I first met Doug Martin almost 45 years ago. Doug recently stepped down as executive director of the St. Louis Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association (known as NECA). He now serves as co-chair of the St. Louis Construction Co-operative.

It didn’t take long after that for me to become fast friends with this descendant of a Butte, MT copper mining family.

We bonded over a shared passion for the people of another family – the St. Louis construction industry.

After college Doug thought he would end up representing union miners in labor affairs.

But the demise of that industry and another series of events landed him in St. Louis at NECA. That occurred just as my career as a publisher in the construction industry was starting.

Over the years Doug has demonstrated his dedication to the industry not only by a relentless work ethic, but by a steadfast – some would say stubborn – focus on issues such as diversity, worker welfare and economic growth. He is respected for his ability to build lasting relationships.

“It takes real strength to try to change a dynamic that is so destructive,” Doug told me. “I’ve been blessed with working with leaders on both sides of the table that saw the value of honest communication, honest negotiation, and setting a goal of doing the right thing for our customers…”

“Our relationship with IBEW now is very much a collaboration and a partnership.”