Current Chair Craig Madsen remains optimistic about Utah's construction future.



By Bradley Fullmer

A Reputation Built on Performance

In an industry where reliability is currency, Madsen emphasizes execution.

“One of the good things about our company is we have a good reputation,” he said. “Our EMR is .52—that is crazy for a steel company. Our guys do a good job. We hit schedules even when things are tight.”

That reputation has translated into repeat work across multiple sectors, including industrial, aviation, mining, higher education, and healthcare.
Recent and ongoing projects highlight the firm’s capabilities:

• Structural steel work on a new five-story building in Ogden for America First Credit Union, part of its expanding headquarters campus;
• Collaboration with JT Steel on a highly specialized canopy structure at Utah Olympic Park—a 6,000-foot cantilevered enclosure over the bobsled and luge track;
• Participation in the proposed 500,000-SF rebuild of West High School, which is expected to become the largest high school in Utah.
  

“These are the kinds of projects where performance matters,” Madsen said. “We get jobs because general contractors know we’ll deliver.”

Advocacy Through ABC

Madsen’s involvement with ABC was not accidental—it was driven by frustration.

“I got involved mostly because of government affairs,” he said. “I was tired of seeing bills get passed for union-only work or project labor agreements.”

That frustration turned into action. As the 2026 Chairman, Madsen is focused on strengthening contractor voices at the state level.

“The government passes legislation that affects our business, and we don’t know about it until it becomes law,” he said. “That prompted me to get involved.”

Among his concerns:

• Legislation that reduces licensing requirements;
• Changes to bonding requirements on public projects;
• Ongoing “pet projects” that can reshape the industry landscape;

To bridge the gap, Madsen advocates bringing policymakers directly to the field.

“We want to invite legislators throughout the year to a job site and see some of the struggles we deal with,” he said.

Workforce: The Industry’s Defining Challenge

If policy is one front, workforce development is another—and perhaps the more urgent.

“Making sure kids coming out of high school—who are not bound for college—know about the trades is critical,” Madsen said. “The wages are great, and they don’t have huge student loan bills.”

He sees a looming labor gap over the next five to 10 years, with not enough workers entering the pipeline to replace retiring tradespeople.

ABC initiatives, including national craft and construction competitions, play a key role in exposing young people to career opportunities.

“It fosters development among young people working toward careers in the trades or on the professional management side,” he said.

Madsen also points to immigration policy as a practical workforce issue.

“With immigration, there’s got to be a way for people to be here legally and contribute,” he said. “The approach of removing everyone isn’t practical. Let’s allow them to work, pay taxes, and be part of the American dream.”

Market Stability—and Olympic Opportunity

Unlike more volatile regions, Madsen describes Utah’s steel market as steady.

“We don’t have as high of highs or as low of lows—we’re pretty consistent,” he said.

Looking ahead, the 2034 Winter Olympics is expected to drive another wave of infrastructure and development.

“We’ve got the Olympics coming in 2034; that will bring infrastructure and other projects,” Madsen said. “I expect to see similar impacts to what we saw in 2002.”

Even amid broader national uncertainty, he remains optimistic about the region.

“I don’t think we’ll see the same type of recession other parts of the country might experience,” he said.

Navigating Tariffs and Technology

Still, challenges remain—particularly in material pricing.

“With tariffs being a ping pong ball the past year, steel prices over the last six to eight months have steadily gone up,” Madsen said. “Every time there’s a rumor of a tariff, costs go up, and lead times get longer.”

At the same time, he’s watching the rise of artificial intelligence with measured interest—but little concern for its impact on skilled trades.

“AI is not going to plumb your house; it’s not going to build a building,” he said.

He points to a recent experience with a window installation crew where a trainee had transitioned out of an IT career after recognizing the disruptive potential of AI.

“He saw the writing on the wall,” Madsen said. “Now he’s learning a trade and even looking at starting a business with his family.”

ABC Utah Excellence in Construction Awards

It was another banner year for ABC Utah members, with the Chapter honoring a host of individuals and projects completed in 2025 with its Excellence in Construction Awards. 

Centerville-based J. Fisher Companies earned the top project award—Champion of the Year—for EngineHouse, a thoughtfully designed workforce housing community in Park City. Built with sustainable practices and a focus on long-term livability, the development blends modern construction with Park City’s distinctive mountain character.

Other top honors included:

• 2025 Contractor of the Year: Kapp Construction
• 2025 Subcontractor of the Year: J&M Steel Solutions
• 2025 Committee Champion of the Year: Paige Bauer