An association program having been around for nearly 20 years, continues to grow and has had more than 50 companies and 150 individuals participate, can be labeled: “A win-win.”
Held every other year, the OCA Future Leaders Forum (FLF) is at the halfway point of its ninth edition – with 23 individuals from 17 companies participating in the 2025-2026 sessions.
Described as a “high-impact program,” the FLF provides participants “behind-the-scenes access to the inner workings of the agencies, partnerships and decision-making bodies that shape our industry.”
“We want them to leave with a broader view of the industry than when they came,” said OCA Director of Member Events David Rule, who has coordinated the FLF since coming to the association in 2019. “We hope they leave with a much broader comfort level and understanding of the industry that they are a part of and an understanding of all the different opportunities that lie in front of them from both in leadership and activities through OCA.”
Since 2007, the FLF Program has routinely attracted more than 20 participants per group. Midway through the 2025-2026 program – which began last September and continues through March – participants have met for monthly sessions. Traditionally, the program includes an itinerary where young leaders are introduced to OCA and ODOT, attend OCA Winter Conference and learn about partnering and ethics, legislative advocacy, unions, workers compensation and more.
In recent FLFs, a Leadership Development session has been added. “This time it’s focusing on Management Principles and what it takes to move from being a person assigned to a project to one who manages people and activities on a project,” Rule said. Leadership Development was featured in the 2025-2026 FLF’s November session. Taking several lessons from its 12 Week Management Masterclass, presenters from Action Coach Business Coaching-Columbus provided insight on Communications & Tools, Management Competencies and Transition from Manager to Leader. “It was a very interactive session,” Rule said.
Whether its managing people, companies or even a statewide association, the FLF has proven to help participants’ leadership capabilities. “We have a program that is designed to broaden their understanding of what is involved in the industry,” Rule said. “Because a lot of them come in really focused on whatever their area of expertise is – and some may stay in that position throughout their career – most are aspiring to move through the ranks and go higher into the organization … This program jumpstarts them for later management.”
It’s also the hope that FLF participants continue their involvement in OCA. “We don’t just do this for the companies,” Rule smiled. “These people, we then hope, become involved in chapter activities and statewide activities …”
This hope of Forum participants becoming leaders within OCA has already come to fruition, Rule counts eight FLF alumni who worked, or are working, their way through the Executive Board or currently serving as OCA Board of Directors. Capitol Tunneling Inc.’s Kyle Lucus, Beaver Excavating Co.’s Matt Sterling and J.D. Williamson Construction Co.’s Mary Fantozzi participated in the inaugural 2007-2008 FLF and served as OCA Chair in 2015, 2024 and 2025, respectively. Current OCA Executive Board members Cole Graham, of Shelly & Sands Inc., and Matt Malone, of Kurtz Bros. Inc., participated in the 2013-2014 and 2010-2011 FLFs, respectively. Also serving on the 2026 OCA Board are BOCA Construction Inc.’s Aiden McDonnell, Kokosing Construction Co.’s Geoff Rinehart and The Great Lakes Construction Co.’s Jason Tucker, who participated in the 2010-2011, 2013-14 and 2007-2008 FLFs, respectively. “Companies are either doing a very good job of who they send, or we’re helping to prepare them a little bit,” Rule laughed. (See listing of current and past FLF participants)
In the Forum’s nine biannual programs, 51 OCA member companies have participated – and that number seems to grow each time the program is offered.
In the current FLF group, there are eight first-time participating companies: Axis Civil Construction LLC, Columbus Cornerstone Construction LLC, Frantz Ward LLP, Karvo Companies Inc., Leland Freight Delivery, Mosser Construction Inc.; Seubert & Associates Inc. and Tri Mor Corp.
Nearly 20 OCA member companies have been represented in multiple FLFs. Among those returning companies are The Ruhlin Co., which has sent participants to each of the nine sessions, and The Shelly Co., which has been represented in eight Forums.
“… The word is getting around and they are sending folks,” Rule said of the new participating companies. “This tells me that the companies feel this is valuable, or they wouldn’t be reaching out. Then, you have companies that are consistently sending people; I don’t think they would be doing this if they didn’t see there was value to it.”
