Thank you to everyone who made the first Construction Appreciation Week a success! The value construction brings to our everyday lives is immense and it deserves to be recognized. People in construction and those who support the industry did an amazing job showcasing the work that they do and their continued contribution to our great nation.
One of the ways we celebrated Construction Appreciation Week was through two national contests that encouraged people to share stories of how construction has impacted their lives. Both the Dream Builder and Kids of Construction contests were designed to instill pride within the construction industry and inspire the next generation of young people. Below is a brief description of each:
The Dream Builder contest asked people to submit a story detailing the ways in which a member of the construction workforce positively influenced a person’s life. The winner of this promotion received a prize package that included a customized I Build America Yeti® cooler and a $500 gift card to Academy® Sports + Outdoors.
The Kids of Construction contest asked participants to submit a video of their child explaining why they love construction. One lucky future construction worker received an I Build America backpack filled with toys and a $500 gift card to Academy® Sports + Outdoors.
Congratulations to our 2018 winners!
Kids of Construction contest:
Elizabeth & Matthew O’Hara
“He’s out little builder and destroyer.”-Elizabeth O’Hara
Dream Builder contest:
Stacey Gunthrope, Bixby Electric Inc.
“In December 2004 after 30 plus years as a military brat and later spouse, I finally found ‘home.’ Not many people are lucky enough to call a workplace ‘home’ and co-workers ‘family’, I am truly blessed that I am one of the few who can. My career, growth and accomplishments during my 13 plus years at Bixby Electric Inc is due to one man, Bruce Bixby. Bruce took a chance on a middle aged woman fresh out of college who showed up for her interview with bright pink hair. He took the time to explain concepts, management skills, and guide me through many task changes and had the patience to know, that employees face challenges outside of the workplace too. This man helped me survive ending a 13 yr marriage, my daughter’s challenging teen years, and was at my wedding to my final (I dont say current, he is stuck) husband. Bruce has shown the patience to groom the next generation of construction managers, field crews, admins and support staff to ensure that our company culture will far outlive him, when and if, he ever chooses to retire. When my Father passed away unexpectedly and my son was in a recent near fatal accident, without hesitation, Mr Bixby’s response was ‘what do you need, how long do you need?’ I have seen this man make sure to not set himself apart, but to make sure he is in the trenches with his employees. He takes the time to learn each person’s name, recognize accomplishments and share in failures and learn from each of them. Mr. Bruce Bixby is what defines a ‘Dream Builder’ for he focuses not only on building America’s infrastructure but building his people for success, inclusion, improvement with dedication that only a ‘family’ member has. Without this company and without the leader that Mr Bixby has become in my life I do not believe I could have risen from the Admin I was hired to be the contracts professional I am today. His guidance, trust and knowledge are invaluable not only to me, but to the industry we serve.” – Stacey Gunthorpe
We appreciate your participation and helping us say #ThanksForBuilding to our workforce!
