Ron Severino, president of Severino Trucking Co., headquartered in Candia, was selected by a distinguished panel of judges to receive the twelfth annual New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award. The award, which honors the "individual, business or organization that, through its words and deeds, best demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in construction," was presented at Associated General Contractors' project briefing breakfast, May 22nd at the Derryfield Restaurant.
One of the industry's most respected individuals, Severino started Severino Trucking, a family business, in Candia in 1975 at the age of 19. In just a few short years, he had earned the community's trust and was elected Candia's road agent in 1981, a position he held until 1996.
Foreseeing the housing industry recession that began in the late 1980s, Severino Trucking moved into municipal road work, excavation and utility installation in 1985, placing a strong emphasis on quality work and safety. Ron's brother and partner, Tom, jointed the company in 1985, playing a significant role in that transition. Attention to detail and commitment to schedule, along with the aforementioned quality and safety, led to significant amounts of repeat business. Severino's confidence grew, permitting him to take on such challenging projects as the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where coordinating the relocation of utilities and rebuilding streets resulted in a two-year project.
A supporter and leader in the transportation industry, Severino is a long-time member of New Hampshire Good Roads, where he served as a director for six years, including terms as president, vice president and treasurer. He gave generously of his time, contributing significantly to the success of New Hampshire Highways magazine and the many events hosted by the organization each year, most notably Good Roads' annual Equipment Show.
Severino currently sits on the board of Associated General Contractors. His knowledge of politics, much of it gained during his tenure as Candia's road agent, and his relationships with the community and key legislators, have made him an important player with respect to legislation impacting the industry.
Ron's treatment of his employees and colleagues was repeatedly cited during the award's selection process. He interacts comfortably with his employees in both work and social situations, with a complete absence of any hierarchy, demonstrating the utmost respect and supporting many of them in their outside activities.
In addition to a plaque, the award carries with it a $1,000 donation to the recipient's charity of choice, which Severino has designated to go to The Fitts Museum in Candia.
The New Hampshire Construction Industry Ethics Award is underwritten by David Wood, a nationally recognized writer, publisher and marketing consultant specializing in the construction industry. His newsletter, Words from Woody, has won 25 awards, including being a three-time recipient of the Construction Writers Association's prestigious T. Randolph Russell Award. In 2005, Wood was presented with the Silver Hard Hat, that organization's highest honor.
Previous recipients of the award have been William Clark, of Clark Masonry Construction, Milford; William Walker, of The MacMillin Company, Keene; Samuel Audley, of R.S. Audley, Inc., Bow; Levi Ladd, of L.K. Ladd, Inc., Concord; Jack McDevitt Jr., of McDevitt Trucks, Inc., Manchester; Tom Avallone, of Cobb Hill Construction, Concord; Jim Morrill, of Morrill Construction, North Haverhill; Mark & Rick Charbonneau, of Continental Paving, Londonderry; Leighton White of Leighton A. White Inc., Milford; Rich Lambert, of Pro Con, Inc., Hooksett; and Tom Palazzi, of The Palazzi Corp., Hooksett.