United Team

It is with great admiration and warm wishes that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Greg Park, Preconstruction Project Manager, on his well-deserved retirement!

With an impressive career spanning over four decades, Greg has been an invaluable cornerstone of the construction industry, dedicating an incredible 28 years of his journey to United Construction. With a focus on preconstruction excellence, Greg has been the driving force behind the successful estimating of numerous high-profile public and private projects. His approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to quality have been invaluable to our company. In a testament to his outstanding contributions, Greg Park was honored as the Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2021 Distinguished Member of the Year at the first-ever ABC Reno Recognition Awards. He has been involved on the ABC Board of Directors for over 15 years and continually goes above and beyond for the organization. In 2017, Greg was also honored with the prestigious AGC Silent Samaritan Award, a testament to his significant contributions to the community.

Greg’s commitment to our community is further exemplified by his longstanding role as the Director of the Sky Tavern Adaptive Program for an impressive 26 years. This program, under his leadership, has played a crucial role in teaching children with physical, cognitive, or neurological disabilities how to ski and snowboard, fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Greg’s commitment extends to aiding our nation’s heroes, as he has been an active instructor for the Disabled Veterans Ski Camp for three years in a row. Additionally, Greg has contributed as an instructor for the Spinal Cord Injury Ski Camp Program facilitated by Renown. His involvement in these programs underscores his commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community.

As Greg embarks on this new chapter, we express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and the countless contributions that have shaped United Construction over the years. Here’s to the next chapter, Greg – may it be as rewarding and fulfilling as your remarkable career!

Our Las Vegas office and executive team had a blast at our recent team-building event at Topgolf! With clubs in hand and competitive spirits, we aimed for those targets, unleashed our inner golf pros, and maybe even hit a few hole-in-ones (or at least tried to)! But it wasn’t just about golf – it was about forging stronger connections, fostering teamwork, and sharing some hearty laughs. The camaraderie among our executive team and colleagues was truly par-fection! Here’s to more unforgettable moments and successful drives, both on the golf course and in the office. Together, we’re teeing up for success!

We would like to highlight one of our remarkable Project Engineers – Harlee Annis! His positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile make him a joy to work with, inspiring his colleagues to strive for excellence. Please check out the information below to get to know more about Harlee and his background.

Can you give us a quick background on your career progression?
I served nine years in the U.S. Navy Seabees – the navy’s construction force – as a Safety Manager and Project Manager, where I lead a crew and assisted the build of a small arms training building. I was also appointed to the White House Communications Agency as the Carpentry Shop Manager, where I redesigned the Vice Presidential Podium, lead the design and installation of the new Pentagon briefing room, created Standard Operating Procedures for all fabrication shop assets, and implemented a plan for shop members to enroll in the Navy’s medical surveillance program.

After my military service, I joined UCC as an intern through the DOD Skillbridge program in September 2021. I was an intern for 3 months and then moved into a full-time position as a project engineer in November of 2021.

Tell us a bit about what you like to do outside of work.
Outside of work I like to golf in the summer and snowboard in the winter, and last year I started coaching Pop Warner football as well. We bought a house last year that needs a lot of updating so I have been doing a lot of work on the house. We also are looking to raise animals on our 1 acre.

Tell us about a pivotal moment in your career.
The passing of my father was an extremely important part of my life and career, it was a moment that made me stop and really consider what I value in life. After this is when I committed to getting out of the Navy to ensure I could be the best father and husband for my family.

What’s your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is the new challenges, every job is different and has its new unique challenges that keep things interesting.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on to date?
Lately I have been involved in the some of the preconstruction work for the Dermody Office Building, this is going to be a very challenging and rewarding project for whoever is a part of it once it gets started.

How did you get into construction as a career path?
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, in high school I took any shop class I could woodshop, welding, auto shop. I started going to TMCC for welding once I graduated high school and shortly after that is when I learned about the Navy Seabees and joined as a Builder where I go to do some basic rough carpentry, concrete, masonry and other great opportunities.

We would like to highlight one of our amazing Project Engineers – Wendy Orcutt! Thank you, Wendy, for your hard work and dedication to the team and for keeping everything on our projects running smoothly. Please check out the questions below to get to know more about Wendy.

Can you give us a quick background on your career progression?
I started in multifamily homes 25 years ago. While there, I learned a lot. I then moved to purchasing, which I did for 12 years. I’m glad I did this before going into being a Project Engineer. I then moved on to doing custom home building where I got to do a lot of great things. From there I went into TI’s which I really liked being a part of. That brought me to United Construction where I’m doing great stuff like CAE. I really enjoyed that project. I’m learning everyday the structural side of things and it’s exciting.

Tell us a bit about what you like to do outside of work.
When I’m not working, I like spending time with my son. We love to be outside and off road on razors in Duck Creek, Utah. I have a love for decorating and for Vans tennis shoes. Also, I love my grand dog.

What advice would you give other women considering a career in construction?
Develop confidence. The most important advice I would give myself early in my career is that confidence matters.

What excites you most about the work you do?
The opportunity to improve my skills and knowing that I will be with people I like working alongside with.

What’s your favorite part about your job, and about working at United Construction?
What I like about my job is that I am challenged, and I’m always learning. I really appreciate the company’s culture.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on to date?
CAE, this project was exciting and l learned a lot about the simulation world.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Where there is little laughter, there is little success.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m a country girl at heart.

