BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Ferris State University has welcomed four influential figures into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame, recognizing decades of leadership, innovation, and service that have helped shape Michigan’s construction landscape. The honorees — James Cole, Mary and John Henry, and Ron Staley — were formally inducted at the Granger Center for Construction and HVACR, where the Hall of Fame is housed.
Each year, the Hall of Fame acknowledges construction professionals whose careers demonstrate exceptional technical skill, managerial excellence, and dedicated service to the profession and broader community. This year’s inductees represent a wide range of contributions, from historic preservation and heavy civil work to construction management and multigenerational leadership.
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James Cole’s career—spanning more than five decades—demonstrates a commitment to both field expertise and the development of future generations. His roots stretch back to age 10, when he earned 25 cents an hour helping a local handyman, sparking a lifelong passion for construction.
Beginning his professional journey in 1967 with Taylor and Gaskin, Inc., he gained hands-on experience in drafting, shop fabrication, and field layout while attending Macomb Community College. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, he rapidly advanced through roles at A J Etkin Construction Co., eventually becoming executive vice president and part-owner. Following the company’s sale to Skanska USA, Cole continued in an executive role for a decade.
In 2009, Cole became president of L.S. Brinker Construction Management & General Contracting, where he mentored Larry Brinker Jr. and helped strengthen the firm. The Brinker family of companies would eventually grow into the nation’s largest Black-owned commercial construction organization.
Reflecting on his career, Cole said, "Mentoring let me share the lessons of my career to support L.S. Brinker's growth and carry forward its father-son legacy."
His commitment extends far beyond the jobsite—through extensive volunteer work with AGC, CAM, and the Engineering Society of Detroit, along with leadership roles in healthcare organizations and service as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.
Mary and John Henry transformed John Henry Excavating, Inc. into a successful, multigenerational civil construction business that remains a staple in northern Michigan.
John’s exposure to the industry began early through the Iosco County Road Commission, where his father worked as superintendent. After earning a civil engineering degree from Northern Michigan University—where he met Mary, then an English education major—he purchased a small set of equipment to begin building foundations, basements, and driveways.
Mary soon left teaching to manage the company’s finances, eventually becoming involved in all aspects of construction business operations. She embraced training in safety, procurement, bonding, and management, taking leadership of the firm under the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.
Over time, the business expanded into major MDOT projects involving utility installation, marina work, box culverts, and landfill capping. Today, the enterprise remains a family-run company, with their son John Henry Jr. overseeing field operations and daughter-in-law Connie Henry leading administration. Granddaughters Alexis and Alyssa have since joined the team, ensuring the legacy continues.
Their community service includes roles on local planning boards, church councils, school boards, and civic organizations.
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Ron Staley is widely recognized for transforming historic structures through major preservation projects across the U.S. and internationally.
After earning degrees in Civil Engineering Technology and Business Administration from Michigan Technological University, Staley began his career at Bechtel Power Corporation before joining The Christman Company in 1984. His path shifted toward historic preservation during his work on the Michigan State Capitol’s fourth-floor rehabilitation in 1986.
In 1992, Staley became vice president of the newly formed Christman Historic Preservation Group. His leadership contributed to restoration work at Cranbrook, the Mackinac Island Historic State Park, Notre Dame’s Administration Building, and numerous other landmarks.
He later opened Christman’s Washington, D.C., office in 2004, overseeing monumental federal projects at the Cannon House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol. His global work includes historic churches in Poland and Slovakia, along with the preservation of Ernest Hemingway’s Finca Vigía in Cuba.
One of his most notable achievements was leading the $344 million restoration of Michigan Central Station, completed with Ford Motor Company. Staley documented the complex project in his book, Ruin to Revival, Restoring Michigan Central Station, The Builders' Journey.
His service to the Association for Preservation Technology International earned him both Fellow and Recognized Professional honors.
Ferris State University emphasizes that the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame serves as both a teaching tool and a testament to the profession’s impact on communities. This year’s inductees highlight the diverse ways construction professionals shape infrastructure, steward historic assets, and mentor future builders.
Their collective achievements reinforce the Hall of Fame’s purpose: to honor individuals whose work advances the industry and strengthens the people and places it serves.
Originally reported by Ferris State University.
