Jim O’Connor honored by Lake County Contractors Association

Words: Gary PorterJim O'Connor, Executive Secretary of the Mason Contractors Association of Greater Chicago and a trustee of the Masonry Advisory Council, was honored with the Lake County Contractors Association's Robert W. MacGruder Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this month. The ceremony was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Mundelein on Dec. 4th.

O'Connor, who was presented with the award for a career dedicated to the growth and education of the masonry and brick industry in the greater Chicagoland market, was presented with his award by Jim Allen, President of Bricklayers District Council #1 of Illinois.

O’Connor has been very involved during his career, including the following: International Masonry Institute - Board Member (1st non contractor), International Council of Employers to B.A.C. (1st non contractor), Trustee of the Illinois Masonry Institute Promotion Trust/Masonry Advisory Council, Illinois Structural Masonry Coalition -Board Member, MARBA - Committees Negotiations with the Bricklayers, Laborers and Operating Engineer, Lead Negotiator for Marble Setters and Marble Finishers for Chicago Marble and Granite Dealers Assoc, and a Member of Bricklayer's LMCC Board.

"I cannot thank enough of those who helped me throughout my life to get to this point," said O'Connor. "There is not enough time to thank all of the wonderful people, contractors, suppliers, friends, family and co-workers. It takes a village and we have one really special masonry village that has helped me reach this point.

"It's a complete honor to have my name associated with Robert MacGruder's and to be noticed for a career I would gladly do all over again without regret," he added.
About: Featured
 0
STABILA Tools: Engineered for Professionals Worldwide
June 2025

With a history spanning over 100 years, STABILA has firmly established itself as a trusted name in precision and durability. Known for crafting tools that stand the test of time, STABILA has become the standard for long-lasting performance. Today, the bra

Elsa Bueno
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Check out CrewTracks' Latest Innovations
June 2025

In today's masonry industry, the right tools are essential for efficient operations. At CrewTracks, we're constantly innovating to provide masonry contractors with the solutions they need to thrive. We're excited to offer a sneak peek at some of our newes

Erin Laird
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
The Importance of Durable Safety Footwear on Masonry Jobsites
June 2025

Masonry work is a rewarding trade that relies on precision, strength, and skill. However, it also comes with its share of risks. From handling heavy materials like bricks and concrete blocks to navigating rough, uneven surfaces, masonry jobsites present n

Andrew Moffatt
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
OSHA’s Proposed Heat Stress Standard
June 2025

The goal of OSHA is to work tirelessly to keep us, the workers, as safe as possible as we go about our jobs every day. According to the statistics that the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides, a staggering 479 workers died from heat stress from 2011-202

Justus Everett
Featured
Read More