United Contractors Leadership Awards

awards

UNITED CONTRACTORS AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

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UCON AWARDS

United Contractors Awards of Excellence

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his special Awards Edition recognizes the remarkable efforts these leaders make on behalf of UCON and the industry. These individuals give their time, talent, and commitment to elevate the industry and help the association succeed on behalf of everyone. For those new to UCON, these awards celebrate those who push the boundaries to move our industry forward. Those leaders that incorporate the foundational elements that we stand for. Innovation.

Relationships. Risk-taking.

Please take the time to read about our 2022 honorees and their efforts and advocacy. The profiles of these leaders are meant to encourage and inspire many more to follow on their path.

For the industry, the association, and their individual organizations, we ask that you join us in expressing our respect and gratitude for all that they have done to elevate and pave the way for future generations in our industry.

Mark Breslin CEO, United Contractors

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lifetime achievement

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Mike Preston Preston Companies

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am in disbelief. I

feel like I am just one of so many who have given so much to make this association and industry more respected. It is truly an honor that is unexpected.

Q: Is there a mentor(s) that shaped your career, philosophy, or work values?

A: My father was my first

mentor in many ways, but as it relates to this award, he set the standard by being one of few original founders of the association back in 1970.

UCON AWARDS

Honesty, Integrity, and Quality were the values he lived by; they are the values that I learned from him; and those that the association has continued to carry to this day.

Another huge mentor of mine when I first joined the association Board at 27 years old was Mike Fuller, of Mountain Cascade, Inc., also a UCON member since 1976.

He was so willing to share all he knew and his low key, humble, ‘aw shucks’ approach to sharing his wisdom with all was such a good lesson. He was always very unselfish with his time and his experience.

Q: What is the value of involvement in United Contractors that you would like to convey to others?

A: For me the involvement was

huge. I was very young when I started working in this business and the experiences with UCON were all unique to me. From labor negotiations to politics to industry friendships to technical applications. Involvement was invaluable to myself and my company. I must believe that others can, and have, experienced the same.

lifetime achievement

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award is United Contractors’ highest honor and is bestowed on a very few as a recognition of service, leadership, and commitment to moving the industry forward.

We present this award to members of the industry with the honor of lifetime inclusion in the UCON family and legacy.

Q: What most important thing do you want people to know about you, your work, and the union construction industry?

Mike Preston has been an integral part of the construction industry in California for over 50 years and has served on UCON’s Board of Directors and as President of the organization in 1991. Mike, his company, and his father, Dee Preston, were among the original founders of United Contractors (then UCA) as part of his goal to make the industry a better place for all. Mike has continued to uphold and drive the mission and values of United Contractors, earning the respect of his peers for his transparency, integrity, and commitment.

A: I would like them to know that I started working for Preston full time at 19 years old; and started with “UCA” committees and Board of Directors by my mid 20’s. I have had some degree of involvement since then. So, 46 years full time in this industry! I can say that whatever you give forward into the industry, you will get at least twofold back in return. Keep the values clear, get involved and contribute. It takes all of us working together to make the industry what it is. z

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lifetime achievement

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Mike Hester

McGuire and Hester (Retired)

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am humbled and truly honored to receive this award from UCON. This recognition from my peers lets me know that maybe I did have some sort of positive impact on our industry over my career. This is a special award that I really appreciate.

Q: Is there a mentor(s) that shaped your career, philosophy, or work values?

A: I have had many mentors in my life that have provided wisdom, guidance, and knowledge that have helped me through my life and career.

UCON AWARDS

Whether it’s personal life or business, these relationships have given me invaluable insight and helped me get through thee highs and lows throughout the years.

Q: What is the value of involvement in United Contractors that you would like to convey to others?

A: I have been involved with UCON for most of my career in one way or another. My time spent serving the industry has always been rewarding and beneficial for both me personally and our business. The

relationships and friendships made through involvement with UCON are life-long. I encourage others to do the same because we can’t do it alone.

Q: What most important thing do you want people to know about you, your work, and the union construction industry?

A: If I had to name one important thing that I want people to know about me, I want to be known as fair. I have tried to be fair in all my dealings over the years and I hope that has come across to those who have dealt with me and our company. z

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lifetime achievement

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award is United Contractors’ highest honor and is bestowed on a very few as a recognition of service, leadership, and commitment to moving the industry forward.

