The Road Ahead
UCON’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMES NEXT CEO
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BAKERSFIELD
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INFRASTRUCTURE WE BUILD
2025 UNITED CONTRACTORS BOARD OFFICERS
President....................Kurt Eddy, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.
VP/President-Elect.... Alan Guy, Anvil Builders
Secretary/Treasurer. Greg Goebel Jr., Goebel Construction, Inc.
Sec/Treas-Elect Michael Gates, DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC
UNITED CONTRACTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JUAN ARREQUIN, BAY LINE CUTTING & CORING, INC. (PAST SECRETARY/ TREASURER); TOM BARR, GHILOTTI BROS., INC.; BRYN BURKE, DEES BURKE ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTORS, LLC; SEAN CASTILLO, TORO ENTERPRISES, INC.; DERMOT FALLON, FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTORS, INC.; RITA VIGIL FERGUSON, G & F CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.; BRENT FOGG, GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY; MICHAEL GATES, DESILVA GATES CONSTRUCTION, LLC; KEVIN HESTER, MCGUIRE HESTER (PAST PRESIDENT, 2024); MATT LOVINGIER, JMH ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, INC.; DANIEL RODRIGUEZ, BAY CITIES PAVING & GRADING, INC.; KEVIN REIMERS, WOODRUFF-SAWYER & CO. (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR); ELIZABETH TORREZ, TENNA (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR-ELECT)
UCON LEADERS | UNITED CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE CHAIRS ASSOCIATES: KEVIN REIMERS (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR), WOODRUFFSAWYER & CO. | ELIZABETH TORREZ (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR-ELECT), TENNA | CALTRANS: MICHAEL GHILOTTI (CHAIR), GHILOTTI BROS., INC. | LEGISLATIVE: ROB LAYNE, (CHAIR), O.C. JONES & SONS, INC. | POLITICAL ACTION (PAC): GEORGE FURNANZ (CHAIR), STACY WITBECK; STEVE CONCANNON (VICE-CHAIR) PAVEMENT RECYCLING SYSTEMS, INC. | SAFETY & INSURANCE: KEITH OXFORD, (CHAIR), MONTEREY MECHANICAL COMPANY | SF CITY CONTRACTOR LIAISON: MIKE GHILOTTI (CHAIR), GHILOTTI BROS., INC., MIGUEL GALARZA (CHAIR), YERBA BUENA ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, INC. | SCHOLARSHIP: TRONY FULLER, (CHAIR), ARGENT MATERIALS INC. | REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: MICHAEL PRLICH (CHAIR), MIKE PRLICH & SONS, INC.; GARRETT FRANCIS (CHAIR), GUARDIAN TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS
UNITED CONTRACTORS STAFF
MARK BRESLIN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER; EMILY COHEN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT; TEJEL PATEL, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CEO; AURORA PRASAD, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO EVP; VICTOR SELLA, VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTRACTOR ENGAGEMENT; MELISSA GUTWALD, VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS; CLAY O’NEAL, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS; GUS FLORES, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS; RAY BACA, DIRECTOR OF AGENCY RELATIONS; DEREK BORGHI, DIRECTOR OF LABOR RELATIONS; ANGELICA GOUIG, DIRECTOR OF MEMBER EXPERIENCE; RUBY VARNADORE, SENIOR LABOR CONTRACTS MANAGER; LIZ CASTRO, LABOR CONTRACTS MANAGER; LUCIA MIXON, CONTRACTOR ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST; SANDRA KAYA, ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST TO LABOR & MEMBER SERVICES; DENISE RAMIREZ, ONLINE SERVICES MANAGER; EMMY MCCONNELL, SENIOR ACCOUNTANT; MICHELLE HANNIGAN, BOOKKEEPER; GABRIELLE GONZALEZ, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA; CHRISTINE TRAINA, EVENT MANAGER; RACHEL ORAA, EVENTS COORDINATOR; LUKE HARDY, EVENTS COORDINATOR; AVANTI MEHTA, EDUCATION COORDINATOR; MICHELLE VEJBY, MARCOM MANAGER; EDDIE BERNACCHI, UCON CHIEF LOBBYIST; MIKE DONLON, CHIEF SAFETY CONSULTANT; DREW DELANEY, MIKE BUCKANTZ, REGULATORY CONSULTANTS; DAMIAN BREEN, REGULATORY CONSULTANT
Keeping
Fire
UCON Selects Next CEO by Kurt Eddy | Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. | UCON 2025 President and Alan Guy | Anvil Builders | UCON 2026 President
Kurt Eddy Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.
UCON 2025 President
KEEPING THE FIRE BURNING: UCON SELECTS NEXT CEO
As President and President-Elect of United Contractors, it is our responsibility—and honor—to steward the values, strength, and direction of this organization on behalf of our 780+ members. That includes one of the most important responsibilities of all: ensuring thoughtful, disciplined leadership succession. This year, that included leading the momentous job of searching for and selecting UCON’s next CEO.
In 2017, the UCON Board formally launched a CEO Succession Plan, recognizing that long-term success requires more than strategy and vision—it requires clarity, continuity, and courage. Since then, the succession plan has been refined and strengthened through multiple iterations—in 2018, 2021, and 2023— each version designed to protect the integrity of the organization under any circumstance, including illness, emergency, or retirement. There were no politics. No assumptions. No shortcuts. Just a plan rooted in the values that have made UCON what it is today.
At the end of last year, Mark Breslin—after more than 40 years of extraordinary leadership—announced his decision to step down as CEO at the end of 2025. In response, the UCON CEO Executive Search Committee, which we were honored to co-lead, activated the plan.
