TODAY’S CONSTRUCTION LEADERS ARE EMBRACING INNOVATION WHILE STRENGTHENING WHAT MATTERS MOST.
..the construction industry is not about to be replaced by AI... YOU CANNOT AUTOMATE JUDGMENT, EXPERIENCE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE FIELD.
Alan Guy, Anvil Builders UCON 2026 President
From safety/operator training and equipment management technologies, to custom solutions engineered to meet specialized job requirements, United Rentals offers much more than just the world’s largest rental fleet. It takes a lot to get the job done right. We’re here to help.
BAKERSFIELD
3340 Allen Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93314 (661)631-5777
CONCORD
5151 Port Chicago Highway Concord, CA 94520 (925)822-0366
FRESNO
5704 S. Toyota Place Fresno, CA 93275 (559)442-8989
HAYWARD
4125 Breakwater Avenue Hayward, CA 94545 (510)786-9506
RENO 12905 Old Virginia Road Reno, NV 89521 (775)348-0140
SACRAMENTO
8565 Elder Creek Road Sacramento, CA 95828 (916)383-7475
SALT LAKE CITY
1135 S. Pioneer Road Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (801)886-0586
SAN JOSE
2969 Daylight Way San Jose, CA 95111 (408)224-1052
SAN LUIS OBISPO
635 Tank Farm Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805)543-0113
TURLOCK
2800 N. Golden State Blvd. Turlock, CA 95382 (209)632-5084
SANTA ROSA
3963 Santa Rosa Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707)523-2350
SAN FRANCISCO
251 Shaw Road
South San Francisco, CA 94080 (415)642-2350
President.... ........................................... Alan Guy, Anvil Builders
VP/President-Elect Greg Goebel, Jr., Goebel Construction, Inc.
Secretary/Treasurer. .......Michael Gates, DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC
Secretary/Treasurer-Elect. Sean Castillo, Toro Enterprises, Inc.
Past President. Kurt Eddy, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.
Associate Director. Elizabeth Torrez, Tenna Associate Director-Elect Matt Hennagin, Baker Tilly
UNITED CONTRACTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BILL BOYD, SULLY-MILLER CONTRACTING COMPANY; BRYN BURKE, DEES BURKE ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTORS, LLC; KATIE CONDON, CONDONJOHNSON & ASSOCIATES, INC.; LISA DE FREITAS SUNDBERG, PLATINUM PIPELINE, INC.; DERMOT FALLON, BULK EXCHANGE; BRENT FOGG, GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY; THIEL HARRYMAN, UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.; MATT LOVINGIER, JMH ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, INC.; DANIEL RODRIGUEZ, BAY CITIES PAVING & GRADING, INC.
UCON LEADERS | UNITED CONTRACTORS COMMITTEE CHAIRS ASSOCIATES: ELIZABETH TORREZ (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR), TENNA | MATT HENNAGIN (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR-ELECT), BAKER TILLY | 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: KARISSA FOX, (CO-CHAIR), AMERICAN CIVIL CONSTRUCTORS WEST COAST LLC; SCOTT SALANDI, (CO-CHAIR) ALKEME INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. | REGIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: MICHAEL PRLICH (CHAIR), MIKE PRLICH & SONS, INC.; GARRETT FRANCIS (CHAIR), PAVEMENT RECYCLING SYSTEMS, INC.
UNITED CONTRACTORS STAFF
EMILY COHEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER; CLAY O’NEAL, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER; MELISSA GUTWALD, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER; VICTOR SELLA, VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTRACTOR ENGAGEMENT; DEREK BORGHI, DIRECTOR OF LABOR RELATIONS; GUS FLORES, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS; RAY BACA, DIRECTOR OF AGENCY RELATIONS; ANGELICA GOUIG, DIRECTOR OF MEMBER EXPERIENCE; DENISE RAMIREZ, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS; RUBY VARNADORE, SENIOR LABOR CONTRACTS MANAGER; LIZ CASTRO, LABOR CONTRACTS MANAGER LUCIA MIXON, SENIOR MEMBER RELATIONS MANAGER; TERESA OSSO, LABOR RELATIONS MANAGER; SANDRA KAYA, ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST TO LABOR & MEMBER SERVICES; EMMY MCCONNELL, ACCOUNTING MANAGER; MICHELLE HANNIGAN, BOOKKEEPER; GABRIELLE GONZALEZ, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA; CHRISTINE TRAINA, EVENTS MANAGER; RACHEL ORAA, EVENTS COORDINATOR; LUKE HARDY, EVENTS COORDINATOR; MICHELLE VEJBY, MARKETING MANAGER; EDDIE BERNACCHI, UCON CHIEF LOBBYIST; MIKE DONLON, CHIEF SAFETY CONSULTANT; DREW DELANEY, MIKE BUCKANTZ, REGULATORY CONSULTANTS; DAMIAN BREEN, REGULATORY CONSULTANT
By Alan Guy Anvil Builders UCON 2026 President
One of the three priorities I set for myself during my time as UCON President was to better understand artificial intelligence—not from a headline perspective, but from a practical, contractor’s point of view.
About six months ago, I had a moment of panic. For the first time in my career, I felt like we might be significantly behind in technology. Everyone was talking about AI. Every company seemed to have a solution. And unlike most things in construction, you couldn’t just search “best AI tools” and get a clear answer, because every search engine now has its own AI layered into it.
So, I did what most of us do. I turned to my network. What I found was something that felt very familiar— not unlike the dot-com era. There are startups everywhere, each claiming to be “changing the game,” offering solutions for everything from estimating to project management to field operations.
A friend of mine who has worked for several successful software companies told me he had finally landed at “the one.” That gave me some confidence, and our team leaned in and started evaluating what was actually out there.
We didn’t even speak the language.
