Ben Mlinar of Rosendin, the electrical contracting industry’s largest employee-owned firm, recently graduated from the Arizona Builders Alliance’s Leadership Development Forum on December 5. The exclusive year-long program has been running since 1993 and develops construction professionals into informed, knowledgeable and active members of the industry while preparing them for future leadership roles within their companies. The program has received both state and national awards and has graduated over 800 constructors over the past 25 years.
Mlinar, one of thirty professionals selected to be part of the 2019 cohort, has been with Rosendin for the last nine years and has rapidly increased his responsibility within the company. Initially starting out as a Project Assistant in 2010, Mlinar has received four promotions during his career at Rosendin and now serves as a Site Manager where he oversees 30 office employees and more than 500 field personnel.
Ben Mlinar (center), Site Manager at the electrical contracting industry’s largest employee-owned firm Rosendin, graduated from the Arizona Builders Alliance’s Leadership Development Forum after a year of leadership training and education relating to the construction industry. Mlinar is flanked by fellow Rosendin associates.
“From all of us at Rosendin, we congratulate Ben for completing the ABA Leadership Development Forum,” said Brandon Stephens, Division Manager for Rosendin’s Arizona operations. “Finding quality talent for high level roles in the construction trades can be a challenge, especially as the industry in Arizona continues to grow. We are committed to training Rosendin employees at all levels of our company, and know that Ben’s continued leadership at Rosendin will ensure our future success.”
Throughout the year-long program, Mlinar and his cohort participated in a variety of workshops and courses focused on leadership, public speaking, finance, legislation, research, contracts, management, among other topics relevant to the construction industry. The 2019 cohort also completed a service project.
“After completing the ABA Leadership Development Forum, I now feel more confident in my abilities to lead at Rosendin with the new information and resources I have gained,” said Mlinar. “I thank Rosendin for investing in my professional development and I am ready for the next phase of my career.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Arizona construction industry added 18,000 jobs in 2018, more new jobs than any other industry in the state. However, there are still thousands of vacancies for construction jobs in the state.
The 2019 cohort of the ABA Leadership Development Forum celebrated their achievements at a graduation ceremony held on December 5, 2019, at Phoenix Marriott Resort Tempe at The Buttes. Mlinar graduated alongside other members of his cohort, including professionals from across the construction industry including mechanical, general contractors, construction, materials, electrical, and others.