Four standout construction professionals from northeast Wisconsin have been recognized for their skills, leadership, and commitment to building the next generation of trades talent. The Northeast Wisconsin Construction Alliance (NEW Construction Alliance), a coalition of regional contractors led by New North Inc., announced its first recipients of the 2026 Champions of Construction awards, honoring apprentices, emerging leaders, veteran craftsmen and expert mentors across an 18-county region.
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The awards highlight individuals who demonstrate exceptional workmanship, mentorship, technical mastery, and community impact. Winners represent investor companies of the NEW Construction Alliance, and each was selected from a competitive pool of nominees in multiple construction trades.
This year’s honorees include:
The awards will be formally presented at the NEW Construction Alliance annual meeting on January 14, 2026, marking the launch of a new annual tradition celebrating excellence in the skilled trades.
Jason Mathwig, industry alliance director at New North, Inc., said the inaugural winners set a powerful example for the future of construction. “Congratulations to the recipients of the first annual Champions of Construction awards,” Mathwig stated. “Reading through the stories and accomplishments of the award winners is inspiring and spotlights the many outstanding individuals we have in the construction trades in northeast Wisconsin. The more we can celebrate our great local leaders in construction, the better the industry is positioned to build its next-generation workforce.”
A senior at Kimberly High School, Mader is a virtual construction youth apprentice who has worked at Miron for nearly two years. She was nominated by co-worker Kacie Hokanson, who praised her initiative and talent. “From the moment she walks into the office each day, she comes ready and willing to take on any task presented to her,” Hokanson said. “She approaches her responsibilities with a proactive mindset … and a determination to excel.”
The award, presented by AGC of Wisconsin, honors outstanding youth apprentices entering their senior year or recent graduates.
Vera works as a construction technology specialist in the pipefitting trade. After starting on the shop floor, she earned her journeyman card in 2019 and now instructs apprentices at UA Local 400. Nominator Ben Delcore noted, “Kristen represents a new generation of construction professionals, demonstrating an exceptional blend of hands-on experience and cutting-edge technological leadership.”
The Rising Star Award, presented by Milwaukee Tool, recognizes rapid skills growth and exceptional talent.
With more than 27 years in the industry, Gerlikovski has risen from sheet metal worker to shop manager. Supervisor Gavin Barfknecht described him as a cornerstone of the trade. “Tom is the embodiment of craftsmanship, leadership and legacy in the construction trades,” he said. The award, sponsored by Nicolet Bank, honors seasoned professionals with more than 25 years of proven mastery.
A 41-year sheet metal veteran, Dax oversees hiring for the company’s largest regional operations and actively recruits young talent across Wisconsin. Delcore highlighted his signature gift for inspiring learners: “What sets Rod apart is his unwavering commitment to workforce development and his unique ability to communicate complex sheet metal concepts in ways that resonate with learners at all levels.”
The honor, presented by DeWalt, recognizes those who elevate peers, apprentices, and youth through impactful mentorship.
The Champions of Construction awards reflect growing regional efforts to address Wisconsin’s workforce shortages by investing in technical training, celebrating industry role models, and supporting education-to-career pathways. With demand rising for electricians, pipefitters, carpenters, sheet metal workers, heavy equipment operators and other trades, associations like NEWCA and New North are focused on building visibility and pride around construction careers.
These honorees highlight innovation in digital tools, intergenerational skill-sharing, and community recruitment, signaling a promising direction for Wisconsin’s construction
Originally reported by Ethan Duran in The Daily Reporter.
