In recognition of Earth Day, �Թ��� Director of Sustainability reflects on today sustainability challenges and the mindset needed to keep moving forward.

If you stopped me in the hallway and asked what I think of Earth Day, my first response would probably be: Isn’t every day Earth Day? Shouldn’t we pause every day to consider our choices and their impact on the world around us? 

I also recognize that Earth Day represents a moment to slow down, reflect and place more focus on the environmental and sustainability challenges we face in our daily lives, both big and small. It a reminder to appreciate the incredible world we live in — its beauty, its resilience and, at times, its vulnerability. 

I’ve spent time reflecting on sustainability not from a mindset of, “We must do it this way,” but rather, “What is the challenge in front of us, and how can we continue to be better?” Those reflections tend to fall into three areas. 

Building With Intention

As a construction company taking on increasingly complex projects, expanding our organization and seeking increased efficiency, it worth pausing to ask: “Is there a better way? Is there a more sustainable option?” 

Sustainability isn’t about perfection or checking a box. It about thoughtful decision-making that balances cost, schedule, safety, risk and environmental responsibility. It being willing to question the status quo when the opportunity exists or parking lot an idea for the future. In many instances it may not be a “no” as much as a “just not yet”. 

How Sustainability Shows Up Daily

Sustainability shows up in small, everyday actions: how we protect the environment on our project sites, seek continuous improvement and conduct ourselves. But it also extends to the choices we make at home, within our communities, (volunteering and community engagement) and support responsible and ethical growth as a society. Standing up for fairness, equity and safety — for people and communities — is just as much a part of sustainability as environmental stewardship.

Applying Technology Thoughtfully

With the rapid pace of technological advancement, sustainability remains a shared concern. The opportunity lies in how we use technology to support thoughtful, sustainable growth. 

Technology can make our day-to-day work more efficient, allowing us to focus time and energy on the most meaningful challenges. Tools like data analytics and AI can help us question longstanding assumptions, explore new solutions and rethink what possible. In doing so, technology can also strengthen our human skillsets — particularly critical thinking and thoughtful application of these advancements. 

Still, as with all things, progress requires balance, respecting lessons learned while remaining open to ideas. 

A Mindset We Carry Forward

This Earth Day, I encourage all of us to be present; to notice the beauty around us, recognize what may be changing or threatened and appreciate earth resilience. Sustainability isn’t confined to one day on the calendar. It a mindset, a responsibility and an opportunity we carry forward every day. 

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During construction, a severe storm caused a partial collapse of the PEMB structure. In response, the team came together to begin:

• Engineering assessments;
• Set up expedited demolition efforts;
• Closely tracked cost details;
• Coordinated communications with the safety team and leadership.

Despite a six-month delay related to the rebuild, the team-maintained momentum, incorporated improvements and successfully completed the project. The facility was delivered in April 2025 with quality and performance intact.

The project reflects the dedication of the team and trusted partners and the collaborative relationship with Moore Public Schools. Projects like this are especially meaningful because they create a lasting, positive impact — providing students and educators with spaces that promote health, teamwork and opportunity.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this award-winning project to life and helping build a stronger future for the Moore community.

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The automotive industry is transforming—moving from horsepower to data power. Connected, autonomous, and intelligent vehicles are driving unprecedented demand for robust data centers. These facilities are now the digital backbone of modern mobility, supporting everything from real-time diagnostics to AI-assisted engineering.

Autonomous vehicles, in particular, are data intensive. A single self-driving car can generate up to 19 terabytes of data per hour—equivalent to more than 6,000 HD movies. This data must be processed instantly to ensure safety and then stored for future analysis. Supporting this data flow requires robust, high-performance data centers that can handle massive volumes of information in real-time. 

Unprecedented Growth and Demand

• U.S. data centers consumed 176 TWh of electricity in 2023 (4.4% of total) projected to reach up to 12% by 2028.
• Global data center capacity is growing at 15% annually, but demand outpaces supply.  
• AI technologies, such as NVIDIA latest Vera Rubin System architecture, require advanced cooling and more power — up to 300% more than previous models.  