FLF participants are nominated by their respective companies through a letter of recommendation. Rule said Forum participants typically have five years of industry experience, have taken part in OCA events and the answer is “yes” when it comes to the question: “Are they interested in not only personal growth but also growth in their companies and in the association?”
Commenting on the current FLF group, Rule said it features a good range of individuals and companies. “We like the diversity of the Associate and Active companies. I think it’s good for them to learn early on that the person that supplies your industry is valuable and you should get to know them …”
From what Rule has seen thus far, the Forum participants, their companies and the association all have bright futures. “I think the industry is in good shape,” he said. “… It’s attracting some quality people that are very balanced in their lives. This is a group that is eager to learn and really want to be in the program.”
“This program is a win-win,” Rule added. “It’s a win-win for OCA and a win-win for the companies – and the real win is for the individual who will go out there and further their efforts.”
| Name | Company |
|---|---|
| Aaron Brady | Mosser Construction Inc. |
| Kyle Broshear | Beaver Excavating Co. |
| Danny Chuck | Columbus Cornerstone Construction LLC |
| Blake Dickmann | John R. Jurgensen Co. |
| Grant Dilger | Independence Excavating Inc. |
| Cameron Gall | Seubert & Associates Inc. |
| Kevin Grabosky | The Ruhlin Co. |
| Andrew Hanna | Frantz Ward LLP |
| John Jacobs | Karvo Companies Inc. |
| Ciaran Kelly | Frantz Ward LLP |
| Nicole Klesta | The Ruhlin Co. |
| Zak Kruse | Miller Bros. Construction Inc. |
| Charles McCraith | Independence Excavating Inc. |
| Mike Marine | The Shelly Co. |
| Phillip Pezzatta | Axis Civil Construction LLC |
| Dustin Rankin | Griffin Pavement Striping |
| Cole Reiman | The Shelly Co. |
| Brennan Ryan | The Ruhlin Co. |
| Alex Studer | Tri Mor Corp. |
| Jack Thompson | Leland Freight Delivery |
| Anna Trucco | Trucco Construction Co. Inc. |
| James Trucco | Trucco Construction Co. Inc. |
Let’s Meet the 2025-2026 OCA Future Leaders Forum Members
A Project Manager for 10 years with Mosser Construction, Brady is a native of Bellevue and attended the University of Toledo, where he majored in business management and minored in marketing. Prior to Mosser Construction, he worked with Dietrich Metal Framing for eight years as a production supervisor and lean manufacturing manager. Brady believes participating in the Future Leaders Forum (FLF) is a good opportunity in fulfilling his philosophy that you should never stop learning. An active member of OCA events, Brady enjoys being and working outside.
A more than 5-year industry veteran, Broshear has worked the past 2 ½ years with Beaver Excavating. A Lead Project Engineer, who has worked with Lithko Contracting and Kiewit, Broshear’s favorite aspects of the industry are “the very intensive logistics that construction sites can bring and the scheduling aspects involved in order to get everything completed on time.” An Oxford native, Broshear earned a construction management degree from Ohio Northern University, where he competed in the OCA Estimating Competition. Newly married in mid-January, he has participated in OCA conferences, forecast programs and chapter sporting shoots.
Chuck’s jet-setting life began at birth at Florida’s Elgin Air Force Base. While the Surety Consultant and Owner of Columbus Cornerstone Construction moved to Ohio at a young age, his days of travel weren’t over. Chuck earned his finance degree from Florida State University, and with a background in hospitality moved to Colorado where he was a snowboard instructor. Chuck earned his insurance license in 2021 and is CLCS and CRIS certified. Heavily involved in his church, Chuck, whose wife and he are expecting their second child in 2026, began the year in Thailand on a mission trip.