We present this award to members of the industry with the honor of lifetime inclusion in the UCON family and legacy.

A third-generation leader of his company and an essential part of the UCON leadership over the years, Mike Hester has been dedicated to moving the industry forward throughout his career in myriad ways. Mike not only served as President of UCON in 1996, but prior to that, served two terms on the United Contractors Board of Directors. In addition to partnering with the construction trades for a better, stronger industry, he has been integral to UCON’s continued success—contributing to diversification, significant membership growth, and influence with the union crafts.

One of Mike’s favorite “jobs” is manning the grill on-site as he visits the various projects.

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IMPACT AWARD Greg Kelley

impact award

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (Retired)

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his award represents a validation of collaboration between agencies and contractors on implementing sustainable treatment approaches. It’s important because this treatment approach was different than the standard and resulted in both parties learning together.

Q: Is there a mentor(s) that shaped your career, philosophy, or work values?

A: As a career public employee who worked for one agency, Public Works had a proactive environment of encouraging public service

UCON AWARDS

improvement. Through each work assignment I recognized the importance of identifying better ways of serving the communities of LA County. Implementing sustainable pavement treatment approaches is an example of that mindset.

Looking for cost effective pavement treatments that were less impactful to the environment was a collaborative effort that was shared to other agencies.

Q: What is the value of involvement in United Contractors that you would like to convey to others?

A: The contractors’ group became active advocates for a great partnership with the county and other public agencies. As with most collaborative efforts it takes time to develop a successful relationship. It’s worth it!

Q: What most important thing do you want people to know about you, your work, and the union construction industry?

A: There is more work to be done! We need to continue with the collaborative process and educate agencies who aren’t familiar with the sustainable approaches for pavements and other areas of construction that benefits counties, regions, and the people who live there. z

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IMPACT AWARD

About Greg Kelley: Born March 29, 1959, in New Haven Connecticut, Greg spent most of his early years in Vermont. Greg graduated from the University of Vermont in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, was recruited by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, and hired by the County in May 1981. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works was formed in 1986 merging the Flood Control District, Road Department and County Engineer.

Greg’s first day on the job was around Labor Day 1981, where he was greeted with a mild but noticeable earthquake— welcome to Southern California!

impact award

The UCON Board is honored to present Greg Kelley with the Impact Award. Mr. Kelley recently retired after a 38-year career with the County of Los Angeles, a county with 10 million residents and 7,400 lane miles of roads. Greg is a true leader, always working closely with everyone involved, including contractors, vendors, suppliers, and more. He is consistently focused on partnering together for a successful project delivery and upholds the highest standards for the industry.

In 1984 he graduated from Pepperdine University with a master’s degree in business administration. He and his wife Terry have been married 33 years, and have four children: Kristen (deceased), Megan, Kevin and Katelyn, who are their joy.

The reputation Greg has earned through his leadership at the County, building trust, working with closely with industry, improving the way roads are managed, and using the latest proven sustainable methods of construction, has saved the County over $90M since 2009.

We salute Greg for his focus on trust and partnering for the benefit of both the County and the construction industry.

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IMPACT AWARD Ramon “Ray” Hopkins

impact award

Caltrans

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t is an honor to receive the UCON Impact Award. This recognition is a testament to the relationship that continues to strengthen between Caltrans and our Contractor partners.

Q: Is there a mentor(s) that shaped your career, philosophy, or work values?

A: I have several individuals from both the contracting community and Caltrans that I consider mentors and that have guided my career.

My goal is always to learn something new form every interaction.

UCON AWARDS

Q: What is the value of involvement in United Contractors that you would like to convey to others?

A: As the construction industry continues to evolve, we need to collaboratively address both issues and opportunities that come from the ever-changing landscape. The best way to do this is through relationships with organizations like UCON and the contractors they represent.

Q: What most important thing do you want people to know about you, your work, and the union construction industry?

A: I consider the relationship between Caltrans and our Contractors as a vital component of a strong construction industry. Without mutual understanding and respect, neither party can be successful. The voice of the contracting community is crucial in the evolution of our specifications as we embrace new technology to build and maintain a transportation system that serves all Californians. z

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IMPACT AWARD

About Ramon “Ray” Hopkins: In 1992, Ramon (Ray) Hopkins graduated from the University of Arizona and began his engineering career in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer Officer.