Terms like “AI agents” versus “agentic AI” were being thrown around constantly. For those unfamiliar, AI agents are specialized tools that perform specific tasks, while agentic AI is positioned as a broader system that can reason, plan, and
Whether we like it or not, people inside our organizations are already using tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and others to help with emails, documents, and problem-solving. In some cases, they are uploading sensitive company information without realizing the implications.
coordinate multiple tasks, essentially acting as an AI “project manager.”
It sounds impressive.
But when we started applying it to real construction workflows, things got more grounded. One of the first use cases we explored was simple: taking handwritten field reports, scanning them, and converting them into structured data. Some of our teams still rely on paper for time and production tracking—and that’s the reality of our industry.
The technology worked—about 98% accuracy. But here’s the interesting part: it was priced just below what it would cost us to have a person do it. That’s when it clicked. We’ve had versions of this technology for years—OCR, PDF converters, data extraction tools. The difference now is that AI is packaging and marketing it in a new way, often built on top of the same large models from a handful of major tech companies.
Shortly after our evaluation, that startup was acquired for a significant sum. So yeah, he did land at ‘the one’!
That tells you everything you need to know about where this market is headed: there are a lot of companies, there will be consolidation, and many of them won’t make it.
Talking with peers across the industry, the consensus is the same:
• Everyone is trying to figure it out.
• At the same time, one of the biggest concerns I hear isn’t capability—it’s data security.
Whether we like it or not, people inside our organizations are already using tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and others to help with emails, documents, and problem-solving. In some cases, they are uploading sensitive company information without realizing the implications.
That should get everyone’s attention.
Without clear policies and controlled systems, that data can become exposed in ways most companies are not prepared for.
Many organizations are beginning to standardize around tools like Microsoft Copilot because they offer more controlled environments. Regardless of the platform, every company should be thinking seriously about governance, training, and internal guidelines.
So where does that leave us? In my view, the construction industry is not about to be replaced by AI. In fact, most studies continue to show that our workforce is among the least likely to be fully displaced. This is a physical, complex, risk-driven business. You cannot automate judgment, experience, and accountability in the field.
But parts of what we do will absolutely evolve. Office functions—estimating support, compliance,
Continued on next page
documentation, reporting—are already being impacted. As owners continue to increase administrative requirements, AI will likely play a role in helping manage that burden.
In the field, we will continue to see gradual advancements like autonomous equipment, better data capture, and improved coordination, but not an overnight transformation.
So what should we do? Don’t panic. Don’t chase every new tool. Start small. Test real use cases, and understand what actually creates value in your organization.
And most importantly, share what you learn.
One of the strengths of UCON has always been collaboration among competitors for the betterment of the industry. This is no different.
As part of that effort, I would like to see UCON form a working group focused on AI—evaluating tools, sharing experiences, and providing practical guidance to our membership. If this is something you are interested in participating in, I encourage you to get involved.
Technology will continue to evolve.
There will be noise.
There will be hype. There will be real opportunity.
But at the end of the day, this industry will still be built by people.
The companies that succeed won’t be the ones that adopt AI the fastest. They’ll be the ones that apply it thoughtfully, protect their businesses, and continue to support the people doing the work in the field.
That hasn’t changed. And it won’t.
Alan Guy, Anvil Builders UCON 2026 President
In my view, the construction industry is not about to be replaced by AI. In fact, most studies continue to show that our workforce is among the least likely to be fully displaced. This is a physical, complex, risk-driven business. You cannot automate judgment, experience, and accountability in the field.
But parts of what we do will absolutely evolve.
We build the complex, end-to-end infrastructure that keeps our communities connected.
Member-Only LCPtracker Training
Certified payroll doesn’t have to slow you down.
UCON’s exclusive partnership with LCPtracker brings hands-on training to help contractors simplify compliance and improve efficiency.
UCON’s partnership with LCPtracker is designed to help contractors turn compliance into a smoother, more manageable process. Our latest training, only available to UCON members, focused on real-world use of the Contractor/Subcontractor module—taught by UCON’s Liz Castro and LCPtracker.
What attendees walked away with:
• Faster, more efficient payroll reporting
• Fewer compliance risks and errors
• Greater confidence managing public works requirements
This is just the beginning. More LCPtracker trainings are being added based on member demand—ensuring our members’ teams have the compliance support they need, from HR to payroll, and everything in between.
Interested in the next session? Contact LaborTeam@unitedcontractors.org
UCON’s Labor Essentials webinar series focuses on helping your team better understand and manage union agreements with confidence.
Built for operations, project teams, estimators, and HR professionals, each session delivers practical insights you can use right away.
YEARS IN INDUSTRY : 25
YEARS DOING UNION PAYROLL : 18
YEARS DOING CERTIFIED PAYROLL & PUBLIC WORKS COMPLIANCE : 10
FUN FACT : My hobby is quilting, and my latest project is a t-shirt quilt.
Why attend:
• Stay ahead of union requirements
• Reduce risk and uncertainty
• Strengthen your team’s expertise
Mastering Prevailing Wage CPRs to 3rd Party Compliance
May 12, 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Mastering Meal & Rest Periods
May 26, 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Grievance Procedures and Dispute Resolution
June 18, 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
CBA Subcontracting Rules
August 4, 2026 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Need a customized training for your organization? Contact Victor Sella, VP of Contractor Engagement, for a personalized training to fit your team’s unique needs.
“United Contractors was a lifeline for me when I was a member and had an urgent payroll issue on payroll day.
I truly enjoy providing the same exceptional service to members. Plus, I understand the work they do from an inside perspective, and I can help train people on compliance and provide tips and guidance from my own experience.”
Do all of your employees know about UCON’s Contractor Resources Library (CRL)? This valuable member benefit is available to all of your company’s employees, providing guidance and answering questions on a wide variety of subjects critical to their work.
Available on UCON’s website, the CRL contains items crafted by UCON to fit the unique needs of union contractors.
