Produced six times a year, MBA’s BreakingGround is the first comprehensive source of local market information for professionals in the commercial construction and real estate business in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. It’s packed with information about market trends, best practices and timely economic data.
As my term as MBA president ends, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Serving as your president for the past three years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. When I started my term in January 2022, I could have never imagined the challenges that would occur during the next three years of my life.
Together, we have achieved so much. Highlights include:
• Launching our President’s Council with the focus of improving communications across our association’s working committees and activities.
• Expanding MBA staff to increase advocacy
• Engaging in successful labor agreement negotiations that are a win for our members, our trade union partners, and our regional customers and stakeholders.
• Creating the position of Membership & Communications Coordinator to boost meaningful engagement with our members and to improve the process for new members to engage.
• Establishing the MBA Career Center to connect those looking for jobs with our members.
None of these successes would have been possible without the passion and commitment of our members, our board, our committees, as well as our sponsors, partners and outstanding staff. Many thanks to the industry leaders who have served on the MBA Board of Directors during my tenure. You all have played a crucial role in advancing the mission of our association, and I am profoundly grateful for your engagement and dedication. I know that the work we’ve done together has not only strengthened MBA, but has also built powerful momentum that will carry us forward in leading the industry and building the region.
As I step down and pass the baton to our next president, Michael Mascaro, I know our mission continues, and the future is bright with endless opportunities for the construction industry in our region.
Thank you for the memories and all the successes we’ve celebrated along the way.
Raymond A. Volpatt, Jr., P.E. Volpatt Construction Corporation MBA President 2022-2024
ACHIEVEMENTS IN SAFETY & SERVICE:
MBA is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of our award-winning members and our scholarship recipients. We recognize and celebrate their exceptional achievements in leadership, safety, service and academic excellence.
MBA Safety Champion of The Year
Jonathan Muzina Superintendent, Landau Building Company
Award Sponsor:
MBA Safety Professional of The Year
Rick Bowers Director of Health, Safety & Environmental Mascaro Construction Company, LP
Award Sponsor:
James Kling Fellowship Award
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Recipients were awarded at our annual meeting in January 2024.
Rhea Khot 2023 University of Pittsburgh Construction Management Program Scholarship
Taylor Edwards 2023 Penn State University Department of Architectural Engineering Scholarship
Chloe Croft 2023 MBA Safety Scholarship
Anthony Helman MICA Scholarship, Taperer Apprenticeship (IUPAT)
Brandon Jackson MICA Scholarship, Plasterers Apprentice
Martin E. Powell Owner, The Design Alliance Architects
Jeremy Miller MICA Scholarship, Carpenter Apprentice
The Construction Industry Evening of Excellence is an annual celebration of exceptional achievement in the construction industry, bringing together the Pittsburgh region’s top commercial construction companies, architects and craftspeople. Along with the visionary owners of these amazing buildings, they have shaped the skyline, and raised the bar for excellence.
The MBA Crystal Award is the highest and most sought-after award in commercial construction in Western Pennsylvania. Bragging rights were claimed in February 2024 by the following Building Excellence Award winners.
Over $200 Million
UPMC Mercy Pavilion
Contractor: Mascaro
Construction Company, LP
$100 – $200 Million
The Erie Insurance
Thomas B. Hagen Building
Contractor: PJ Dick Incorporated
$50 – $100 Million
NLMK Walking Beam
Furnace Installation
Contractor: STEVENS
Engineers & Constructors, Inc.
$15 – 50 Million
Carnegie Mellon University
Forbes and Beeler Residence Hall
Contractor:
Mosites Construction Company
Under $15 Million
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Life
Sciences Building
Contractor: Rycon Construction, Inc.
Over $10 Million
UPMC Montefiore
Emergency Generator
Contractor: Mascaro
Construction Company, LP
$5 – 10 Million
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Contractor: A. Martini & Co.
$2 – $5 Million
August Wilson House
Contractor: A. Martini & Co.
