ABC SEMI Gives Highest Honor
Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan (ABC SEMI) is proud to announce that James Struble has been chosen as this year’s ABC SEMI Excellence in Construction Legacy Award winner. Struble is project manager for RCI Electric and serves as a board member of ABC SEMI and a Master Electrical Instructor for Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA), the training arm for ABC SEMI.
“The Legacy award is our Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan’s highest honor recognizing lifetime achievement in merit shop contracting,” said ABC SEMI President and CEO, Keith Ledbetter. “It is our equivalent of the Academy Award or Heisman trophy. Jim has been the voice of the merit shop in the construction industry. He firmly believes the merit shop movement is an effort for the betterment of the individual… the construction industry… and the nation.”
Struble has demonstrated an exceptional ability to perform his job at the highest level and completely understands the numerous unexpected situations that can arise and how to deal with them when undertaking a job. In addition to Struble’s command of his profession he has also demonstrated the highest safety standards when running an electrical job. He prides himself on being up to date on current safety standards and OSHA regulations and demands his team conduct themselves in the safest manner possible. Struble maintains his first aid and CPR training and is versed in what procedure to take in a medical emergency.
“Jim has always been a champion of the system of free enterprise,” said ABC SEMI Chairman Robert Clancy of Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. “He believes employees and employers should have the right to determine wages and working conditions and that there must be a fair compensation for work performed. And Jim’s passion for safety and the general welfare of his employees is second to none.”
Struble has always prided himself on keeping jobs on track and under budget and understands the importance of doing a job right the first time. His leadership in the industry has been stellar and he has demonstrated a passion for educating the craftsmen of tomorrow in the latest—and safest—techniques and methods to do their job.
“Jim is mindful of his place in the industry and is quick to give back and always conducts himself in the most professional manner to serve as a positive role-model to students and his fellow peers in the electrical contracting world,” said SEMCA Chairman Rob Molnar, of Wm. Molnar Roofing, Inc.
For decades, Struble has been involved in teaching at the academy and serves both as a board member for ABC SEMI and SEMCA. In addition, Jim has been instrumental in keeping the academy running and under his leadership has seen the academy not only expand its classroom space, but fully pay the building off as well. His commitment to the students at SEMCA has been unwavering and his quest to pass on his knowledge to students is commendable.
When Jim is not working or teaching he is very active with his church and lends his talent to support needy organizations in his community. In addition, he is a very doting grandfather, plays the piano or can be found riding his Harley motorcycle in his free time.