Log-in credentials are required, which any member’s employees can create on UNITEDCONTRACTORS.ORG/ EMPLOYEE-REGISTRATION. Contact LaborTeam@unitedcontractors.org with any issues or for a quick website tutorial.
These are our top downloaded items this year!
Make sure your staff knows that these are all easily available to them on our website. From the home page, click on the Union Agreements & Rates link to access all UCON agreements and rate sheets.
over 25,000 downloads annually
• Wage & Fringe Benefit Rate Sheets
• Master Labor Agreements
• Union Payroll Reference Guides
• Trucking Prevailing Wages Reference Chart
• Labor & HR Bulletins
• Subcontract Agreements, including One-Job and Trucking
UCON’s Labor Team highlights some valuable items that members may be missing:
• Apprenticeship Basics for Public Works –Step-by-step compliance guidance, forms, and apprenticeship program contacts.
• Skilled & Trained Workforce Guide – Overview, Q&A, craft program details, and a sample reporting form.
• Subcontracting Requirements & Procedures –Union subcontracting rules, best practices, and agreement highlights.
• Trust Fund Audit Action Response Kit –Guidelines, checklists, letter templates, and best
The Contractor Resources Library is my go-to whenever I have a doubt or question. It’s also helped me learn more about union regulations since the company’s transition to union. The prerecorded webinars are also amazing!!”
Fatima Melendez Torres R&R Pacific Construction
• Travel Time Pay and Subsistence Overview –Summary of pay and expense rules for work travel.
• Movement of Workers Guide – Procedures for transferring workers between Northern and Southern California.
• Union Substance Abuse Policy Administration Charts (N. CA and S. CA) – Quick reference charts of key components in union policies.
INSTALLATION OF THE 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
UCON LEGACY LUNCHEON HONORS LEADERSHIP AND WELCOMES NEW BOARD
United Contractors celebrated members and industry leaders at its recent Legacy Luncheon on March 13 at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. This meaningful gathering honored the organization’s past while formally ushering in its next chapter of leadership.
A highlight of the event was the installation of UCON’s 2026 Board of Directors, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to strong, member driven leadership. Ann Hauer of Anvil Builders and longtime friend of Alan Guy
served as the Installation Officer, paying a heartfelt tribute to UCON’s 2026 Board President, Alan Guy of Anvil Builders. Alan brings with him a deep understanding of the industry and a shared dedication to advancing UCON’s mission.
Rooted in the belief that every contractor deserves a seat at the table, UCON continues to build on decades of leadership and member engagement.
Congratulations to the 2026 Board of Directors!
Emily Cohen, UCON CEO speaking at the luncheon; Alan Guy being sworn in as UCON 2026 President by Ann Hauer, Anvil Builders, before addressing the attendees.
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President: Alan Guy, Anvil Builders
VP/President-Elect: Greg Goebel Jr., Goebel Construction, Inc.
Secretary/Treasurer: Michael Gates, DeSilva Gates Construction, LLC
Secretary/Treasurer-Elect: Sean Castillo, Toro Enterprises, Inc.
Past President: Kurt Eddy, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.
Associate Director: Elizabeth Torrez, Tenna
Bill Boyd, Sully-Miller Contracting Company
Bryn Burke, Dees Burke Engineering Constructors, LLC
Katie Condon, Condon-Johnson & Associates, Inc.
Lisa de Freitas Sundberg, Platinum Pipeline, Inc.
Dermot Fallon, Bulk Exchange
Brent Fogg, Granite Construction Company
Thiel Harryman, Underground Construction Co., Inc.
Matt Hennagin, Baker Tilly, Associate Director-Elect
Matt Lovingier, JMH Engineering and Construction, Inc.
Daniel Rodriguez, Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc.
Special thank you to our outgoing 2025 board members
Juan C. Arrequin, Bay Line Cutting & Coring, Inc.
Tom Barr, Ghilotti Bros., Inc.
Kevin Hester, McGuire and Hester
Kevin Reimers, Gallagher
Rita Vigil-Ferguson, G & F Concrete Cutting, Inc.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
PRESIDENTIAL SPONSORS
CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR
SIGNATURE DRINK SPONSOR
DESSERT SPONSOR COCKTAIL NAPKIN SPONSOR
DIRECTOR SPONSOR
Eddy,
The Presidents stand apart as those who take on the broadest responsibility for their peers in this organization and across the industry. Their time and commitment and talent are put to work for the many.
Kevin Hester, McGuire and Hester
UCON 2024 President
Diplomatic. Dedicated. A true ambassador and a good listener, with a keen eye for detail. Kevin helped navigate UCON through dynamic growth, as we surpassed 500 contractor members under his Presidential year. He embodies the commitment of UCON’s mission, and our values: every member counts, every voice matters, and unity is the kay to our success.
UCON 2025 President
Kurt was the last President to serve under Mark Breslin, UCON CEO of 41 years, and that came with quite a bit of responsibility and possibly some pressure. But with Kurt, you wouldn’t know it. As President, Kurt was a man of few words—No fluff. Just action. Kurt taught us the importance of the phrase “founders mentality,” as you grow and scale and evolve, to hold on to the founders mentality that is your core reason for existing. True leadership lessons is one impact that Kurt leaves the UCON Board of Directors.
Kevin Reimers, Gallagher
The UCON Board recognizes and awards our Associates’ remarkable contributions to our overall success. Our Associate members’ ideas, energy, talent, and commitment make them a vital part of UCON. Kevin served as Associate Director with energy and thoughtfulness, helping to steward incredibly successful events throughout his term in 2025.
Selected by the membership and presented at the 2026 Legacy Luncheon, these members reprsent some of the most dedicated, talented and committed individuals across UCON and the industry.”
This prestigious accolade is given to UCON’s Volunteer of the Year. The “Unsung Hero” Award celebrates the individual(s) whose commitment, positivity, and behind-the-scenes contributions have made a significant and lasting difference.