Detroit: Leading the Digital Transformation

States like Michigan are at the forefront, with the Detroit Regional Partnership advancing more than 25 industrial sites. Companies are investing in Verified Industrial Properties (VIPs), helping Detroit evolve from Motor City to Mobility Capital of the World. 

However, building this infrastructure comes with challenges. The global supply chain for data center components, including servers, cooling systems and construction materials, is vulnerable to tariffs and trade policies. A 25% tariff on imported steel, for example, can significantly increase the cost and timeline of constructing data centers.  

�Թ���’s Expertise in Mission-Critical Construction

As data center demands continue to surge, experienced builders of mission-critical infrastructure are playing a vital role in meeting the challenge. Constructing high-performance facilities that support continuous operations — whether hyperscale data centers or regional edge sites — requires precision, speed and a strong focus on sustainability. These projects benefit from decades of accumulated expertise in delivering complex, resilient environments that power the digital backbone of modern life.  

As AI and autonomous technologies continue to reshape the automotive landscape, data centers are no longer just supporting the industry; they’re driving it. Behind every self-driving car is a storm of data, and behind that data stands a fortress of servers, powering the future of mobility.  

Ready to build the future of mobility and AI?

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In addition to donating to the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, the team hosted a celebratory event at the Out of Office Garage (OOOG), an exclusive member-only auto club honoring �Թ��� automotive roots in Motor City. It was well-suited for the event; key automotive clients and business partners drove �Թ��� entry into the Michigan market. While �Թ��� began working in Michigan in 1982, it established a dedicated Southeast Michigan office in 2015 to deepen its commitment to these relationships. 

Today, �Թ��� is proud to deliver excellence coast to coast, completing thousands of projects for major automotive manufacturers, energy, and industrial clients during the past 25 years. 

�Թ��� Michigan by the numbers 

• 2,793 completed projects in 100+ cities statewide adding up to $1 billion
• Since 2021, $100,000donatedto local nonprofitsin addition to significantdonatedvolunteer time
• More than 100 professionals including craft specialists  

Awards and accolades 
�Թ��� Michigan dedication to excellence has earned numerous honors, including: 

• Crain Detroit Business Best Places to Work (2023–2025) 
• 2024 AGC of Michigan Cornerstone Award for Excellence in Training
• Race to Talent™ Registered Apprenticeship CHAMPION Award

Looking ahead, the Michigan team is focused on supporting economic growth, creating meaningful career opportunities, continuing to deliver innovative solutions for clients, and contributing to local communities.

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The shoring system is designed to stabilize the excavation site and mitigate soil displacement, analogous to prevent collapse in an unsupported sand excavation. This system is essential for maintaining structural integrity during deep foundation work and protecting adjacent infrastructure.

Approximately 50% of the shoring scope falls under OSHPD 1 regulatory oversight due to its direct interface with the existing hospital, requiring adherence to the most stringent seismic and safety standards. The remaining scope is governed by OSHPD 3 requirements.

The site geotechnical profile presents additional complexity. It is located above an active subterranean creek and within a high seismic risk zone. Groundwater intrusion is anticipated upon pile drilling, necessitating robust dewatering strategies and continuous coordination among all trade partners.

The engineered shoring solution includes:

• Drilling deep foundation piles
• Installing a rebar-reinforced retention system
• Applying shotcrete to form a permanent 60-foot-deep retaining wall

This wall will serve as the structural perimeter for a four-level subterranean parking garage and the base for the five-story neuroscience facility above. The shoring and excavation phase will take roughly nine months to complete. The team is targeting completion ahead of the rainy season to mitigate weather-related delays.

Upon completion of shoring, construction will transition to the concrete below-grade parking structure, bringing the project back to street level.

