When Crooker Construction joined ABC Maine 28 years ago as part of the original Maine chapter of the national Associated Builders and Contractors, the company was involved in a battle over a project that unions were trying to take over.
“ABC National stepped in and guided us through the process of defending ourselves. We were ultimately successful, and the union actions went away,” says Thomas C. Sturgeon, President and CEO of Crooker Construction.
Since then, the company has trusted ABC Maine and the national organization to defend the merit shop philosophy. And Sturgeon says his company and its employees have benefited greatly from ABC’s advocacy.
Based in Topsham and in business since 1935, Crooker Construction is one of Maine’s most experienced earthwork, utility and paving contractors. Sturgeon was the company’s chief engineer for 26 years before ownership changed hands in 2014 and he assumed the roles he serves in today. Crooker Construction started with one man and a shovel and now has more than 250 employees across Maine.
“We are also a leader in community involvement and support many organizations and programs including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bath/Brunswick, Mid Coast Hospital, Maine Maritime Museum and many regional school districts and sports programs,” Sturgeon says.
Fighting for the Merit Shop
Since its inception, ABC Maine has helped members to develop employees, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably. Sturgeon says ABC Maine’s political advocacy for the merit shop and construction industry in Maine and nationally is one of the biggest benefits to being a member in the organization.
“Having a voice in the merit shop industry, the education ABC provides, and the national programs we participate in are well worth the cost of membership,” Sturgeon says.
Within the membership, Sturgeon says companies are competitors for a lot of the same work, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t collaboration or common interests.
“Despite the competition, we need to all stick together for the better cause of the industry,” he says.
Membership Has Its Privileges
For the past 28 years, Crooker Construction has benefited from ABC Maine membership, Sturgeon says. His employees take advantage of the organization’s many training and education programs and regularly participate in ABC Maine’s many yearly networking events.
“As our company continues to grow, we continue to take advantage of of the many benefits afforded to us through our ABC membership,” Sturgeon says. “The representation of our industry before the government and the promotion of merit shop philosophies are very important and impactful.”
It’s great to know that ABC Maine has had this kind of impact on a company that started doing business the same year the Social Security Administration was created.
In addition to the regular benefits Crooker Construction and so many others appreciate, ABC Maine offers members an apprenticeship program that includes classroom and on-the-job training. It also offers workforce and business development, discount programs, continuing education, social media exposure and more.
The 10 companies celebrating membership anniversaries this month include:
- Crooker Construction – 28 years
- Maine Staffing Group – 22 years
- Duffy’s Electric – 21 years
- Titan Mechanical Inc. – 20 years
- Mass Crane & Hoist Services Inc. – 14 years
- Hampshire Fire Protection Co. LLC – 14 years
- Auburn Concrete – 13 years
- Concentra – 13 years
- Capozza Floor Covering Center – 3 years
- Capozza Concrete & Epoxy Flooring – 3 years
DON’T FORGET TO JOIN
To learn more about ABC Maine membership, contact ABC Maine’s Membership Director Tami Staples at (207) 620-6561 or email her at tami@abcmaine.org.