Under $2 Million
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main Entrance
Contractor: Burchick
Construction Company, Inc
EXCELLENCE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD
UPMC Vision Institute
Contractor: Lighthouse
Electric Company, Inc
“It is always great to gather with the construction industry’s best contractors and partners on Safety Appreciation Night... working to build the best city in the world”
HEINLEIN, AMERICAN CONTRACTORS INSURANCE GROUP
YINZ GOOD?™ CONSTRUCTION SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. As a natural extension of MBA’s commitment to mental health in our industry via Yinz Good?,™ we provided a full week of activity ideas and offered an in person seminar, “ Building a Strong Foundation Under the Hard Hat: Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness in the Construction Industry.”
Read more here
During the first week of May, the construction industry celebrates National Construction Safety Week. For its 10th anniversary in 2024, the theme was Value Every Voice. MBA members and staff joined others around the country and celebrated with awards events, educational seminars and promotions on social media. Read more here
THE MBA YOUNG CONSTRUCTORS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
The Leadership Development Seminar is an opportunity for young professionals at MBA member firms to learn from industry leaders.
Panelists: James Dudt, Pittsburgh Business Leader | PE | LEED AP at Gilbane Building Company; Anthony Martini, President at A. Martini & Co.; Neal Rivers, Executive Vice President at Easley & Rivers, Inc.
Moderator: Jeff Burd, Publisher of BreakingGround and DevelopingPittsburgh magazines
SEVEN PILLARS OF SAFETY Representatives from Milwaukee Tool joined us at MBA headquarters during Safety Construction Week 2024 to teach about the Seven Pillars of Safety. Thanks to Milwaukee Tool for helping us build a stronger safety culture in Western Pa.
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SOCIAL MEDIA SEMINAR & HAPPY HOUR
Nala Marketing shared tips on social media marketing for MBA members’ businesses. The free seminar covered content creation, how to use videos and understanding analytics. View the seminar if you missed it
THE MBA YOUNG CONSTRUCTORS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
Young professionals at MBA member firms learned from industry leaders who provided advice and shared highlights from their careers. Panelists included James Dudt at Gilbane Building Company, Anthony Martini, President at A. Martini & Co., and Neal Rivers, Executive Vice President at Easley & Rivers, Inc.
“Joining the MBA...was one of the best decisions CTR has made. The
networking and events have been incredibly valuable.”
MATT BARBI, CTR PAYROLL & HR
The MBA Green Builders Committee held a panel discussion about sustainable waste management. Topics included LEED V5 updates and a case study from a Gold Star Contractor, and National Construction & Demolition Recycling updates.
MBA GOES GREEN
MBA members, Noah Shaltes, Michael Volpatt, and Grant Ervin were part of the panel for The Green Voice speaker series, Greener Future event focused on the Shovel Hits the Dirt and shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure in Pittsburgh.
CLAY QUEENS
MBA and The National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) joined forces for an all-women’s clay shoot at Highland Sporting Clays at Seven Springs Resort.
MEMBERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Jason Malatak , Director of Risk Management at Mosites Construction, shifted Mosites’ safety culture to prioritize worker wellness. By working to improve employee mental health in construction, he is also addressing a range of other issues, from quality of work to employee retention. As part of his mission, Jason believes it is his responsibility to help competitors, too, by sharing what they can do to address the mental health challenges in their company.
Jennifer P. Landau was named president of Landau Building Company. She is the first woman to lead the organization in its 130-year legacy. She is a LEED Green Associate and a Certified Healthcare Constructor, and new member of the MBA Board.
Top contractors and subcontractors in Western Pennsylvania contributed $52,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Pittsburgh. Jaime Gildersleeve, Director of Human Resources at Mascaro Construction Company, LP (pictured top left), and Naley McKamish, Director of Marketing & Business Eevelopment at McKamish, Inc. (pictured bottom left) spearheaded the fundraising.
