As the new president & CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) — Rocky Mountain Chapter, my vision is to position our chapter as the leading voice of the construction industry in our Rocky Mountain region. This aspiration is deeply rooted in the principles and philosophy of ABC, which has, from its founding, championed the values of free enterprise, open competition and workforce excellence. I believe this vision is essential for the growth and prosperity of our industry and community.
The Merit-Shop Philosophy Is 100% Industry Inclusive
At the core of ABC’s identity — and central to my leadership philosophy — is the merit-shop philosophy. This inclusive principle asserts that construction contracts should be awarded based on merit: on qualifications, performance and the value brought to each project, irrespective of labor affiliations. This philosophy promotes fairness, drives innovation and ensures excellence across the industry. By creating a level playing field, it empowers businesses of all sizes, from small local contractors to larger enterprises, to thrive based on their capabilities and contributions, not political influence.
For me, this philosophy isn’t just about competition; it’s about fostering a culture of accountability and quality. When businesses are rewarded for their skills and dedication, the entire industry benefits. This approach is what sets ABC apart and makes it the ideal organization to represent all the diverse stakeholders in Rocky Mountain construction.
Advocating for the Industry
One of my most significant responsibilities as CEO is advocacy — ensuring that the voices of our members and the broader industry are heard at every level of government. Advocacy is more than a duty; it’s a strategic tool for shaping the policies that govern our work. ABC actively engages with local, state and national lawmakers to promote legislation that supports open competition and free enterprise while opposing unfair practices and policies that stifle innovation and growth.
This commitment to advocacy is deeply personal to me. Before stepping into this role, I spent 20 years as a construction professional, gaining firsthand experience in the industry’s challenges and rewards. In addition to my industry career, I served as an elected representative in the General Assembly, both as a member of the House and the Senate, where I fought tirelessly for these same principles. That dual experience — both on the job site and in the legislature — has given me a unique perspective on the hard work, dedication and resilience required at every level of our industry. I understand the struggles of business owners, workers and contractors alike because I’ve lived them. I know the complexities of legislative advocacy because I’ve been in the rooms where decisions are made.
Advocating for the construction industry is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment for election after election and session after session. It requires persistence, relationship-building and an intimate understanding of how policies impact businesses and workers on the ground. I bring this understanding to every conversation, ensuring that our chapter’s voice is not only heard but respected. By leveraging my experience and passion, I aim to make our advocacy efforts both effective and enduring in the years ahead.
Building a Skilled Workforce
Workforce development is one of the most critical challenges facing the construction industry today. As CEO, I see it as a top priority for ABC Rocky Mountain to address the growing demand for skilled labor. ABC has always been a leader in this area, offering apprenticeship programs, continuing education and industry-recognized training initiatives. These programs not only help individuals build rewarding careers but also ensure our industry has the skilled workforce it needs to succeed.
I am especially excited about our plans to invigorate pathways for young people to discover careers in construction. By promoting our programs to schools, partnering with local businesses and showcasing the opportunities available, we can inspire a new generation of workers to join the industry. Workforce development is more than a practical need — it’s an investment in the future of construction. By equipping our workers with the tools and training they need, we’re not just improving projects; we’re elevating lives.
Prioritizing Safety
Safety and ethics are cornerstones of the construction industry, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that our chapter leads in these areas. Through initiatives like ABC’s Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP), we provide our members with best practices and resources to build a culture of safety on every job site. Every worker deserves to go home safely at the end of the day. By prioritizing safety, we not only protect workers but also enhance productivity and quality. In addition, the STEP program empowers ABC to educate policymakers that our members exceed in this area — and rebuff the false narratives of the opponents of the merit shop.
Engaging with the Community
Our chapter is not just a voice for construction — it’s a part of the community. We understand that our work impacts people’s lives every day, and we are committed to building not just structures but relationships. By engaging with local leaders, supporting civic initiatives and participating in community development projects, we reinforce the connection between our industry and the people it serves.
I see this engagement as a two-way street. It allows us to listen and understand the needs of our community while also demonstrating the value and contributions of our industry. When our chapter supports local causes, advocates for economic development or participates in charitable work, we’re doing more than building goodwill — we’re strengthening the foundation of trust and collaboration that helps communities and industries thrive together. Finally, merit-shop construction brings the best value to the community overall.
Leading with Vision and Purpose
As CEO, I approach my role with a clear vision and a deep sense of purpose. My job is to unite members, stakeholders and the community under a shared goal: to make ABC the leading voice for construction in the Rocky Mountain region. This requires strategic leadership, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to ABC’s mission. Whether I’m advocating for policies, promoting workforce programs or engaging with the community, my focus is always on advancing our industry and ensuring its long-term success.
The Voice of the Industry
In closing, I am confident that ABC’s rightful place is to be the leading voice of our construction industry. The 100% industry inclusivity of the merit-shop philosophy, our dedication to workforce development, our commitment to safety and ethics, and our support of the communities in which we work make ABC the ideal organization to lead this charge. Together, with the support of our members and partners, we will achieve this vision and continue to elevate the construction industry for generations to come.