He joined Caltrans in 1998 as a Design Engineer. Soon after, he transferred to Construction and began working as a Resident Engineer and later as a Construction Engineer.

In December 2020, Ray was selected as the Chief, Division of Construction, for the California Department of Transportation.

In this role he is responsible for providing statewide policies, procedures, and guidance for highway construction throughout California. He leads the HQ Construction team in support of

roughly $13.5 billion dollars of ongoing construction projects on the State Highway System.

We are honoring Ray for his deep and genuine commitment to partnering, respect, integrity, and innovation, helping to make Caltrans an agency of choice for California’s contractors. He has championed increased communication, enhanced safety policies, and promote collaboration with his teams and the industry.

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impact award

Ray is a true partner with the construction industry, unions, and key stakeholders who design, build, and maintain the state’s critical transportation infrastructure. As Chief of Construction at Caltrans, his ability to bring all sides of the issue together is significant.

Having championed the industry at Caltrans since 1998, UCON’s Board is proud to bestow Ray with this award and recognizes that with the historic levels of funding for infrastructure projects, he has been a ‘steady hand’ at the wheel to ensure Caltrans is being great stewards of the public’s dollars.

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UNSUNG HERO AWARD Roger Mason

unsung hero

Sweeney Mason LLP

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I have worked with contractors in the construction industry for 40 years. I love the people in the industry and I love my work. I joined UCON so I could give back both to the industry and the people in it. I am truly humbled and honored by this industry recognition.

Q: Is there a mentor that shaped your career, philosophy, or work values?

A: One mentor who shaped my career, philosophy and

UCON AWARDS

my work values is Paul Simpson (of Simpson, Garrity, Innes & Jaccuzi PC). Paul taught me traditional labor law, the value of working hard, and the importance of friendship at work.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize Joe Sweeney, my best friend and business partner for the past 33-1/2 years. Without Joe, I would not be who I am today.

Q: What is the value of involvement in United Contractors that you would like others to know?

A: 2022 marks my tenth year of involvement with UCON. I am proud of my time and have met many friends here. It is a great organization and I would highly recommend that young people who are starting their construction careers to get involved. It is highly rewarding. z Q: What most important thing do you want people to know about you, your work, and the union construction industry?

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A: “You are what you do, not what you say you will do.” —Carl Jung

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

unsung hero

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. The Associate members serve on Committees, including our Board of Directors, coaching and developing future Associate leadership. Associate members actively engage in the Association and inspire engagement from other members.

This prestigious accolade is given to UCON’s Volunteer of the Year, recognizing the most dedicated volunteer(s) within our organization.

Roger has consistently put the industry and UCON above self, generously giving his time, as well as his knowledge, to support and uplift our association. His 25+ years of involvement and contributions have been evident in his dedication to associate leadership, committee involvement, training and more, making Roger an inspiration to future leaders.

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UCON’S 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2023 Board

UCON Board of Directors A Legacy of Leadership

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Over fifty years ago four union contractors got together to discuss how they could gain better representation. They were small businesses. They were families. They were contractors determined to have a voice in negotiations and in shaping the fate of their industry. Founded by union contractors for union contractors—large and small— United Contractors remains true to the values that inspired it: Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Unity, Trust, Teamwork. But most of all, 100% Member Driven.

Today, UCON is California’s union construction trade association. We represent nearly 750 union contractors and vendor firms across California. Every day, UCON works to empower, educate, and advocate for our members and the greater union construction industry.

While UCON and its influence have grown over the years, its democratically- elected Board of Directors remains the organization’s foundation. These dedicated professionals guide our work and mission. The UCON Board, like the association itself, is unique: made up of contractors, large and small, each with an equal voice and a unique and valued perspective. The Board makes decisions based on strong governance and sound policy. The staff works for them and their vision to exceedsd member expectations in everything that we do. Decades of exceptional Board Leadership have made UCON what it is today, and what it will be for the future.

UCON Board Members are outstanding and dedicated leaders. Their collective business energy, experience, risk-taking, and dedication to the organization and industry create a powerful positive impact. The vision of our Board of Directors is what has allowed UCON to maintain a more than 50-year legacy of leadership and advocacy for our industry.

