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Navigating Tech: the Risks & Rewards

FROM CYBERSECURITY THREATS TO AI-DRIVEN GAINS, INDUSTRY MUST ADAPT TO THRIVE

Up Front: A CyberScam Nightmare p.6

Technology Special Feature p.20

FACES: UCONnect Events; The 2025 Public Works Summit

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BAKERSFIELD

SALT LAKE CITY

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SANTA ROSA

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

SALT LAKE CITY

1135 S. Pioneer Road

1135 S. Pioneer Road Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (801)886-0586

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

635 Tank Farm Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805)543-0113

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

Competent Person and Confined Space Training Offered

RENO 12905 Old Virginia Road Reno, NV 89521 (775)348-0140

12905 Old Virginia Road Reno, NV 89521 (775)348-0140

SACRAMENTO

8565 Elder Creek Road Sacramento, CA 95828 (916)383-7475

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 LABOR RELATIONS; 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; DILPREET MAYALL, LABOR RELATIONS ADVOCATE; LIZ CASTRO, LABOR CONTRACTS MANAGER; LUCIA MIXON, CONTRACTOR MEMBER SERVICES, SOUTHERN CA; 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

By Kurt Eddy Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. UCON 2025 President

A RUDE AWAKENING

NON-STOP SCAMMING IN OUR BUSINESSES & LIVES

At 12:03 a.m. on Wednesday morning, your phone rings while you are sound asleep. You shake off the fog of sleep and try to focus on the number displayed on the screen. You realize you do not recognize it. You think about the inconvenience of a sales call waking you up and quickly hit ignore. However, immediately afterward, your spouse’s phone begins ringing from the same number. You see that the area code is from the region where your son attends college. Realizing the call might pertain to your child, your spouse answers. The caller asks if “so-and-so” is your son, prompting your worst fears as a parent to unfold. Something has happened to your child.

Your first question is, “Is he alright?” The caller responds that the child is fine but claims to be the head of campus security. They state that your child is in custody for various legal violations and offer to either involve local law enforcement or handle the matter internally for a processing fee. They know his name. They know our names. They seem to know everything. They ask if you have the means to take care of this immediately, and you begin to sense that something isn’t right. Trusting your instincts, you prepare yourself for potential deception.

ALast summer, this exact scenario happened to my spouse and me. We had dropped our son off at college a month earlier for his freshman year. He arrived at the school a couple of months before classes began as a collegiate athlete, preparing for the upcoming season with his team. When we dropped him off, we met his roommate and exchanged contact numbers as a precaution in case we couldn’t reach him directly. This decision proved to be invaluable in preparing us and him for this journey.

It is disturbing to think that there are individuals who prey on people at their most vulnerable moments, exploiting expected emotional responses, especially when it involves one’s child.

During the call we were unable to contact our son, which was concerning, especially as the person on the other end of the line was pushing our panic buttons. To buy some time, I asked the individual to repeat their demands to my wife, which included sending a Venmo payment to a different number. Realizing something was amiss, I contacted my son’s roommate, who thankfully answered. I inquired when he last saw our son and was relieved to hear, “I’m looking at him now; he is asleep!” As you can imagine, we felt both relieved and angry. It is disturbing to think that there are individuals who prey on people at their most vulnerable moments, exploiting expected emotional responses, especially when it involves one’s child. More than this, it indicates the level of sophistication and commitment that we are facing today.

few days later, I shared this story at a UCON breakfast organized by Mark Breslin. During the meeting, another member recounted a similar incident involving her niece. Her niece, like many young people, had posted a significant amount of content online. Someone downloaded the material, used AI to replicate her voice, and called her parents, with her screaming for help in the background while demanding payment for her release. Although the call was a hoax, it likely remains traumatic for her parents to this day. Such attacks occur continuously and target our businesses as well, perhaps even more frequently. Others at the table that day reported having systems held for ransom, intercepted sub payments and employees falling for scams.

While preparing for this article, I spent more time with our IT department to document a summary of cybersecurity best practices that can be followed in this era of non-stop attack. Below are some of them, however, I am certain there are many more that our members would want added to this list.

1. Your people are the best defense in cybersecurity. The human element provides unique strengths in decision-making and judgments that technology might not provide. Invest in regular security training, simulated phishing tests and an easy process of reporting phishing attacks and unusual activity. Building a strong security culture will foster an environment where security is integrated into daily tasks—making organizations safe overall.

