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Dave Drinkward, now with 29 years of experience in the building industry, is president and CEO of Hoffman Construction. He has led the employee-owned company through transformative growth. Under his leadership, Hoffman evolved from a regional contractor into one of the largest construction companies in the United States, generating annual revenues exceeding $5 billion while maintaining its Pacific Northwest roots and collaborative culture.

Drinkward explained his success stems from 鈥渁 people-centered approach to business鈥� that prioritizes employee well-being and empowers decision-making at all levels. He noted the company鈥檚 employee ownership structure creates 鈥渁 strong workplace culture rooted in transparency, shared commitment to success, and care for each other at a deeper level.鈥�

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Drinkward serves as trustee and advancement committee chair at Willamette University, incoming chair of the Oregon Business Council, and board member for ACE Mentor Program of America and Meals on Wheels. He previously served on the board of Constructing Hope, a Portland pre-apprenticeship program supporting workforce re-entry.

Carol Duncan, CEO of General Sheet Metal, has shaped the construction industry over 43 years, leading the company鈥檚 growth from a few million dollars in annual revenue to over $60 million. Duncan facilitated the transition of General Sheet Metal from a graduated women-owned business into a 100 percent employee-owned company, demonstrating her commitment to workforce empowerment.

In 2011, she became the first woman contractor elected to the SMACNA College of Fellows. From 2023-2024, Duncan served as the second woman president of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors鈥� National Association, advancing industry standards and advocacy. She has testified before Congress on union pension reform, bringing critical industry perspectives to federal policymakers.

Duncan explained her leadership philosophy centers on 鈥渂uilding success together,鈥� driven by witnessing people succeed, transforming urban landscapes, and uniting teams to achieve ambitious goals. She remains active with SMACNA, the American Heart Association, and the Mt. Hood Legacy Foundation.

Martell J. Dyles has been a construction industry leader at JE Dunn Construction for nearly four years and has 19 years of experience spanning public and private sectors. His career is distinguished by his commitment to servant leadership, which has enabled him to lead diverse teams, build programs creating opportunities for others, and mentor professionals who have advanced in their own careers.

Dyles practices entrepreneurial leadership, creating environments where team members can innovate, make decisions and take ownership of their work. He measures success by empowering others and fostering their professional growth through a balance of freedom and responsibility that builds trust and resilience.

He maintains extensive industry involvement, serving with the Professional Business Development Group; National Association of Minority Contractors鈥� Oregon chapter; Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs; Associated General Contractors in Oregon, Colorado and California; Conference of Minority Transportation Officials; Airport Minority Advisory Council; American Contract Compliance Association; National Minority Supplier Development Council; Colorado I Have a Dream Foundation; and Associated Minority Contractors of Arizona.

In 2002, Mason Evans became the fourth generation to lead JH Kelly, joining the family business after graduating from Notre Dame in 1994. He got a real education in a construction trailer, where fieldwork taught him the value of a good superintendent and the importance of identifying and satisfying customers鈥� needs.

Evans leads 1,500 employees in five offices and 500,000 square feet of fabrication and module space. JH Kelly鈥檚 service area includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and select jobs in Arizona for strategic customers.

JH Kelly is a member of the ACE Peer Group, six large mechanical contractors that collaborate on benchmarking for company critiques and host focus groups to pursue operational excellence.

While winning new projects is fun, so is figuring out how to build them, Evans told Plumbing & Mechanical. 鈥淚t takes folks from all different backgrounds 鈥� men, women, young apprentices and old, grizzled superintendents,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 like watching the creative process that happens to turn plans into reality.鈥�

Christa Griffiths, a construction professional with 30 years of industry experience, serves as a leader at GSI Builders, which specializes in community-focused projects. Griffiths entered the construction administration field through a nontraditional path 鈥� continuous learning and professional development rather than work in the trades or pursuit of a four-year degree.

Throughout her career, Griffiths has concentrated on projects that create social impact, particularly renovating and developing spaces for organizations providing shelter and low-income housing solutions. At GSI Builders, she is a member of a diverse team that addresses housing needs within the local community.

Griffiths explained her leadership approach combines collaboration, integrity and accountability, emphasizing work directly with team members to build confidence and trust. She noted that meaningful partnerships and relationship-building drive her professional success.

She maintains active involvement with several professional and community organizations, including the National Association of Minority Contractors, Associated General Contractors, Abby鈥檚 Closet, Centro Cultural and LatinoBuilt.