UCON
Through a rigorous and disciplined national search process, the Committee evaluated a slate of exceptional candidates from both inside and outside the organization.
After thoughtful consideration, the decision was clear: Emily Cohen, UCON’s current Executive Vice President, will be the next CEO of United Contractors.
Many of you already know Emily. With more than 15 years of experience inside of UCON, she carries her own distinguished leadership record. She also has a deep understanding of the construction industry and membership, and a relentless commitment to advocacy and advancement of the industry and organization. Her experience in driving organizational priorities, building strategic partnerships, and navigating complex political and policy environments align with UCON’s mission. She is respected by members, staff, and industry partners alike—and we have all the confidence in her ability to execute on the Board’s vision and lead us into the future.
We want to thank the Executive Search Committee for their commitment and leadership throughout this process, and we congratulate Emily on earning the trust and confidence of the Board. We are excited for what’s ahead—and proud to be part of this next chapter in
UCON’s story, as we work collectively to build a better industry.
UCON CEO Executive Search Committee Members
Kurt Eddy, COO, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.
George Furnanz, CEO, Stacy Witbeck
Alan Guy, CEO, Anvil Holdings/Anvil Builders
Greg Goebel Jr., Operations Manager, Goebel Construction, Inc.
Donna Rehrmann, CFO, Stomper Company, Inc.
Mary Teichert, CEO, Teichert Construction
Here’s to building the future, together.
Kurt Eddy, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.
UCON 2025 President
Alan Guy, Anvil Builders
UCON 2026 President
Alan Guy Anvil Builders
2026 President
[ NEWS RELEASE ]
UCON BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANNOUNCES NEXT CEO, EMILY COHEN A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
United Contractors (UCON), is proud to announce the selection of Emily Cohen as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. She will officially assume the role on January 1, 2026. The leadership transition begins immediately to ensure a seamless and thoughtful handoff.
Emily succeeds long-serving CEO Mark Breslin, who has led the organization for more than four decades. Under Mark’s leadership, UCON became a nationally recognized force in labor relations, contractor advocacy, leadership development, and industry advancement. As he steps down at the end of 2025, Mark leaves behind an organization that is strong, respected, and future-ready.
“Mark’s leadership helped define what UCON is today—a powerful advocate, a trusted resource, and a catalyst for change in our industry,” said Kurt Eddy, UCON President (2025) and COO of Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. “This transition isn’t just about new leadership—it’s about building on that legacy.”
Emily Cohen currently serves as UCON’s Executive Vice President and has been with the organization for over 15 years. She has led the expansion of UCON’s political and government relations footprint, achieved major membership and programmatic growth, and spearheaded nextgeneration leadership initiatives. Emily is widely respected across California’s construction industry for her strategic thinking, advocacy leadership, and member engagement.
“Emily is a proven leader with the trust of our members, the respect of our partners, and the vision to take UCON forward,” said Alan Guy, UCON President-Elect (2026) and CEO of Anvil Holdings. “We’re excited for this next chapter.”
Emily’s selection follows an extensive, months-long national search led by UCON’s Board of Directors and a third-party executive search firm. This process was part of a long-standing CEO succession plan first launched in 2017 and updated in 2018, 2021, and 2023. The plan ensured a rigorous and impartial selection guided by UCON’s values and long-term mission.
“Emily is the right leader for UCON at this moment,” said Mary Teichert, CEO of Teichert, Inc. and member of the Executive Search Committee. “She brings expertise, strategic vision, and a proven commitment to the mission and values that define UCON.”
Outgoing CEO Mark Breslin expressed his confidence in the transition. “There is no one I trust more to lead this organization into the future. Emily has grit, intelligence, strategic vision—and most of all, she leads with heart. I couldn’t be prouder of her, or more excited for UCON.”
In accepting the CEO role, Emily Cohen shared her vision and commitment: “It’s an honor to step into this role and lead UCON into the next generation,” said Cohen. “With our team, our members, and our mission—we have everything we need to keep building forward, together.”
UCON enters this new chapter from a position of strength—powered by an engaged membership, a high-performance staff, and a track record of industry leadership. Under Emily Cohen’s guidance, UCON remains laser-focused on its core mission: a relentless commitment to empowering, supporting, and advocating for California’s unionsignatory contractors and developing the next generation of industry leaders—every day, every step of the way.
Emily Cohen brings over 15 years of bold, strategic leadership to United Contractors (UCON), where she has served as Executive Vice President and previously as Director of Government Relations. A driving force behind UCON’s evolution into one of California’s most influential construction associations, Emily has led major campaigns that have reshaped the business and political landscape for union-signatory contractors across the state.
She has played a central role in expanding UCON’s membership, growing its Political Action Committee tenfold, and significantly increasing its legislative influence across California. Emily was a key architect of the industry’s largest infrastructure campaign to date—passing the historic SB1 Road Repair & Accountability Act, which now generates over $5 billion annually—and led the fight to defeat Prop 6 in 2019 through unprecedented fundraising and contractor mobilization efforts.
Emily has driven landmark legislative wins for California’s union-signatory construction industry, including change-order reform, prompt payment laws, PAGA protections, retention caps, and critical safety improvements. Known for her ability to align competing interests around common goals, she has fundamentally changed how labor, management, and stakeholders work together—building first-of-their-kind partnerships that
have delivered powerful results for the industry and the state.
A former graduate of the prestigious Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program, Emily previously worked as a Legislative Aide for the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee before joining United Contractors. She holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from CSU Chico and completed executive leadership training at The Wharton School.
Beyond her work at UCON, Emily serves as a Board Member on the California High-Speed Rail Authority, the California Alliance for Jobs, the GLIDE Foundation, and advisory boards for Rebuild SoCal and SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association).