Familiar with OCA beyond his seven years with John R. Jurgensen Co., it seems only appropriate Dickmann is now involved in the FLF. The Senior Estimator is a Hilliard native and a recipient of OCA Chapter and Hall of Fame scholarships while at Ohio State University, where he earned a civil engineering degree. Dickmann and his wife, who were high school sweethearts, have an infant son. A licensed professional engineer, Dickmann has served as a judge for OCA’s Estimating Competition. He is also involved in OCA’s Young Professionals Network, enjoys snow skiing, summertime activities and attending OSU football games.
Joining Independence Excavating in 2025, Dilger brought three years of experience as a Project Manager and nearly 10 years of industry skills to the company. A native of Norwalk, he earned a construction systems management degree from Ohio State University. Formerly with Miller Bros. Construction and Smith Paving & Excavating, Dilger also worked as a project coordinator, laborer and estimator. He said his professional inspiration comes from “the success of the team; whatever I can do to contribute; and who I can assist grow along the way.” Dilger enjoys golfing, snowboarding, traveling, watching
football and projects around the house.
A Strategic Risk Advisor, Gall brought five years of experience to Seubert & Associates when he joined its Construction & Surety Practice two years ago. A Worthington native, Gall attended Ohio State University. He’s excited for the opportunity of helping grow the company’s footprint and build connections by getting involved in OCA and the FLF, saying, “OCA has done a tremendous job of providing us with valuable resources that I believe will help us all reach our goals.” Along with enjoying Ohio State athletics and travel, Gall’s goal is to become a scratch golfer.
Grabosky is highly active in OCA. Joining The Ruhlin Co. three years ago, the Assistant Project Manager has attended association conferences, forecast nights, Young
Professional Network and other chapter events as well as participated in community projects and coached in the Estimating Competition. Grabosky adds the FLF to his list of association events to form professional relationships and for the “opportunity to learn insight from OCA and ODOT leaders.” The Columbus native earned his civil engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati. Along with spending time with his wife and son, Grabosky enjoys, golf, clay sports shooting and cooking.
A Cleveland native, Hanna began 2026 becoming a Partner at Frantz Ward LLP, where he has worked nearly six years in its Construction Practice Group. Receiving his economics degree from Denison University, Hanna earned his juris doctorate from Cleveland State University School of Law. The husband and father of two said, “My favorite part of my career is working on real construction projects that move from planning to completion and ultimately serve the public.” Hoping to become a trusted leader and advisor for contractors and industry stakeholders, Hanna believes the FLF “is an important step toward that goal.”
“… The opportunity to help build something tangible that has a real effect on society” is what motivates Igel, a more than 11-year industry veteran. The George J. Igel Co. Senior Vice President, who also worked at Messer Construction, grew up in Gahanna and received his civil engineering degree from Ohio State University. A husband and father of three who would like to “pick guitar back up” when time allows, sees his involvement in FLF as ways to learn what OCA does and the resources it provides; gain professional development; and network with others in the industry.
With more than 13 years of industry experience, the Karvo Companies’ Senior Project Superintendent has learned that contractors experience similar struggles. So, Jacobs hopes
his FLF involvement allows him “to learn how other people handle similar situations.” The Akron native believes one industry struggle – workforce recruiting – can be lessened. “There (are) a lot of kids interested in the trades. The training offered through the apprentice programs is good, however, they still need the hands-on training in the field.” Jacobs, a husband and father of two sons, enjoys fishing, spending time with family and attending sporting events.
Being a son of an attorney and construction management firm owner helped Kelly chart his life’s course. The Frantz Ward Construction Attorney said growing up around the construction industry “was the biggest inspiration for my career.” He adds that the favorite part of the job is “being able to assist similarly situated entrepreneurs building companies of their own in our industry.” A Cleveland native, Kelly earned a business degree from Ohio State University and his juris doctorate from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Hoping to someday have his own construction practice, Kelly enjoys playing golf, basketball and traveling.
A three-year OCA Cleveland Chapter Chair, Klesta has already demonstrated her leadership ability, but The Ruhlin Co. Project Controls Specialist strives to be informed. “I really like to get involved in the events to keep me informed,” she said of her FLF involvement, adding that social events are nice to network but instructional events help her better understand the industry. An eight-year industry veteran who joined Ruhlin three years ago, Klesta earned her civil engineering degree from the University of Toledo. Married, Klesta enjoys sewing and crafts, adding, “I love seeing what I can create out of pretty much nothing.”
