United Team Tag

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 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.

Congratulations to our Manager of Personnel Operations, Sarah Schmidt, for being selected as a winner of Reno Tahoe Young Professionals Network’s Twenty under 40 Award! This award recognizes people for their professional accolades and community involvement in our region. Way to go, Sarah!

More about Sarah and her involvement in our community:

Since 2019, she has been on the committee for the Art of Childhood, an annual fundraiser for the Children’s Cabinet. Each year, they begin planning the event almost at the conclusion of the previous year. They are constantly coming up with innovative ways to promote, fundraise and encourage participation to raise funds for an organization that makes such a large impact on our community. This year, they raised over $700,000 for the Cabinet, surpassing all previous records. She coordinates the building of a playhouse to be auctioned off at the event, this year selling for over $3,700. She also sits on two committees for the AGC, Women in Construction, and the Construction Leadership Council. Both groups do construction and education-based community service and fundraising for the greater Truckee Meadows Area.

Sarah is very active in our community. She has been a member of the Reno Rodeo since 2015. In April of this year, she was voted onto the Board of Directors, one of only two people in Association history to unseat a sitting Director. The Board of 50 oversees association decisions for the membership of over a thousand people. In addition to being a director, she serves as the Chairman for the 50/50 raffle, which donates funds to local charities for each of the ten nights of the Reno Rodeo. Since her appointment to the chair position, they have surpassed yearly records of tickets sold, with over $162,000 in 2022. In addition to the 50/50 committee, she writes for the Reno Rodeo magazine and serves on the Legacy committee which is dedicated to preserving the integrity of western heritage while pursuing a state-of-the-art facility for the Association and regional use. The time and effort dedicated to the Reno Rodeo is huge, but the payback to our community is priceless.

Congratulations to our team members Leman Jones, Harlee Annis, and Robert Felstead for graduating from Nevada Chapter AGC’s Leadership Series training by BREAKTHROUGH TRAINING™’s Jeff Benjamin. The 8-module program took place over 4 months and focused on developing strong and effective communication skills and leadership skills and techniques. To celebrate this achievement, a luncheon was held and each graduate gave a 3-minute presentation before their fellow students and invited guests about what they learned over the course. Thank you Nevada Chapter AGC and Breakthrough Training for providing a great educational experience!

United Construction is honored to be recognized as a Top Workplace in Nevada. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are so proud you all love to work here. Congratulations to our wonderful employees that make United Construction the company that it is! And thank you to Las Vegas Review Journal for hosting a great awards ceremony luncheon to celebrate all of the Top Workplaces honorees.

Cheers to 25 years! We had a blast celebrating Catherine Bernauer’s 25 years of service with a surprise lunch party, enjoying her favorite Chinese food. Thank you Catherine for being an integral part of UCC and a great friend to every one of us. We truly appreciate your hard work, loyalty, and the efforts you put in each day. Congrats Catherine!

United Construction is honored to support EDAWN with a Title Sponsorship for the 2019 New and Expanded Companies event. 

United Construction

 

PRESS RELEASE

2019 A Year Highlighted By Technology Sector and Corporate Headquarters Growth in Greater Reno-Sparks
Twenty-Two Companies Honored by EDAWN

RENO, Nevada (Dec. 12, 2019)-Twenty-two companies that relocated to Greater Reno-Sparks and existing local companies that expanded their workforce this year, were honored at EDAWN’s “2019 New and Expanded Companies” welcome reception today. Eleven technology-related companies represented the largest industry segment of new companies and 14 corporate headquarters are both strong indicators that our community continues to move in the right direction.

2019 was a year of positive changes in Greater Reno-Sparks, including the addition of more than 1,300 jobs from companies relocating to the region and local expansions. Technology-related companies represented 40% of the relocations and the growth of the tech sector is key to strengthening the region’s economic future. Sixty-five percent of the relocated companies that EDAWN assisted this year came from California where a record number of businesses continue to relocate to states like Nevada with a more attractive business climate and a lower cost of living. Greater Reno-Sparks is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States and sustaining this economic growth requires attracting new companies like the ones recognized at this event.

“2019 was another impressive year with 22 new and local expanding companies adding more quality jobs to the region over the next few years,” said Mike Kazmierski, President and CEO of EDAWN. “Thank you to all the honored companies and for your confidence in our community. The new opportunities this creates for our workforce are certain to have a positive impact for generations to come and I couldn’t be more excited. Without a doubt, our ability to diversify and strengthen our regional economy could not be done without the support of EDAWN investors and community partners, many of whom are also here tonight.”

More than 400 business and government leaders attended EDAWN’s annual event held at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino. Also,in attendance to present gifts to the honorees were Kate Marshall, Lieutenant Governor, State of Nevada; Ron Smith, Mayor City of Sparks; Devon Reese, Councilmember City of Reno; and Marshall McBride, Commissioner Storey County.

About EDAWN
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada is a private/public partnership established in 1983. They are committed to adding quality jobs to the region by recruiting new companies, supporting the success of existing companies, and assisting newly forming companies, to diversify the economy and have a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater Reno-Sparks. www.edawn.org.