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Ralph Esposito

National President

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Location

Boston

New York

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Years at Suffolk:

5 year(s)

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Past Employer/Position:

Lendlease, President

years industry

Years in the Industry:

29 year(s)

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Awards

2019 elected to National Academy of Construction. Honoree for numerous charities to help raise money to support programs.

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Boards

Chair New York Building Congress
Board of Directors Regional Alliance for Small Contractors
Board of Directors Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW)
Board of Advisors for Columbia University Center of Buildings Infrastructure and Public Space
Member National Academy of Construction (NAC)
Member Leader Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT)
Past Vice Chairman ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York

What is the most exciting thing about working in this business? What is your professional passion?

That your day is never your own or what you thought it would be. There is always an issue or opportunity that you need to roll with. Some might find it frustrating; I think it adds to the excitement. My passion is around the people. Buildings don’t talk and don’t feel. It’s the connections with humans that make working in this business special.

What do you love to do when you aren’t at work? What is your personal passion and why?

I enjoy golf because it’s a battle against myself. It’s a game of patience, self-control, critical thinking, and determination. It’s also a powerful way to unite people from different backgrounds.

What is your favorite community cause or philanthropic organization to support and why?

Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW). It’s an employment program that prepares women for careers in the skilled construction trades, which then helps them achieve economic independence and secure a future for themselves and their families.

What was your favorite family experience?

Sunday dinners. My dad worked six days a week and Sunday was the day we were always together. My parents welcomed everyone into their home. My dad was a butcher and my mom was a great cook, so my siblings and I were very popular with friends.

Who is/was your favorite person you ever worked with and why?

I had a boss when I first entered the construction business. We would walk jobs and I would watch the way he connected with people. He would take the time to get to know their names, their families, and their challenges. It meant longer days and time he could have spent doing something else, but those people would run through a wall for him.

Who was your mentor/biggest influence and what did they teach you?

My dad. He had a workbench in our garage with a small sign above that said: “The gods are watching.” It still reminds me to do things the right way and take the high road in everything you do.

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