Congratulations to this year's Award Recipients!
The following individuals and companies will receive recognition for their achievements in the past year at AGC Honors 2025 on February 18!
REGISTER FOR AGC HONORS 2025
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Brian J. Mathiowetz
Brian Mathiowetz’s career in construction began in his early childhood, and during the summer months during his high school years, then moved to full time in 1981 when he joined Mathiowetz Construction, bringing with him a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and a deep desire to contribute to the family business.
Starting in field supervision during the construction season, working for his father Richard, he then spent his winters in the office learning the intricacies of bidding and administration—immersing himself in every aspect of the business. Just a year into his role, Brian helped the company embrace modern technology, introducing its first computer, a Compaq PC unit with the LOTUS 123 spreadsheet program. In 1985 he earned his Professional Engineer License.
Despite his father’s advice to keep overhead low, Brian recognized the need to invest in people to ensure the company’s long-term success. Over the years, he played a key role in expanding Mathiowetz Construction, building out departments that had not existed before, such as project management, IT, safety and risk management, and a CFO role. His forward-thinking leadership totaling 43 years, laid the foundation for the company’s growth and success, enabling it to thrive and evolve into the thriving enterprise that worked for MN/DOT, Counties, Cities, FAA, Townships, and many commercial and private customers.
He was given the title Vice President in the late 80’s, which did not mean much in a small family business. He became President in 1995 and then CEO in 1999 at his father’s sudden passing. The business grew from $5M in revenue in 1981, Brian’s first year, to $100M in 2024. This was possible only by gathering high quality people to join the MCC team.
Brian’s leadership extended beyond Mathiowetz Construction into his service on the AGC Board of Directors. In 2011, he was honored with AGC’s Skill, Responsibility, and Integrity (SRI) award.
A key part of Brian’s career was his work on the AGC/MNdot Grading and Base Committee, where he partnered with MNDOT to refine and clarify specifications. He Co-chaired this committee for over 25 years. His ability to bring all parties together, find common ground, and communicate effectively about MNDOT specifications and best practices, was essential to the success of continuous improvement on MN/DOT projects.
Beyond his work with MNDOT, Brian also represented AGC on the University of Minnesota’s Erosion Control Advisory Committee for 10 years, contributing his expertise to promote sustainable and environmentally sound practices.
Brian’s biggest supporter for life has been his bride of nearly 44 years, Ronda. Together they raised 4 children and now have11 grandchildren.
Volunteer and non-profit activities include:
- Japanese Martyrs Parish council 6 years plus annual event chairperson
- FOSL (Friends of San Lucas Mission in Guatemala) charity board member and chairperson
- FCPC (First Choice Pregnancy Services) board member and vice Chair
- SE Golf Club board member and Secretary
- Rebuild Resources Inc board member
- New Ulm Diocese DMA committee member
- Riverbend TEC Retreat board member
- National TEC board member and chair
- Hope Home Disabled Persons advocate
- Youth Baseball coach 14 years
- Youth Golf coach 4 years
Now, as Mathiowetz Construction celebrates its 100th year in business, Brian’s 3rd generation of leadership and legacy are being passed on to the company’s 4th generation of leadership. His vision and values continue to shape the company’s future, ensuring that his lifetime achievements will carry on for years to come.
SKILL-RESPONSIBILITY-INTEGRITY (SRI) AWARD:
John Hass
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, John Hass started from the ground up as a Laborer in the field to his current position as Director of Lean Operations. Throughout his career, he has contributed to several large-scale projects, including Target Field and US Bank Stadium, while working with Mortenson Construction.
Today, as the Director of Lean Operations at Veit, John supports field operations at all levels. He is a champion for efficiency, lean innovations, and process improvement across Veit and the entire industry. His dedication extends to safety, leadership, training initiatives, and employee development, with the overarching goal of building better people. Additionally, John is an active member of several internal teams, including the Utility Damage Prevention Committee, Enterprise Safety Committee, and Information Systems Optimization (ISO) Steering Committee.
John played a pivotal role in getting AGC's Worker Safety and Underground Utility Bill signed into law by providing legislative committee testimony, participating in a key press conference, and consistently bringing advocates together. This legislation, part of the Transportation Policy Omnibus Bill (H.F. 3436) signed on May 15, impacts Chapter 216D of the state excavation safety statutes. Beginning in 2017, John collaborated with various association and contractor representatives on this AGC-led initiative, which Governor Walz signed into law this past May.
John leads the Utility Infrastructure Division at AGC and participates in the AGC Safety Committee. He also sits on the Board of Directors with the Minnesota Utility Contractors Association (MUCA) and is actively involved with Day of the Dozers, an interactive event allowing families to experience heavy equipment up close while learning about the construction industry, damage prevention, and safety.
He is a strong advocate for educational opportunities for trades-focused career paths in youth and post-secondary students through initiatives like the Becker High School Sandbox program, to which Veit is a proud contributor.
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF FORMER
SRI AND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS.
AGC/MNDOT BRIDGE AWARDS (2023 COMPLETION)
These annual awards recognize and showcase craftsmanship, technical skills, innovation, and dedication to quality in the bridge construction market. Each nominee submitted in the three awarded categories is field reviewed and evaluated by a panel of MnDOT and industry representatives.
Receiving the 2024 awards (2023 completion):
Redstone Construction, LLC (Mora, MN) + MnDOT District 3 (St. Cloud)
Low Cost Structure (less than $1.5 M)
Bridge No. 05020 carrying 4th Street over T.H. 10 in St Cloud, MN
Lunda Construction Co. (Rosemount, MN) & The City of Shakopee
Medium Cost Structure (between $1.5 and $5 M)
Bridge No. 70054, a pedestrian trail bridge over U.S. Hwy 196 in Shakopee, MN
Lunda Construction Co. (Rosemount, MN) & MnDOT District 6 (Winona)
High Cost Structure (over $5 M)
Bridge No. 25042 over Hay Creek and Withers Harbor Drive in Red Wing, MN
Low Cost Structure
(Less than $1.5M)
Medium Cost Structure
($1.5 - $5M)
High Cost Structure
(Over $5M)
JEFF JENSEN MEMORIAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
This AGC safety award began in 2003 as a tribute to Jeff Jensen, former owner of J.R. Jensen Construction Company (Superior, WI), and a strong advocate for field safety training, having served on the Duluth Safety Day committee for several years. The award is determined by the number of hours invested annually on safety training for each craft, supervisor/manager and subcontractor employee, as well as the company’s experience modification rate, total recordable incident rate, number of lost workday cases, and number of medical only cases.
Recipients for 2024:
Category I
(0 – 149,999 work hours)
Category II
(150,000 – 299,999 work hours)
Category III
(300,000+ work hours)
DEI Awards
In 2022 AGC of Minnesota launched a series of annual DEI Awards to recognize member businesses for their initiatives in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. Award recipients for 2024:
DEI Impact Champions:
Diverse Business of the Year
Ally of the Year