A respected next-generation leader, Emily is widely known for her deep industry relationships, bold vision, and relentless commitment to California’s union contractors, their teams, and the communities they serve.
Born and raised in Petaluma, Emily lives in San Francisco with her husband Spencer, their daughter Ellie, and their rescue dog Rowdy. They are excited to welcome their second child in September.
Contact Emily at ECohen@UnitedContractors.org Scan QR Code and connect with her on LinkedIn
Derek Borghi Director of Labor Relations
MID-YEAR REVIEW: UCON LABOR RELATIONS 2025
2025 has proven to be a pivotal year in advancing UCON’s core labor priorities: improving contractor competitiveness, growing the union construction industry, building strategic partnerships, and developing the next generation of contractor leaders.
Elevating Contractor Voice Through Industry Leadership
To kick off the 2025 bargaining cycle, UCON hosted a two-day Multi-Association Negotiations Training in February, bringing together nearly 30 key negotiators from UCON, AGC, and SCCA. Led by Richard Barnes, former head of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), this training focused on strengthening collective bargaining practices across associations, developing shared strategies, and cultivating the next generation of contractor leadership. The session built on momentum from a November 2024 session and set the tone for a more collaborative and intentional approach to negotiations in 2025.
As negotiations got underway, UCON’s Labor Executive Committees (LECs) met in both Northern and Southern California to sharpen bargaining strategies, align on labor policy goals, and chart a long-term course for the next generation of labor leadership. Craft Committees were convened across the state to set bargaining priorities, and UCON has emphasized a strategic investment in prebargaining coordination. At the time this magazine went to print, negotiations were still in progress for Operating Engineers Local 12, Cement Masons (S. CA), and the Teamsters (S. CA).
Partnering to Solve Industry Challenges
UCON’s Industry Partner Meetings (IPMs) remain a cornerstone of proactive labor relations,
bringing together union leaders and contractors to collaborate outside of formal negotiations. In January, UCON met with Operating Engineers Local 3 to address workforce shortages, recruitment strategies, and the impact of new infrastructure funding. A March IPM with the Southern California District Council of Laborers tackled trust fund compliance, apprenticeship training, and long-term legislative strategy. And in April, UCON hosted
its first-ever IPM with the Northern California Pile Drivers.
These forums are key to anticipating issues, building trust, and creating space for long-term problem solving. If you’re interested in participating in future IPMs or joining a Craft Committee, contact UCON’s Labor & Member Services team at (925) 855-7900, LaborTeam@unitedcontractors.org.
Accelerating Contractor Proficiency
This year, UCON has continued to expand its labor education series. The 2025 Labor Essentials webinar program features timely, high-impact trainings on topics like Project Labor Agreements, pre-job planning, and CBA payroll rules. These sessions are designed to ensure UCON members at every level have access to the tools they need to stay compliant, competitive, and informed. All are listed in UCON’s 2025 Professional Development Catalog online, and recordings of webinars that have already taken place are available in the UCON Professional Development Library. Contractor members interested in customized sessions can contact us at LaborTeam@unitedcontractors.org or (925) 855-7900 to set that up.
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2025 UCON’S PAC FUNDRAISERS
Thank you to everyone who supported UCON’s Political Action Committee (PAC). The two PAC fundraisers brought together more than 200 supporters, primarily owners and principals, representing over 60 companies. Together, we raised close to $300,000. These resources are critical to support candidates who back union contractors and understand the importance of a strong, pro-build, pro-construction industry.
“The UCON PAC is one of our greatest tools to advance the interests of California’s union contractors of all sizes and scopes, and to help elect candidates who work with us, not against us, to advance our cause and improve your market share,” said Emily Cohen, Executive Vice President of UCON.
To learn more about UCON’s PAC, contact Gus Flores, Director of Government Relations at gflores@unitedcontractors.org.
April 10, 2025
Orange Hill Restaurant Orange, CA
Dylan Guitierrez, Toro Enterprises, Inc., Sean Castillo, Toro Enterprises, Inc., Bryn Burke, Dees Burke Engineering Constructors, LLC, Steve Concannon, Pavement Recycling Services, Inc.
Rita Vigil-Ferguson, G&F Concrete Cutting, Inc., Greg Ferguson, G&F Concrete Cutting, Inc.
Jim Nelson, Western Paving Contractors, Inc.
Brian Rickey, Mike Bubalo Construction Company, Lucia Mixon, UCON’s Contractor Engagement Specialist, James Wu, Pavement Coatings, Co.
James Black, Ferreira Coastal Construction Co.
Rosynn Hernandez, ReBuild SoCal Partnership, Dave Sorem, Mike Bubalo Construction Company
Garrett Francis, Guardian Traffic Solutions
SOUTHERN CA
Victor Sella, UCON VP of Contractor Engagement, Garrett Francis, Guardian Traffic Solutions, Brandon Itzel, Meruelo Group.
Eric Patterson, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Chamonix Patterson
Mike Boer, Boer Backhoe, Inc., Brad Sorem, Mike Bubalo Construction Company
Kathy Erickson, Ferreira Coastal Construction Co.
Vince Montelongo, The Conco Companies
Eric Mauldin, Mauldin Construction, Christina Ruiz, J&M Concrete Contractors, Dara Kargari, J&M Concrete Contractors
Brandon Pensick, Ferreira Coastal Construction Co., Clay O’Neal, UCON VP of Operations
Ahron Valverde, Valverde Construction, Inc., Jonathan Valverde, Valverde Construction, Inc.
