Page 38 - ccd-mag-fall-winter-2019

Q&A:

Byron Haselden
2020 AGC Colorado Chairman

by Mike Branigan, Byron Haselden
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I’m a 3rd generation Coloradan and have been in the construction industry since the
age of 15 when I started working for our family business. Haselden Construction
was founded in 1973 by my father, Jim Haselden. I have worked in every facet of our
business from being a carpenter to President & CEO. My Catholic faith has always
been important to me, and I have been a practicing Catholic all my life. I grew up
on a ranch in Parker and attended a Catholic high school where I was able to study
more about my faith. I earned a business degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1991. I have been married
to my beautiful wife, Lisa, for 24 years and have two boys—Logan and Ben—that are 20 and 21, respectively.

Q. Tell us about your involvement with AGC Colorado.
My first involvement with AGC was around 20 years ago when I helped form the Future Leaders Forum. I was also
involved in AGC of America with the Young Constructors Forum. I joined the AGC Board in 2015 and it has been
exciting to see how our chapter has grown.

Q. What have been some of your highlights or memorable moments with AGC/C?
Looking back, it has been amazing to watch how the AGC membership has grown - to over 600+ members! Also,
I am very proud that our Chapter has won the distinct Cashman Award five times. The efforts of Michael Gifford
and Bryan Cook have been a relentless push for workforce development. Putting AGC of Colorado at the forefront
to attract people to the industry—starting with high school students—has been commendable. Lastly, we’ve
embraced diversity by founding a Diversity Committee that is gaining momentum within our industry.

Q. What are some of the major changes you’ve seen in construction in Colorado over the years?
Over the last 10 years, construction in Colorado has experienced one of the largest growth trends in Colorado
history. With major growth comes change and challenges; we have seen an increase in Design-Build delivery
methods and new emphasis on diversity in construction, as well as advances in technology. The lack / waning of
the craft workforce, specifically in the trades, keeping up with training and the rapid advances in technology, and
discovering the motivation behind the next generation of the construction workforce are all real challenges that
the industry is facing today.

Q. What would you say are some of the major challenges facing AGC/C members?
For some time now the most significant challenge facing the AGC/C members is the lack of available workforce,
specifically in the trades. An aging / retiring workforce will only exacerbate this further. Escalating costs of
construction is increasing pressure to deliver projects faster, but this has become more difficult with the
workforce supply not meeting the demand. Furthermore, our members are experiencing an increase in the cost of
running a business as the government imposes further regulations and / or social programs that drive up the cost
of goods or services to consumers.

Q. As chairman, what are some of your goals for AGC/C?
As Chairman, I am excited to build upon the great efforts and trajectory of AGC of Colorado in the areas of
workforce development, diversity, and expanding representation in the Northern, Southern, and Western parts of
the State; looking for new ways of building membership involvement both in AGC and CEF (Construction Education
Foundation); and growing and sustaining our membership numbers but also partnering with other likeminded
associations that support good business in Colorado. Being the voice of our industry for representation at the State
and Local (government) levels for programs that support our industry and not overburden it.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am excited for 2020! It is the start of a new decade and AGC is the strongest it has ever been. It is a great time
to be in the construction industry and participate in our evolving world of construction. So, join us… “jump in” and
be part of a great organization, AGC of Colorado and our amazing industry.

38 AGC Colorado Annual Magazine