In his nearly 15 years of professional experience, Kruse, a Project Manager with Miller Bros. Construction, has put together what he considers a winning formula. The Napoleon native, who worked with Miller Bros. from 2007-2012 and since 2023, earned his construction management degree from Ohio State University. Kruse, who has worked with Kokosing Industrial, Cleveland Construction and Elford, said, “The favorite part of my career is working with the team to put a plan together, execute and look back at the project completed successfully.” A husband and father, Kruse enjoys following his three children’s sports activities, working outdoors and playing golf.
Being a part of a project from start to finish and having no two days the same are the motivating aspects of McCraith’s work as a Project Manager for Independence Excavating. A native of Central New York, the six-year industry professional earned his construction aystems management degree from Ohio State University. McCraith, who is married and enjoys time with friends and family, hunting and boating, has attended OCA events such as Winter Conference and the Estimating Competition. He said he is enjoying the FLF and its opportunities to meet participants facing similar challenges and sharing perspectives.
Marine, a 10-year industry professional who is a Project Manager with The Shelly Co., believes he is at his best when challenged. “Working in construction, there is always a unique problem to be solved, and I value every opportunity to develop my critical and strategic thinking capabilities,” said the Cleveland native. Marine earned an English and history degree from Case Western Reserve University and a civil engineering degree from Cleveland State University. Formerly working with a construction company in Orlando, Fla., Marine is married, enjoys cycling and steelhead fishing and would someday like to be able to emulate his father’s artistic talents.
The FLF session with ODOT proved insightful for Pezzatta, a seven year industry veteran who for the past year has served as a Project Manager/Estimator for Axis Civil Construction. “I work with ODOT every day, and just seeing the way they approach the work and budgets was a good perspective for me to get,” said the Columbus native and graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he earned his civil engineering degree. In his free time, Pezzatta enjoys playing guitar and golf and is working on being a better planner of his personal life.
Leading through caring is a strong part of what Rankin brings to not only the industry but also as a Project Manager with Griffin Pavement Striping. “I enjoy letting my workers know that they do matter and that their work is important and appreciated,” said the Gahanna native, who earned social science and psychology degrees from Ohio State University as well as an associates degree from Columbus State University. The seven-year company veteran is married and has two daughters. He enjoys time with family, competes in disc golf tournaments and has his own YouTube channel.
Rieman has worked for OCA member The Shelly Co. for three years, but he has a longer relationship with both the company and association. The Leipsic native had two internships with Shelly prior to joining full-time as an Estimator/Project Manager, and while earning his construction management degree from Bowling Green State University he earned OCA Toledo Chapter and Hall of Fame scholarships. “Through regular meetings/collaboration with ODOT, as well as providing scholarships to college students, OCA plays a vital role in shaping the future of the construction industry in Ohio,” said Rieman, who enjoys golf and is getting married in September.
Ryan is discovering more and more that life is about balance. The Akron native has worked with Ruhlin Co. for four years and currently serves as an Assistant Project Manager. Specifically working in dam rehabilitation, Ryan enjoys “balancing engineering challenges, environmental considerations, and owner needs …” Graduating with a civil engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University, the FLF is the first OCA event he has taken part in. Ryan is married, enjoys running, golf and watching football and is interested in
learning more about meditation to help with his wellness and lifestyle goals.
Studer is showing that the future is now. With six years of industry involvement – all as a Senior Project Manager with Tri Mor– the Youngstown native sees the biggest industry issue being workforce availability. “It is becoming harder and harder to find people that want to work,” said the Youngstown State University alumnus, where he received a civil engineering technology degree. Studer, who enjoys hunting and motorcross, adds, “I hope to use the experience gained through the OCA Future Leaders Forum to further develop my leadership skills so I can help mentor and support the next generation of industry leaders.”
