
Left: Founder, Ben Sharifi (right) with his son, Sep Sharifi.
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BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP
Partners in Life and Underground Construction
By Brian Hoover / Photos provided by Joseph Engineering
In Santa Maria, a typical workday for Joseph Engineering often starts before the sun is up. A call comes in about a broken water main. Within minutes, trucks are rolling. A vacuum unit is staged. Crews are setting cones and assessing the situation. Traffic is moving. Residents are watching. The clock is ticking.
“For us, that is just part of the job,” said Brian Joseph. “Underground work does not wait. When something breaks, you show up, you fix it, and you make sure it is done right.”
For Brian and his wife, Chrystal Joseph, this is familiar territory. Underground work does not allow shortcuts. It demands preparation, the right equipment, and a crew that knows what it is doing.
Joseph Engineering has built its name on exactly that.
A LEAP OF FAITH
The company was officially established in 2005, but the groundwork began a few years earlier. Brian grew up around the trades in a union family, and dirt work felt natural. After getting married to Chrystal, he made a decision that would shape
Brian and Chrystal Joseph at a charity event supporting the local contractor’s association.
Above: Joseph Engineering trenching for fiber line in Lompoc with their John Deere 35G compact excavator.
everything that followed. At 26 years old, Brian quit his job and told his wife he was starting his own construction business.
“I came home and told her I quit,” Brian said with a laugh. “I told her we are going to start our own company. Looking back, that was a big leap. But I always believed if you are going to do it, you do it all in.”
Chrystal had just enrolled in law school.
“It was not exactly the perfect timing,” Chrystal said. “But we believed in what we were building. We knew it was going to take sacrifice, and we were willing to do it.”
They took a line of credit on their home and purchased their first two major pieces of equipment from a contractor who was going out of business. A dump truck and a John Deere 310G backhoe became the foundation of Joseph Engineering.
Before Brian obtained his Class A contractor license in 2005, the couple worked under the license of mentor Willie Garretson of W.R. Garretson Engineering. That mentorship helped them get established. Once Brian secured his license, however, the company transitioned fully into its own contracts.
During those early years, Chrystal went to law school at night and worked on the business during the day. She learned payroll, invoicing, contracts, and the administrative side that many young contractors underestimate.
“I learned what managing a business was really all about,” she said. “I learned payroll, insurance, compliance. Those are the things that keep a company alive. It is not just about running equipment.”
She graduated from law school in 2007, passed the bar on her first attempt, and went to work for a
respected trial attorney. That timing turned out to be critical. When the housing market collapsed in 2008, Joseph Engineering was still a small, fledgling organization.
“Her income is what helped us weather that storm,” Brian said. “We were small enough to stay flexible, and we never shut down.”
Chrystal added, “It allowed us to stay steady. We kept working. We picked up equipment when others were closing. It was not fast growth, but it was smart growth.”
Slow and steady became the model.
Left: Brian Joseph operating the company’s John Deere 135G excavator on housing track project in Nipomo.
Below: Joseph Engineering crew excavating for storm drain in Orcutt with John Deere 135G.
BUILDING A REPUTATION
Early work centered around housing tracts. The company handled utility tie-ins from curb to house, including water, sewer, gas, and communications. They also performed finish grading for flatwork, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and drainage around residential developments. It was practical work that built experience and relationships.
Over time, the company expanded into larger projects, including public works. Today, Joseph Engineering performs waterline infrastructure, sewer systems, storm drain, and dry utilities. They continue to work on housing tracts, currently active on several, while growing into municipal and utility district work.
A PROJECT BENEATH THE SURFACE
One current example is a public project under construction for the Laguna Sanitation District in Santa Barbara County. The Laguna
County Sanitation District (LCSD), a dependent special district of Santa Barbara County, treats up to 3.7 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater to disinfected tertiary standards. Regional studies dating back to 2000 have consistently identified irrigation reuse as the most cost-effective discharge method. With projected flows expected to reach 5.0 MGD in the coming years, expanding recycled water delivery infrastructure has become essential to aligning treatment capacity with discharge demand.