On behalf of the United Contractors team, thank you to our 2023 Board of Directors, under and the leadership of Ron Bianchini, Preston Companies, Board President.

UCON AWARDS

RON BIANCHINI 2023 President Preston Pipelines, Inc.

KEVIN HESTER Vice-President/President-Elect McGuire and Hester UCON Member Since 1990

UCON Member Since 2016

UCON Member Since 2006

JUAN C. ARREQUIN Secretary/Treasurer-Elect Bay Line Cutting & Coring, Inc.

CHRISTI PLUM Past Secretary/Treasurer P C & N Construction, Inc.

KELLY ATTEBERY Associate Director-Elect F & M Bank UCON Member Since 2014

TOM BARR Ghilotti Bros., Inc.

BRYN BURKE Dees Burke Engineering Constructors, LLC

TERESA DIAS Associate Director Peterson Trucks, Inc. UCON Member Since 2017

ALAN GUY Anvil Builders UCON Member Since 2012

JEFF PEEL Steve P. Rados, Inc.

UCON Member Since 1970

UCON Member Since 1993

UCON Member Since 2016

UCON Member Since 1999

JOE SOSTARIC Past President The Conco Companies

DALE R. BREEN Secretary/Treasurer Midstate Barrier, Inc.

UCON Member Since 1993

GREG GOEBEL JR. KURT EDDY Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. Goebel Construction, Inc. UCON Member Since 2014 UCON Member Since 2008

UCON Member Since 2014

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2023 President

UCON’S 2023 PRESIDENT

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Ron Bianchini Preston Companies

UCON: What do you like most about being a member of UCON? RON: The camaraderie.

Competitors by day and the fellowship for common causes the rest of the time. The association brings together new contractors with contractors that have been in the association since its inception. This creates a fantastic fellowship of the best and brightest thought processes for all members.

UCON: What do you feel are the most significant issues facing the industry?

RON: One of the most significant issues we are all concerned about is the craft labor secession. We need to recruit from high schools and junior colleges and promote excellent career opportunities in the trades. Additionally is safety for all employees. With recessionary time looming, workers comp cases seem to rise. We need help from our

UCON AWARDS

union craft partner to help train and make sure the members are fit and safe to perform the task they are dispatched for (we shouldn’t expect when we request a general laborer to wrestle with a ninetypound jackhammer all day, to get a sixty-something with a couple of years left). But most of all, ensure all our employees have an equally good work and life balance.

brother and I were equipment owner-operators and quickly became in somewhat high demand, so we were able to work with sometimes several project management/superintendent teams a week. I was able to see the best of them and the worst and everything in between.

We both often talk about how incredibly fortunate that was. In a short time, we were able to see what motivated/worked very well and what didn’t work at all.

UCON: What is your favorite thing about working in this industry?

UCON: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

RON: I love that every day brings new challenges, learnings, rewards, and some setbacks to be worked out/taught. When you’re in this industry long enough, you find that all the guys you went to with/ for the above aren’t there, and the next thing you know, your that guy to a younger generation. It is incredible and rewarding.

RON: I love spending time with my high school sweetheart/wife (we have been together for 44 years and married 39 this past April, she is my rock!) and our family.

We enjoy being grandparents.

I still enjoy riding dirt bikes. We ride mountain e-bikes (almost like dirt bikes) and our Road Glide Harley (together), love going on date nights in our 1970 corvette convertible, and taking our grandson out in our 1934 4-door Ford Phaeton convertible—our parade car. z

UCON: Who was your most impactful mentor/why?

RON: So many. I was fortunate when I started in this industry. My

A BROTHER’S ADVICE:

By Dave Bianchini Dedication to family, career, and life’s adventures have prepared you for this distinguished, leadership UCON role. You’ve been a leader, natural problem solver and entrepreneur since your teens, all attributes that lend to special insight, knowledge, and a wealth of experience needed in the industry, UCON and the board. Over the years, you have gained many more life lessons than I had in when I became the UCON President in 1999.

With great persistence and determination, you successfully solved problems and got the job done.