2. Ensure that critical data and systems are regularly backed up. A good backup solution should be redundant with encrypted copies stored in air-gapped local and offsite (i.e., cloud) repositories. Backup and recovery procedures should be reviewed and tested on a regular basis.

3. Regular Software Updates and Patching. Keep your operating systems, applications and firmware up to date to patch vulnerabilities.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication. Requiring multiple forms of verification has proven to be one of the most effective methods of preventing unauthorized account access. MFA has become a critical cybersecurity tool that many cybersecurity insurance providers now require it as a condition of coverage.

5. Network Segmentation. Dividing networks into smaller segments, whether physical or virtual, limits the spread of cyberattacks.

7. Network Monitoring. Leverage tools to continuously observe and analyze your network’s activities. Tracking traffic, devices and systems within your network will help detect risks, anomalies and unauthorized access or activities within your network.

8. Third-Party Assessments. Invest in regular third-party assessments such as network penetration exercises and vulnerability assessments. Internal teams can develop biases or familiarities on their cybersecurity posture. Having an independent review may help uncover weaknesses in your security measures that might have been overlooked.

9. Buy Cybersecurity Insurance. Conduct an annual review of your insurance policies, understand what is covered and what is not covered and what your limits are.

Bottom line, a good offense begins with a solid defense. If something doesn’t seem right, if it is out of character of the person you know and there is an unusual request, trust your instincts, they are most likely correct. The panic button is going to get pushed over and over and we all need to be ready.

Sincerely,

6. Incident Response. Developing and maintaining an Incident Response Plan enables your organization to quickly detect, investigate and respond to security incidents. The objective is to minimize damage, recover quickly and to prevent future incidents. Regularly conducting tabletop exercises as part of your Incident Response approach will keep your organization prepared for incidents. These simulation-based discussions will test your response plan and evaluate your cyber threat readiness.

Kurt Eddy, Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. UCON 2025 President

UCON—NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PILE DRIVERS INDUSTRY PARTNERS MEETING (IPM)

April 17, 2025

United Contractors hosted its first Industry Partners Meeting (IPM) with the Northern California Pile Drivers at Plank in Oakland. The gathering brought together Pile Driver leadership, UCON contractor members, and labor staff to foster collaboration and strengthen industry ties.

The agenda featured updates on the state of the industry as well as an open forum for discussion. Attendees participated in thoughtful conversations around current workforce challenges, partnership priorities, and future opportunities for alignment.

UCON and the Pile Drivers look forward to building on the momentum of this inaugural meeting, continuing to work toward shared goals and a stronger, more unified construction industry in Northern California.

If your company would like to participate in future IPMs, please contact the UCON Labor Team at laborteam@unitedcontractors.org.

UCON SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UCON’S LABOR ESSENTIALS TRAINING

Join the over 60 contractors statewide who have scheduled personalized trainings for their teams from UCON at no cost. UCON provides trainings to contractors on the key issues listed below (and more). Available in-person or via Zoom, each module runs 30-45 minutes and can be scheduled to fit your team’s needs. Trainings include:

• Union Payroll Rules (N. CA or S. CA) – 1 hour

• PLAs, Pre-Jobs, & Jurisdictional Disputes – 30 min

• Skilled & Trained Workforce – 30 min

Taught by UCON’s Victor Sella, VP of Contractor Engagement!

• CBA Subcontracting Rules – 30 min

• Best Practices: Dispatching, Hiring, Lay-offs, & Termination – 30 min

• Basics & Best Practices: Apprenticeship – 45 min

• Mastering Prevailing Wage: CPRs to 3rd Party Compliance – 45 min

• Managing Meal & Rest Periods – 30 min

Many of our webinars are recorded and available to UCON members in our Professional Development Library, and our Contractor Resources Library. Contact LaborTeam@unitedcontractors.org.

SCHEDULE A FREE PERSONALIZED TRAINING

Join these companies by participating in UCON’s specialized training and orientation programs for you and your teams!

Whether you are a large corporation or a small business, our training programs are designed to meet the unique needs of your workforce. Contact UCON’s Labor Team to schedule your training: LaborTeam@ unitedcontractors.org

Nearly 300 individuals attended United Contractors’ fourth annual Public Works Summit, held on May 1 in Anaheim. This summit facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas, best practices, and most importantly, fosters communication and strengthens relationships among public works agencies, contractors, union partners, and suppliers of goods and services.

