When I began my second term as President at the 2022 AGC Nebraska Annual Convention, I discussed some of the challenges within our industry over the last few years. With about 3 months left in my term as President, I can say that 2022 has been more normal than recent years – free of Acts of God. It has been a pleasure to serve the membership again. Although it had been over 10 years since my first term, the only real changes have been the color of my hair and my goatee. Otherwise, business as usual, with a heavy emphasis on membership, our NDOT partnership, the Legislative agenda and workforce development.
 
The AGC Nebraska membership count is around 200, with 73 Contractors and 123 Associates.  As a nonprofit, our goal is to operate on a balanced budget. We are on track to see a small surplus in funds that we are eager to put back into our membership. We have a strong, diverse, and prideful membership as we market to potential members. Please continue to support Sheila if she asks for help communicating and meeting with potential members.
 
Our relationship with NDOT at the upper levels is significant. Katie meeting with Director Selmer and Deputy Director Jamshidi each on a quarterly basis, and with Jim Knott, Construction Engineer, monthly. Her pursuit of these relationships has kept our Chapter leaders up to date with current and potential issues, while giving us a clear path of communication. The NDOT’s FYE 2023 program is up from the current year’s program. We are still awaiting the FHWA release of an additional $100 million per year for the next five years as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2022. Our AGC/NDOT Joint Committees hold a purpose. If you do not sit on a committee, I encourage you to monitor committee notes and attend our Construction Industry Days to hear about the various field-related issues that are discovered and discussed.
 
We have recently elected our newest Governor, Jim Pillen, as well as numerous members to our Unicameral. The AGC Nebraska PAC made contributions to most of the races that totaled more than $200,000. We are excited to have a sitting Governor that understands how important the roads program is to our state’s economic development. After our contribution to Pillen, we expect a seat at his table during discussions on program size, staffing and the funding mechanisms that are at the NDOT’s disposal.
 
The importance of our Workforce Development Task Force is undisputable as we continue to face challenges in finding quality workers. The relationship we have with Central Community College – Hastings and their Heavy Equipment Operator Technician Program is running strong in its seventh year of producing young, educated workers for our industry. AGC Equipment Days is an event we hold at the Cornhusker State Trap Shoot in late April where over 1,000 students and parents come through our interactive booth to learn more about careers in construction. Make sure to clear your schedules to see the power of this event for yourself. We thank Enova for their continued work in distributing resumes to our members and offering a variety of trainings to help retain our best people. Also, if you have impressive young leaders within your company that could fill a Committee or Board seat one day, consider allowing them to get involved with the Future Leaders Council.
 
In closing, Katie, Sheila, and Carly do an excellent job of overseeing the daily operations of AGC Nebraska and for that, I am very thankful. Your Executive Committee is made up of respected leaders in the industry and are there to protect your interests. Get involved, at any level that you can. This industry needs your help and I promise your firms will find a return on investment for your time. Continued great successes as we wrap up the 2022 construction season.
 
TJC

The turnout at our first Future Leaders Council happy hour event last week was awesome. Over 30 of our members came from near and far to network and meet the current group. A special thank you to Paulsen, Inc. for sponsoring the bar tab.

Our next event is a Brunch & Learn on December 8th at the Cornhusker Hotel from 11 AM - 12 PM. Ellerbrock-Norris will give a presentation on jobsite accidents and there will be breakfast snacks and beverages provided. If you're interested in joining in on our next event, register for the FLC here.

President, Iowa Plains Signing, Inc.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

• I try to plan my day the best I can, but with the industry we are in adjustments are always needed. I just try to be available for anything I can do to help my team succeed. Along with that reviewing bids daily, reviewing financials daily, and trying to keep the company running smooth.

What do you like most about your job?

• I enjoy winning close bids the most. When the team puts so much time and effort into something, it is always nice to win every now and then.