Joseph Engineering’s contract involves the installation of approximately 6,000 feet of eight-inch and ten-inch reclaimed waterline that will deliver treated water to the Santa Maria Country Club golf course for irrigation. The project began in late October 2025 and is scheduled for completion in March 2026. What makes this construction effort notable is that the golf course has remained fully operational during construction.
Directional drilling made that possible.
“Trenching has its place,” Brian explained. “But when you are crossing fairways or trying to protect something that people are actively using, drilling is the right solution. It lets you minimize the impact and keep everything else around you moving smoothly.”
Traditional open-cut installation was utilized in open terrain, while horizontal directional drilling (HDD) was strategically deployed beneath landscaped fairways and sensitive areas to minimize surface disruption. The railroad crossing required a specialized cased auger bore (jack and bore) beneath the Santa Maria Valley Railroad corridor at depths of approximately 17 to 18 feet. The launch pit measured roughly 12 feet by 36 feet by 17 feet deep and was supported with engineered steel shoring and safety railing. Installation was completed in accordance with { Continued on page 18 }
Above: Uncovering a damaged storm drain line for repair on a federal contract.
Left: John Deere excavating at Waller Park in Orcutt for installation of 8-inch pipe.
{ Continued from page 16 }
railroad encroachment permit requirements, including an 18-inch structural steel casing pipe to encase the HDPE reclaimed carrier waterline and real-time monitoring to ensure track stability. Joseph Engineering partnered with Pacific Boring for the jack-and-bore operation.
The pipeline extension consists of approximately 1,850 linear feet of 10-inch DIPS DR11 HDPE pipe and 4,100 linear feet of 8-inch DIPS DR11 HDPE reclaimed water line, totaling nearly 5,950 feet of new distribution infrastructure. This segment ties into LCSD’s recently completed three-mile recycled water transmission main from the Santa Maria Public Airport to Waller Park, which includes a onemillion-gallon welded steel storage tank and pump station. The new alignment extends north from Waller Park to the Santa Maria Country Club, creating a continuous recycled water delivery system.
On the golf course project, the Joseph Engineering core crew has averaged four field personnel, with peak staffing around six. Equipment on-site has included a Ditch Witch JT28 directional drill, a John Deere 310 P-Tier backhoe, a John Deere excavator, and a forklift. The personnel and machines utilized on this project reflects the company’s
approach of matching crew size and equipment to the work rather than oversizing either.
INVESTING IN TRENCHLESS
Joseph Engineering’s trenchless capabilities began in 2019 almost by accident. After purchasing a Ditch Witch vacuum unit primarily for emergency repairs and potholing, a communications contractor approached Brian about performing directional drilling. At the time, Joseph Engineering had no drilling experience.
“I had never even stood next to a directional drill,” Brian said. “But when the opportunity came up, I did not want to turn it down.”
Brian and two crew members enrolled in Ditch Witch University for directional drill training. They completed classroom and handson instruction and purchased the company’s first directional drill. Dealer support included on-site assistance from Ditch Witch West during the initial projects.
“Ditch Witch West did not just sell us a machine and walk away,” Brian said. “They trained us. They came out to the jobsite. They made sure we were set up right. That made a huge difference for us.”
On this project, hydro-excavation was used extensively for nondestructive potholing to verify existing gas, domestic water,
communication, and electrical utilities prior to mechanical excavation. All work was performed under an approved Title 22 Engineering Report, which required strict vertical and horizontal separation from potable water lines, installation of tracer wire, and clear purple recycled-water identification marking. Regulatory oversight included the State Water Resources Control Board and the Division of Drinking Water. Environmental compliance followed the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted in November 2023. Work inside the Santa Maria Country Club required phased construction sequencing to maintain full course playability. HDD methods allowed the crew to “disappear” underground rather than trench across active fairways, preserving turf integrity and minimizing disruption to members. Upon completion, the recycled water system will supply approximately 0.4 MGD of irrigation demand across the 90-acre golf course by delivering water into existing hazards, where irrigation pumps redistribute it. By offsetting groundwater pumping, the project strengthens water resiliency within the Santa Maria Basin and helps balance LCSD’s treatment and discharge capacities.