Participants gained valuable insights into the extensive construction market of the Southern California region by attending eight different workshop sessions that highlighted billions of dollars’ worth of projects. Thank you to our keynote speaker, Tasha Higgins, Principal Engineer and Caltrans District Liaison for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, and responsible for the overall management and delivery of the games on behalf of Caltrans.

“Great speakers and topics. I was able to do a lot of networking with various Unions, Contractors and Consultants and get the word out about our upcoming work.”

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTICIPATING PUBLIC WORKS AGENCIES

MADISON KAUSEN, SANDAG

THANK YOU EVENT SPONSORS

WELCOME SPONSOR REGISTRATION SPONSOR

RECEPTION SPONSOR

VENDOR DISPLAY TABLE SPONSORS

REFRESHMENT SPONSORS PROGRAM AD SPONSOR

HOSPITALITY SPONSOR THANK YOU TO OUR MODERATORS: Eric Anderton, Construction Genius

Abbigail Brown, CPM Logistics

Elizabeth Torrez, Tenna

Jamin Valdez, Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

“The face-to-face interactions with a public works focus was an incredible opportunity for the Contractors that attended. Thank you, UCON!”

BRIAN RICKEY

MIKE BUBALO CONSTRUCTION

THANK YOU TO THE VOLUNTEERS:

EVENT CHAIR : Anna Carno, Carno Law Group

Georgette Boden, G & F Concrete Cutting, Inc.

Rita Vigil-Ferguson, G & F Concrete Cutting, Inc.

“I enjoyed the event. The sessions were informative, as was the time spent networking with partners and contractors. Thank you!”

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LABORERS TRAINING SCHOOL

MIKE RUBIO

Cyber Threats in Hard Hats: Protecting the Digital Foundations of Construction

Contributed By Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is increasingly becoming digital and thus more prone to cyberattacks. The common assumption made about the AEC industry is that it is not big enough, interesting enough, or digitally enabled enough to be an attractive target for cybercriminals. However, cybercriminals target vulnerabilities rather than specific companies.

To find victims, they target weaknesses in information systems, software, and human behavior to gain unauthorized access or steal data. They exploit these vulnerabilities to achieve their goals—which can include financial gain, espionage, or disruption—and have proven extremely successful in their attempts.

Today’s construction projects are data-rich, hyperconnected operations, and many firms are still learning how to secure these

systems properly. Thus, the industry is precisely the type of company a cybercriminal will seek to exploit.

What Type of Cyberattacks Affect the Industry?

The AEC industry uses technology to improve efficiency and productivity. But many fail to recognize that weak or outdated security controls can make them vulnerable to cyberattacks. In fact, construction is one of the most frequently targeted industries. Attackers often exploit everyday technology, like email and passwords, as well as unsuspecting employees, to gain unauthorized access and pursue malicious activities.

This industry faces similar attacks to most businesses, including ransomware, phishing, social engineering, and data breaches. These attacks can disrupt operations, leading to financial losses, project delays, and reputational damage. Ransomware

is particularly prevalent—this is when cybercriminals encrypt critical data and steal valuable data and demand an extortion payment. In fact, a report from Sophos found that 62% of construction companies experienced ransomware attacks in early 2024. Corvus Insurance noted that construction was the most targeted sector in Q3 2024, with 83 victims, a 7.8% increase from Q2.

AEC companies also have some unique exposures arising from their use of building information modeling (BIM) software, field operation platforms, and safety management software. The use of such technology solutions without proper security controls can lead to a host of issues, including theft of confidential or sensitive information.

What Impacts Can a Construction Organization Expect?

Modern construction requires multi-party collaboration and relies

on software, cloud services, and datadriven processes to design, build, manage, and collaborate on projects. A successful cyberattack can lead to project delays, increased costs, and reputational damage, potentially jeopardizing the entire project. Scan the QR code for

How Should Organizations Begin Managing Cyber Risk?—Some

Key Points:

Build an Asset Inventory

An asset inventory serves as the foundation for various cybersecurity practices and controls. It enhances an organization’s ability to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity incidents, ultimately contributing to a more robust and resilient security posture. A variety of tools are available on the market to help manage IT assets.

