Construction Forum’s mission is, “To facilitate the collaboration of all the stakeholders in the built environment in creating inclusive, robust employment and economic growth.” 

Forum Focus will present stories of people who are working to make that vision and mission happen.

In this edition of Forum Focus we’re going to hear the story of Ronny Griffin. Ronny is president and a business agent with Laborers Local 110 – the 10th largest union local in the St. Louis region. 

Ronny’s also a member of the second generation in his family to work in the St. Louis Construction industry. While that’s a common story for white industry members, it is a path that is far from usual for Blacks. 

Ronny’s father and uncle worked for their entire careers  in the quarry operations of Fred Weber Construction.

Fred Weber was a tough highway builder, who was noted for his fairness and generosity. Workers – Black and white – told the same story of Fred awarding performance with watches, Cadillacs, and trips to his vacation home in the Cayman Islands.

As a member of a large family, Ronny noted that he was not the sibling who was noted for his interest in academics. Joining his father and uncle at Weber, he learned the ropes – performing manual labor, running equipment, dynamiting rock. 

Finally he took over his uncle’s position running a piece of equipment that crushed boulders into small rocks. It was a job he could have worked to retirement in a few years. 

Sitting in the air-conditioned cab, pushing a button every few minutes all day gave him plenty of time to read. He studied union history and law. When he was asked if he would consider running for union office he realized that he could help make a difference in the lives of young Black men and women wanting to come into the construction trades. 

Ronny pulls no punches – either with young people he is counseling about careers in construction or with fellow union members, contractors, and owners. 

He cares… and it shows. Here’s our interview with Ronny.

Production Notes: Our interview for this episode was done on-the-fly with a smartphone. We apologize for any issues with audio quality. Music is "We All Need Somebody," written and produced by Russ Mohr and performed by The Kingdom Sessions.