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has a way of helping. Over time I began to mature, learning that my ego is not my friend. I began to see others not as a means to getting things done, but as untapped potential. People who needed to see and embrace their own capabilities. And to be encouraged, pushed or coached into a transformation of what was possible for them. I started to understand the gift that one vote really represented. The ability to change someone’s life with intention and care. And so now we have fulfilled our potential as an organization. And not lost our heart and soul on the way. Perhaps the same could be said for me. What I can say for certain is that the success of UCON was not about me. Every small contribution made the difference. Every person inside and outside of UCON who believed in us just a little bit more. Trust. Confidence. Determination. There have been hundreds of people on our staff and Boards and Committees who have carried the torch. I just made sure it stayed lit. The transformation of my own potential is the greatest gift that this job ever gave me. And I knew I had to honor those who gave this to me in the same way. The leadership and life lessons I learned from the smartest and toughest construction leaders of our industry became the seeds of my influence. I asked myself, how can I empower others like these people have empowered me? I asked the Board’s permission to profoundly make that difference. They said, “Go for it.” This led to 20+ years of traveling across the US and Canada. Speaking to 2500+ audiences. 400,000 people. 2.7 million miles in the air. This was me closing the loop. UCON and my mentors making the difference for me, now my turn to do it for the many. I could have never achieved this impact without the support of the leaders at UCON. They gave me the freedom to make a significant difference. But more importantly, finally
BRESLIN’S ADVICE FOR UCON’S FUTURE 1. Don’t lose sight of the values that made us great. 2. Get shit done. That is the only thing that matters to contractors. 3. Remember the little guys matter and always need to have a voice. 4. Don’t let bullshit politics ever become a part of the Board, staff, or fabric of UCON. 5. Don’t be afraid to take risk, rock the boat, or piss people off. 6. Be a mentor and change one life at a time. Pay it forward. 7. Keep UCON as the cool place to be. The place to grow. The Next Gen destination. 8. Don’t lose the gritty edge that we are known for. 9. Remember that the personal touch, the extra effort, the caring nature of how we do business is what really makes us special. 10. Don’t f--king call me. I’ll be too busy climbing mountains in Kazakhstan, or shopping at Dollar General.
build a version of myself that was not based anymore on fear of failure, but on making a difference. And for this I am eternally grateful. And now it is all a reflection. A mirror of my life choices that we all must eventually face honestly. And what reflects back most of all is the faces and voices of those who contributed. Those who believed. Those who have passed. Those who cared. Those who mentored me, challenged me, and watched over me. And finally, those who remain to carry on. There is not one thing I would change. There was not one day I regretted being in service of all of you. There is only gratitude and respect for what you have granted me in this life. It is more than I could have ever hoped for or dreamed of. With great sincerity,
Mark Breslin, UCON CEO
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Congratulations Mark Breslin! Messages from UCON Past Presidents “Mark, congratulations on a terrific career! Working with you to transform our collective bargaining process for Labor and Management has been a highlight of both of our careers. Cheers.” Steve Clark Granite Construction Company UCON President, 2019 _____________________________ “Mark, a heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! Your unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have left a lasting impact on this organization, and I am personally grateful for the influence you’ve had on my own journey. The remarkable contributions you’ve made throughout your distinguished career are a testament to your talent, and the positive legacy you created will not be forgotten. Wishing you all the very best in this exciting next chapter.” Andrew Vasconi McGuire and Hester UCON (EUCA) President, 2009
“Congratulations on your many accomplishments! You have been instrumental in building UCON into an invaluable asset for the construction industry that it serves. I know you’ll apply the same enthusiasm to this next phase of life. ENJOY!” Jeff Jones UCON (EUCA) President, 2000 _____________________________ “Old friend, I wish you all the luck and success in your future endeavors. I know whatever you do, it will be exciting! And if you ever want to take your dirt bike experience further, Dave and I are a phone call away. Please keep us posted, and best of luck!” Ron Bianchini Preston Companies UCON President, 2023 _____________________________ “Mark, congratulations on a great run from UCA to EUCA to United Contractors. You have meant a great deal to the construction industry, and to the individuals you have guided along the way. Serving alongside you was an honor. Thank you.” Ken Detrick Detrick Corporation UCON (EUCA) President, 1998 _____________________________ “Congratulations Mark on a job well done. You have been inspirational to so many of us and we thank you for the legacy you created with UCON. May your new journeys be as successful and fulfilling as the previous.” Steve Geney Advanced Stormwater Protection, Inc. UCON (EUCA) President, 2003 _____________________________ “Mark I just wanted to wish you all the best in this next phase of life. It’s a pretty special part of life and you deserve all that it has to offer. All the best to you and your family.” Mike Hester McGuire and Hester (retired) UCON (EUCA) President, 1996
Past Presidents at the council meeting (Fall 2025)—(left to right, front): Gary Andrews, Mike Bauman, Donna Rehrmann, Kurt Eddy, Ron Bredehoft, Ken Detrick, Dave Bianchini, (back, left to right) Michael Ghilotti, Mike Hester, Rob Layne, Rob Doud, Bruce Daseking, Ron Bianchini, George Furnanz, Mike Preston, Mark Breslin, Kevin Hester, Andrew Vasconi, Kevin Albanese, Charles Wall, Rusty Hoseley, Kurt Kniffin, Chris Young, and Mark Serrano.