Kristion Grbavac, GRBCON Inc., Ray Baca, UCON Director of Agency Relations, Emily Cohen, UCON EVP, Jim Pieri, J.F. Shea Construction, Inc.
Kurt Kniffin, Stacy Witbeck, Dermot Fallon, Foundation Constructors, Inc., Matt Kuzmick, Stacy Witbeck
Chad Coca, JMH Engineering & Construction, Inc., Matt Lovingier, JMH Engineering & Construction, Inc., Mladen Buntich Jr., Mladan Buntich Construction
Dan Ngo, Silverado Contractors, Inc., Joseph Dean, Dean Visosky Contractors Inc., Joseph Antonio, J N A Builders Inc.
Jamin Valdex, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co., (top right) Lora Hernandez, Pipe Tec, Inc., (right) Maizer Ouijdani, The Conco Companies
Jim Pieri, J.F. Shea Construction, Inc., Dr. Veronica Estrada, Cell-Crete Corporation, Michele McGrath, J.F. Shea Construction, Inc.
Scott Salandi, Alkeme Insurance Services, Inc., Brian Rickey, Mike Bubalo Construction Company
Jon Preciado, Southern California District Council of Laborers, Clay O’Neal, UCON VP of Operations
Carol Church, Marina Landscape, Inc., Katie Rossetti, Pure Effect, Inc., Eric Mauldin, Mauldin Construction
Jim Greene, Global Diving & Salvage, Inc.
SOUTHERN CA
Vince Montelongo, The Conco Companies, LJ Fisher, Cell-Crete Corporation, Lucia Mixon, UCON Contractor Engagement Specialist, Derek Borghi, UCON Director of Labor Relations, Gus Flores, UCON Director of Government Relations, Maizer Ouijdani, The Conco Companies
Dara Kargari, J&M Concrete Company, Tony Naranjo, Rascom Group
Dan Ngo, Silverado Contractors, Inc.
Panda Oesterblad, Chrisp Company, Jason Oesterblad, Chrisp Company
Kurt Kniffin, Stacy Witbeck, Bryn Burke, Dees Burke Engineering Constructors, LLC
Joseph Dean, Dean Visosky Contractors Inc.
Brad Sorem, Mike Bubalo Construction Company
Barry Corea, Trench Shoring Company
Ray Baca, UCON Director of Agency Relations, Benjamin Lopez, Rebuild SoCal Partnership
Steve Concannon, Pavement Recycling Services, Inc.
NORTHERN CA
May 29, 2025
Home of Mark Breslin, UCON CEO Alamo, CA
Bob Rahebi, Redgwick Construction Company, Sam Rehebi, Redgwick Construction Company
Emily Cohen, UCON EVP, Ron Bianchini, Exvac811 (and Preston Pipelines Infrastructure), LLP, Mark Breslin, UCON CEO, Logan Downer, Exvac811, Mike Preston, Preston Pipelines Infrastructure, LLP., Jordan Thomas, Preston Pipelines Infrastructure, LLP
Daniel Wanner, Hoseley Corporation, Rusy Hoseley, Hoseley Corporation
John Franich, Joseph J. Albanese, Inc., Warren Skraber, Joseph J. Albanese, Inc., Paul Foley, Bulk Exchange
Eric Patterson, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Gus Flores, UCON Director of Government Relations
Brock Grunt, McGuire and Hester, Kim Carone, McGuire and Hester
Steve Rehrmann, Stomper Company, Inc., Jenée Rehrmann, Stomper Company, Inc. Tom Warner, Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc.
Mary Teichert, Teichert Construction, Elizabeth Torrez, Tenna
NORTHERN CA
George Furnanz, Stacy Witbeck, Emily Cohen, UCON EVP, Jerry Condon, Condon-Johnson & Associates, Inc.
David Praklet, MCK Services, Inc., Dave Zitterow, F&M Bank
Matthew Finley, McGuire and Hester, Greg Gruendl, Ray’s Electric
Chris DellAringa, Blue Iron Foundations & Shoring LLC, Randy Cram, Tri-West Tractor Inc.
Dave Miles, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Kayvan Sehhat, Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc., Tatyana Rodenkirk, Silverado Contractors, Inc., Mike Zamora, Silverado Contractors, Inc.
Rob Farrell, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Drea Breslin, Alan Guy, Anvil Builders
Darren Hiatt, Granite Construction Company, Catherine Moncada, Granite Construction Company, Derek Borghi, UCON Director of Labor Relations
Daniel Rodriguez, Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc.
Mike Llamas, Ghilotti Bros., Inc.
Rich Gates, DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC
Wes Ayres, Planera
Dylan Honaker, Foundation Constructors, Inc., Kevin Reimers, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.,
Ted Pumphrey, Papé Machinery
Saif Lodhi, California Engineering Contractors, Inc.
Mark Chrisp, Chrisp Company, Robert Chrisp, Chrisp Company
Darren Wilhoit, Goodfellow Bros. California, LLC, Rick DeKay, Goodfellow BRos. California, LLC, Kyle Park, Midstate Barrier, Inc.
Rusty Hoseley, Hoseley Corporation, Dermot Fallon, Foundation Construction, Inc.
Sunny Coats, PC&N Construction, Inc., Christi Plum, PC&N Construction, Inc.
Trony Fuller, Argent Materials
Matt Scott, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Dave Miles, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.
Andy Vasconi, McGuire and Hester, Dale Breen, Midstate Barrier, Inc.
Mike Preston, Preston Pipelines Infrastructure, LLP, Josh Hall, Tri-West Tractor, Ind.
Sal Noureddine, Precizion Partners, Rob Kay, Precizion Partners
NORTHERN CA
Gregg Granillo, Alta Group, Inc., Laura Valcarcel, C&N Reinforcing, Inc., Juan Perez, C&N Reinforcing, Inc.
