Jon and Dan Shaw of Shaw Brothers Construction were honored with the prestigious AGC Maine’s Major Achievement in Construction Award this fall. This award, chosen by the Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC) executive committee, is based upon lifetime achievement in the industry.
According to Mark Curtis, secretary of the AGC and host of this year’s award ceremony, this honor is bestowed upon a company that has provided “years and years of achievement in the industry, consistent contributions, and an ability to influence and give back. The brothers do that unbelievably well. They have influenced construction in not only Southern Maine, but all of Maine – there is no better example of how to run a company.”
Photo courtesy of AGC MaineMembers of AGC Maine presented Jon Shaw and Dan Shaw of Shaw Brothers Construction with a Major Achievement in Construction Award. Pictured (l to r) Mark Curtis, Jon Shaw, Dan Shaw, and Jon Smith.
For AGC Maine board president, Jon Smith of Great Falls Construction, “Jon and Dan are not only moving the earth, but they are also changing the landscape of the construction industry. Because of their contagious energy and the pace they set tackling any issue they easily build momentum for creating change. That benefits the entire industry and our state.”
Since the brothers started their business in 1977, they have grown into one of Southern Maine’s largest earthwork contractors, with more than 200 employees and hundreds of pieces of equipment. They have completed thousands of commercial projects ranging from $5,000 to $15 million and spanning a roughly 100-mile radius around Portland.
However successful their business, it is the brothers’ humble character that has made them so deserving of the award. Jon and Dan understand and respect that Shaw Brothers is not just two guys, but a group of amazing employees all pulling in one direction.
According to Curtis, upon receiving the award, the brothers didn’t speak of their financial success, but the respect they have for the industry, the love of their families, and the hard work of their people. They don’t need an event to be recognized; they give back and work hard because it is the right thing to do.
Outside of the construction industry, Jon and Dan are always looking for ways to help; and, make a genuine effort to give back by supporting dozens of local causes, including Camp Sunshine. For Curtis, they are a great example to others, “they have always given back, but that has grown over the years with their success.”
The Shaws have strong roots in Gorham and they want to preserve the town’s heritage, which they have accomplished through Shaw Park and more recently through this year’s preservation of more than 250 acres of land along Route 25 to be used as trails and farming. They understand Gorham’s sense of history and appreciate their family’s connection to the community.
The Shaw brothers have truly earned the accolades bestowed upon them through their hard work, dedication and consistent contribution to the construction industry, the Gorham community, and the State of Maine.