Above: Joseph Engineering owns and maintains a fleet of Ditch Witch directional drills and hydro-excavation units as they continue to expand their trenchless capabilities and offerings.
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT — AND THE RIGHT PARTNERS
Today, Joseph Engineering’s fleet includes Ditch Witch directional drills and hydro-excavation units. The rest of the company’s heavy equipment is primarily John Deere compact and mid-sized equipment. Brian Joseph makes it clear that he prefers John Deere machines for their balance, durability, and cycle time.
“I like the way they feel,” he said. “The cycle time is strong. By the end of the day, you are getting more production than with the other leading manufacturers. John Deere equipment is durable, and parts are readily available locally.”
That local support comes from Coastline Equipment, Joseph Engineering’s John Deere dealer.
“Coastline has treated us extremely well,” Brian said. “If we need parts, they have them. If we need service, they are responsive. Financing has been great. They have worked with us from when we were small to where we are now.”
Chrystal added, “Dealer relationships matter. When you are growing a company, you need partners who believe in you. Coastline has been that for us.”
The company maintains its own mechanics for routine repairs but relies on Coastline for parts and major service support. Rentals
are sourced locally as needed to keep projects moving.
In 2018, Chrystal joined the company full time. Her legal background remains a daily asset, especially in public contracting, compliance, and risk management.
“It helps us navigate contracts and protect the company,” she said. “Underground work carries risk. Understanding that side of the business is important.”
ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM
Joseph Engineering currently employs about 40 people, with more than 30 in the field. Several employees have been with the company for decades.
“We try to run this like a family,” Brian said. “There is a serious side to the work, but we want our team to enjoy what they do and feel respected. We want them to want to come to work.”
Chrystal agrees. “We talk about safety and honesty all the time. Those are not just words. They are how we make decisions. Everyone goes home safe. Everyone does the right thing. That is our culture.”
In September 2024, the company achieved certification through the SBA 8(a) Business Development program. The process required extensive documentation and vetting, but it positions Joseph Engineering to pursue additional federal contracting opportunities in their region.
Despite its growth, the company has remained focused geographically. Most work stays within Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
“We like being local,” Brian said. “We know the agencies. We know the inspectors. When someone calls, we can respond quickly.”
After nearly two decades, Joseph Engineering is still grounded in the same fundamentals that started it: show up, do quality work, protect the public, take care of your crew, and finish the job right.
“For us, it is simple,” Chrystal said. “We built this together. We are going to keep building it the right way.”
For an underground contractor, that is what builds a reputation that lasts. Cc
For more information on Joseph Engineering, please visit their website at www.joseph-engineering.com or call their Santa Maria headquarters at (805) 928-3703
Above: Brian Joseph with his John Deere 310G backhoe just two years after getting his license shown here working on a small residential grading project in Orcutt.
Above: Joseph Engineering team using their John Deere 325G track loader to install a sewer line on a commercial project in Santa Maria.
GRIFFITH COMPANY Delivers Critical Water Infrastructure Upgrade in Ramona
By Brian Hoover / Photos provided by Griffith Company
In the rugged foothills of San Diego County, where the landscape is defined by massive boulders and unforgiving terrain, infrastructure isn’t just built—it’s carved. The unincorporated community of Ramona recently saw a major milestone in its regional water reliability with the completion of the Mount Woodson 30-Inch Water Line Replacement Project, a high-stakes upgrade delivered by Griffith Company’s Underground Utilities Division.
The mission was clear: replace a dated 18-inch steel pipeline with a high-capacity 30-inch line to meet the future demands of a growing
community. But as any veteran of California utility work knows, the “clear” path is rarely a straight one.
The project was led by Project Manager Piero Zafra, who has been with Griffith Company for eight years. The contract called for the installation of approximately 5,700 linear feet of new 30-inch water line to replace an existing 18-inch steel pipeline. While the original line remained operational, the upgrade was designed to significantly increase capacity and support future demand in the growing community.
The project’s 18-month duration was largely driven by two key factors that affected
both production and scheduling. First, the alignment ran through a narrow easement, creating intermittent access challenges. In addition, long lead times for critical materials, particularly the 30-inch water valves, challenged both the field and schedule to meet the needs of the client.