Teresa is the perfect example of impact and relationship building. From her time on the UCON Board as 2023 Associate Director, to her tireless dedication at every UCON event, Teresa’s purpose is helping people and it shows. She spent her 40+ year career in this industry and is a true trailblazer for all women.
Genuine, kind and thoughtful, Mike cares about people. He has been actively involved with UCON, served as our Associate Director in 2017, served on UCON’s Scholarship Committee for over a decade, and is always willing to step up to serve and support however he can. He regularly volunteers at UCON events, and is a true Associate Ambassador of UCON.
Contributed by Cory Fisk, Construction Management Online
If you’ve been in construction long enough, you’ve already been using AI. You just didn’t call it that.
When you built schedules in advanced software, when your estimating systems suggested production rates, when clash detection flagged conflicts in models before anyone stepped on site—that was early-stage artificial intelligence working behind the scenes. It didn’t come in like a loud jackhammer. It came in quietly, like a seasoned superintendent who doesn’t say much but keeps the job moving.
IWhat’s changed today isn’t the existence of AI. What’s changed is our awareness of it—and more importantly, our ability to interact with it directly.
Now instead of AI being buried inside software, it’s sitting across the table from you. You can ask it questions, challenge it, refine it, and use it to think through problems before they hit the field. That’s a shift. And like every shift in construction, you’ve got two options: adapt and lead, or resist and fall behind.
This isn’t about replacing people. It’s about upgrading how we think, communicate, and make decisions. It is understanding how to leverage tools to create efficiency in competitive markets.
The companies that figure this out early are going to run tighter projects with less friction.
There are a number of tools that are driving this shift. We are going to stay focused on just a few, get good at them, understand them, and create a strong foundation that will help us evaluate all of the innovation that comes at us in the future.
BRYN BURKE Dees Burke Engineering Constructors, LLC Member Since 2016
HINT: Try to look at this, not from a tech perspective— but from a construction professional’s perspective. Where do these tools fit on your job?
• Like: a project manager.
• Good for:
yy Draft RFIs
yy Write Reports
yy Review Scope; Review Issues
When to use it: When you need to organize your thoughts or create something from scratch, this is where you go.
• Like: a contract administrator.
• Good for:
yy Reading long, complex documents and translating into plain language.
When to use it: When you’re reviewing specifications or contracts, this tool helps you identify risks, gaps, and unclear language before they turn into disputes.
• Like: a research analyst.
• Good for:
yy Researching - shows you where those answers come from
When to use it: When you’re dealing with code requirements, safety standards, or verifying technical information, this is the tool that helps you avoid guessing.
• Like: your document control manager.
• Good for:
yy Helping to summarize information, organize data, and keep communication flowing: working inside your emails, spreadsheets and documents
When to use it: When you need efficiency—it’s not flashy, but efficient, and keeps projects from getting bogged down in paperwork.
• Like: an office superintendent.
• A favorite of many organizations because of its security protections.
• Good for:
yy Helping you build estimates, analyze data, and streamline communication—Copilot lives inside Excel, Word, and Teams
Why use it: It’s not about thinking deeply—it’s about executing faster and cleaner.
Each of these tools can have a role in your daily work tasks.
The mistake people make is trying to use one tool for everything with the expectation that it will provide the same information it would if you used the tools it is best suited for.
The common link? All of these tools require a human. One that is not just asking a question and then copy and pasting.
These tools need to have a human who is using their time saved by checking, evaluating, and modifying their work to ensure it is correct and represents their voice.
See the following pages for a quick reference guide for each tool.
Continued on next page
THE COMMON LINK? ALL OF THESE TOOLS REQUIRE A HUMAN. ONE THAT IS NOT JUST ASKING A QUESTION...
ChatGPT → The creative generalist (best overall balance)
Claude → The careful analyst (best for deep thinking + accuracy) Perplexity → The AI Google replacement (best for research + sources) Gemini → The Google-powered assistant (best if you live in Gmail/Drive) Copilot → The Microsoft work assistant (best for Excel, Word, coding)
Marketing / communications (your world) → ChatGPT Policy, legal, or labor analysis → Claude
Researching contractors, agencies, data → Perplexity
If your team lives in Google Workspace → Gemini
If your team lives in Microsoft (Excel, Teams) → Copilot
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Generative AI with Construction Software
I believe this is a perfect opportunity for companies to elevate their presence by being the first to integrate an Innovation Specialist to their team to coordinate and collaborate construction innovation.
Generative AI and construction software are often treated as separate tools. One lives in your browser. The other lives in your project systems. But the real value comes when you connect them.
Think of it like this. The construction software is your data source. The generative AI is your interpreter.
One tells you what is happening. The other helps you understand what it means and what to do next.
In the office, this looks like using generative AI to interpret data. Instead of staring at dashboards and trying to make sense of trends, you can ask AI to summarize key risks, identify patterns, and suggest actions. That reduces decision fatigue and speeds up response time.
In the field, integration is more about communication and clarity. A superintendent can use generative AI to draft reports, document issues, and communicate with the team, while tools provide the visual and data-driven backing. One captures the story. The other provides the evidence.
Continued on page 24
Which AI assistant is right for you? Spring 2026 Edition
AI assistants are transforming how professionals work. Use this guide to quickly compare today's leading tools and find the right fit — whether for drafting communications, researching, or streamlining daily tasks.
THE COMMON LINK? ALL OF THESE TOOLS REQUIRE A HUMAN. ONE THAT IS NOT JUST ASKING A QUESTION...
AI assistants are transforming how professionals work. Use this guide to quickly compare today's leading tools and find the right fit — whether for drafting communications, researching, or streamlining daily tasks.