“Congratulations on a marvelous and impactful career as Executive Director for UCA, EUCA, and CEO for UCON. I am sure those participants at your job interview did not envision the enormous accomplishments you would have on the Association and the Industry. Thanks for your guidance, wisdom, integrity, council, energy and friendship!” Ron Bredehoft Mountain Cascade, Inc. (retired) UCON (EUCA) President, 1994 _____________________________ “They say the goal is to leave a place better than you found it, and Mark, you have certainly achieved that here. Thank you for your dedication to UCON. Your hard work has enriched us all and your legacy will remain.” Robert Doud Harbor Linx UCON (EUCA) President, 2001 _____________________________ “Mark, congratulations on your upcoming transition into the next phase of your life. Your work with United Contractors has been truly outstanding, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it with you. I have deeply appreciated your mentorship, friendship, leadership, and genuine care for me and my family. I’m excited to see what this next chapter holds for you— perhaps even summiting Everest.” Paul Cianciarulo Graniterock UCON President, 2018
“Congratulations and cheers to your longest Holiday ever. You have done great things but the best is yet to come. Please keep in touch my friend.” Rusty Hoseley Hoseley Corporation UCON (EUCA) President, 2008 _____________________________ “Mark, as you wrap up your final article, I hope you take a moment to see the legacy you’ve created. For over 40 years, you haven’t just served this industry—you’ve shaped it by building leaders, myself included. Your writing, your voice, and above all your actions have consistently lifted people up and make us better at what we do…and who we are. I’m forever grateful for the role you’ve played in my own journey and I carry your influence forward to help build the future in the same spirit you modeled. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter—and thank you for a remarkable career.” Kevin Albanese Performance Construction Advisors UCON President, 2014 _____________________________ “Mark, thanks for providing our association and industry with such incredible leadership over the last 40+ years. I have been blessed to be a part of your last eight years and will always value the guidance and perspective you gave me. I continue to use those lessons daily, both at McGuire and Hester and at home.” Kevin Hester McGuire and Hester UCON President, 2024 DECEMBER 2025
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The Laborers build the most important things in Northern California
Northern California Laborers - union construction workers - and their contractors build the schools that educate our children, the hospitals that care for us, the offices and buildings where we work and live. They build transportation systems - from highways and subways to airports and bridges - that help businesses succeed and keep California on the move. Laborers provide the safe, efficient infrastructure Northern California needs to grow and prosper. They have professional training, skills and experience to do these jobs right, on time and within budget. They build the projects Northern Californians’ need. Our communities can’t grow and prosper without them. Building our communities, building California. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF LABORERS
Oscar De La Torre LIUNA Vice President - at Large NCDCL Business Manager www.ncdclaborers.org 70
W W W.U N I T E D C O N T R AC T O R S . O R G
MARK—CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT As a co-founder of the California Alliance for Jobs (CAJ), your leadership and vision helped build an organization that continues to strengthen California’s infrastructure, workforce, and future. Your commitment to labor-management partnership, your passion for developing the next generation of leaders, and your tireless advocacy for the construction industry has left a lasting mark on all of us. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to CAJ and to the broader industry. We wish you all the best in this next chapter, one that is very well-earned.
The Nor Cal Carpenters Union is proud to celebrate Mark Breslin’s 40+ years of service to our industry. We honor Mark’s leadership, collaboration, and productive disruption!
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CONGRATULATIONS, MARK, ON YOUR WELLEARNED RETIREMENT!
3000 CLAYTON RD., CONCORD, CA 94519 510.748.7446 ⚙ WWW.OE3.ORG DAN REDING BUSINESS MANAGER
JUSTIN DISTON PRESIDENT
BRUCE NOEL VICE PRESIDENT
DAVE HARRISON NATE TUCKER REC. CORRES. SECRETARY FINANCIAL SECRETARY
JIM JACOBS TREASURER
DECEMBER
2025
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Here’s to a Legend of our Industry.
Congratulations, Mark Breslin, on more than four decades of fearless leadership and advocacy for the trades. Preston Companies celebrates your legacy and thanks you for the mentorship and partnership you’ve shared throughout the years. Enjoy your next chapter, you’ve earned it!