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Ed Race Honored with TAUC’s Highest Craft Recognition
Great projects are made possible by skilled craftspeople who lead with expertise, integrity and a commitment to those around them. The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) recently recognized those qualities in Ed Race, Field Leader, naming him the recipient of the prestigious James J. Willis Craftsperson of the Year Award at TAUC’s annual Construction Leadership Conference.
This award recognizes outstanding craftsmanship, leadership and labor-management collaboration across the union construction industry. Named in honor of James J. Willis Sr., a respected union construction leader whose career spanned more than five decades, the award is presented to craft professionals who exemplify excellence in their trade while advancing the values of cooperation, professionalism and mentorship.
With more than 27 years of experience as an Ironworker, Ed has built a reputation for leading by example. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, workforce development and continuous improvement.
“Ed’s continued improvements towards his craft and winning strategy towards team development and work scope execution are second to none,” said John Miller, Regional Quality Manager. “He shines a bright light on what a successful AISC steel project looks like.”
Most recently, Ed led day-to-day field operations for steel erection on a major data center project in Mount Pleasant, Wis. Faced with an accelerated schedule, complex logistics and extensive coordination requirements, Ed helped to develop innovative planning and delivery strategies that enabled crews to maintain productivity while upholding Boldt’s standards for safety and quality. Under his leadership, crews installed more than 18,000 tons of steel, logged more than 100,000 labor hours and maintained a zero-recordable safety rate. During peak construction, he led a workforce of 125 union Ironworkers and 20 Union Operators on the project.
Just as significant as the project’s success was Ed’s investment in people. Throughout the project, 38 Ironworker Apprentices received valuable hands-on training and mentorship. His focus on developing the next generation of skilled craft professionals helped create a culture of teamwork, accountability and growth, qualities that continue to strengthen our industry.
“Ed checks all of the boxes when it comes to trade knowledge, leadership, safety and mentorship,” said Rob Branyan, Vice President of Field Operations at Boldt. “Ed is a prime example of what Boldt, his union and the industry as a whole should look to as a benchmark of excellence as a craftperson.”
About The Boldt Company
The Boldt Company (Boldt) is a leading professional construction services firm serving customers across the United States. Founded in 1889, Boldt is a 100% employee‑owned company headquartered in Appleton, Wis., with 17 offices nationwide. Widely recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction, Integrated Lean Project Delivery and industrialized construction, Boldt delivers innovative solutions across a diverse range of markets, including healthcare, power, industrial, education and commercial sectors.