Enable MFA

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a good place to start; it needs to be implemented at multiple points within a network to ensure comprehensive security. Key locations include remote access, administrative access to core systems, and when accessing sensitive applications. Specifically, MFA should be required for all employees when accessing email through a website or cloudbased service, for all remote access to the network, and for all internal and remote admin access to critical systems like directory services, network backups, and infrastructure.

Backups

Good backups are crucial for protecting against data loss due to factors like hardware failure, cyberattacks, and natural disasters. They ensure data integrity, availability, and business continuity, helping to recover quickly and minimize downtime. A good backup strategy may involve a hybrid approach,

leveraging local and cloud storage with a focus on security and redundancy. The 3-2-1 backup rule remains a cornerstone, emphasizing three copies of data, stored on two different media types, with one offsite. However, it’s evolving to include newer technologies and strategies like immutable storage and incremental-forever backups to address modern threats. The strength and bandwidth of the organization’s internet is also crucial, and using techniques like differential backups and optimizing backup schedules can help manage bandwidth usage effectively.

Do I Need Cyber Insurance and What Does It Do?

Yes, cyber insurance protects businesses from the financial losses caused by cyber incidents like data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyberattacks. It covers costs associated with recovering from these events, including system recovery, legal expenses, and business interruption and reputational losses. It provides balance sheet protection and a suite of cyber experts to help with response and recovery from an attack.

RANSOMWARE IS PARTICULARLY PREVALENT.... 62% OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES EXPERIENCED RANSOMWARE ATTACKS IN EARLY 2024. CORVUS INSURANCE NOTED THAT CONSTRUCTION WAS THE MOST TARGETED SECTOR IN Q3 2024, WITH 83 VICTIMS, A 7.8% INCREASE FROM Q2.

(See next page for more)

Cybercrime That Exploits Vulnerabilities in Construction Businesses

One of the most pervasive and costly cyberattacks affecting the construction industry is a social engineering attack. In the context of cybercrime, social engineering schemes seek to trick victims into sharing data, downloading malware, or giving access to restricted systems. The most common form is fraudulent fund transfer. This is when cybercriminals use electronic communication to trick victims into diverting funds to the criminal’s account. Cyber criminals may use a variety of methods, including:

• Spoofing: Impersonating the victim’s executives, customers, or business partners, such as a supplier, attorney, or company CEO.

• Fake invoices or payment instructions: Sending fraudulent and/or manipulated documents to the victim.

• Business email compromise (BEC): Using a legitimate employee’s stolen or guessed email credentials to request invoice, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or credit card payments from customers disguised as the victim.

Criminals are successful in tricking recipients by instilling a sense of urgency, trust, or other common social engineering techniques.

To combat these attacks, construction companies and contractors must implement strong funds transfer and payment account controls. Dual control for changes to payment accounts, including a separate call-back verification by a second person to a previously known number, is an effective strategy to avoid being defrauded.

Because of the human element, construction companies should also ensure they have a cyber insurance and commercial crime policy that responds to these schemes.

Given the amount of funds contractors exchange every day, funds transfer fraud should be a top priority for any company’s risk management strategy.

By Jamin Valdez and Bridgett Quinn-Choi, Esq. of WoodruffSawayer

& Co., a UCON member since 1994,

woodruffsawyer.com.

For additional cyber insights, tips and more, subscribe to Woodruff-Sawyer’s Cyber Notebook blog (scan the QR Code).

THE RISE OF AI IN CONSTRUCTION

By Construction Today, www.construction-today.com

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of digital technologies. Among these, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a powerful tool reshaping how construction projects are planned, executed, and managed. As AI continues to evolve, its influence on the construction sector is becoming more profound, bringing about changes that enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation. Discover how AI is integrated into construction technology and the potential benefits and challenges it presents.

Understanding the Role of AI in Construction

AI encompasses various tools and applications, such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. In the construction sector, AI optimizes several critical processes, from design and project management to safety and risk assessment.

One of the primary applications of AI in construction is project planning and management. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from past projects to predict potential delays, identify risks, and recommend efficient scheduling. For example, machine learning models trained on historical data can forecast bottlenecks, allowing managers to take proactive measures to keep projects on track. A McKinsey study

estimates that AI could boost construction productivity by up to 20% by enabling better project planning and resource management.

AI also plays a significant role in enhancing on-site safety. Computer vision technologies, a subset of AI, monitor construction sites in real-time, identifying safety hazards such as workers not wearing protective gear or machinery operating outside safe parameters. These systems can alert site managers immediately, helping to prevent accidents and improve overall safety compliance.