Rocky Bleier Construction Group received the AGC in the Community Award for service to Veterans as part of Operation Fighting Back , the company's support of veterans in their community, and the AGC Construction Safety Excellence Award (CSEA), recognizing safety performance, employee safety participation and training, work site hazard identification and control, and safety program innovation. Awards were presented at the AGC Annual Convention in San Diego, Ca.
For Mother’s Day 2024, we spotlighted nearly 30 moms in the construction industry with our first MBA Hard Hat Moms Honor Roll, celebrating women in some of the largest commercial construction companies in our region. Each were nominated by their companies and featured among our other charter members.
Alicia Densmore Senior Project Manager, AIMS Construction, Inc.
Crystal Schafer Safety Director, Massaro Construction Group
A FATHER'S LEGACY
Father’s Day 2024 feature
HEART ASSOCIATION HARD HATS
County Executive, Sara Innamorato, joined the YC Committee to grow a greener, healthier county for future generations.
On Earth Day, the MBA Young Constructors Committee partnered with the Allegheny County Parks Foundation to plant 155 trees.
HEART ASSOCIATION WALK
LIFE-SAVING BLOOD DRIVE
MBA partnered with Vitalant to host a blood drive at our headquarters in March to address the nationwide shortage. All donations remained in Pittsburgh to help our neighbors.
HIGH FIVE FOR THE KIDS AT THE CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE
MBA Young Constructors (YC) Committee and MBA staff members volunteered at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh’s Annual Special Olympics
YOUNG CONTRUCTORS HELP FIGHT HUNGER
MBA Young Constructors (YC) Committee members spent the day volunteering at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank working as checkout personnel, shopping assistants, and shelf stockers.
CCAC SKILLED TRADES FAIR
Lance Harrell shared insights on the importance of skilled trades and career options at the Skilled Trades Fair at the Community College of Allegheny County. Read more in the Fall 2024 CCAC Connection Newsletter
NEW WORKFORCE ON WHEELS CYBERBUS 2.0
MBA and Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh (HACP) plan to launch of a new mobile workforce development initiative that brings workforce training right to the jobseeker. The partnership will highlight opportunities among the sixteen building trades unions in the Greater Pittsburgh Region for city residents ages eighteen and older, that lead to well-paying union positions.
MBA’S LANCE HARRELL AWARDED 2024 PITTSBURGH COURIER MAN OF EXCELLENCE
In recognition of his efforts on behalf of MBA in workforce development and DEI initiatives, Lance Harrell, was awarded the New Pittsburgh Courier ’s 2024 Men of Excellence Award.
Members post open positions and job seekers apply directly on the site. You can also find apprenticeship opportunities, and a link to BuildWPA , MBA’s site for workforce development education and resources. Visit the MBA Career Center
MBA’s Emerging Contractor Development Committee (ECDC) Meet and Greet aimed to enhance diversity in construction projects to connect Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE) contractors with regional stakeholders, share upcoming opportunities, facilitate networking, and outline the ECDC's initiatives. Panel discussions included representatives from UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University’s construction management teams, plus MBA contractors, minority contractors, and union representatives. The conversations served as a platform for the audience to voice the challenges MWDBE contractors face, fostering a constructive dialogue between stakeholders and contractors to address these barriers collaboratively.
For more information, or to join this committee, email Lance Harrell at lance@mbawpa.com
The two-day event hosted by the Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania showcased the state’s construction trade unions and what a career with them looks like. A special appearance by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro topped off an exceptional weekend, showing the importance of these careers.
MBA’s membership in TAUC and AGC directly benefits our members. Congratulations to these leaders helping to drive our industry forward.
As MBA Member, Justin Bruce leaves his post as President of TAUC, we'd like to thank him for all he has accomplished to advance the union construction and maintenance industry. Chris Buckman, President/CEO, BMWC Industries will assume the presidency in May 2025.
Learn more about TAUC membership at tauc.org
Jeffrey D. Shoaf was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, succeeding Stephen E. Sandherr, who served as the organization’s leader since 1996. Tom Brown has assumed the role of AGC Board President He has been associated with the construction industry since 1972.