A recent graduate and professional, one could say Thompson is in it for the long haul. The Co-Owner, Fleet Manager and V.P. of Business Development for Leland Freight, Thompson has industry insight beyond his years. “Companies and owners want faster delivery, while materials, equipment, and labor remain unpredictable,” said the Denison University graduate. “The solution is better planning and communication across the full project team – more realistic schedules, earlier procurement, and more coordination with subcontractors and suppliers so we can reduce lastminute change and downtime.” A Georgia native, Thompson enjoys hunting, fishing and endurance training.
Trucco wouldn’t mind the continuation of what she’s currently seeing – the growth and success of Trucco Construction. “The most rewarding/inspiring thing about my career is watching our company grow year after year,” said the Executive V.P. of Human Resources & Risk Management. With the company for eight years, Trucco is a Lancaster native and a specialized studies graduate of Ohio University – with a focus on business and human resources. Married, she enjoys playing golf and riding horses. “I hope to continue the
culture of this company for years to come and be a part of the future growth.”
Working in the family company for 14 years, Trucco has served as a laborer, operator, foreman, estimator and project manager leading up to his current role of Trucco Construction’s Executive Vice President of Field Operations & Acquisitions. A native of Lancaster, Trucco is an Ohio University graduate and has a degree in construction management and business systems. Trucco is married and has two daughters – including an infant. He enjoys spending time with them as well as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping,
motorcycling and training his labrador for waterfowl and upland game. He also has a pilot license and enjoys flying.
OCA Future Leaders Forum Participants
Here is a list of OCA companies and individuals who have participated in the Future Leaders Forum:
A&A Safety (2) – 2023-24: Stoney Luttmer & Samantha Rosenberger
Anderson Concrete Corp. – 2013-14: Chad Higginbotham
Armstrong Steel Erectors Inc. – 2023-24: Joseph G. Hall Jr.
Axis Civil Construction LLC – 2025-26: Phillip Pezzatta
BOCA Construction Inc. (3) – 2023-24: Hayden Miller; 2010-11: Aidan McDonnell; 2007-08: Keith Weatherly
Beaver Excavating Co. (7) –2025-26: Kyle Broshear; 2019-20: Steve Feix; 2017-18: Ben Gletka & Chad Ratkovich; 2015-16: Brittany Amy & Jeremiah Johnson; 2007-08: Matt Sterling
Black Swamp Steel – 2013-14: Brad Carpenter
Brennan, Manna & Diamond LLC – 2019-20: Justin Lovdahl
Burgess & Niple Inc. (2) – 2017-18: Michael Seal; 2015-16: David Lenzer
Capitol Tunneling Inc. (3) – 2015-16: Moses McCulloch; 2007-08: Matthew Jutte & Kyle Lucus
CAP-STONE & Associates Inc. – 2023-24: Race Sharrett
Carron Asphalt Paving Inc. – 2017-18: Brian Friess
Columbus Cornerstone Construction LLC – 2025-26: Danny Chuck
Cook Paving & Construction Co. – 2007-08: Keith Rogers
Double Z Construction Co. (3) – 2019-20: Jared Guzzo; 2017-18: Michael Guzzo; 2015-16: Justin Guzzo
Eagle Bridge Co. – 2023-24: Rachel Bates
Frantz Ward LLP (2) – 2025-26: Andrew Hanna & Ciaran Kelly
GPQ Partners LLC – 2021-22: Chris Mast
Gerken Paving Inc. (2) – 2017-18: Ken Ash & Jason Baden