Free Tier Yes — GPT-4o
—
Best For Everyday tasks, coding, writing Long docs, analysis, reasoning
Plus / $25 Team
/
&
with cited sources Google Workspace, multimodal Microsoft 365 / Office users
Key Strengths Plugin ecosystem, DALL·E, voice mode
200K context, precise, low hallucination
Best For Everyday tasks, coding, writing Long docs, analysis, reasoning
Key Strengths Plugin ecosystem, DALL·E, voice mode
Limitations Can hallucinate; API costs add up
No real-time web on free tier
200K context, precise, low hallucination
Limitations Can hallucinate; API costs add up No real-time web on free tier
Image Generation Yes — DALL·E 3 (Plus)
Real-Time Web Yes — ChatGPT Search (Plus)
File / Doc Upload
Image Generation
Yes — PDF, images, data
— DALL·E 3 (Plus)
Always current, cites sources Google integration, text /image/video
Research with cited sources Google Workspace, multimodal
Always current, cites sources Google integration, text /image/video
Weaker for creative/coding tasks
Tied to Google account; varies
Microsoft 365 / Office users
Word/Excel/Outl ook, enterprise security
Needs M365 for full features
Word/Excel/Outl ook, enterprise security
Real-Time Web Yes — ChatGPT Search (Plus) Yes — web search tool Yes — core feature Yes — Gemini 1.5+ Yes — via Bing
No — not built-in No — not built-in
— web search tool
Yes — PDF, docs, images
— not built-in
Weaker for creative/coding tasks
— core feature
Limited file support
— not built-in
Tied to Google account; varies Needs M365 for full features
Yes — Imagen 3 (Advanced)
—
1.5+
Yes — docs, images, video
Yes — DALL·E / Designer
— via Bing
Yes — deep M365 integration
— DALL·E / Designer
Privacy & Data Opt-out; enterprise options
File / Doc Upload Yes — PDF, images, data
No training on Pro plan
— PDF, docs, images Limited file support
Query history; opt-out avail.
Ideal UCON Use Writing, brainstorming, FAQs Reports, policy, communication s Event research, industry news
Privacy & Data Opt-out; enterprise options
Suggested Use for UCON Contractors
Draft bids, RFIs, client emails & safety checklists
No training on Pro plan
Query history; opt-out avail.
Review contracts, summarize specs & project documents Research building codes, labor laws & material costs
Linked to Google account
— docs, images, video
Linked to Google account
HIPAA & GDPR options avail.
Yes — deep M365 integration
Data analysis, presentations Board docs, budgets, Outlook
HIPAA & GDPR options avail.
Analyze job cost data & build permit presentations
Estimates in Excel, Outlook emails & Word submittals
Notes: Pricing and features current as of early 2026 and subject to change. Free tiers may have daily usage limits.
Notes: Pricing and features current as of early 2026 and subject to change. Free tiers may have daily usage limits. (Comparison table made with Claude)
By Galen Law TheDigitalProjectManager.com
On complex projects, where information is coming from every direction—drawings, specs, schedules, field reports—this combination becomes powerful. It creates alignment between the office and the field, between planning and execution, and between data and decision-making.
AI is not the solution to everything. But it is a tool that, when used correctly, can elevate how we manage work.
The opportunity in front of us is not just to use AI, but to lead with it. To create systems that reduce chaos, improve communication, and support better decisionmaking.
And it starts the same way every successful project starts.
With a plan.
Not just a plan for the project—but a plan for how your tools, your technology, and your team are going to work together to deliver it. And you can start today.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the software you buy.
It’s about the system you build.
Construction Management Online is a construction education and knowledge platform dedicated to supporting the full lifecycle of learning in the industry. It bridges the gap between field experience and management expertise by delivering practical, real-world training across estimating, scheduling, project management, leadership, and emerging technologies like AI. Focused on both technical skills and mindset development, it equips professionals at every level with the tools, systems, and strategies needed to grow, lead, and perform in a rapidly evolving construction environment.
1. MONDAY.COM → Best for: Customizable Dashboards
Key Features:
• Gantt chart view
• Workload management
• Automated workflow builder
• Portfolio management
2. WRIKE → Best for: Project Visibility
Key Features:
• Custom request forms
• Resource bookings
• AI agent builder
• Wrike Document Editor
3. CMiC → Best: with single database platform
Key Features:
• RFI and submittal management
• Mobile field applications
• Change order tracking
• Resource scheduling
A Field-level “heat map” of where AI is gaining traction–and where it hasn’t fully arrived
Contributed by Sue Dyer, Construction AI Lab, a Sudyco Initiative
Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering the construction industry— but not evenly. While some areas are already seeing real results, others are still experimenting or waiting for the right tools. This field-driven “heat map” from Construction AI Lab cuts through the hype to show where AI is actually gaining traction today—from estimating and project management to emerging opportunities in field operations and the workforce—helping contractors understand where to focus now and what to watch next.
Where AI is gaining traction in construction
These areas are already seeing strong ROI and real adoption:
• Estimating & Preconstruction – AI-powered takeoffs, cost predictions, and bid tools are delivering immediate value.
• Project Management – Automating RFIs, meeting notes, and document searches is reducing admin workload.
• VDC / BIM – Advanced teams are using AI for clash detection and model analysis.
• Executive Strategy – Leadership teams are investing in pilots and AI roadmaps.
Adoption is starting, but tools are still maturing:
• Safety – AI-assisted reporting and predictive insights show strong potential.
• Field Documentation – Voice-to-log and automated reporting tools are emerging, but inconsistent.
• Scheduling – Delay prediction is promising but not yet fully reliable.
Low adoption today, but major future impact:
• Trade Workforce – Multilingual AI and hands-free tools could transform field communication.
• Quality Control – AI inspections are promising but challenged by inconsistent data.
• Materials Tracking – Fragmented systems limit adoption—for now.
Barriers—not lack of need—are holding these back:
• Small Contractors – Limited resources and tool fit slow adoption.
• Owners (Public Sector) – Procurement and risk constraints delay implementation.
The takeaway:
AI in construction isn’t one trend—it’s many. Start where results are proven, but keep your eye on the field. That’s where the next wave of transformation will happen.
