Our History

The Construction Institute was formed in Hartford, Connecticut in 1976 in response to a time of crisis in design and construction. As technology and the industry were growing more complex, it became apparent that only by working together as colleagues would the AEC industry emerge as a chief economic driver in the state. Original members were contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, insurance representatives, State Commissioners of labor, commerce, transportation, and public works; and corporate owners, who are major purchasers of design and construction services. Membership soon expanded to ancillary providers to the industry, such as banking and finance, legal, real estate, accounting, bonding, and manufacturing. Originally a division of the University of Hartford, in 2020 the Institute became an independent 501(c)(3). Created as a neutral, non-profit, non-partisan body for study, literature, dialogue, information, cooperation, research, education, meetings, and training, its programs, courses, seminars, symposiums, discourse, and analyses, acted as a catalyst, encouraging ethical, competent, and efficient performance by practitioners in our industry.

Today our education, certificate programs, online courses, books, regional meetings, socials, idea exchanges, and signature programs (Visionaries, Women Who Build, Leadership) continue to further the advancement of our members: the creators and caretakers of the built environment, proven collaborative leaders, and multidisciplinary thinkers. Construction Institute has remained essential to the successful AEC industry and continues to provide vision, leadership, and a forum to improve our industry by sharing experiences and knowledge to serve the common good.

Meet the Founding Members

  • Shaun Cashman, Laborers Local Union 611 and Connecticut State Department of Labor. Cashman served as the Business Manager for the Laborers’ Local Union 611 for over 25 years, the business agent for the Connecticut Laborers’ District Council, and president of the Connecticut State Building Trades. In 2001, he was appointed Labor Commissioner of the Department of Labor for the State of Connecticut, by the Governor John G. Rowland.
  • James Eacott, Jr., Bartlett Brainard Eacott Inc. During the course of his impressive career, Eacott Jr. served as President of the Association of General Contractors of Connecticut and Chair of the Construction Institute.
  • Samuel Golding, served as President of the Standard Structural Steel Co. of Hartford, Connecticut and served on its Board of Directors for twenty years.
  • Albert Higgins, M.F. Higgins. Albert served as President of the Connecticut-based, commercial flooring specialist company, M.F. Higgins, for over 20 years – since taking over for his uncle, M. Frank Higgins, in 1966. M.F. Higgins remains as one of the Institute's oldest members.
  • Burton Karp, Eagle Moisture Protection/National Roofing Contractors Association. Karp grew Eagle Moisture Protection from a small, local firm into a national organization with a renowned portfolio that includes the DFW Airport. He received the prestigious J.A. Piper Award in 1989 for his service to the roofing industry and served as president of the National Roofing Contractors Association in 1983.
  • David LaBau, S/L/A/M Collaborative Architects. LaBau was founder and past Chairman of the S/L/A/M Collaborative Architects in Glastonbury, CT, Atlanta, GA, and Boston, MA. LaBau served as the President of the American Institute of Architects – Connecticut chapter – and chaired the committee for the creation of the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Hartford.
  • James McParland. McParland was the Business Representative of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478.
  • Marvin Morganbesser, Connecticut Construction Industry Association. Founder, former President, and former General Counsel of the Connecticut Construction Industry Association. Morganbesser was also the recipient of numerous industry awards, including the Lifetime Recognition from the Construction Institute in 2009.
  • Philip Paolella. Paolella was the President of the Plasticrete Corporation, formerly known as the Hamden Building Tile Company and founded by Paolella’s father, Ciro, in the 1910’s.
  • Raymond Roncari, Roncari Industries. Started Roncari Industries during WWII, which was the beginning of his extensive involvement in the CT construction industry. Roncari served as the Director and Chairman of the Board of CT Construction Industries, Director of the CT Road Builders Association, and similar positions at other professional organizations.
  • Richard Schoenhardt, Architect. Among his many achievements, Schoenhardt served on the board of the Simsbury Free Library for more than two decades and is credited with restoring and maintaining the historic building.
  • William Thornton, Manchester Sand & Gravel Company/Connecticut Construction Industries Assoc/Connecticut Ready Mix Concrete Association. Thornton was the President and CEO of the Manchester Sand & Gravel Co, President of the Connecticut Ready Mix Concrete Association, and served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of both the National Ready Mix Concrete Assoc. and the National Aggregates Association.
  • Richard Wetherell was the Founder and owner of the Wetherell Corporation – HVAC/Mechanical Contractor.
  • Frank White was founder of the now defunct Frank White Construction Company.