Rich Gates, DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC
Shannon Garcia, Pre-Con Products, Ivy Lavallee, Pre-Con Products
Aileen Lansang, Dnamic Office & Accounting Solutions, Kelly Attebary, F&M Bank, Tiffany Stuart, Dynamic Office & Accounting Solutions
Paul Foley, Bulk Exchange, Mario Luka, The Conco Companies
Ed Herrnberger, Teichert Construction, Emily Cohen, UCON EVP, Brian Gardner, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.
Jason Herrera, BFBA, LLP
Bob Rahebi, Redgwick Construction Company, Drea Breslin, Wahid Tadros, California Engineering Contractors, Inc.
Mary Teichert, Teichert Construction, Tom Smith, Ghilotti Construction Co., Glenele Oberrich, Alta Group, Inc.
Annie Hauer, Anvil Builders, Jerry Condon, Condon-Johnson & Associates, Inc.
(Left) Roger Godfrey, California Bank of Commerce, Erik Pierce, California Bank of Commerce, Clayton Gilliland, Stacy Witbeck
(Right) Rob Synder, Graniterock, Christina Manville, Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC
MIKE BUBALO CONSTRUCTIONCO.,INC.
Thank You UCON PAC Committee Members
The UCON PAC operates with a non-partisan lens, cultivating strategic relationships with elected officials. These alliances serve to advance the interests of union contractor by laying the groundwork to address long-term industry challenges.
• George Furnanz, Stacy Witbeck (Chair)
• Steve Concannon, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. (Vice Chair)
• Mike Bauman, Bauman Landscape and Construction, Inc.
• Randy Cram, Tri-West Tractor, Inc.
• Bruce Daseking, McGuire and Hester
• Rich Gates, DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC
• Dominic Sposeto, Vanguard Construction
• Wahid Tadros, California Engineering Contractors, Inc.
• Rita Vigil-Ferguson, G & F Concrete Cutting, Inc.
• Dave Riccitiello, Golden State Bridge, Inc.
• Dave Sorem, Mike Bubalo Construction Company, Inc.
Olmsted Hydroelectric Plan, Provo UT China Basin Park, San Francisco CA
Market Street, San Francisco CA
By Mark Schniepp, Ph.D., Director, California Economic Forecast
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR CALIFORNIA
A Mid-Year Assessment
Note: this assessment was developed and written in early June.
The key issues for the California economy in 2025 include the effect of new foreign trade policy, attempts to reduce federal government spending, and the onset of AI in most industries, especially technology and advanced manufacturing.
THE OUTLOOK FOR CALIFORNIA IN 2025
The resilience of consumer spending, amid contractions in (1) domestic investment due to prolonged uncertainty and (2) government spending from overdue government downsizing, a slight contraction in GDP growth occurred in the first quarter of 2025. Second quarter growth is much more stable and relatively strong. Recession will be avoided at the national and state level, despite the weakness of the California labor market in the first 4 months of the year.
The most likely outlook for California is that the Trump administration’s economic policies will diminish economic activity but not derail it. The President has course corrected, and stock prices which were down 16 percent for the year on April 8, are now positive for the year at mid-June. Consumers continue to spend and business investment in AI and other software and equipment will strengthen over the second half of the year.
With inflation becoming contained, it is likely that another Federal Reserve rate cut or two will occur before the end of 2025, modestly helping both the new and existing housing sector.
Growth in California is forecast to rise about 1.4 percent in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026. There will be fewer tourists from Canada, and China for that matter, but the visitor industry will still remain busy.
New development will remain the largest engine of growth this year, likely offsetting the weakness in the State’s economy from downsizing labor markets, a weak office market, and recovering international trade.
Continued on page 24
MEGA DEVELOPMENTS IN CALIFORNIA
High Speed Rail
Delta Conveyance
LAX Modernization
BART Silicon Valley
Brightline West
Offshore Wind Farms
Salton Sea Restoration
Related Santa Clara
Silverwood (Tapestry)
Candlestick Point Redev.
Concord Redevelopment
Sites Reservoir
$35 billion Madera to Bakersfield high speed rail line
$20 billion Water tunnel from Delta to CA aqueduct
$15 billion Enhancement of transportation / connection
$12 billion Santa Clara to San Jose to Berryessa Station
$12 billion Rancho Cucamonga to Las Vegas HSR
$11 billion Wind Turbines offshore Humboldt, Morro Bay
$9 billion Restoring the Salton Sea
$8 billion 1,680 units, hotel, 5 million SF commercial
$7 billion 15,663 homes in Hesperia
$8 billion 7,218 units, 750,000 SF office, 300,000 sf retail
$6 billion 12,270 homes and 6.1 million SF commercial
$4.5 billion New reservoir in Colusa County by 2032 Southeast Development
homes in Fresno
2,750 housing units, hotel, 350K SF retail, Santa Ana Brooklyn Basin $2 billion 3,100 housing units, 200K SF retail, Oakland
Klamath River Dam Removal
West Harbor
$450 million Dismantling of 4 hydroelectric dams
$170 million Waterfront redevelopment, San Pedro
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR CALIFORNIA
A Mid-Year Assessment (cont.)
Note: this assessment was developed and written in early June.
BUILDING INDUSTRY
In February, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California survey of respondents was optimistic regarding construction business activity in 2025. Nearly 63 percent of those surveyed expect modest growth in overall business activity this year.
Beginning in February, however, tough tariff talk shook the stock market and caused delays among some of the
nation’s largest employers in hiring. The uncertainty associated with how tariffs might interrupt supply chains for construction materials, along with unknown cost hikes due to tariffs, has delayed project starts this year.