“The goal was to install the new 30-inch line and then abandon the existing 18-inch line,” Zafra
Above: Cat 335F excavator lifts 12-inch HDPE fusion pipe while laborers align the joint.
explained. “But working within a narrow easement added a layer of difficulty that required careful coordination and planning throughout the job.”
The project alignment ran entirely through an existing easement, nestled between natural landscape and very large boulders, limiting maneuverability for crews and equipment. Excavation depths ranged from approximately five to nine feet, requiring the use of trench shields in tighter sections while allowing open-cut operations where space permitted. Crews progressed methodically, excavating, installing pipe, and backfilling in sequence as they advanced along the alignment.
Ground conditions presented another major hurdle, as much of the alignment consisted of dense native rock that slowed excavation and required additional effort to maintain production. In areas where subsurface conditions proved especially challenging, the project team adapted by transitioning to above-ground installation using cement mortarcoated steel pipe. Approximately 600 linear feet of this material was installed on concrete supports, allowing the line to traverse difficult terrain while maintaining structural integrity.
“The rocky conditions were consistent throughout much of the project,” Zafra said. “In certain sections, we transitioned to above-ground installation, setting cement mortar-coated steel pipe on concrete supports to navigate the terrain and maintain alignment where excavating and trenching would have been much more difficult.”
Despite these challenges, Griffith’s field crews, typically consisting of eight to ten personnel, maintained steady progress using a fleet of excavators, backhoes, and support equipment. The team’s ability to adapt to changing conditions helped ensure the successful completion of the project safely.
In total, the pipeline installation included approximately 5,100 linear feet of 30-inch PVC C900 pipe, complemented by around 600 linear feet of above-ground steel pipe sections where required. The team also installed eight 30-inch water valves, one 18-inch valve as part of the system upgrades, one 30-inch flowmeter and integrated it into the Ramona Municipal Water District’s SCADA system.
The Mount Woodson Water Line Replacement Project represents a moderate contract within Griffith Company’s overall portfolio and highlights the specialized capabilities of the firm’s Underground Division. According to Zafra, underground work currently represents a growing segment of our company’s operations.
“We handle a range of projects, from smaller municipal water lines to major infrastructure jobs,” he said. “Right now, we’re wrapping up work on the Ontario Ballpark project, which is a
Above: 30-inch CMLC pipe is set on stands prior to the concrete pour.
significant undertaking with a large underground component.” This project, valued at approximately $90 million overall, further demonstrates the division’s ability to perform at scale while continuing to take on technically demanding utility work across Southern California.
With a history dating back to 1902, CA Contractor License 88, Griffith Company has built a reputation for excellence across multiple heavy civil disciplines, including grading, paving, underground, concrete structures, landscape, materials, and environmental work. While its grading and paving operations are often the most visible, projects like the Mount Woodson Pipeline underscore the importance of its underground expertise in supporting essential infrastructure.
As communities continue to grow and demand more resilient utility systems, projects like this one play a vital role in ensuring reliable water delivery for years to come. Through careful execution in challenging conditions, Griffith Company’s Underground Division continues to demonstrate its value as a trusted partner in building and maintaining California’s critical infrastructure.
Across the Ramona Community, water infrastructure upgrades like the Mount Woodson pipeline are part of a broader effort led by the Ramona Municipal Water District to modernize aging systems and expand service capacity. The district manages more than 200 miles of pipeline across a 71-square-mile service area and continues to implement capital improvement projects focused on reliability, efficiency, and future growth. Current initiatives include new waterline construction to serve underserved areas, sewer system expansions tied to septic-to-sewer conversions, and partnerships to
deliver both potable and recycled water to surrounding communities. These projects are often supported by state and grant funding and are designed to strengthen long-term system resilience while meeting increasing demand in the region. In that context, upgrades like the 30-inch Mount Woodson Water Line Replacement Project represent an
Above: John Deere 470G excavator removes a large boulder to allow excavation to continue.
Below: Concrete anchor form is set and ready for placement at the eastern end of the above-ground section.
important component of a broader strategy to improve water delivery and infrastructure performance throughout Ramona.
