Mark Breslin, UCON CEO, Celebrates 40 Years—A Special Message

40 years ago, I walked into a little office in Dublin, California, to interview for a job. 105 people applied. All wanting to be the association’s Field Rep. A fancy name for an entry-level position. The 6 contractors interviewing me wore jeans, boots, and Rolexes. They also had no bullshit looks on their faces. I wore a burgundy Pierre Cardin 3-piece suit. I drove a 1981 yellow Toyota. I wanted it bad. At the end, I didn’t care about the pay, terms, or benefits. I knew right then I wanted to work for those guys—no matter what. And those people turned out to be all of you. One of the best life decisions I ever made.

Last week I was reflecting on the 40 years since that day. Kinda patting myself on the back for not getting fired yet. Then I realized that at least half my UCON team wasn’t born on the day I took the job.

That fact is a powerful indicator for me and many of you out there. A generation of leadership has come and should soon make way for the next one. Many of us senior leaders have done our part to improve the industry, contributed as best we could, and hopefully made a difference. But a new generation must emerge. Room must be made for them with elders leaving both ego and time on the table. And there it is. After 40 years at the grind, my white flag goes up. Not one of surrender, but the one signifying the last lap of this remarkable race I have run. At the end of 2025, they will wave my checkered flag at UCON. As I walk off the track for the very last time, I will reflect with gratitude on all you have done for and with me (See note below, and my personal message to all of you).

What will the future look like for UCON? A culture created and driven by the members. The hard-charging UCON culture will sustain the organization if we remain focused and relentless in our advocacy for our industry. UCON’s success started with just four small contractors in 1970. Now, we are 500 union contractors, strong and unified. This is a reflection of common beliefs between all of you. A belief that collaboration and unity of purpose and action can co-exist with intense competition. That a greater good is served by the many, all pulling in the same direction. That “status quo,” “don’t piss anyone off,” or the path of least resistance are not acceptable. That urgency and action are always going to be the colors we wear. And finally that every member matters and will be treated with respect and care—no matter what. These are the beliefs that drive UCON.

So in around a year and a half, when I reflect on what will come next, I have no doubts. I see the same passion and intensity in the eyes of our young leaders across our industry. The burning desire to be more and better. This will not diminish. Our years of growth and success have been the proving grounds for where we find ourselves today—arguably one of the best and most successful construction associations in the entire United States.

In my opinion, culture is now the most powerful differentiating competitive factor for businesses today. This is even more important in a world of diminished talent and waning commitment. At UCON our culture of performance has always defined us—and always will. The team working for you is a reflection of a culture of service, care, connection, belief, and passion. It is the fire that has burned bright to light the way of the industry’s future and one that I believe will be sustained for another 40 years to come.

UCON Board Approves CEO Transition Plan 2025

The UCON Board of Directors received and approved a plan for CEO transition from Mark Breslin at their 2024 Mid-Year Strategic Planning meeting. The plan, an update of multiple versions now 5 years in the making, is timed to be implemented while the association is at the peak of its historical performance. At every success measure of UCON’s growth, member satisfaction, resources, leadership pipeline and staffing, the organization is at its highest level of performance and continues to exceed member expectations.

The plan for CEO transition will be carried out over 2025 and conclude with Mark’s retirement at the end of 2025—approximately 16 months ahead. This transition, long in the planning, follows the trend within the industry and individual member companies of the changing generational leadership. At the core of the presentation to the Board was the need for the preservation of the solid values, disciplined governance and commitment to taking action for the industry.

More details on the transition will be forthcoming in 2025 and questions regarding the plan can be directed to Mark or any of the UCON Officers. We encourage you to check out Mark’s personal video message here.