Housing starts are lower as builders grapple with the uncertainty. The NAHB Housing Market Index is a gauge of home builder sentiment and expectations regarding the single-family housing market tracking builders’ perceptions of current sales, sales expectations for the next six months, and traffic of prospective buyers. Those perceptions are relatively pessimistic. Consequently, the pace of new housing permits in 2025 is now at the lowest level since 2015.
Nevertheless, there are many large housing projects that are moving forward this year, in many of the larger markets of the state. The largest include the Southeast
Development project in Fresno, with 45,000 residential units, the Brooklyn Basin in Oakland, Silverwood in Hesperia, Riverstone in Madera, Related Bristol in Santa Ana, Valencia in Santa Clarita, and Stonestown in San Francisco.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Infrastructure projects in California continue to dominate construction activity in 2025, including the airport modernization projects at LAX and San Diego International, the California High Speed Rail, and the BART Silicon Valley tunneling project.
The Bullet train however, is now facing significant funding challenges in addition to ongoing cost overruns. Last week, the Federal Department of Transportation proposed cutting $4 billion in funding, along with another $2 billion from the Federal Railroad Administration unless the project can demonstrate compliance.
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history is underway in northern California, called the Klamath River project.
The concerns regarding California’s construction industry last year were principally the scarcity of skilled labor. The same concern is present this year.
Though prices for certain construction materials are still high, the worry over tariffs and how they might impact building material prices has generated uncertainty among builders. Consequently, a softening in the total construction workforce this year is due mainly to hesitancy in project starts.
It is our opinion that much of this tariff will be born by the manufacturers. Construction costs in general have pushed higher over the last two months due to recent upward movements in steel and cement.
To read the full California Economic Forecast, and to subscribe to their monthly newsletter, visit: www.californiaforecast.com.
WHAT WE OFFER WHAT WE OFFER
More clarity regarding tariffs and building costs is unfolding as the year progresses. It appears that 10 percent tariffs will prevail, on most country’s products coming in. And a deal has been struck with China regarding rare earth minerals though the tariff rate is much higher on all goods. Construction products may be subject to a 55 percent tariff (at this writing, mid-June).
EQUIPPED WITH SUBSITE PIPE & CABLE LOCATORS FOR “PRECISE” POTHOLES AND UTILITY LOCATES. TWO PERSON OPERATION CAN OUTDO THE WORK OF MULTIPLE TRUCKS, AIR COMPRESSOR AND MINI EXCAVATORS.
FEATURES:
COMPACTION TOOLS
FASTER EFFICIENT DAYLIGHTING POTHOLING POLE REPLACEMENT
AIR EXCAVATION
HYDRAULIC JACKHAMMERS HYDRO EXCAVATION
SOFT DIG, WET OR DRY
FULLY TRAVERSING, BUMPER MOUNTED, ASPHALT OR CONCRETE, CORING UNIT
STREET LEGAL FULLY LOADED 7 YARD CAPACITY
JOIN US AT A UCONNECT NEAR YOU!
July 10, 2025, Thursday | Santa Clara
July 31, 2025, Thursday | Westlake Village
September 18, 2025, Thursday | Norco
October 22, 2025, Wednesday | Petaluma
October 30, 2025, Thursday | Pasadena
November 20, 2025, Thursday | San Diego
December 10, 2025, Wednesday | Anaheim
THURSDAY, JUNE 11 TH - SEAL BEACH
THE BEACH BASH AT THE BEACH HOUSE!!!
UCON is connecting the contractor community! Thank you to our SOLD-OUT crowd of 150+ at our UCONnect Beach Bash–Seal Beach, June 11th— thank you to our sponsor, HUB International Insurance Services Inc.!
SCAN
By Angelica Gouig, Director of Member Experience
JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER COURSES
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UCON’S LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES
You’ll find classes focused on Leadership, Safety, Compliance, HR, Construction Specific and more. Most classes are FREE to UCON members.
For any questions regarding UCON’s programs, contact Angelica Gouig, Director of Member Experience, at agouig@unitedcontractors.org or (925) 362-7309.
VIRTUAL
AUGUST 7 - NOV 6
Project Management Career Advancement (PMCA)
Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: 25
Cost – Member: Early Bird $2400; Standard $2415;
Non-member: Early Bird $2500; Standard $2515
Early Bird (EB) Expires: July 7
Browse our 2025 Course Catalog—scan code or: unitedcontractors.org/calendar
July 10 NEW!!!
Communication Masterclass [SERIES]
Thursdays, 9:30am-12:00pm
Series 1: July 10
Series 2: July 17 Series 3: July 24
Instructor: Eric Herdman, LLC
Class Style: Virtual Class Limit: 25 Participants
Cost – Member: Early Bird $500; Standard $515
JULY 16
Basics & Best Practices Apprenticeship
Wednesday, July 16; 12:00pm-1:00pm
Instructor: Victor Sella, United Contractors
Class Style: Virtual
Class Limit: Unlimited
Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100
Thursdays, Aug 7 - Nov 6; 9:00am-12:00pm
Non-member: Early Bird: $600; Standard $615
Instructor: Various
Register: www unitedcontractors.org/calendar
JULY 22
The Long Haul
Tuesday, July 22; 12:00pm-1:00pm
Instructor: Cody Miller and Joseph King
Barkley, Novus Global
Class Style: Virtual
Class Limit: Unlimited
Cost – Member: Free
Non-member: $100
JULY 31
Mastering the Workers’ Comp Maze Expert Strategies for Success
Thursday, July 31; 12:00pm-1:00pm
Instructor: Victor Sella, United Contractors
Class Style: Virtual
Class Limit: Unlimited
Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100
AUGUST 14
Fearless Field Leader— San Ramon
Thursday, August 14; 4:30pm8:00pm (see page xx for more!)