Key Benefits of AI-Powered Construction Tools

Integrating AI into construction brings numerous benefits that go beyond simple automation. One of the most significant advantages is increased efficiency. AI tools can process data much faster than humans, enabling real-time decision-making that can reduce delays and cut costs. For example, AI-driven software can monitor project progress against schedules and budgets, automatically flagging deviations that might lead to overruns. This level of insight allows project managers to make data-driven decisions and adjust resources as needed to maintain efficiency.

...AI COULD BOOST CONSTRUCTION

PRODUCTIVITY BY UP TO 20% BY ENABLING BETTER PROJECT PLANNING AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.

AI improves accuracy in project execution by analyzing complex datasets to detect patterns and predict outcomes more accurately

than traditional methods. This ability is particularly valuable in risk management, where predicting potential project risks, such as cost overruns or material shortages, can significantly impact the bottom line. By leveraging AI, construction companies can anticipate and mitigate risks more effectively, reducing the likelihood of costly errors and delays.

AI enhances safety on construction sites. Beyond monitoring, AI can predict potential safety incidents by analyzing historical safety data and identifying patterns that precede accidents. According to a report by Construction Dive, companies using AI-driven safety tools have seen a reduction in workplace accidents by as much as 25%, resulting in fewer injuries and lower insurance costs.

Additionally, AI-driven tools help maximise the use of resources, whether human labour, equipment, or materials. By optimizing resource allocation based on real-time data, AI ensures that all elements of a project are used as efficiently as possible, reducing waste and lowering costs. This efficiency is crucial in largescale projects, where even small savings can add up to significant financial benefits.

Overcoming Challenges in AI Adoption

Despite the clear benefits, adopting AI in construction is not without challenges. One primary obstacle is the industry’s inherent resistance to change. Construction has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, often due to concerns about cost, complexity, and potential disruption to established workflows. Many construction firms, particularly smaller ones, may lack the resources or expertise to implement AI effectively.

Continued on next page

Proud Partners in Building American Infrastructure .

(SOURCE: CONSTRUCTION DIVE)

Workforce adaptation is another significant challenge. The integration of AI tools requires a workforce skilled in construction and comfortable using advanced digital technologies. A skills gap often needs to be addressed through comprehensive training programs. Ensuring that employees are trained to use AI tools is crucial to maximizing their benefits. This includes technical training and a shift in mindset, where workers see AI as a tool to enhance their capabilities rather than a threat to their jobs.

The cost of implementing AI solutions can also be a barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized construction firms. AI tools often require a significant upfront investment in software, hardware, and training. While the long-term savings and efficiency gains can outweigh these costs, the initial financial outlay can be a deterrent. Additionally, the return on investment (ROI) for AI technologies is not always immediate, which can make it challenging for companies operating on tight margins to justify the expenditure.

Technological infrastructure is another area of concern. Many construction sites, particularly those in remote locations, may lack the necessary connectivity and hardware to support AI solutions effectively. Reliable internet access, robust data management systems, and sufficient computing power are required to make the most of AI tools. Construction companies need to invest in upgrading their infrastructure to fully leverage AI capabilities.

To overcome these challenges, companies can start by adopting a phased approach to AI integration. Instead of attempting a full-scale implementation at once, firms can begin with smaller, more manageable AI projects targeting specific pain points, such as improving safety monitoring or automating routine tasks. This approach allows for a gradual learning curve and helps build internal expertise and confidence in AI technologies.

Collaborating with technology partners experienced in AI can help construction firms navigate the complexities of implementation. These partnerships provide access to resources, training, and support that might not be available internally, reducing the barriers to AI adoption.

For the entire article, visit www.construction-today. com/news, or scan the QR Code. Sources: GeoWeek News, McKinsey & Company, Construction Dive, Forbes, Boston Consulting Group.

AI APPLICATIONS AND TOOLS TO EXPLORE

Here are several tools (or tool categories) that can bring value right now:

4 Project & Scheduling Platforms

• ALICE Technologies, SmartPM, or Buildots – AI for project optimization, planning, and tracking.

• Integrate with Primavera or Procore for enhanced forecasting.

4 Safety & Monitoring

• Smartvid.io/Newmetrix – AIbased safety analysis from jobsite photos/videos.

• Pillar – uses wearables and AI to monitor ergonomic risk and prevent injuries.