The problems facing UCON, may not be yours, but affect the overall health of the industry, an industry we care so much about. This ever-expanding industry consistently has obstacles and issues to be resolved, UCON, the board, and now you, will represent and lead the association and tackle any hurdles as they arise. It was only a matter of time before you became President to help focus and guide with sound solutions.

As you lead and motivate, remember to bring ideas and people together for a consensus. Actively listen and make sure all voices are heard, you’ll be

pleasantly surprised by the ideas, diversity and support surrounding you. Digest those ideas, the “brain trust” will expand or vet the issues.

As you know, the United Contractors has an extremely capable and energetic staff, focus on the direction and/or tasks your board is trying to accomplish, remember to delegate and move forward to the next issue, the UCON staff can take it to the finish line. And know you have the support of the past Presidents to guide and advise. This year will go very fast and before you know it, you’ll be transitioning to the next President.

On a personal note, I know how much you would have wanted to share this great industry accomplishment with our dad; always carry with you how extremely proud he and I are of you, as are the rest of our family; together we know you will make an exceptional President.

Wishing you the best, your always supportive and favorite (only) brother, Dave Bianchini is formerly with McGuire and Hester, Ron’s brother, and UCON’s Past President, 1999

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WE ARE ...

MEMBER DRIVEN

unitedcontractors.org

California’s leading union-contractors association Representing nearly 750 unionaffiliated contractors & industry supplier firms $30+ billion in construction revenue and 35 million man-hours annually Proactive Industry Advocacy & Policy Expertise Integrity and Credibility in Labor Relations, Professional and Leadership Development, Regulatory, Safety and more Valuable Relationship Building Opportunities

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UCON AWARDS

WE ARE UCON United Contractors (UCON) empowers, advocates for, and supports California’s union contractors. We are relentlessly committed to serving the needs of our members while building the next generation of industry leaders.

MEMBER-DRIVEN. UCON is contractor-led—

unitedcontractors.org

Our Board of Directors are democratically election each year, and our labor and legislative policies are guided by the voices of our membership.

LABOR RELATIONS. The foundation of UCON, and our contractor members turn to us for results.

POLITICAL ADVOCACY. UCON is the most powerful voice

for California union contractors, elevating our members and the greater industry through our advocacy work—securing public works infrastructure funding in California.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING. Connecting the industry

and building meaningful business relationships strengthens our industry and the connection among members. Held across California, our events provide large and small contractors, agencies, and unions the chance to build genuine relationships.

PROBLEM SOLVERS. For over 50 years, UCON’s team of experts have provided valuable resources to help California’s union-affiliated contractors navigate the challenges, rules, and regulations of our industry. Our members-only Contractor Resources Library houses hundreds of useful guides, templates, and documents readily available 24/7. Our timely bulletins and industry updates help our members stay on the cutting edge where it counts the most.

DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INDUSTRY LEADERS. We provide members with innovative professional &

leadership development to enhance industry growth at all levels.

UCON is the statewide leader in delivering professional, technical, and leadership development content that invests in your people.

RELENTLESSLY COMMITTED. UNITEDCONTRACTORS.ORG

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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE Our Awardees will be honored at the following upcoming United Contractors events:

UCON’S GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY FUNDRAISER Saturday, November 11, 2023 The Claremont Hotel, Berkeley

UCON’s Lifetime Achievement Awardees will be honored at our Advocacy Auction. This is our largest fundraising event which supports our grassroots advocacy efforts. It allows UCON to maintain a presence, voice, and agenda in Sacramento and Washington D.C.

awards

UCON’S PUBLIC WORKS SUMMIT

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UCON AWARDS

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Hilton, Anaheim

Our Impact Awardees and our Unsung Hero will be recognized at UCON’s high profile Public Works Summit. This summit connects California contractors and public works agencies, allowing attendees to build relationships, engage with peers, and learn about current and future industry opportunities.

PUBLIC WORKS

SUMMIT Connecting California Contractors and Public Works Agencies

Learn more at www.unitedcontractors.org/calendar

sponsors

THANK YOU 2023 PLATINUM ANNUAL SPONSORS

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THANK YOU 2023 GOLD ANNUAL SPONSORS

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UCON AWARDS

THANK YOU 2023 SILVER ANNUAL SPONSORS

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(925) 855-7900 unitedcontractors.org