AUGUST 26
Achieving Work-Life Balance
Saturday, August 26; 2:30pm4:30pm
Instructor: Eric Herdman, LLC
Class Style: Virtual
Class Limit: Unlimited
Cost – Member: FREE Non-member: $100
AUGUST 28
Certified Payroll—Answering
Contractors Most Frequently Asked Questions
Thursday, August 28; 2:30pm-4:30pm
Instructors: Darbi Griffin and Jesse Jimenez, FFC; and Ruby Varnadore, United Contractors
Class Style: Virtual |
Class Limit: Unlimited
Cost – Member: FREE | Non-member: $100
SEPTEMBER 9 - 23
Project Engineer Bootcamp [Q3]
Tuesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm
Session 1 | Sept 9
Session 2 | Sept 16
Session 3 | Sept 23
Instructor: Paul Stout, Power Summit
Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: 25
Cost – Member: Early Bird $500; Standard $515; Non-member: $600; Standard $615
SEPTEMBER
30
Powerbase: Building Strong Business Relationships
Tuesday, Sept 16; 2:30pm-4:30pm
Instructor: Eric Anderton, Construction Genius
Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited
Cost – Member: Free | Non-member: $100
SEPTEMBER 30
Leading and Managing Change
Tuesday, Sept 30; 2:30pm-4:30pm
Instructor: Bill Treasurer, Giant Leap Consulting
Class Style: Virtual | Class Limit: Unlimited
Cost – Member: Free | Non-member: $100
Bayonet
Black Horse Golf Club in Seaside
THANK YOU TO UCON’S 2025 ANNUAL SPONSORS
people. principles. progress.
Promote Positive Change From Within
AUGUST 14
SAN RAMON MARRIOTT SAN RAMON, CA
There is no other program in the construction industry that provides a more comprehensive, uniquely focused people skills training specifically for construction Foremen.
Taught by Mark Breslin, UCON’s CEO
OCTOBER 10
SHERATON FAIRPLEX HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER POMONA, CA
SCAN TO REGISTER
“These 3 hours of your time will open your eyes to untapped success.”
“I wish I had the opportunity to take this training earlier in my career.”
MEMBER
ANNIVERSARIES: JUNE
United Contractors would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the following companies who are celebrating their anniversary of membership with our organization in June:
50 YEARS – 1975
Associate Member: ICONIX Waterworks, Inc. John Alcazar
44 YEARS – 1981
Associate Member: CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Russell Rigler
37 YEARS – 1988
Contractor Member: Knife River
Construction - Chico Rene Vercruyssen
Associate Member: Johnston, Gremaux & Rossi, LLP Ed Lampe
31 YEARS – 1994
Contractor Member:
DeSilva Gates Construction Rich Gates
28 YEARS – 1997
Contractor Members: Chrisp Company Robert Chrisp
Associate Member:
Liberty Mutual Surety Lisa Merlin
27 YEARS – 1998
Contractor Members: Bay Pacific Pipelines Eugene Carew
Tennyson Electric, Inc. Matt Tennyson
25 YEARS – 2000
Contractor Members: Lorang Brothers Construction, Inc. Michael Lorang
Martin Brothers Construction, Inc. Felipe Martin
20 YEARS – 2005
Contractor Members: Carone and Company, Inc. Lloyd Carone
Half Moon Bay Grading & Paving, Inc.
Cynthia Giovannoni
18 YEARS – 2007
Contractor Members: R.A. Nemetz
Construction Co. Rob Nemetz
Schembri Construction Company, Inc.
Charles Schembri
17 YEARS – 2008
Contractor Member: Platinum Pipeline, Inc. Manuel de Freitas
14 YEARS – 2011
Contractor Members: W. R. Forde Associates Inc. Candace Clapp
Associate Member:
ICC Equipment & Rentals Greg Aguilera
13 YEARS – 2012
Associate Member: Summit Financial Group, LLC Don Ledoux
Photo courtesy of Teichert Construction
12 YEARS – 2013
Contractor Members:
Brosamer & Wall, Inc.
Charles Wall
JCC, Inc.
Craig Johnson
10 YEARS – 2015
Contractor Members:
Dutch Contracting, Inc.
Nicholas Zwetsloot
Pacific Infrastructure Construction LLC
Peter Wells
9 YEARS – 2016
Associate Members:
Smith Currie Oles LLP
Arpi Alajaji
8 YEARS – 2017
Contractor Members:
Champion Contractors
Peter Knuth
Liberty Contractors, Inc.
Joe Capriola
Shimmick/Danny’s Joint Venture
Wendy Bonnell
6 YEARS – 2019
Contractor Members:
American Civil Constructors LLC
Nicole McCraven
Minerva-Graniterock JV
Rob Snyder
Teichert Solar
Tom Griffith
5 YEARS – 2020
Contractor Members:
M.A. McClish
Excavating, Inc.
Michael McClish
Pavement Coatings Co.
James Wu
RK Engineering Inc.
Thomas Carroll
Associate Member:
CPM Logistics
Abbigail Brown
4 YEARS – 2021
Contractor Member:
EverLevel Holding LLC
Gunnar Lee-Miller
Associate Members:
Rebuild SoCal Partnership
Jon Switalski
3 YEARS – 2022
Contractor Member:
Bess Testlab Inc. dba
Bess Utility Solutions
Joseph Bohorquez
Papich Construction Company, Inc.
