Pete Paup, Manson Construction, Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
AGC of Washington presented Pete Paup Chairman and former President of Manson Construction Co. with its Lifetime Achievement Award during the association’s Annual Convention on January 28.
The award was presented by Pat McGarry 2011 AGC of Washington President and Manson Construction Vice President. “This award recognizes Pete’s decades of leadership in the construction industry and AGC” said McGarry. “As Chairman Pete has helped Manson thrive through his ability to get very knowledgeable and successful people into the company.”
Pete joined the Marine Corps Reserve at age 17 ultimately retiring as lieutenant colonel in 1980. He started college at UW and earned his degree at Stanford. While there Pete served as coxswain for the Stanford crew. Pete also was coxswain for a pairs’ crew team that very nearly went to the 1956 Olympics finishing in second place in the Olympic trials in Syracuse NY.
Pete married Andrea Haug in 1955. Pete’s first construction industry endeavor was as owner with his brother-in-law Irving Haug of Larsen Construction. Even as owner Pete didn’t hesitate to help out the crews displaying an easy rapport with individuals throughout a company’s chain of command. Later Pete also owned Seaborn Pile Driving Company before joining Manson as executive vice president.
“Pete treats everyone the same no matter their position” McGarry added. “His positive demeanor is a big advantage for Manson. Pete is well respected and well liked throughout the industry and he has cemented Manson’s standing as a trusted company that does high quality work.”
In 2008 Manson launched the barge E.P. Paup for a 1000 ton capacity derrick. The barge was built by Gunderson Marine and it is working for Manson along the Louisiana coast.
Pete’s involvement with AGC includes service on a wide variety of committees such as Labor and AGC/Navy Joint Liaison committees. “Pete bleeds AGC red” said Paup’s long-time friend and former AGC President Terry Deeny of Deeny Construction Co. “He’s a true believer in AGC and he promotes it every chance he gets.”
In 1990 Pete was elected President of AGC of Washington. That year AGC of Washington was named “Chapter of the Year” by the national association and Pete was named “Chapter President of the Year.” Among the many accomplishments that year was the successful uphill battle AGC led to defeat Initiative 547 a sweeping anti-development statewide ballot initiative.
Pete has always been active in AGC particularly with regard to legislative and political matters. Pete is a former chair of AGC’s Government Affairs Council and he’s represented AGC to policy committees such as the state’s High Speed Ground Transportation Steering Committee.
Gene Colin Ferguson Construction CEO and current Chairman appreciates the insight Pete brings to AGC’s advocacy efforts. “Pete always gets to the bottom line” Colin said. “He lets everyone philosophize he’ll then say ‘this is how I see it.’ He’s always right on the mark and makes his point with humor and grace.”
Helping determine and advocating AGC’s policy positions has been a major undertaking of Pete’s over the years and so has been electing business-friendly candidates. “Pete has always been a stalwart supporter of BUILD PAC” said Brett Ferullo President of Northwest Construction Inc. and Senior Council Chairman for AGC’s political action committee. “More than just about anyone Pete understands the nuances of electoral politics. He has great instincts when evaluating candidates.”
In addition to serving on BUILD PAC’s Senior Council Pete has been a member of the “535 Club” in recognition of his strong support of AGC of America’s political action committee.
For several years Pete was a member of AGC’s Labor Committee and served on the Carpenters and Operating Engineers negotiation teams.
“Pete established excellent credibility with the unions because he’s worked with jobsite crews as well as management” said AGC’s Director of Labor Relations Doug Peterson. “Plus he brings a certain levity that helps both sides proceed through sometimes difficult negotiations.”
Pete has held leadership positions in other industry groups serving as a member of the boards of the Dredging Contractors Association and The Beavers a national heavy engineering construction organization.
Pete and Andrea Paup are long-time benefactors of the area’s civic and philanthropic enterprises. Among the organizations they support are the Seattle Art Museum Swedish Medical Center Foundation Port Madison Lutheran Church in Bainbridge Island WA and the University of Washington (Tyee Club). Pete served as president of the Wing Point Community Club on Bainbridge Island and on the Stanford Athletic and Volunteers of America boards. He is currently a board member for the Nordic Heritage Museum.
Deeny sums up Pete as “low-key and someone who is very serious when needed but who can keep you smiling when the occasion is right. He’s a work hard play hard kind of person and there aren’t enough words to describe how great a guy he is.”