Since 1996, the Spirit of Construction Foundation has recognized the leaders of the Greater Cincinnati construction industry with prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards. Past winners have included 116 industry leaders.
“The Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. They have spent their lives demonstrating personal leadership, improving the construction industry, and inspiring those around them to do the same,” said Bill Riddle, president of the Spirit of Construction Foundation.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement winners are John Strawser of Valley Interior Systems, Jeff Read of Nelson Stark Company, and John Steel, Jr of Hilltop Companies. A posthumous award will also be dedicated to Michael Griffie Sr. of M-Pact.
Mark Luegering
Mike Huseman
Paul Hemmer Jr.
Mark Luebering
Mike Huseman
Mike Huseman is a third-generation construction leader and the CEO of the Huseman Group. Mike, along with his team, built a family of five specialty trade and construction companies known for excellence in safety, quality, and innovation. Since Mike and his partners acquired the original business, HGC Construction, in 2002, he has grown the organization from a $7 million firm into a $250+ million enterprise with nearly 350 employees across Cincinnati, Columbus, and Nashville. Rooted in the values of integrity, craftsmanship, and “doing it right,” Mike blends his passion for well-run businesses with a visionary approach to leadership. He is widely respected across the industry, earning honors such as the Vistage Lifetime Achievement Award and contributing to organizations including ABC, Allied Construction Industries, and NKU’s Construction Management Advisory Board. A strong advocate for the trades, Mike fosters collaboration between construction management and specialty trade partners and champions diversity and inclusion through initiatives like Women in Construction Week, Construction Inclusion Week, and co-op programs for underrepresented students. Beyond the industry, Mike supports his wife Sara’s efforts to combat food insecurity in the Milford area — and her passion to help people get back on their feet. He supports youth training programs, community development efforts, and conservation. His team revitalized a holiday tradition into the Huseman Holiday Express, engaging Huseman Group employees in providing an incredibly memorable experience for the students at The Frederick Douglass Elementary School.