What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

• Getting the public to stop texting and driving.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

• It’s at least a 2-beer story 😊😊

What is your favorite moment of your career so far? 

• When we converted our company into 100% Employee Owned, the looks on our employees’ faces was by far the best.

What are your hopes for our industry?

• Keep improving the safety for our workers and the traveling public.

If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

• Just listen, you always don’t need to be the one talking. Amazing how much you can learn by listening.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

• My high school football coach, Coach Dvorak and my college professor, Mr. Clark.

What did you want to be when growing up?

• I was going to own hotels and restaurants. I went to school for travel and hospitality.

What was the first job you ever had?

• Picking rock and baling hay for the local farmers.

Before working at your current company, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?

• Working at the local meat locker in town, Polashek’s Locker; cutting up deer, pork and beef.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

• Don’t drive on that snowmobile trail with your car. IT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

• I wish I could sing, I am terrible at it.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

• Hunt, fish, spend time with my 3 girls.

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

• Nothing here, pretty basic guy.

If you could be anyone (past or present) for just a day, who would you be?

• Warren Buffet.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• My daughters on their phones when I am trying to talk to them.

Favorite restaurant?

• ​Sushi at the Waterfront.

Thank you to everyone who played, sponsored and participated in our 2022 Fall Golf Outing. We love being able to host so many of our members and their customers - yes, another full golf event! Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey regarding our Fall Golf Outing. If you didn't play, consider telling us a bit about why not in the comment boxes. 

Reception Sponsors: Contractor Services, Inc.
Drink Ticket Sponsor: Griffin Dewatering
Hole Sponsors:
Contractor Solutions
Enova Group, LLC
Graham Construction, LLC
Hahn Financial Group, Inc.
Holmes Murphy of Nebraska
K2 Construction, LLC/Great Plains Redi Mixed Concrete
Lutz
Nebraska-Iowa Supply Co., Inc.
NMC / NMC Cat Rental Store
Overland Ready Mixed
Prairie Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Purple Wave Auction
​Ready Mixed Concrete
RoadBuilders Machinery
Road Machinery & Supplies Co.
Rueter's
Sunbelt Rentals
Truck Center Companies

The day began with report outs to the membership from our Joint Committee Chairs, Environmental Committee, Technology Committee and Document Exchange Task Force. Members gained insight into what each committee had been working on over the past several months and were given the opportunity to ask questions.

After lunch, the Nebraska Department of Transportation employees joined us for meetings and a General Session. The General Session included a NDOT Panel Discussion with Director John Selmer, Khalil Jaber and Jim Knott. Notable topics of discussion included:

• Visiting with Governor regarding next 2-year budget
• Expressway system
  • Working hard on programming the US-77 & US-81 corridors
• Utility Coordination continues to be a priority
• IIJA Funds – working to obligate funds by end of fiscal year
  • 22 bridges programmed in the next 2 years
  • Committed to western I-80 replacement and 6-lane Lincoln West
  • Buy America rules are changing because of the IIJA; rules will take effect in the December letting
• GIS Map for Borrow Sites ​

The General Session closed with the announcement of our Future Leaders Council (FLC). The mission of AGC Nebraska's FLC is to channel participants who are not actively involved to network, socialize, promote and exchange construction industry ideas. The top priorities of the FLC are professional development, increased involvement, and enhanced leadership skills for those who are involved. A schedule of events, an informational brochure, and the FLC registration can be found on the FLC webpage. 

Katie Wilson, Tyler Chicoine, and Tom Crockett were also able to meet with Congressman Mike Flood on Thursday to discuss our industry and deliver a PAC check. 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend this event. We are very lucky to have so many active members. Please complete the post-event survey that we sent out on Tuesday afternoon or email Carly with any feedback you have regarding this event. Our next event is Fall Golf on September 16th at Quarry Oaks. After that, is our first ever Friday Afternoon Club / Tailgate Party in our parking lot. The FLC group will be hosting a cornhole tournament where the winning team will each receive a set of AGC Nebraska boards. There will also be a chili cookoff, food and drinks. This event is free for members and their families! Register or claim a spot in the tournament or cookoff by clicking here.

