I joined ABC in 1978 after starting my small construction company four years previously. At that time, it was hard for me to understand why I should spend my precious time and money working for a “construction trade group.” I was much too busy. I did, however, go to a few meetings and enjoyed meeting the people who were active in the organization, such as Leo Anhalt, Jack Kinnaman, Richard Griffin, and Ray Richardson. These men, whom I greatly respected, kept repeating an idea I heard constantly in these meetings, “You need to get involved in politics or get out of the business.”

I really didn’t believe this. Again, I had too much to do day-to-day, and I was the one that really affected what happened to my business. I just didn’t understand the thinking.

Now, after being an ABC member for almost 25 years, fighting on the front lines to oppose legislation which could literally put companies out of business, I have come full circle to realize just how crucial ABC is to contractors around the nation. The involvement of tens of thousands of people putting the group interests ahead of their own personal interests, giving money, writing letters, talking to their elected officials, has kept our Merit Shop business viable and independent, with the ability to still function in the spirit of the American dream. These battles are being fought for ABC members and non-ABC members all over the nation. I found that whether I was involved or not, the battles were still being fought. I finally realized one of the most critical things I can do is devote my time to Merit Shop causes and philosophies, so my business and the thousands of other construction businesses across the country can still function independently. I’m thankful to have finally realized how important ABC had been to me and my business over the last 25 years, and how thankful I am that we had aggressive, committed, and intelligent participation from our visionary leaders to keep us in a strong position.

Don’t ever underestimate the value of the power of a group, and don’t ever underestimate the value of friends you make and the bonds that are forged on a personal level. We cannot do this alone. ABC has been well worth my time and my money over the last 25 years. I hope everyone in our business realizes this, and will make the commitment necessary to keep our voices strong.