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As the industry adapts to new construction needs, renewable energy has emerged as a prominent gateway to the union trades. From solar panel installations to massive wind farm construction, green energy projects are not only reshaping the grid, but also creating high-demand and well-paying jobs for the next generation of skilled workers.

Wisconsin-based signatory contractor, �Թ���, brings technical expertise and logistical planning know-how to deliver renewable energy in response to growing demand. The contractor is not new to renewable energy construction and has led wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, bioenergy, and solar projects across the U.S. As a market leader, �Թ��� values developing new tradespeople and building a skilled workforce that they can work with from job to job.

The Apple River Solar Project in Wisconsin is one example of �Թ��� commitment to providing trade pathways through renewable energy. Developed by Geronimo Power, this 100-megawatt photovoltaic solar facility is located in Polk County and will be connected to the electric grid via the Apple River 161kv Substation.

“�Թ��� is proud to have been selected by Geronimo Power for this power facility which provides renewable energy to the power grid in northwest Wisconsin. The expertise and dedication of our trades women and men in the support and development of our apprentices, is critical to the success of this project,” says Jason Fields, �Թ��� executive responsible for building this facility.

More than 20 new apprentices entered the through this project alone. Brought in through traditional recruitment channels and partnering with local community organizations, these new tradespeople have started their paths to a career in union construction. When work is done at Apple River, many of the new apprentices look forward to continuing their work on renewable and other energy projects across the region.

“The Carpenters Union has provided the training and support I needed to gain experience in building solar farms. In particular, they have taught me the critical tasks for installing the racking and module systems which are the structural backbone of the plants. This experience has given me the confidence to grow my career in the solar field, and I am looking forward to supporting �Թ��� on its next project,” says Jacob Jones of Local1074.

“The Apple River Solar Project has been an amazing pathway into the union for me. This has given me the opportunity to learn and grow not only as a Carpenter but an individual. When I started, I was very shy, because of the amazing crew onsite, they helped me feel more confident talking and asking questions,” says Sara Pelzel of Local 1074.

The Apple River Solar Project is anticipated to generate over $36 million in direct economic impact during its first 20 years of operation, including an estimated $10 million in new tax revenue for Polk County and local townships.Additionally, Geronimo Power has pledged $500,000 in charitable funding through the project, with funds distributed to the Amery and Clayton school districts to support educational initiatives.

Once operational, the Apple River Solar Project is expected to supply power to Xcel Energy, serving customers across the Upper Midwest. At capacity, the facility will generate enough clean, renewable energy to meet the equivalent electrical usage of approximately 26,000 homes annually, contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and supporting regional sustainability goals.

Originally Written By North County Carpenter

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Who doesn’t love a good celebration? At �Թ���, Signing Days have become a bit of a tradition in early summer, welcoming families, trade partners, employees, school staff and even state representatives to support individuals pursuing careers in construction. But as I looked out over the crowd at last year event, something struck me. Many of the people who spent most of the time mentoring these students weren’t there. It wasn’t for lack of invitation, but the demands of jobsite schedules had them elsewhere. 

While I could stand at a podium and celebrate the journey students were about to embark on, the reality is, I’m not their mentor. The mentors working with the students day to day to instill the love of construction were missing. This year, we set out to do things a little differently! 

We still held a Signing Day in Cloquet, Minn. to recognize our very first youth apprentice transitioning to registered apprenticeship, but we also brought the celebration to our jobsites. Nine project teams across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois received lunches in honor of the 13 students they supported during fall 2024 through spring 2025 school year. 

We invited the parents, school staff and trade partners to join several of the jobsite lunches. The intention was for parents to be immersed in their child world. It one thing to hear about laying block. It another to stand beside your child as they show you what they’ve built.  

And from Sara Weyers, parent of a 1^st year youth apprentice, Mason:

“My son gained valuable experience in masonry, carpentry and other scopes of work while working for �Թ���. He learned how to use various tools and equipment that were permitted, and he also developed skills in working with different kinds of people—an asset for his future career. One of the highlights of his experience was helping to build an elementary school, which gave him a sense of pride and accomplishment. As a parent, I also learned more about the wide range of trades that are available and gained a greater appreciation for the many different opportunities the trades can offer.”

As Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Lisa Breaker from CESA6 shared:   

“Parker and Hunter gave an excellent tour, and I loved hearing more about their experiences. They shared that the people/team at �Թ��� are what have made their experience as a Youth Apprentice so instrumental in helping them shape their future.” 

As �Թ��� workforce development manager, this program has impacted me as well. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from superintendents, foremen, journeymen and project managers—people whose leadership challenges and inspires me. They’ve influenced how I see projects, approach attracting and recruiting for the workforce and understand mental health in construction – and is one of the reasons this program continues to grow locally and nationally. They embody �Թ��� values: honesty, fairness, hard work, performance and the love of construction. 

Thank you to the teams finding ways to engage youth apprenticeships on your projects and supporting the strategic growth of our workforce!

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In comparison to other states, Oklahoma ranks 43rd in health, underscoring the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities and access to modern medical services. This is especially true in rural communities where residents typically travel farther for care and limited infrastructure makes it challenging to address complex medical needs.

Expanding telehealth, increasing public health funding and promoting local workforce development can make a difference. However, the importance of investing in infrastructure – upgrading existing facilities and building new ones – cannot be understated.

Healthcare construction presents unique challenges, particularly in rural areas where resources and skilled talent may be scarce and access to specialized care is limited. But through innovation and collaboration, these obstacles can be overcome.

One challenge is the lack of construction workers. will retire by 2031, which means the industry must recruit up to half a million new workers annually to meet growing demands and the typical hiring pace. Younger professionals are more inclined to accept jobs in metropolitan cities, making it more difficult to staff rural projects. As a result, some construction firms, including �Թ���, are investing in youth apprenticeship programs and partnering with career technical colleges in rural areas. Doing so can help bridge the gap, inspiring the next generation of builders.

Cutting-edge industry solutions, such as prefabrication and modular construction, also can help address challenges in areas lacking resources and labor. In addition to mitigating the effects of rural labor shortages, off-site prefabrication and modular construction significantly reduce construction times (as much as 50%), providing access to care months sooner. Building patient rooms off-site, fully equipped with fixtures, reduces disruptions to healthcare services while enhancing quality and safety.

Early project collaboration and Lean construction principles are equally important in rural healthcare construction because it saves hospitals and communities money. Originating in manufacturing, Lean principles scrutinize each task to find the most efficient way to work, resulting in less waste, consistent outcomes, reliable schedules and lower costs. Adaptive reuse of an existing building, or converting an outdated facility, presents another opportunity for communities to save money.

�Թ��� is putting these strategies into action with healthcare projects across Oklahoma by working with community hospitals to upgrade facilities and expand access to vital medical services. These projects are more than construction endeavors – they are lifelines addressing the disparities rural communities face in health outcomes and access to care.

Everyone needs robust healthcare facilities close to home, and by investing now in thoughtful construction strategies, we can ensure every Oklahoman – no matter where they live – has access to high-quality care.

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That where Meredith earns while she learns as part of her youth apprenticeship with �Թ���. The three-month-long apprenticeship marks the first of its kind in construction for the high school and is �Թ��� first youth apprenticeship in the state. �Թ��� also offers youth apprenticeships in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan and is introducing them in Oklahoma later this year.

A Long-Time Vision Becomes Reality
Ryan Yoho, area manager, for has long wanted a youth apprentice on a job site. Ali Burke, project manager, Rob Stadler, superintendent and James Quinn, safety manager, expressed interest in hosting a youth apprentice on the 44,160 SF two-story medical office building job site. They recognized that Downers Grove North High School was just a few blocks away from the job site, making it a convenient location for a student interested in a construction-related youth apprenticeship.

