Chapter: Southwest Ohio
Name: Brian Ralph
Company: Barrett Paving Materials Inc.
Position: Construction Manager
Involved in the industry for more than 25 years, Brian Ralph believes it’s time to put more value on his experience to not only make himself a better Construction Manager for Barrett Paving Materials Inc. but also a better leader for OCA’s Southwest Ohio Chapter.
“The planning for these (chapter) events can take months, so it makes sense that a person might fill the chair role for a couple of years,” said Ralph, who is returning as chapter chair. He adds that the experience he and his fellow Southwest Ohio Chapter committee members have built is helping guide them in 2025. “I have a better understanding of the events scheduled throughout the year and timelines. I’m more familiar with who to contact and work with and what questions to ask. The committee has a lot of experience to draw from so that always helps.”
An Illinois native who graduated from Illinois State University with a construction management degree, Ralph worked in the Chicago area prior to joining Barrett Paving Materials in 2018. Recognizing its networking, workforce development and philanthropic opportunities, Ralph became involved in OCA chapter activities soon after joining the Cleves-based company.
“As a member, you get an opportunity to help shape the chapter and events that the committee sponsors. These include informational, social, talent development and educating today and tomorrow’s workforce about opportunities in construction. The time you spend at the meetings and events have real positive impacts.”
As chair, Ralph is working to ensure Southwest Ohio Chapter members are receiving positive impacts from this year’s events. “In April, the Southwest Chapter held the High School Constructor For A Day event … This event hasn’t been held for a while and we were all thrilled with the way it turned out,” Ralph said of the nearly 150 students in attendance. This fall, the chapter’s sporting clay event will be held at a new venue.
Just as he brings an experienced voice to Barrett Paving Materials and the Southwest Ohio Chapter, Ralph sees a similar role being filled by the association. “OCA is a voice for the construction contracting industry. Whether it is wage negotiations with the unions, governmental lobbying or putting forth the contractors’ opinion on specification changes, having a strong representative for construction is a vital part of a healthy industry.”