4 Drone & Vision Tech

• DroneDeploy, Pix4D, or OpenSpace – AI-driven mapping, measurement, and visual progress documentation.

4 Predictive Maintenance

• Caterpillar’s VisionLink, Tenna, or Trimble WorksOS – track equipment health and predict service needs.

4 Document & Communication Automation

• Document Crunch – speeds up contract review and flags risk.

Computer vision with jobsite cameras can detect

Telematics with AI helps track equipment usage and predict failures

AI can automate inspection analysis using drone or 3D image data

• Togal.AI – helps with takeoffs and estimating using AI.

4 Labor Optimization

• Raken – automates field reporting and time tracking with smart suggestions.

• Bridgit Bench – uses data and AI to forecast labor allocations and manage workforce planning.

Olmsted Hydroelectric Plan, Provo UT China Basin Park, San Francisco CA

Francisco

JOIN US AT A UCONNECT NEAR YOU!

June 11, 2025, Wednesday | Seal Beach

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, APRIL 24 TH - SACRAMENTO

PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL

UCON is connecting the contractor community! Thank you to everyone who joined us at our UCONnect in Sacramento, April 24th! It was a 75+ crowd at Punch Bowl Social. Thank you to our sponsor, IMA Financial Group!

APRIL 24 TH - SACRAMENTO

THURSDAY, MAY 8TH - MANTECA

BRETHREN BREWING COMPANY

Thank you to our crowd of 75+ amazing members, partners and industry leaders for joining us in the Valley at Brethren Brewing Company, Manteca— and thank you to our sponsor, F & M Bank!

UCON is connecting the contractor community! See you at the next UCONnect in Seal Beach and Santa Clara!

SCAN FOR FULL CALENDAR

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

By Angelica Gouig, Director of Member Experience

JUNE,

JULY & AUGUST 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.

JUNE 5

Skilled & Trained Workforce

Thursday, June 5; 12:00pm-1:00pm

Instructor: Victor Sella, VP of Labor Relations, United Contractors

Class Style: Virtual

Class Limit: Unlimited

Cost – Member: FREE

Non-member: $100

Browse our 2025 Course Catalog—scan code or: unitedcontractors.org/calendar 2025 COURSE CATALOG

JUNE 10

Four Pillars of Trust: Teamwork That Matters

Tuesday, June 10; 12:00pm-1:00pm

Instructor: John Petersen, Threshold Rising LLC

Class Style: Virtual

Class Limit: Unlimited

Cost – Member: FREE

Non-member: $100

JUNE 12

Quit While You Are Ahead

Thursday, June 12; 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

AUGUST 7 - NOV 6

Project Management Career Advancement (PMCA)

Thursdays, Aug 7 - Nov 6; 9:00am-12:00pm

Instructor: Various

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

June 26

Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Manager

Thursday, June 26; 2:30pm-4:30pm

Instructor: Eric Herdman, LLC

Class Style: Virtual Class Limit: Unlimited

Cost – Member: Free Non-member: $100

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

Non-member: Early Bird: $600; Standard $615

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

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 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 14

Fearless Field Leader— San Ramon

Thursday, August 14; 4:30pm8:00pm (see page 43 for more!)

AUGUST

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

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: MAY

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 May:

48 YEARS – 1977

Associate Member: Reed & Graham, Inc. Sal Guido

34 YEARS – 1991

Associate Members:

J.M. Turner Engineering, Inc.

Adrianus Vermeulen

United Rentals

Matt Willes

32 YEARS – 1993

Associate Member: Core and Main LP Scott Smith

31 YEARS – 1994

Associate Member: Travelers Brittany Murphy

29 YEARS – 1996

Contractor Member:

Andrew M. Jordan Inc.

dba A & B Construction Andrew Jordan

28 YEARS – 1997

Contractor Member: T & S Construction Co., Inc. Arthur Spinella

27 YEARS – 1998

Contractor Member: Power Engineering Construction Co. Wayne Stonecipher

26 YEARS – 1999

Contractor Member: Columbia Electric, Inc. Jo Anne Scruggs

25 YEARS – 2000

Contractor Members: MCK Services, Inc. John Moffat

Sposeto Engineering, Inc. John Sposeto

24 YEARS – 2001

Contractor Member: Duran & Venables, Inc. Gregg Fisher

23 YEARS – 2002

Contractor Member: Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, Inc. Miguel Galarza

21 YEARS – 2004

Contractor Members: Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. Jimmy Draper

Vanguard Construction Dominic Sposeto

Associate Members: Vulcan Materials Co., Western Division (Formerly Central Concrete Supply Co., Inc.)

