By Jim Dolente Jr., President, Madison Concrete Construction
During a gala event on Nov. 4, 2017, one of Madison Concrete’s very own, John Jakimowicz, was honored with the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council’s (MACSC) Annual Safety Professional of the Year Award. Making the recognition even more memorable, this year’s award was presented as part of MACSC’s 20th anniversary celebration.
From left: Madison Superintendent Joe McCormick and wife Dottie, Madison Safety Director John Jakimowicz and wife Kimberly, and Madison Superintendent Hugh McCarron and wife Linda at MACSC’s 20th anniversary dinner. Photo: Kelli Lee Photography
Each year, the prestigious award is given to an industry worker and professional who demonstrates outstanding leadership, exemplary character and proven success in the field of construction safety in the Greater Philadelphia metro area. We cannot think of a person more deserving of this title than John. On a daily basis, you will find him in the field leading by example and working with Madison employees to create a culture of safety.
As Madison’s Safety Director, John works tirelessly to create a safe and healthy workplace for our more than 400 employees. Since he took over the position in 2012, John has implemented a comprehensive safety program that includes regular training sessions on fall protection, rigging and other topics. He makes safety a cooperative effort, encouraging all team members to buy into Madison’s safety culture by helping them to understand the importance of safe practices in their daily activities.
“His style is one of cooperation and not confrontation,” said John Schellenberg, safety director with Tutor Perini Building Corp., in a letter nominating John for the award. “Using his 20 years of field experience as a union laborer and safety manager, he won the respect of Madison employees with his dedication to doing the right thing when it comes to working safely.”
John also participated in the MACSC program for testing fall protection equipment and recently became a member of the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) Safety Committee.
Congratulations, John! Madison Concrete is proud and thankful for the work you do to make safety an intrinsic part of what we do, and who we are.