Author: Jeanie Clapp

Hensel Phelps wins the safety grand prize for the second time BY JENNIFER KLING As AGC members know, the construction industry is among the most dangerous industries in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,283 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2023. Among those reported, construction had the most among all other industry sectors with 1,075 fatalities. To help address this recurring issue, AGC of America, WTW | Willis and Starr Insurance have made a concerted effort to annually recognize construction companies that go above and beyond to keep their employees…

BY ANNE HUNT, DIRECTOR OF DATA & ANALYTICS, TRIMBLE Technology has transformed construction accounting practices, streamlining processes that were once time-consuming and error-prone and helping companies navigate tight profit margins amid economic and market uncertainties. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Generative AI, construction businesses have a tremendous opportunity to unlock new levels of efficiency and automation. Despite concerns that AI will replace humans, the reality is that those who use AI will replace those who don’t. The technology is more accessible than ever, making now the time to lean into it. Understanding the Fundamentals of AI AI…

A mother-son bond in construction Mother’s Day is on May 11, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the women who inspire us — especially the moms, grandmas, and mentors who help shape our paths in life and work. In the construction world, women continue to make big moves, leading businesses, managing projects, and showing the next generation what’s possible. Family businesses play a huge role in the industry, and more and more, women are at the heart of those legacies. In this Q&A, Constructor catches up with a mother-son duo who are building more than just structures — they’re…

AGC brings the dark corners of a delicate topic into the light BY A.D. THOMPSON In some of Brandon Anderson’s presentations, which can be before a crowd of a thousand or more, he asks for a small amount of audience participation. “If you’re willing to share,” he will preface, “please raise your hand if you have been impacted by overdose or suicide.” And when what he guesses is 90 percent of the room raises their hands, he says, they find meaning in the title of the presentation: You Are Not Alone. Anderson, vice president of safety for AGC of Missouri…

How industry partnerships are creating the next generation of construction professionals BY ELSBETH RUSSELL The construction industry’s workforce shortage isn’t just looming — it’s here. As contractors navigate growing project backlogs, one solution gaining momentum is the intentional partnership between industry and education. Programs that embed construction professionals into classrooms — whether at universities, apprenticeships or adult education centers — are proving to be powerful pipelines for talent, mentorship and leadership. The need for skilled workers is undeniable, but solving the problem requires more than recruitment. Increasingly, companies are finding success when they help shape education programs, offering their people…

BY JACQUELINE DUDLEY, ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE LEADER, AUSTIN OFFICE, THE BECK GROUP, A MEMBER OF MULTIPLE AGC CHAPTERS Many building owners and tenants are upgrading offices and building amenities to make Return-To-Office (RTO) mandates more amenable for employees wary of abandoning a COVID-era remote work lifestyle. Employers favoring full-time in-person or hybrid work practices contend that office settings boost employee productivity and well-being, increase collaboration and mentoring and strengthen corporate culture. According to a Resume Builder survey, 87% of companies will have RTO in 2025, while 64% said they have already implemented this policy. The survey also noted that many companies…

How to navigate hiring challenges in construction BY KEYAN ZANDY, CEO, SKILES GROUP In an industry where the margin for error is slim and the stakes are high, talent is everything. Our projects are so much more than blueprints on paper — they’re complex, high-pressure endeavors that demand skilled, reliable and motivated individuals working together toward a common goal. Labor shortages and an aging workforce have heightened the need to hire the right people. According to industry data, construction employment has struggled to keep pace with demand, creating significant challenges for project delivery. A single misstep in the hiring process…

It’s a call-to-action for incoming AGC President Todd Roberts, a theme that highlights issues that affect the membership from the soaring houses of our nation’s government to the ones where they tuck in their kids at night. BY AMY DREW THOMPSON Winnfield may be a small town in Louisiana, but it breeds leadership, including three of the state’s governors. So, too, has it raised a captain in the construction industry. But things could have been very different. Young Todd Roberts, today the AGC’s incoming president, could easily be about to take the reins at the nation’s foremost geology association instead.…

BY SEAN GRASBY, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, U.S. CONSTRUCTION & ENERGY SOLUTIONS, WESCO, A GCA OF HAWAII AND IDAHO AGC MEMBER Contractors have a lot of incentives to utilize environmentally friendly and sustainable practices on their jobsites. Beyond the goodwill and positive impact on society, using more efficient building practices and minimizing waste can streamline operations and bring several financial incentives — from tax benefits and grants, to cost savings from efficiency gains to a reduced risk of regulatory fines. How can contractors incorporate recycled materials, cut down on waste and ensure unneeded materials don’t get thrown out,…

AGC names Doug Edrington 2025 Construction Safety Champion of the Year BY CHRISTINE PREUSLER When Doug Edrington, construction manager at Texas-based TDIndustries, Inc., reflects on being named the AGC Construction Safety Champion of the Year (CSCY), he doesn’t see a personal triumph. To him, the award is the product of a team-wide commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone at his company. “It’s not about me — it’s about the people we protect,” Edrington, who accepted the award in January at the AGC’s Construction Safety & Health Conference in Jacksonville, Florida, said. Each year, AGC of America and Milwaukee…