The places running hottest—estimating, project management, VDC—have something in common: structured data, clear ROI, and engaged leadership.
The places with the most unrealized potential—field documentation, trade workforce, small subcontractors— share a different set of traits: high pain, low solution quality, and underserved users.
For anyone trying to figure out where to focus their AI efforts, the heat map offers a simple framework. Start where the ROI is proven and the tools are ready. But keep your eye on the warm and emerging zones—that’s where the most significant opportunities are still being defined.
Sue Dyer, suedyer@sudyco.com, is the founder of the Construction AI Lab, a sudyco® initiative, where she explores how AI can help construction professionals reduce friction, save time, and stay on top of their work.
To learn more about community banking, visit your local branch and let one of our relationship managers help you with all your banking needs.
Contributed by Michelle Vejby, UCON Marketing Manager
AIis everywhere right now—on job sites, in boardrooms, and across our industry conversations. If you’ve read recent insights like the Construction AI heat map (on page 26), you know the biggest traction is happening where AI can reduce administrative load and improve efficiency—especially in project management and documentation. That’s exactly how we’re approaching it at UCON.
We use AI as a tool to streamline processes, but never to replace the relationships that define who we are.
Internally, AI helps us move faster and work smarter. We use tools like Microsoft Copilot to clean up emails, summarize information, and quickly locate documents in SharePoint. It supports our team in capturing meeting notes, organizing schedules, and building templates that keep our communications consistent. AI
and support our contractors more efficiently. It’s not making decisions for us, but it is helping us process complex information faster and with greater clarity.
At the same time, we are intentional about how we use these tools. We follow clear internal guidelines to protect confidential information and ensure responsible use. AI supports our work, but our standards for privacy, accuracy, and member trust remain unchanged.
tools give us a great starting point for generating ideas and helping get past the blank page so we can focus on delivering value.
More importantly, AI is helping us be more efficient across our day-to-day work—streamlining projects, meetings, and internal systems so we can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time focused on our mission: empowering, supporting, and advocating for our contractors.
Our Labor Relations team is also leveraging AI in a practical way by reviewing and comparing contracts to help identify key differences
We use AI as a tool to streamline processes— never to replace the relationships that define who we are.
IAnd here’s the line we won’t cross: member connection.
This industry is built on relationships. Trust is earned through conversations, shared experiences, and showing up for one another. No tool—no matter how advanced—can replace that. At UCON, AI helps us create more time for those interactions, not less.
So while we will continue to explore and adopt new technologies, our approach is simple: use AI to improve how we work, but never let it replace why we exist: to serve and connect our members.
UCON’s Marketing Manager, and Annual Sponsor Liaison, Michelle has been working with UCON for 25+ years. Meet her at an upcoming UCONnect event (p. 55); contact her at mvejby@ unitedcontractors.org, (925) 413-4038.
Register: unitedcontractors.org/calendar
By Angelica Gouig Director of Member Experience
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.
UCON’s Project Management Career Advancement (PMCA) Program
IN PERSON 13-WEEKS, 1x PER WEEK
SAN RAMON__________
JULY 30 - OCTOBER 22
Thursdays | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
ANAHEIM____________
AUGUST 26 - NOVEMBER 11
Wednesdays | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Great projects are led, not managed. This program transforms PMs into leaders who take ownership of outcomes, teams, and the future of their company.
“...every leader and manager should take this program.” — PMCA Participant, 2025
Register: unitedcontractors.org/calendar
Wednesday, May 6 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
Instructor: Joseph D. Silla, Westpac Wealth Partners
Helping you understand how each decision on your balance sheet and how it can Build or Drain your future wealth.
Thursdays, May 7-21 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Session 1: May 7
Session 2: May 14
Session 3: May 21
Instructor: Eric Herdman, LLC
Gain a deeper understanding of effective communication principles and strategies, allowing you to inspire and guide your team with empathy, clarity, and purpose.
Tuesday, May 12 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
Instructor: Victor Sella, United Contractors
Tuesday, May 26 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
Instructors: Victor Sella, United Contractors
Thursday, June 18 | 12:00pm-1:00pm
Instructors: Victor Sella, and Derek Borghi, United Contractors
United Contractors recently hosted the 37th Annual DIG Awards, one of California’s longest-standing traditions honoring leaders whose character and contributions strengthen the construction industry. Since 1988, the DIG Awards—representing Dignity, Integrity, and Generosity— have recognized individuals who embody the very best of construction.
The evening began with remarks from UCON CEO Emily Cohen and AGC CEO Peter Tateishi, setting the tone for a celebration of collaboration and shared purpose. This year’s honoree, Mladen Buntich, was recognized through reflections from Jon Preciado of the Southern
California District Council of Laborers, Lee Roesner of Mladen Buntich Construction Co., Inc. and Emily Cohen, CEO, United Contractors, who highlighted both his professional accomplishments and personal character..
A second-generation contractor and President of Mladen Buntich Construction Co., Inc., Mladen has helped grow the company into a leader in innovative construction while remaining deeply committed to family, community, industry advocacy and philanthropy—truly exemplifying the spirit of DIG.
AFTER PARTY SPONSOR
THANK YOU SPONSORS
DIGNITY SPONSORS
AFTER PARTY SHOE SPONSOR SIGNATURE DRINK SPONSOR
KEY CARD SPONSOR
INTEGRITY SPONSOR
DINNER WINE SPONSORS
RECEPTION BAR SPONSORS COCKTAIL NAPKIN SPONSORS
GENEROSITY SPONSORS CONGRATULATORY SPONSORS
Thank you from our UCON Team!
UCONNECT - EAST BAY - PLEASANTON
Thursday, May 14 – Beer Baron
PUBLIC WORKS SUMMIT
Thursday, May 28 – Anaheim Hilton, Anaheim
UCONNECT - SEAL BEACH: THE BEACH BASH!