MBA’s public and government affairs strategies drive key policies and progress vital to our members and our industry. We’ve captured some moments highlighting partnerships, collaboration, and progress made in the past year.
The Master Builders' Association monitors legislation affecting the construction industry on all levels of government — federal, state, and local
Michael Mascaro
Mascaro Construction, LP MBA President 2025
As I assume the honor of serving as your next president, I begin by thanking Ray Volpatt for his exceptional leadership and dedication to our association. He has laid a remarkable framework for success for the future.
Over 36 years, as a member, and most recently as your vice president and treasurer, I’ve witnessed the incredible strength and dedication of our members, board and staff. So, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead for MBA in the next three years. While challenges are inevitable, I am confident we will meet them with innovation, intention and collaboration.
It’s a privilege to represent this association as we continue building with purpose toward a brighter future for our industry and our region.
We would like to express our deep appreciation for your outstanding leadership and dedication during your tenure as our president.
We look forward to building upon the strong foundation you have laid, and to continuing the important work you have led during your presidency.
David D. Daquelente MBA Executive Director
Building with purpose means approaching every project, partnership, and decision with intentionality, intelligence and inspiration—ensuring that every decision, initiative, and partnership aligns with our broader mission to strengthen our member companies and the industry, improve the lives of our workforce, and create lasting value for those we support.
In the construction industry, "building with purpose" can be taken literally, because we are shaping the built environment that defines our region’s character, functionality, and identity.
Our industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. From the growing focus on sustainable building practices and materials to the integration of technology and automation on job sites, the landscape keeps changing. We face ongoing challenges—talent capacity and development, rising costs, shifting regulatory environments, and the need to adapt to the latest technology. We must be on the forefront of shaping these trends, not reacting to them. Together, we can drive positive change, and leave a legacy we are proud of in the built environment.
Emerging Leaders Training and Support: As our industry evolves, so must our leadership. To ensure we are ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead, we need to invest in the training and development of emerging leaders. MBA continues to evolve and launch programs designed to identify, train, and support rising stars within our membership to build a strong and capable leadership pipeline for the future.
Education for the Next Generation: We will address labor capacity challenges by investing in the next generation of skilled workers with pre-apprentice and apprenticeship program support, scholarships and skills-based training. We will also create partnerships and pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction workforce.
Expanded Member Services: We listen to our members and create programs and personalized services to address your evolving needs and help you navigate the changing landscape with greater ease and support.
Advocacy for Our Industry: Our role as an advocate for the construction industry has never been more crucial. The challenges we face require a strong, unified voice. We will continue to intentionally align with stakeholders and advocate for policies that support our construction industry as a responsible partner in the sustainable growth of our industry and our region.
You can read more about these initiatives in this Member Report.
On behalf of our Board, our Committees, and our team, I am excited to work alongside all of you as we build with purpose. Building with purpose takes effort and intention. Lean into your membership with MBA, and we know you will get even more out of it than you put into it. I encourage each of you to infuse purpose into everything you do this year. Thank you for your continued commitment to MBA and our industry. I look forward to what we will continue to accomplish together.
MBA’s Emerging Contractor Development Committee (ECDC) fosters the growth of emerging signatory contractors, including Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE) businesses, through collaboration with MBA members, union partners, local organizations, and AGC's national resources.
ECDC will focus on these priorities in 2025:
• Streamlining certification processes to reduce administrative burdens.
This year MBA will again be laser-focused on helping emerging leaders develop strong management skills, and further professional knowledge while building relationships with peers. Keep an eye out for an expanded Emerging Leadership Series in 2025 on the MBA website and Master Builders News.
“The
MBA Emerging Leadership Series is a great resource and investment in personal growth.”
JOSH BARAN, REPCO II
• Improving access to capital via bonding assistance, grants, or low-interest loans
• Expanding training programs,especially union-specific workshops and pre-apprenticeship programs
• Advocating for policy changes and push for enforceable inclusion benchmarks.