As Griffith Company continues to expand its footprint across California, its Underground Utilities Division is playing an increasingly important role in the firm’s longterm growth. Backed by decades of experience and supported by the company’s broader capabilities in grading, paving, structures, and materials, the division has built a reputation for delivering complex utility projects with precision and reliability. From tight-access municipal waterline replacements to large-scale infrastructure developments, Griffith’s underground team brings a practical, solutions-driven approach to every job, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building the critical systems that communities depend on every day. Cc
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Where the FUTURE of CONSTRUCTION Comes ALIVE
By Rachael Mahoney, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Partnerships, Bulk Exchange
Decades ago, the Associated Schools of Construction competition began as a modest gathering. Dozens of students. A handful of faculty. Folding tables in a Holiday Inn. It was intimate. Practical. Purposeful.
Today, it is something altogether different.
More than 2,000 students from dozens of universities now converge alongside hundreds of faculty members and industry professionals, filling the Nugget Convention Center and making a splash in a city as event-driven as Reno. The scale alone is impressive. The energy is unmistakable. What began as
a small academic exercise has grown into one of the most powerful demonstrations of construction’s future anywhere in the country.
You feel it before you fully see it.
The buzz starts in the hallways. Laughter layered over nervous energy. The low hum of last-minute strategy sessions. Laptops open. Plans rolled out. Teams huddled shoulder to shoulder, rehearsing slides one more time. Judges move between rooms. Sponsors greet students. Faculty offer quiet encouragement.
ASC is not just a competition. It is a convergence. It is a proving ground. It is the future of our industry gathered in one place.
Top: Drew Erickson, Rachael Mahoney, and Paul Foley of Bulk Exchange prepare to take the stage at the 2026 ASC Region 6/7 Student Competition in Sparks, NV.
Above: Paul Foley leads a Bulk Exchange session, sharing insights with students, faculty, and industry professionals gathered at ASC 2026.
The Team Behind the Curtain
An event of this magnitude does not simply happen. It is built.
At the center of that effort is Lori Brown, a 32-year professor at California State University Chico and Competition Director of the ASC Region 6/7 Student Competitions in Sparks, NV. Lori has long been the conductor of this event, while the extraordinary
team around her has been the section leaders, each managing their part with precision and calm. What stands out most is not just the scale of coordination, but the tone.
Every interaction is marked by professionalism. Polite. Capable. Efficient. Questions are answered quickly. Adjustments are handled seamlessly. Problems
are resolved before most people even know they exist.
It feels easy.
But anyone who has ever organized an event, even one nowhere near this scale, knows it’s anything but easy. The grace of the ASC team reflects the very qualities the industry values most: preparation, teamwork, and quiet execution. They make the complex look effortless, and in doing so, they create a stage worthy of the students who have spent months preparing to step onto it.
The Moment Before They Step Forward
If you pause long enough, you can see it in the students’ faces. The moment before they walk into a presentation room. The steadying breath. The final nod between teammates.
They are not simply presenting a bid. They are presenting themselves.
Months of preparation led to this point. Weekends surrendered. Late nights fueled by cold pizza and energy drinks, spent refining roles and technique. Practice presentations in empty classrooms. They arrive tired, but determined. They know what is at stake.
Above Left: Dermot Fallon delivers remarks on behalf of Bulk Exchange, connecting students with the digital tools reshaping heavy construction.
Above Right: A student team fields questions from industry judges — years of schooling and late-night preparation distilled into one high-stakes presentation.
Above: Rachael Mahoney and Paul Foley deliver the ASC keynote at the Nugget Convention Center, making the case for digital infrastructure as the foundation of construction’s next era.
Across the table sit executives who may soon become mentors, managers, or colleagues. The students understand this is more than a grade. It is a gateway.
And when they begin to speak, something remarkable happens. The nerves settle. Confidence takes hold. Schedules are defended. Risks are mitigated. Questions are fielded with composure and clarity.
You realize quickly that you are not watching students imagining their future in construction. You are watching the future of construction itself.
A GENERATION BUILT FOR TRANSFORMATION
This generation enters the industry as true digital natives. They have grown up surrounded by data, automation, intuitive platforms, and artificial intelligence. They expect systems to connect. They expect information to flow. They expect efficiency.