Thursday, June 11 – The Beach House, Seal Beach
THROWDOWN CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Thursday, June 18 – Wente Vineyards, Livermore
SOUTHERN CA UCON PAC FUNDRAISER
Thursday, July 9 – Nixon Library & Museum, Yorba Linda
UCONNECT - SANTA CLARA
Thursday, Juy 23 – Puesto Santa Clara
UCONNECT - RIVERSIDE
Thursday, July 30 – Dapper
ANNUAL BBQ & CHILI COOK-OFF
Thursday, August 6 – Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
SAL RUBINO GOLF CLASSIC
Friday, September 11 – Bayonet & Black Horse, Seaside
UCONNECT - LAGUNA NIGUEL
Thursday, September 17 – Mozambique
UCONNECT - FRESNO
Thursday, September 24 – Crow & Wolf Brewing Co. Taproom
UCON GOLF OPEN
Tuesday, September 29 – Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Mission Viejo
UCONNECT - PETALUMA
Thursday, October 29 – Crooked Goat Brewing
UCONNECT - PASADENA
Wednesday, November 4 – Arroyo Chop House
GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY AUCTION
Saturday, November 7 – The Claremont Club & Spa, Berkeley
UCONNECT - ANAHEIM
Wednesday, December 16 – Puesto Anaheim
For our full calendar, including Agency Liaison Meetings, Committee Meetings, Professional and Leadership Development classes, and more, visit unitedcontractors.org/calendar
THURSDAY JUNE 18TH 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm
UCON’s Scholarship Fundraiser Wente Vineyards, Livermore - 5050 Arroyo Road
Spectator - Come and network and cheer on your team!)
You
Powerful
Connect
Learn
Walk
UCONNECT’S ARE FOR EVERYONE! Just walk in the door and we’ll take it from there.
You told us you wanted more opportunities to connect across the state—join us at one or more of our free UCONnect happy hours! Contact Lucia Mixon, lmixon@unitedcontractors.org.
Register | Sponsor | Invite Your Peers
unitedcontractors.org/calendar
Where We’re Headed Next:
May 14, 2026, Thursday | Pleasanton
June 11, 2026, Thursday | Seal Beach “Beach Bash”
July 23, 2026, Thursday | Santa Clara
July 30, 2026, Wednesday | Riverside
September 17, 2026, Thursday | Laguna Niguel
September 24, 2026, Thursday | Fresno
October 29, 2026, Thursday | Petaluma
November 4, 2026, Wednesday | Pasadena
December 16, 2026, Wednesday | Anaheim
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 March and April:
45 YEARS – 1981
Associate Member: Oldcastle Infrastructure
Greg Bull
44 YEARS – 1982
Associate Member: Aon Construction & Infrastructure
Nydira Robinson
40 YEARS – 1986
Contractor Member:
T.D.W. Construction, Inc. Edmundo Alire, Jr.
36 YEARS – 1990
Associate Member: Volvo Construction Equipment & Services Cheyenne Clements
35 YEARS – 1991
Contractor Member: D’Arcy & Harty Construction, Inc.
Mike D’Arcy
34 YEARS – 1992
Contractor Member: Conco-West, Inc.
Mike DeRousse
33 YEARS – 1993
Contractor Members: Bauman Landscape and Construction, Inc.
Mike Bauman
Western Stabilization
Ashley Jeffery
Associate Member: CNA Surety
Paul Kitchell
32 YEARS – 1994
Contractor Member:
Nada Pacific
Frank Lorenzen
Associate Members: Cresco Equipment Rentals
Chris Smith
Org Metrics
Rob Reaugh
31 YEARS – 1995
Associate Members: Sweeney Mason LLP
Joseph Sweeney, Esq.
Zurich North America Surety
Samantha Mascarenhas
30 YEARS – 1996
Contractor Member:
O’Grady Paving, Inc.
Tom O’Grady
29 YEARS – 1997
Associate Members: Herc Rentals Inc.
Mark Hobson
Vulcan Materials Co., Western Division
Jeff Turner
28 YEARS – 1998
Associate Members: Corrpro Companies, Inc.
Wes McKinney
D.P. Nicoli, Inc.
Michael Casas
27 YEARS – 1999
Contractor Members: Central Striping Service, Inc.
James Lesniewski
Gordon N. Ball, Inc.
Hal Stober
Associate Member: Harris Blade Rental
Sandy Thomson
26 YEARS – 2000
Contractor Members:
Allen A. Waggoner Construction, Inc.
Rocky Myers
Knife River Construction - Stockton
Rod Getty
24 YEARS – 2002
Contractor Member: CMC Traffic Control Specialist, LLC dba CMC Construction Brandon Lovell
Associate Members: IAT Surety
Edgar Esquivel
Rain for Rent
Kassidy Sears
23 YEARS – 2003
Contractor Member: D.A. Wood Construction, Inc.
Dan Wood, Jr.
Associate Member: Heffernan Insurance Brokers
John Clark
21 YEARS – 2005
Contractor Member: Argonaut Constructors
Michael Smith, Jr.
Associate Member: Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Thomas Kovacich
20 YEARS – 2006
Contractor Members: Cal State Constructors, Inc.
Don Cabianca
Mike Brown Electric Co. Tiffany Howe
Associate Member: J.S. Cole Company Peter Almlie
19 YEARS – 2007
Contractor Members: Team Ghilotti, Inc. Kevin Ghilotti
Tri-Valley Excavating
Mike Garcia
18 YEARS – 2008
Contractor Member: Inner City Demolition, Inc.
James Campanella
Associate Members: California Bank of Commerce
Chris Rudberg
DHE Inc. Concrete Equipment Co.
Scott Humphrey
Lockton Companies, LLC
Emily Newell
Rogers Joseph O’Donnell
Joe McGowan
17 YEARS – 2009
Contractor Member:
D N B Infrastructure, Inc.
Andre Catellier, P.E.