VP, Estimation & Project Management at McGill Restoration

​What does a typical day at work look like for you?

• Right now, bouncing between managing the I-480 job that we are doing with Hawkins, reviewing bids, and distributing estimates to the team.

What do you like most about your job?

• Reviewing bids and deciding just how aggressive to be.

What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

• Managing people, it’s a lot harder than managing projects.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

• I took the long way around. In the early 2000s, I moved to Texas and worked in the automobile industry for a few years before moving to New York City and getting my Construction Management degree from NYU in my 30s. I have been with McGill Restoration for six years now.

What is your favorite moment of your career so far? Favorite project?

• While I was in New York City, I interned for MTA, the company that inspects the foundation systems in the subway tunnels. I was there when they were building the new World Trade Center and got to be involved with that process.

What are your hopes for our industry?

• That the material and labor issues don’t derail the industry.

If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

• Don’t rush into anything. Make sure you choose the career path you truly want before settling in.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

• Dino, a superintendent of mine in New York. He had a lot of experiences to share with me and really taught me how to survive and thrive in this industry.

What did you want to be when growing up?

• An astronaut.

What was the first job you ever had?

• Worked at a golf course.

Before working at your current company, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?

• Back in New York City, I bartended at a hotel right by Grand Central Station. All kinds of people came through there.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self-one thing, what would it be?

• Slow down and appreciate the moments instead of rushing through life.

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

• Public speaking.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

• Play golf. Thankfully, my seven-year-old enjoys going out so I get to play on the weekends with him.

If you could be anyone (past or present) for just a day, who would you be?

• Neil Armstrong on the day he went to the moon.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• Lazy people that put in very little effort.

Favorite restaurant?

• Cent’Anni back in Brooklyn.

Assistant Project Manager at Judds Brothers Construction Co.

Lukas is a 2022 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Construction Management Program from Milford, Nebraska. He worked as an intern at Judds Brothers Construction Co. for 3.5 years before transitioning to his full-time position in May.
  
What does a typical day at work look like for you?

• About half the time in the office and the other half in the field. Anything from laying pipe and pouring concrete to ordering materials and reviewing one calls.

What do you like most about your job?

• The varying aspect of it, I am not stuck on one thing. It is fun to get out in the field but also get to come back in the office.

What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

• The long lead times and pleasing the field guys has been the most challenging.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

• I applied for an internship at Judds Brothers after seeing their listing on Husker Handshake my freshman year and have enjoyed it so much that I stayed through college and now into my career.

What is your favorite project of your career so far? 

• A steam tunnel replacement at East Campus in 2020. It was a little bit of everything that we do all in one project.

What are your hopes for our industry?

• To see it get younger. About 90 percent of my graduating class at UNL went commercial, but heavy highway is the place to be.

If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

• Try new things, that’s how I figured out how much I enjoy utility contracting.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

• John Judds. He took me in with no experience, has introduced me to so many people and gives me the right amount of freedom to learn as I go. 

What did you want to be when growing up?

• A bridge contractor. From playing with Legos as a kid and even now, building a bridge over water seems really cool.

What was the first job you ever had?

• Farming for my dad is really the only other job I have had.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

• Get involved as much as you can in college. 

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

• Operate an excavator. The loader and skid steer are no problem, but something about an excavator hasn’t clicked for me yet.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

• Go to the lake and wakeboard with friends.

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

• No, but hopefully one day I will be able to golf well enough for it to be a hidden talent. I’m trying to learn.

If you could be anyone (past or present) for just a day, who would you be?

• Scott Frost. I’m curious to know what kind of pressure he is feeling going into his 5th season.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• When people are late and end up wasting other people’s time.

Favorite restaurant?

