Celebrating Excellence in Construction Leadership
The 2026 Champions of Construction Awards, presented by the NEW Construction Alliance, recognize outstanding individuals who are making a lasting impact in the construction industry across Northeast Wisconsin. These award recipients exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, workforce development, and community engagement. Each honoree was nominated by their peers and selected for their contributions to advancing the industry and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.
Below, you’ll find this year’s Champions of Construction—leaders who are building a stronger future for our region. Learn more about each winner, their achievements, and the award criteria that earned them this recognition.
Read their full bios and press release here!
Youth Apprentice of the Year
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Machaela Mader
Miron Construction
Machaela Mader is a standout member of Miron’s Virtual Construction department, known for her dedication, creativity, and positive attitude. She consistently approaches each project with a proactive mindset, tackling challenges with resourcefulness and delivering results that exceed expectations. A recent highlight includes her design of two conference rooms for Tyson Foods, which were praised by the owner’s representative and approved to move forward. Beyond her technical skills, Machaela’s cheerful demeanor, eagerness to learn, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable part of the team and a rising talent in the field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction trades?
Something that inspired me to purse a career in construction trades is just being able to watch my work go from a screen to something in the real world.
What was your first job in the construction industry?
My first job in the construction industry was/is a Youth Apprenticeship at Miron Construction.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work so far?
The most rewarding part of my job so far is being able to start a project of my very own and get to see it turn into something in the real world. My work that I thought/designed all with my own thinking was made into something that people in the future are going to use daily, it makes me feel so accomplished.
Can you share a project, moment, or mentor that had a big impact on your career?
My mentor, Kacie Hokanson, has had such a huge impact on where I am today. I couldn’t thank her enough for being with me from the very beginning, from when I was just learning about what virtual construction was during a school career planning day, to now when she’s giving me projects like redesigning the conference rooms at Tyson Foods and other amazing opportunities. She is and has been my biggest supporter.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the trades?
Advice I would give someone who is just starting out in the trades would be don’t be scared to ask questions. Everyone that is in the trades has been were you are the best way to learn or get better at something is to ask those with experience. Make sure to take notes on what you learn!
What does it mean to you to receive this award?
I am truly honored to be considered to receive this award. Being recognized in this way makes me feel so seen for all of the work I have done and the efforts I have made to be able to reach this point.
Rising Star
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Kristen Vera
Tweet Garot
Kristen Vera is a forward-thinking construction professional who blends hands-on expertise with advanced technological leadership. Beginning her career on the shop floor and earning her Journeyman card in 2019, she has progressed to Construction Technology Specialist, optimizing processes and implementing innovative systems like the Stratus workflow. Kristen’s work has improved efficiency, productivity, and communication across projects, while her dedication to training and mentoring ensures her colleagues thrive. Balancing professional excellence with raising five children, Kristen exemplifies skill, leadership, and commitment in every aspect of her work.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction trades?
I was on a wait list in college. My brother worked in the trades and told me to try it out. I applied where he recommended and got hired the second time I applied. I went to the union hall with him 3x a week to learn how to weld and was able to pass the welding test and got offered an apprenticeship shortly after.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work so far?
Being able to learn and grow in this career to be able to work and provide for my family.
Can you share a project, moment, or mentor that had a big impact on your career?
The most meaningful memories I have are with Tweet Garot in the shop during and after both my pregnancies. The shop superintendent was extremely supportive throughout my pregnancies and afterwards. Welcoming me back to an open weld booth or fit bench when I was ready to return back to work.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the trades?
If you would like to work in the trades I would suggest following your dreams. Its good, honest work, with great pay and benefits for you and your family. There are many opportunities for growth in this career, and it all starts with free schooling and on the job training that you get paid to do. There is something special with learning a skilled trade. You will carry it with you your whole life.
What does it mean to you to receive this award?
It is a major compliment to be able to receive this award. I enjoy what I do at work, Tweet Garot, and with my union hall, Local 400, and care deeply about the construction industry as a whole.
Craftsman Legacy
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Tom Gerlikovski
J. F. Ahern
With more than 27 years in the construction industry, Tom Gerlikovski exemplifies craftsmanship, leadership, and mentorship. As Sheet Metal Shop Manager at Ahern, he leads by example—overseeing more than a million pounds of ductwork each year while innovating tools and processes that boost efficiency and quality. A true mechanic at heart, Tom’s creativity and problem-solving have saved countless hours and dollars. Beyond his technical skill, he is a respected mentor dedicated to developing apprentices, supporting educators, and promoting safety across the trade. His hands-on leadership and commitment to others have made a lasting impact on Ahern and the broader construction community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction trades?
I’ve always been drawn to hands-on work and problem-solving, which led me to start in residential HVAC right after high school. I quickly realized the technical side came naturally to me. Later, a friend offered me an opportunity at J.F. Ahern to work on large commercial projects. I saw it as a chance to broaden my skills, and that transition was a turning point—I learned to adapt and tackle complex systems. From then on, I knew construction was my calling, and I’ve been committed to delivering quality work and growing in the industry ever since.
What was your first job in the construction industry?
My first construction experience was working as a Pre-apprentice on the new Fond du Lac high school in 2000.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work so far?
I find many aspects of my work rewarding. I really enjoy seeing projects progress from start to finish and being part of that transformation. Working with my hands is something I’ve always valued, but what I enjoy most is teaching my trade to the younger generation. Helping them develop their skills and confidence is incredibly fulfilling, and it ensures the craft continues to grow.
Can you share a project, moment, or mentor that had a big impact on your career?
One of the most impactful projects I worked on was a high-profile church build. During that project, I realized how important it is to build strong relationships with other trades on site. Those connections not only make collaboration smoother but often become the main motivation for showing up every day with a positive attitude.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the trades?
I work closely with, recruit, and interview many young people interested in the trades. I always tell them that this industry offers unlimited potential if they’re self-motivated and committed to success. My advice is simple: never stop pushing yourself to learn more and refine your skills. Continuous growth is what sets great tradespeople apart.
What does it mean to you to receive this award?
I am humbled and honored to receive this award. It reassures me that the efforts I make every day—to improve my trade and help the next generation of sheet metal workers start strong—are making a real impact. This recognition motivates me to keep pushing forward and continue sharing knowledge to build a stronger future for our industry.
Excellence in Mentorship
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Rod Dax
Tweet Garot
With more than 40 years in the construction industry—all at Tweet Garot, the last 27 years as Sheet Metal Labor Coordinator—Rod Dax exemplifies excellence in mentorship and workforce development. Rising through the ranks from pre-apprentice to coordinator, Rod has personally hired and guided more than 150 apprentices, helping shape careers that now span leadership roles across the industry. Known for his patience, communication, and belief in others, he fosters confidence and professional growth in everyone he mentors. Rod’s unwavering commitment to building people—not just projects—has left a lasting legacy on Tweet Garot and the regional construction community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction trades?
Helping tradesmen when I was young.
What was your first job/experience in the construction industry?
Sheet metal pre-apprentice at Tweet Garot.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work so far?
I have a great feeling of satisfaction of when I recruit people in the sheet metal trade to see them grow into leaders.
Can you share a project, moment, or mentor that had a big impact on your career?
Just thankful I had the opportunity to work with old timers over 41 years ago who would actually take the time to show you and mentor you how to do things the right way.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the trades?
Be patient, and take time to learn as much as possible. Make sure you like what your doing, find what your good at and excel at that.
What does it mean to you to receive this award?
Very Humbling. happy and appreciative!
Special thanks to our photographer: KLEM + Co. Photography