The 11-month program consists of thirteen sessions, running February 2025 through December 2025. The fee for all thirteen classes is $500 or $100 per class if taken à la carte. For more information, email ellianna@mbawpa.org
MBA Speakers Bureau features thought leaders from MBA’s Leadership Team, offering insights on key topics in the construction industry. Subject matter experts understand the challenges and opportunities in our industry, and bring this knowledge to their presentations at conferences, workshops, and seminars. Read the speaker bios & topics
Book a speaker! Email mchuderewicz@mbawpa.org or call 412.922.3912.
Take your construction career to the next level with MBA’s online courses. Whether you're starting out or sharpening your construction skills, our classes are taught by industry pros, and designed for you
Study anytime, anywhere:
Courses include:
Project Management
Construction Supervision
Estimating & Bidding
The MBA Online Store offers a variety of safety and corporate apparel. We partnered with AEC to offer quality products to help you market and brand your organizations.
online now
MBA OFFICERS 2024
President
Raymond A. Volpatt, Jr., P.E.
Volpatt Construction Corporation
Vice President/Treasurer
Michael R. Mascaro
Mascaro Construction Company, LP
Secretary/Executive Director
David D. Daquelente
Master Builders’ Association
John P. Busse
F.J. Busse Company, Inc.
Alexander G. Dick
Dick Building Company
James T. Frantz
TEDCO Construction Corporation
Michael Kuhn
Jendoco Construction Corporation
Jennifer Landau
Landau Building Company
Anthony F. Martini
A. Martini & Co.
Steven M. Massaro (Past President)
Massaro Corporation
Dave Meuschke
Burchick Construction Company, Inc.
M. Dean Mosites
Mosites Construction Company
Jake Ploeger
PJ Dick Incorporated
Jodi L. Rennie
Turner Construction Company
John Sabatos
Rycon Construction, Inc.
Neal Rivers
Easley & Rivers, Inc. (MICA President)
MBA OFFICERS 2025
President
Michael R. Mascaro
Mascaro Construction Company, LP
Vice President/Treasurer
Alexander G. Dick
Dick Building Company
Secretary/Executive Director
David D. Daquelente
Master Builders’ Association
John P. Busse
F.J. Busse Company, Inc.
James T. Frantz
TEDCO Construction Corporation
Michael Kuhn
Jendoco Construction Corporation
Jennifer Landau
Landau Building Company
Anthony F. Martini
A. Martini & Co.
Steven M. Massaro
Massaro Corporation
Dave Meuschke
Burchick Construction Company, Inc.
M. Dean Mosites
Mosites Construction Company
Jake Ploeger
PJ Dick Incorporated
Jodi L. Rennie
Turner Construction Company
Neal Rivers
Easley & Rivers, Inc. (MICA President)
John Sabatos
Rycon Construction, Inc.
Raymond A. Volpatt, Jr., P.E. (Past President)
Volpatt Construction Corporation
ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM (CAP) OFFICERS 2024
Chairman:
M. Dean Mosites Mosites Construction Company
Treasurer
Raymond A. Volpatt, Jr., P.E. Volpatt Construction Corporation
Executive Director/Secretary
David D. Daquelente
Master Builders’ Association
Chairman:
Raymond A. Volpatt, Jr., P.E. Volpatt Construction Corporation
Secretary/ Treasurer
Michael R. Mascaro Mascaro Construction Company, LP
Executive Director
David D. Daquelente
Master Builders’ Association
David D. Daquelente Executive Director dave@mbawpa.org
Mary Chuderewicz Membership & Communications Coordinator mchuderewicz@mbawpa.org
Valerie Coen Office Manager/ Administrative Assistant vcoen@mbawpa.org
Ellianna Fry Communications & Events Administrator ellianna@mbawpa.org
Lance Harrell Director of Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion lance@mbawpa.com
Tim Mackin Director of Services & Operations tim@mbawpa.com
Bob McCall Director of Safety bob.mccall@mbawapa.org
631 Iron City Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412.922.3912 | mbawpa.org