• Huhot

Thank you to all sponsors, players and participants of our 2022 Summer Golf Outing! We had another great year filling the course with 38 teams. The predicted rain leading up to the event held off to make for a wonderful day on the course. Save the date for our Fall Outing at Quarry Oaks on September 16th.

First Flight:
1st Place: Brett Gallinger, Brad Wegner, Jim Connell, Jon Gierhan (57)
2nd Place: Jon Jackson, Brady Lollman, Sean Vontz, Jarred Horsky (57)
3rd Place: Keith Petersen, JJ Petersen, Quinton Otto, Dan Pedersen (58)
Second Flight:
1st Place: Leo Faustgen, Kevin Stenger, Troy Cumpston, Brett Delehant (63)
2nd Place: Tyler Chicoine, Sean Stanley, Jeff Bremer, Curt Bremer (63)
3rd Place: Gary Kinloch, Glen Dingman, Terry Rodgers, Keegan Nelson (63)
Third Flight:
1st Place: Tom King, Mike Werner, Jake Buss, Jared Hardy (66)
2nd Place: John Webster, Kane Nordmeyer, Kelly McCoy, Jake Paulsen (66)
3rd Place: Tyler McNitt, Brad Beck, Taylor Ostransky, Travis Boyll (66)

Main Event Sponsor: Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co., Inc.

Lunch Sponsors: Constructors and NEBCO, Inc.

Hole Sponsors: 
Ash Grove CementBosselman Energy/Bosselman Carriers
Copple Insurance Agency, Inc.
Elder Corporation
Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc.
Flint Hills Resources
FNIC Group
Graham
Great Plains Redi Mixed Concrete
Green Thumb LLC
Highway Signing, Inc.
INSPRO
Jebro, Inc.
Logan Contractors Supply
Lutz
Lyman Richey Corporation
Martin Marietta
Mersino
NMC/NMC Cat Rental Store
Paulsen, Inc.
Prairie Wealth Advisors
Purple Wave Auction
Raka Rentals
RDO Truck Center
Ritchie Bros
RoadBuilders Machinery & Supply Co., Inc.
​Road Machinery & Supplies Co.

President of Bosselman Energy Companies
HER ADVICE TO MEMBERS: Expect long lines, high prices and shortages this season. Order early!

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

• Visiting construction sites, working with customers, office work.

What do you like most about your job?

• Making sure our customers are happy.

What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

• Making sure people are happy. It takes a lot with the supply chain issues and coordination of delivery to make sure customers have what they want. That’s what makes it so rewarding when the job is done.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

• Bosselman Energy is a family business, her grandfather founded the company, and her dad is now the CEO. Krisha has been with the company for 14 years after having a few other jobs after her time at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

What is your favorite moment of your career so far? Favorite project?

• The most memorable moment was the grand opening of a site in Plainville, KS

What are your hopes for our industry?

• Krisha’s hope for the industry is that the conflict in Ukraine will end soon. It is something that is drastically affecting the oil trading industry.

If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

• “There’s no I in team.”

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

• Her father. Although she is the president of the company, he remains the CEO and his opinion really matters. He mentored her throughout her life in order to prepare her for her current role with the company.

What did you want to be when growing up?

• Krisha went to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and worked in media sales after college in Colorado before coming back to the family business.

What was the first job you ever had?

• Paper route

Before working at your current company, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?

• Handing out Pepsi at an Annual Ski Equipment Expo

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

• "Buy Apple stock."

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

• "Play the piano. I played the clarinet for a time in high school."

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

• "Spend time with my 4 year old."

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

• “If I told you, they wouldn’t be hidden.”

If you could be anyone (past or present) for just a day, who would you be?

• "Pete Davidson, he’s hilarious."

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• "I try to tolerate most things."

Favorite restaurant?

• Mexican food

Left to right: Daron Bean, Jon Duden, Krisha Dolton, Eddie Dimmit