They do not see technology as optional. They see it as infrastructure.
When they discuss procurement, they envision connected supply chains. When they analyze risk, they reference real-time data. When they build schedules, they think about integration and optimization. Robotics, automation, AI-assisted estimating, and digital logistics are not distant innovations. They are tools ready to be applied.
ASC offers a glimpse of that transformation in motion. Judges see structured thinking. Digital fluency. Strategic clarity. Students who are comfortable navigating complexity and who instinctively look for better ways to operate. They will not simply inherit the industry. They will modernize it.
COMPETITION AT ITS BEST
Construction is competitive by nature. Firms pursue the same projects. Margins are tight. Performance matters.
Yet at ASC, something powerful happens. Companies that compete aggressively in the field show up to mentor, sponsor, judge, and encourage students from every
school. Faculty from rival programs exchange ideas. Students congratulate teams who outperform them.
It is competition at its best. Fierce in execution. Generous in spirit.
For an industry built on collaboration across trades, disciplines, and companies, ASC reflects who we are at our highest level. We may compete for projects, but we share responsibility for the profession’s future.
SUPPORTING WHAT COMES NEXT
At Bulk Exchange, supporting ASC feels personal. We believe deeply that the future of construction will be shaped at the intersection of people and technology. Sponsoring the event and delivering a keynote on how digital platforms, AI-driven workflows, connected logistics, and integrated financial systems are transforming the industry was not about visibility. It was about commitment.
The students in those rooms will be the professionals who implement and refine these tools. They will integrate sourcing platforms, automate workflows, connect data streams, and bring greater intelligence to every phase of construction.
Technology does not replace expertise. It amplifies it.
When you put the right tools in the right hands at the right time, the impact compounds.
ASC is where you see those hands. Steady. Focused. Ready.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW
The urgency behind events like ASC is real.
The construction industry faces more than 500,000 unfilled positions. According to McKinsey, 41 percent of the workforce is expected to retire by 2031. The labor gap is widening at the very moment infrastructure demands are increasing.
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Above: ASC Competition Director Lori Brown and Bulk Exchange CEO Paul Foley at the Bulk Exchange booth — where the industry’s present and future met face to face.
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For years, outdated perceptions have limited recruitment.
Construction has too often been portrayed as manual and low-tech. That narrative has narrowed the talent pipeline.
Standing inside ASC, that perception simply does not hold.
You hear robotics and automation referenced naturally. You watch students leverage data with fluency. You witness leadership, analytical rigor, and technological competence operating together.
Modern construction is one of the most dynamic and impactful industries in the economy. It integrates engineering, finance, operations, logistics, automation, and increasingly, artificial intelligence.
But we must do a better job of telling that story. And we must tell it earlier. Outreach cannot begin only at the collegiate level. It must extend into middle schools and high schools. Students need to see construction as a first-choice
career for those who want to combine tangible impact with cutting-edge innovation.
The best and brightest are looking for meaningful work. Construction offers it in abundance.
Leaning All The Way In
As ASC winds down and students begin the journey home, there is a lingering sense of momentum.
Hope.
The next generation is not lacking. The talent is there. The drive is there. The capability is there.
Now it is on all of us to lean all in.
To support them. To modernize our messaging. To invest in innovation.
To recruit earlier. To celebrate the advancements already shaping our jobsites and boardrooms.
Putting the right tools in the right hands at the right time is not simply a strategy. It is a responsibility.
ASC proves that the future of construction is ready.
As I shared during my keynote address, I closed my keynote with a line from Field of Dreams: “If you
build it, they will come.” At ASC, the meaning is clear. If we build the technological infrastructure, the mentorship, the opportunity, and the belief in this next generation, the students will come, and with them, the success that will define the future of our industry.