For Ryan, the impetus for a youth apprenticeship was to give a student a sightline into the construction industry. That something he didn’t have until he was at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“That ‘day in the life’ on the job site, seeing a project come to life, is what made the work real for me,” said Ryan. “Students shouldn’t have to wait until college to have awareness, and with the labor shortage in the industry nationwide, we need more exposure to students before they finish high school.”

He had an ally in the entire team on the job site that helped make the apprenticeship a reality.

“When Ryan brought this up, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of as I didn’t have these opportunities in high school,” said Ali.

Rob and Ali reached out to Downers Grove North High School, only to learn none of the school current construction work-based learning opportunities offered an internship or apprenticeship on a construction job site. That prompted involvement by Allison Knautz, workforce development manager, to structure an apprenticeship to meet the state work-based learning requirements, comply with job site safety and meet �Թ��� other expectations. Armed with a plan, Allison connected with Brian Veit, CTE department chair at the high school, who was very receptive to the opportunity.

“With growing student interest in the trades, this partnership couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Brian.

A Full Job Site Effort
After Downers Grove North High School shared the opportunity with its student populace, Meredith visited the job site, spoke to the team and was offered the apprenticeship that started on February 10. Ali and Rob goal: To provide her experience in as many different disciplines, including carpentry, plumbing and electricity.

“We wanted her to experience as many trades as possible because there is not just one trade pathway,” said Rob.

Meredith apprenticeship experience began with orientation and introductions and quickly shifted into job shadowing diverse types of work. From the moment she stepped on the job site in her personal protection equipment (PPE), Meredith participated in everyday activities alongside the rest of the team, from the stretch and flex to continuous safety improvement forms.

An Apprentice Perspective
Meredith apprenticeship includes advanced hands-on experience under mentor oversight. While summertime work on her grandparents’ campground gave Meredith experience in light repairs, the job site has broadened those skill sets. Her job site tasks include everything from building temporary window frames to dismantling a scaffold stairwell, offering opportunities to use the table saw and a variety of other tools.

It has also exposed her to the many touchpoints required in performing work on the job site.

“I don’t think I grasped how difficult the work would be; how much teamwork it takes,” said Meredith. “I also wasn’t expecting to see the production boards with everything planned day by day, week by week. It helpful to visualize the work like that.”

She also has noticed how much communication and camaraderie matter to the work.

“It become clear how much communication it takes to keep the job flowing as it should,” said Meredith. “I like seeing how much of a community there is on a job site.”

In addition, the hands-on activities allowed Meredith to connect dots from the architectural courses she took in high school to the construction industry.

“Getting out here and being part of the actual building is cool,” said Meredith. “This has given me a better understanding of the difference between designing and building.”

An Exercise in Self-Discovery
Meredith has discovered a passion for building and is considering a career in carpentry. For now, her future career steps are still to be determined as she decides between pursuing her first passion of auto mechanics or a career in carpentry, electricity or HVAC. Upon graduation from high school in May, she plans to move to Pennsylvania to live with her grandparents. At that time, she will decide which of the universities and trade schools that accepted her is the right fit for her post-secondary education. In the meantime, she is earning high-school credit for her internship as well enjoying the diverse experiences she having on the job site thanks to her apprenticeship.

Rob said the value she has received is a credit to Meredith and her willingness to fully embrace the value and opportunities of the apprenticeship.

“She really involved out on the job site, and she not afraid to ask people questions to get the answers she needs,” said Rob.

As for the freshmen and sophomores at her school, Meredith says participating in a youth apprenticeship “is a good opportunity to see the trades. It worth it because you get to be a part of something important and can look back on it and think, ‘I did that,’” she said.

As one of her mentors, Ali has enjoyed teaching Meredith about construction so she can make an educated decision about her future career.

“There are so many trades to choose from, and it about finding your passion,” said Ali. “I see Meredith come into the trailer every day with a smile on her face and the team out in the field saying how much they enjoy working with her. We are all excited for Meredith and her future. Even if Meredith decides she more interested in cars, that is still a success because she has had the experience and understands what each trade offers.” 

