LONG BEACH, California, March 28—Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Adrian Rios of McCullough Construction in Arcata, California, was named the 2019 Craft Professional of the Year. Rios was honored during the Careers in Construction Awards at ABC Convention 2019 in Long Beach, California.

ABC presents the annual Craft Professional of the Year award to a construction craft professional who excels in his or her field while also demonstrating a commitment to safety, education and the merit shop philosophy.

“Adrian’s commitment to world-class safety, hard work and customer service is clear,” said 2019 ABC National Chair Tony Rader, telecom vice president of National Roofing Partners, Coppell, Texas. “It’s a pleasure to honor Adrian’s dedication to his craft, and I look forward to the continued contributions he will make to the merit shop construction industry.”

Rios, selected from among three finalists, got his start right after high school as an automotive mechanic and now is a certified welder. Working for McCullough Construction for the last six years, Rios has honed his skills in a variety of roles, including equipment mechanic, welder and fabricator, and is responsible for maintaining more than 300 pieces of heavy equipment. 

A champion of the construction industry, Rios also serves as a mentor in the Humboldt County Office of Education’s Trades Academy for high school juniors and seniors, where he advocates for careers in the trades.

As Craft Professional of the Year, Rios received a $10,000 cash prize from co-sponsors Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft professional staffing resource, and NCCER, the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for the construction industry. Rios will also be profiled in the May issue of Construction Executive magazine.

Rios was honored along with the winners of the National Craft Championships and Construction Management Competition and the Craft Instructor of the Year. ABC’s convention also features the Excellence in Construction^® Awards, Contractor of the Year, National Safety Excellence Awards, National Diversity Excellence Awards, keynote speakers and education sessions for ABC members and staff from 69 chapters, technology exhibits, networking opportunities and a national board meeting.