Our team and their friends and families had a blast at The Reno Rodeo’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night on Friday, June 23rd! Everyone wore pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness. The Reno Rodeo has been produced yearly by the Reno Rodeo Association and community volunteers since 1919 and was created to value the traditions and history of western rodeo while giving back to the community, charities and residents of Northern Nevada. Throughout the night our team and guests enjoyed watching the rodeo events, exploring the carnival rides and camaraderie outside our normal workdays. 50/50 raffle fundraising at this year’s Rodeo was an all-time record of $190,000! Congratulations to the Reno Rodeo Association and all the charities that benefitted from this year’s events, and thank you to all the United team and families that were able to attend!

We are excited to spotlight one of our outstanding team members who goes above and beyond each day. Please check out the questions below to get to know more about United Superintendent, Nick Crawford!

Can you give us a quick background on your career progression?

I joined the Carpenters Local 971 Union as an apprentice in 1997 while working for a local cabinet shop as a finish carpenter. I quickly worked through all of my Apprenticeship classes graduating my Apprenticeship in 2000’ at the top of my class earning the Ben Earl Jones Gold Hammer Award. I ventured into the world of concrete where I would spend 6 years building tilt ups in the field as a carpenter. While working at Lucky Concrete I mentioned to my foreman I had the desire to become a superintendent and he said if that’s the case you need to get on with a General Contractor and learn as much as you can. I got hired on with Clark & Sullivan, and then moved to West Coast Contractors were I was able to run my own work. It was in Vegas that I got a call to come on board with United Construction and get back to working close to home, and after being on the road for 5 years, it was an opportunity I could not pass.

Tell us a bit about what you like to do outside of work.

Outside of work we chase our children around in sports. Between my wife Katie and I, we have 5 children. I have Jarrett who is 23 years old, Nicole is 22 Years old, Nick Jr. is 17, Derek is 14, and Emily Grace is 11. Nick Jr. is a junior at Spanish Springs High School and plays varsity baseball & travel ball, Derek Goes To Doral Academy and runs track and cross country, and Emily Goes to Doral Academy & plays club soccer for MVLA. I also have two grandchildren, Mac who is three years old and Levi who is three months old. We have a three year old Great Dane named Tank, and a pit bull named Whiskey that keep us busy as well. We enjoy spending time as a family camping and fishing, and my wife Katie and I spend our free time on our 2020 Harley Ultra Limited seeing the country side on two wheels.

Tell us about a pivotal moment in your career.

The best thing I ever did was join the Carpenters Union where I received my training and got to work with some great men. The second best thing I did for my career was leave the Union where I was able to further my career as a superintendent and run work.

What’s the day-to-day of your role like?

My day starts with a healthy mind and body at the gym from 5AM-6AM. Then immediately to the jobsite where I spend most of my time planning, reviewing drawings and coordinating key scopes of work with subcontractors. Anyone who has spent time in my job trailers knows I am a little OCD and that I spend a lot of time reviewing drawings and planning for my projects. As a superintendent, we spend a lot of time in meetings and problem solving for others.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on to date?

I think the USAC building was the most challenging and exciting given the size, space and type of construction. My next project, the Dermody Office Building, will be the most challenging one yet.

How did you get into construction as a career path?

I thought I wanted to be an architect early on so I took some CAD classes and architecture classes before I realized it was working with my hands and building things that was what made me happy, and when I heard a local cabinet shop was looking for apprentices I jumped at the opportunity to go build things.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Find something you enjoy doing in life and find a way to make money doing it and it will never seem like work.

 

Please welcome Jason Kamp, our new Manager of People Operations, to team UCC! Jason started in the Reno office today.

Jason initially worked in corrections but then took his skills to the community mental health arena where he developed and facilitated psychosocial programs, helping veterans and others to overcome personal barriers. He received his graduate degree and began running his own consulting company, focusing on coaching, leadership development, and strategy. He has supported teams in many industries including construction, hospitality, sales, and manufacturing.

Jason is originally from Illinois and moved here from Denver after living there for 8 years. Jason is a proud US Army veteran. He has his Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Learning from the University of Denver, and is a practicing Therevada Buddhist and certified mindfulness (vipassana) teacher. He is a Member of Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a Member of Northern Nevada SHRM. His certifications include being a Certified Professional SHRM (SHRM-CP).

Outside of work, Jason enjoys traveling, especially cruising. He also enjoys camping, off-roading, and philosophizing about life.

Welcome to UCC, Jason! We are happy to have you on our team!

We had an amazing afternoon at our team-building event at Bundox Bocce! UCC employees enjoyed some friendly competition playing bocce ball, had good food and drinks, and shared many laughs and fun times! It’s always nice when the team is able to connect together outside of the office.

Stellar Aviation held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of our Stellar Aviation project located at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport! We are excited about this new facility which will help serve the demand for air travel as the Reno area continues to grow. The first phase of the project consists of a 5,000-square-foot stand-alone FBO terminal building and 30,000-square-foot Hangar 1, with a 5,000-square-foot attached office. The FBO building will serve as a terminal for private aircraft as well as JSX hop-on jet services. The FBO building includes a reception with open seating, a refreshments area, a canteen, a pilots lounge, flight planning, line services, catering, a rent-a-car counter, a conference room, and a staff lounge. The 28’ clear-height Hangar 1 building will have infrared heating, LED high bay lighting, aircraft ground power units, eight 500-square-foot offices, a breakroom, and restrooms. Construction is scheduled to start next month and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.

Washoe County School District hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration for the renovation and expansion of Swope Middle School! After the ceremony, friends, family, and members of the community were able to tour the school to get an inside look at all of the upgrades. The 3-phase project includes a new gym and basketball courts, a new 38,000 square-foot two-story classroom building, a new multipurpose room, a 5,300 square-foot media center, a new kitchen, outdoor courtyards, and renovations to the older section of the building including an updated HVAC system. Congratulations to the project team for all your hard work! Many students will enjoy these upgrades for years to come.