Bulk Exchange served as the event’s dinner sponsor, and CEO Paul Foley hosted the evening program. Bulk Exchange is a digital marketplace and connective sourcing layer built specifically for the heavy construction industry. By combining applied AI with automated workflows, the platform connects planners, contractors, suppliers, and disposal facilities to source, price, and move bulk materials with greater speed and transparency. Contractors gain real-time visibility into material and disposal options, while suppliers and dumpsites unlock scalable access to active demand beyond legacy relationships. The result is a more efficient, data-driven marketplace designed to power the future of heavy construction. Cc
Above: The trade floor buzzes as students and faculty connect with contractors and sponsors, the informal conversations that often matter most.
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Industry News
Ribbon cutting marks completion of $33M Horsethief Canyon Water Reclamation Facility expansion
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s first design-build project delivers a model of public-private partnership for growing Southern California community
TEMESCAL VALLEY, Calif., March 04, 2026 – Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) recently celebrated a major milestone with the ribbon-cutting and valve-turning ceremony for the upgraded and expanded Horsethief Canyon Water Reclamation Facility (HTCWRF). More than 60 community members, regional partners, and developers attended the event, which marked the completion of a $33 million investment in Temescal Valley’s future.
The upgraded HTCWRF expands treatment capacity from 0.5 to 0.8 million gallons per day (MGD), providing wastewater service for approximately 1,200 homes.
As residential and commercial development continues to accelerate across the region, the expanded facility positions the district to meet growing demand while maintaining reliable, efficient service, reflecting EVMWD’s commitment to keeping pace with Temescal Valley’s rapid growth.
The project represents several important firsts for EVMWD. It was the District’s first design-build project, delivered successfully despite COVID-era supply chain challenges that impacted projects across the industry. It also reflects the power of public-private partnership: through collaboration with four regional developers, 65%
of the total project cost was privately funded, a landmark outcome that reduced the financial impact on existing customers while advancing critical infrastructure.
“Projects like Horsethief Canyon demonstrate what is possible when innovation, stewardship, and collaboration come together,” said EVMWD General Manager Greg Thomas. “This facility reflects our commitment to responsible infrastructure planning — delivering lasting value for our customers and our community.”
The new facility employs membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment technology, which integrates membrane filtration with
biological treatment processes for nutrient removal. This approach delivers superior effluent quality in a compact footprint at reduced capital and energy costs. The facility is also designed to be operator-friendly, leveraging automation for convenient, remote monitoring. Importantly, the highquality effluent produced is suitable for non-potable reuse applications such as local landscape irrigation or groundwater recharge, a particularly valuable capability in water-scarce Southern California.
Carollo Engineers was retained by EVMWD to provide program management and owner’s advisor services throughout the project, from design through construction, as part of the District’s broader water reclamation expansion program. The program also encompasses significant upgrades and expansion of the Regional Water Reclamation Facility, increasing its treatment capacity from 8 to 12 MGD, where Carollo continues to serve as program manager and owner’s advisor.
“What EVMWD accomplished here is remarkable — bringing together four private development partners, embracing a new project
delivery model, and seeing it through despite significant supply chain challenges,” said Carollo Senior Project Manager and Vice President Jeff Weishaar. “The Horsethief Canyon WRF expansion is a testament to what thoughtful program management and strong partnerships can achieve, delivering resilient, future-ready water systems for the Temescal Valley community.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew representatives from federal, state, and local offices, who presented certificates recognizing the milestone. Attendees included representatives from the offices of Congressman Ken Calvert, Senator Kelly Seyarto, and Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes, among others. Guests were invited to tour the facility following the ceremony to see firsthand how the improvements will support community-centered water management for future generations. Cc
About Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District provides water, recycled water, and wastewater services to approximately 164,000 people in
the communities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Wildomar, portions of Murietta, and Temescal Valley in Riverside County, California. EVMWD is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality water services while pursuing innovative and sustainable solutions for a growing region. To learn more, visit www. evmwd.com
About Carollo Engineers
For over 90 years, Carollo Engineers has provided a full range of innovative planning, design, and construction management services to address the water needs of municipalities, public agencies, private developers, and industrial clients. Carollo develops robust water management strategies that leverage collaboration, provide multi-benefit solutions, and achieve sustainability and resilience. Carollo has 1,900 employees located in more than 60 offices across North America. To learn more about how Carollo is “Working Wonders With Water®” call (800) 523-5826 or visit www.carollo.com