The Great Lakes Construction Co. (10) – 2023-24: Matt DeSapri & Drew Williams; 2019-20: Tom Hackett & Sean Moloney; 2015-16: Sean Compton & Jackie Jacob; 2013-14: Greg Wisniewski; 2010-11: Matthew Blesi & Christopher Stutz; 2007-08: Jason Tucker
Griffin Pavement Striping Inc. (5) – 2025-26: Dustin Rankin; 2019-20: Garrett Hotchkiss; 2015-16: Ryan Borchers & Jack Griffin; 2013-14: Shawn Bremer
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP (2) – 2023-24: Matt Grashoff & Greg Thompson
Hydro-Technologies Inc. (2) – 2015-16: Benjamin Hill & Duane Potts
Hylant – 2021-22: Michael Baumgartner
George J. Igel & Co. (4) – 2025-26: Dan Igel; 2023-24: Cole Palmer; 2019-20: Clay Cameron; 2017-18: Brent Poston
Independence Excavating (4) – 2025-26: Grant Dilger & Charles McCraith; 2013-14: Dan Bender; 2007-08: Brandon Meyer
J.D. Williamson Construction Co. – 2007-08: Mary Fantozzi
John R. Jurgensen Co. (5) – 2025-26: Blake Dickmann; 2019-20: Rob Dierig & Zac Farrell; 2015-16: Keith Clay & Randy Westendorf
KT Holden Construction – 2023-24: Tyler Holden
Karvo Companies Inc. – 2025-26: John Jacobs
Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Co. LPA – 2010-11: Michael Madigan
Key Cable & Supply – 2013-14: Andera Supplee
Kokosing Construction Co. Inc. (8) – 2021-22: Matt Luyster, Joel McKee, Brian Saylor & Andy Schalitz; 2019-20: Brock Burgett & Brant Mercer; 2013-14: Geoffrey Rinehart; 2007-08: Brett Burgett
Kurtz Bros. Inc. (2) – 2010-11: Matt Malone & John Ziss Jr.
Lake Erie Construction Co. (3) – 2023-24: Samantha Blodgett & Andrew Welfle; 2021-22: Zachary Bleile
Leland Freight Delivery – 2025-26: Jack Thompson
Miller Bros. Construction Co. (13) – 2025-26: Zak Kruse; 2023-24: Kipp McCann; 2021-22: Jordan DeLong & Andy Durham; 2019-20: Isaac Burns & Jake Myles; 2017-18: Andrea Meyer; 2013-14: Ryan Bernath & Jeremy Hurst; 2010-11: Chris Carry, Matt Schroeder, Jason Sherman & Jeff Wienkem
Mosser Construction – 2025-26: Aaron Brady
Ohio-West Virginia Excavating Co. – 2007-08: Dale Lewis
Rietschlin Construction – 2015-16: Ben Rietschlin
The Ruhlin Co. (17) – 2025-26: Nicole Klesta, Brennan Ryan & Kevin Grabosky; 2023-24: Hunter Blevins & Rick Svetlak; 2021-22: Sarah Carlson & Alex Licitri; 2019-20: Danny De Los Santos & Chris Szabo; 2017-18: Mario Garcia & Jacqueline Guttman; 2015-16: Thomas Hill; 2013-14: Mark Figuray & Jason Rickey; 2010-11: Brooks Stingel;
2007-08: Amy Fitch & Jim Ruhlin Jr.
Seubert & Associates Inc. – 2025-26: Cameron Gall
The Shelly Co. (18) – 2025-26: Mike Marine & Cole Rieman; 2023-24: Alex Gaul, Joseph Nicholas & Drake Williams; 2021-22: Adam Foshee; 2019-20: Isaac Krinke, Ryan Packer & Andrew Taylor; 2017-18: Michael Watson; 2013-14: Jason Kreischer; 2010-11: Steven Lillich, Alex Ploetz, Eric Spicer & Michael Williams; 2007-08: Ross Kirk, Tim Poppy & Chad Reel
Shelly & Sands Inc. (4) – 2019-20: Austin Bates, Joe Buchtinec & Sam Haverty; 2013-14: Cole Graham
Shook Construction Co. (2) – 2023-24: David Jackson; 2021-22: Nathaniel Otermat
Specialized Construction Inc. – 2019-20: Jim Alex
Stone Environmental & Services Inc. – 2021-22: Teagan Loew
Tele-Vac Environmental – 2010-11: Alex DuDeVoire
The Thrasher Group – 2017-18: Thomas Mizer
Tri Mor Corp. – 2025-26: Alex Studer
Trucco Construction Co. Inc. (3) – 2025-26: Anna Trucco & James Trucco; 2023-24: Jacqueline Trucco
Westfield Group (2) – 2023-24: Jennifer Odom & Beau Streety