15 YEARS – 2011
Associate Member: Construction Testing Services
Brenda Harris
14 YEARS – 2012
Contractor Member:
Guy F. Atkinson Construction, LLC
Mark Padien
13 YEARS – 2013
Contractor Members:
Bay Area Concretes, Inc.
Jonathan Vasquez
KDW Construction, LLC
D.J. Woods
Roadway Construction Inc.
Reza Yazdi
Associate Members:
Downey Brand LLP
Sean Filippini
12 YEARS – 2014
Contractor Members:
Goebel Construction, Inc.
Greg Goebel Jr
Ransome Company
Jake Schell
Associate Members:
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP
Andrew Van Ornum
11 YEARS – 2015
Associate Members:
IMA Financial Group, Inc.
Dave Miller
SiTECH NorCal
David Larsson
10 YEARS – 2016
Contractor Members:
Bridgeway Civil Constructors, Inc.
Gabe Farncroft
Dees Burke Engineering Constructors, LLC
Bryn Burke
Associate Members:
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Dianne Fulgar
9 YEARS – 2017
Contractor Members:
Alta Group, Inc.
Glenele Obernich
Atlas Peak Construction
Danny McLean
Interstate Concrete Pumping Co., Inc.
Andrew Paulazzo
Krew Heavy Civil LLC
Patrick Snyder
Landavazo Bros. Inc.
Ted Landavazo
Marinship Development
Interest LLC
Derek Smith
Associate Members:
LogoBoss
Tim Smith
Peterson Trucks, Inc.
Karen Stumbaugh
Wheeler Accountants LLP
Michael Gurr
8 YEARS – 2018
Contractor Members:
APB General Engineering
Alfred Lee
Bayview Demolition Services, Inc.
Rick Cleveland
Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc.
Andrew Bader
Mission Constructors. Inc.
Dan Harry
Moreno Trenching, Ltd.
Jon Moreno
QLM, Inc.
Darrell Qualls, Jr.
7 YEARS – 2019
Contractor Members:
Kerex Engineering Inc.
Patrick Madden
Liffey Electric, Inc.
Patrick (Paddy) White
Main Street Underground, LLC
Ron Bianchini
Sturgeon Electric California LLC
Kevin Nelsen
Teichert Utilities
Tom Griffith
Teichert Waterworks
Tom Griffith
Traffic Management, Inc. (TMI)
Luis Porrello
William A. Guthridge & Son, Inc.
Richard Lee Guthridge
Associate Member: DirtMarket LLC
Rob Trujillo
6 YEARS – 2020
Contractor Members: Brannon Corporation
Paul Brannon
Daleo Inc.
David Levisay
J&M Concrete Contractors
Dara Kargari
5 YEARS – 2021
Contractor Members:
BC Traffic Specialist (an Infrastripe Company)
Mike Martin
California Rebar Fabricators Incorporated
Michelle Jacobsen
FJ & I Engineering Inc.
Felipe Martinez
Hodge Western Corp.
Alex Hodge
Monterey Mechanical Co.
James Troup
West Concrete, LLC
Natalie Jelavich
Associate Members:
J&J Acoustics, Inc.
Rick Wood
SC Fuels
Jasmine Guiao
4 YEARS – 2022
Contractor Members: California Legacy Well Services, LLC
Sean McNally
Golden State Construction & Utility, Inc.
Mark Doane
GreenCoast
Landscapes Inc.
Juan D. Perez
Park West Landscape, Inc.
Sarah Gallagher
Park West Rescom, Inc.
Jim Tracy
Associate Members:
Enoven Truck Body + Equipment
Sam Enochian
Twining, Inc.
Mariel Attento Rhorer
3 YEARS – 2023
Contractor Members:
Castle Contracting LLC
Gavin Huber
CS Marine Constructors, Inc.
Jeff Thompson
Folsom Dam Constructors
Wahid Tadros
Ghilotti Bros and St. Francis Electric JV
Mike Llamas
GSB / Obayashi JV
David Riccitiello
Santamaria Concrete Inc.
Alexander Santamaria
Vortex Marine Construction, Inc.
Blaise Fettig
Associate Members:
Chessbake Engineering Group
Hugo Villanueva
HCSS
Christina Ter Poorten
2 YEARS – 2024
Contractor Members:
Basset Engineering Inc
Shane McCarthy
Castillon Company
Eric Castillon
J & M Land Restoration, Inc.
Pam Juette
Moras’ Equipment & Construction Inc.
David Mora
Associate Members: Environmental Communication Strategies
Damian Breen
Novus Global Operations, LLC
Cody Miller
RDO Equipment Co.
Jesse Ochoa
Roots Supply & Services, Inc
Jake Perez
1 YEAR – 2025
Contractor Members: Advanced Utilities
Michael Wegener
Kana Development Group, Inc.
Daniel Locke
Lassen Pile
Donnavan Kelley
Magellan Construction Inc.
Sal Duran
MARC Builders LLC dba
MARC Engineering
Antonio Ruiz
Northern Directional Drilling, Inc.
Tommy Demus
PAL General Engineering Inc.
Abd Jahshan
Phoenix Boring Construction LLC
Thomas Egan
R & R Pacific Construction
Maria Melendez
Spiniello Infrastructure West, Inc
Abby Dela Cruz
Taylor Jane Construction LP
John Souza
Union Pavement Services, Inc
Doug Ford
Associate Members: American Business Bank
Kyle Maguire
Avidbank
Kevin Yasaitis
BITCO Insurance
Anthony Headley
ODRA Road Sweepers
Alex Byczynski
Southern California Group
Richard Lambros
USA North 811
Matt Dodd
WestPac Wealth Partners
Joseph Silla
Two of the images on these two pages are real, and two are generated with Adobe Firefly.
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.
COMPACTION TOOLS
FASTER EFFICIENT
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
DAYLIGHTING POTHOLING POLE REPLACEMENT