A Pipeline for the Future 
Allison credits the entire team on the job site with making the apprenticeship a resounding success for Meredith.

“It their mentoring and sharing industry knowledge and hands-on instruction that have made this a valuable and positive learning experience for her,” said Allison.

While Meredith apprenticeship finishes in May, the �Թ��� team looks forward to offering additional apprenticeships in the future, recognizing it as an important opportunity for talent attraction.

“Youth apprenticeship programs play a crucial role in shaping the construction industry’s future workforce. �Թ��� investment in, and commitment to, youth apprenticeships help to cultivate a skilled and diverse workforce, address the current labor shortage and ensure the industry’s sustainability,” said John Huggett, vice president and general manager.

Interested in becoming a youth apprentice? Visit our skilled trades page to learn more.

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That been his routine since February, when Marcos and �Թ��� first came together as an outgrowth of his school work study program. Stephanie Osbahr, workforce development and community outreach manager, brought the program to �Թ��� senior leadership and project owners when she learned about its alignment with �Թ��� values and the opportunity to introduce local youth to �Թ��� career opportunities.

“If we wait until students are in college, we’ll miss out on a literal gold mine,” she said. “We need students to understand how construction is a viable opportunity earlier in their education.”

�Թ��� was very receptive to the opportunity. Stephanie credits �Թ��� leadership and SMSHCC project owners for their receptiveness to meeting with school representatives and welcoming Marcos.

Through the program, talented students like Marcos, who live in underserved communities, benefit from both a high-quality education and invaluable work experience. Students participating in the program earn 50% of the cost of their education through the work-study placement, with benefactors bridging the gap between what students earn at their job and what their families can afford to contribute. The school is impressively successful, with 100% of its students being admitted to four-year universities.

For Marcos, the program is the latest success in an upward trajectory from humble beginnings. He attended Learning Without Limits in elementary school, followed by Urban Promise Academy for middle school and Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School. These opportunities, combined with Marcos’ persistence and commitment to learning, have positioned him to be the first in his family to pursue a college degree. His plan is to attend San Jose State University with a major in mechanical engineering this fall.

Marcos’ introduction to the SMSHCC job site was within the job trailer, learning to work with (ACC) and other technologies, introducing him to continuous safety improvements (CSIs) and other aspects of safety, attending Big Room meetings, learning about the �Թ��� Production System and performing a variety of other tasks. In the process, he learned several innovative technologies, problem-solving and time management under the guidance of Kaitlyn Davis, project coordinator and Marcos’ supervisor and mentor.

After turning 18 in April, additional doors opened for Marcos; namely, the ability to step outside the job trailer and onto the job site. Since then, he has shadowed several trades on the site and created weekly 360° Camera Captures that document project progress. He has been impressed with many facets of the project, including the workforce that is making it a reality.

“I’m amazed at the number of teams it takes to make a project happen,” said Marcos.

And while his plans are to pursue a career in engineering in the automotive industry, he found great benefit in learning how engineering applies on a construction site. He has also built his interpersonal skills, networked with a variety of professionals and gained confidence, all while learning more about the construction industry.

“Even if I don’t go into construction, knowing how things are built is valuable information and useful to me,” said Marcos.

For �Թ���, creating a long-term relationship with entities such as Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School is crucial to developing a diverse, skilled, committed workforce in the Bay Area. Stephanie said it not just about building �Թ��� brand awareness; it also about doing the right thing for the youth who call the area home.

“We can share our project culture while building relationships in the communities in which we do business,” she said.

David Thomack, president of �Թ���, said �Թ��� commitment to the program highlights how we can actively contribute to shaping future leaders and community stewards alike.

“This partnership highlights the profound impact that supportive relationships and collaborative efforts can have in transforming the lives of young people, ensuring they are better equipped to face the challenges of the future,” he said.  

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