Jason Papich
WGJ Enterprises, Inc.,
dba PCI
William Jacob
Western Paving Contractors, Inc.
Jim Nelson
2 YEARS – 2023
Contractor Member:
Bali Construction, Inc.
Ted Polich
Berkeley Concrete Pumping, Inc.
Lynne DeLuca
C P Construction Co., Inc.
Mike Pfister
California Auger Boring
Mike Reardon
California Boring Inc.
Michael Reardon
Calstate Pipelines Inc.
Adam Tovar
Cheryl’s Underground Construction
Cheryl Hamilton
Colich & Sons, LP
Donilo Colich
Crane Rental Service, Inc.
Cathy Greinke
Ferreira Construction Co.
Inc. dba Ferreira Coastal Construction Co.
Brandon Pensick
Frontier - Kemper Constructors
Robert Marshall
Fryman Management Inc.
Ross Fryman
G & F Concrete Cutting, Inc.
Rita Vigil-Ferguson
Golden State Boring & Pipe Jacking, Inc.
Jeff Johnson
GRBCON Inc.
Kristion Grbavac
Hill Crane Service Inc.
Ronald R. Hill
J R Pipeline Co., Inc.
Juan Renteria
J.F. Shea Construction, Inc.
Brendan Slagle
JD Barlow Construction LLC
James Barlow
Kitty’s Sweeping Inc
Kitty Kellar
Kordich Construction, Inc.
Todd Kordich
Leatherwood Construction, Inc.
Bob Kawai
M G Construction
Mladen Grbavac
M N R Construction, Inc.
Scott Barnett
Manhole Construction
Specialist
Nate Atchinson
Marco Crane & Rigging Co.
Sam Meyer
Maxim Crane Works L.P.
Mark Swaney
Metro Builders & Engineers Group Ltd.
Fouad Houalia
Michael O’Shaughnessy Construction, Inc.
Michael O’Shaughnessy
Michael Prlich & Sons, Inc.
Mike Prlich
Mike Bubalo Construction Company
Dave Sorem
Mike Hixson Backhoe Service Inc
David B. Carver
Mladen Buntich
Construction
Mladen Buntich, Jr.
Mocon Corporation
Robert Morow
Mr. Crane, Inc.
Andy Steinberg
Photo courtesy of Mike Bubalo Construction Coompany
MEMBER
ANNIVERSARIES: JUNE
Continued
Murray Company
Danny Martin
O’Duffy Construction
James Duffy
Pascal & Ludwig
Constructors
Alan Ludwig
Performance Pipeline Technologies
Gene Glassburner
Peterson Pipeline, Inc.
Greg Peterson
Pipe Tec, Inc.
Tom Vukojevic
Ramona Inc.
Michael Grbavac
Stater Bros.
Development, Inc.
Chris Boyer
Strive Concrete
Cutting, Inc.
Sandra Chavez
Tom Grbavac & Sons, Inc.
Bobby Grbavac
Tomovich & Associates
Luka Milosevich
Underground Manholes
Robert Williams
Van Diest Bros., Inc.
Scott Van Diest
Velarde Concrete Construction
Gustavo Velarde
Associate Members:
Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP
Nick Balaity
Ashman Company
Auctioneers and Appraisers
Ryan Ashman
Butier Engineering, Inc.
Mark Butier
Cadiz Inc.
Tim Shaheen
Cavignac
Oliver Craig
Coastline Equipment
Ladd Blakely
Commercial Surety Bond Agency
Daniel Huckabay
Contractors and Developers Bonding and Insurance
Phil Vega
Cox, Castle & Nicholson, LLP
Dwayne McKenzie
Dan J. Peterson Company
Dan J. Peterson
Eide Bailly LLP
Nic Waldenmayer
GHD
Greg Watanabe
GMGS Risk Management & Insurance Services
Paul Bland
Hobas Pipe USA, Inc.
Bijan Khamanian
Hunt Ortmann Palffy
Nieves Darling & Mah, Inc.
Barbara Gamboa
Joints
Thomas Bea
Lesron Surety Insurance Agency
Les Mantle
Mobile Barriers
Kevin Groeneweg
Monteleone & McCrory, LLP
Rasha Awi
National Ready Mix / United Concrete Companies
Chris Heilmann
Northwest Pipe Company
Mike Dumitrache
Ogletree Deakins Nash
Smoak & Stewart P.C.
Robert Roginson
Quinn Company Cat
David Miller
Rendon & Associates
Lou Rendon
Smith-Emery Company, Inc.
James Partridge
Snell & Wilmer LLP
Michael Baker
Sullivan Curtis Monroe
Ins Services
Eugene Zondlo
Tenna
Elizabeth Torrez
Tenstreet Construction
Jim Hall
Tetra Tech, Inc
Steve Tedesco
Thompson Pipe Group Branimir Kovac
Trebor Shoring Rentals
Roman Villanueva
1 YEAR – 2024
Contractor Member:
KelCo Construction LLC
Kelly Killingsworth
Mauldin Construction
Eric Mauldin
Murga, Strange & Chalmers, Inc.
Chance Chalmers
Associate Members: Channell Commercial Corp.
Paul Jurich
Morgner Construction Management
Walter Contreras
Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC
Christina Manville
Radius
Jennifer Welch
The Ford Store Morgan Hill
Mark Wexler
Photo courtesy of Cell-Crete Corporation
REGISTER | SPONSOR
AUG 7
THURSDAY
UNITEDCONTRACTORS
EVERYONE YOU KNOW IS GOING!
Pleasanton 4:30pm - 8:00pm
You’ll have a “Hula” of a good time at UCON’s 2025 BBQ—let’s make it an even 1,500— register your team!
Alameda County Fairgrounds
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