Steve Pryde

RDO–Vermeer

Mark Meyer

20 YEARS – 2005

Contractor Member: Las Vegas Paving, Inc.

Bill Wellman

18 YEARS – 2007

Contractor Member: Waller, Inc.

Michael Waller

Photo courtesy of Trademark Concrete Systems, Inc.

17 YEARS – 2008

Contractor Member:

Bayside Stripe & Seal, Inc.

Ramy Mughannam

12 YEARS – 2013

Contractor Member: Sierra Traffic Markings, Inc.

Ron Johnson

Associate Member: Prestige Printing and Graphics

Rose Maloney

11 YEARS – 2014

Contractor Members:

Berkeley Cement, Inc. (BCI)

Anthony Fadelli

R. E. Maher, Inc.

Rod Maher

Associate Members:

Acrisure of California LLC

Jim Untiedt

10 YEAR – 2015

Associate Members:

Bay Area Backhoes, Inc.

Greg Chiaravalle

HSG Safety Supplies, Inc.

Sareena Grewal

9 YEARS – 2016

Contractor Members:

Clipper International Equipment Company, Inc.

Rob Terheyden

Fontenoy Engineering, Inc.

Aidan O’Sullivan

8 YEARS – 2017

Contractor Members:

Serafix Engineering Contractors, Inc.

Larry Brandt

Westland Contractors, Inc.

Neil Hunt

Associate Members: Clear Creek Systems

Brendan Coyne

7 YEARS – 2018

Contractor Members:

Cooper Engineering, Inc.

Denise Cooper

Associate Member:

H&E Equipment Services

Don Hasson

6 YEARS – 2019

Contractor Members:

J & M, Inc.

John M. DeFreitas

Vintage Paving Company, Inc.

Ed Carbahal

5 YEARS – 2020

Contractor Members:

C&W Construction Specialties, Inc.

Susan Burke

FERMA Greenbox Inc.

Marc Ferrari

Glosage Engineering, Inc.

Luis Guzman

SubTerra Construction, Inc.

Andrew Chung

4 YEARS – 2021

Contractor Members:

Foundation Soil Stabilization, Inc.

Eric Quiles

Machado & Sons Construction Inc.

Mike Machado

3 YEARS – 2022

Associate Members: Mechanics Bank

Gary Staring

2 YEARS – 2023

Contractor Members:

Anglemyer Crane Service

John Anglemyer

Trademark Concrete Systems, Inc.

Lance Boyer

1 YEAR – 2024

Contractor Members:

Horizon Underground Inc.

Victoria Gonzales

R E Mason Engineering Inc

Brittan Ashjian

San Fernando Transit Constructors

Rafi Bulatewicz

Stewart Engineering Inc.

Keith Stewart

Team North Construction Services Inc.

Jennifer North

The Crane Guys, LLC

Melissa McNutt

Associate Member: Alert-O-Lite, Inc.

Debbie Hunsaker

Columbia Green Technologies

Beau Diaz

RCR Traffic Specialist

Raeleen Lucas Wet Utilities, Dry Utilities, and Soil Management PrestonPipelines, PrestonElectric, and DirtMarket provide expertise in underground and electrical utility services and soil sampling and import/export solutions across Northern California.

Photo courtesy of Duran & Venables, Inc.

HIGHWAY WORKER SAFETY PRESS CONFERENCE

UCON-Sponsored Legislation, AB 289 (Automated Speed Enforcement) Makes Headlines—Highlighting the Importance of Worker Safety

Joined by highway workers, Assemblyman Matt Haney, union leaders and industry partners, UCON called attention to the rising number of injuries and fatalities among highway workers due to excessive speeding. With AB 289 advancing through the legislature, UCON continues to lead advocacy efforts to ensure that those building California’s infrastructure are protected while on the job. For more information, contact Gus Flores, Director of Government Relations, gflores@unitedcontractors.org, (916) 347-6849.

Speaking at the rally: (1) Emily Cohen, UCON EVP, (2) Assemblyman Matt Haney, (3) James A. Thuerwachter, Legislative Advocate, CA State Council of Laborers, (4) Brandt Maurice, Highway Worker, Ghilotti Bros, Inc.