December 3, 2025
James Cole, Mary and John Henry, and Ron Staley named to Michigan Construction Hall of Fame at Ferris State
Four leaders in the construction industry were inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame at Ferris State University, recognizing their roles in building the industry.
James Cole, Mary and John Henry, and Ron Staley have been named to the hall of fame, which is located in the Granger Center for Construction and HVACR on the Ferris State campus in Big Rapids.
Selection is based upon nominees’ technical, managerial and leadership achievements within construction and related industries, as well as service to the profession and community.
Cole built a distinguished 50-year career in the construction industry, marked by leadership and commitment to mentoring the next generation of construction professionals.
He began his construction journey at age 10, earning 25 cents an hour helping a local handyman. In 1967, while attending Macomb Community College, he joined Taylor and Gaskin, Inc. as an engineering trainee, gaining hands-on experience in drafting, field layout, and shop fabrication. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Lawrence Technological University while supporting his young family.
Cole’s career progression led him to A J Etkin Construction Co. where he advanced from estimator and project manager to executive vice president and eventually bought into the firm. Following the company's 1999 sale to Skanska USA, Cole served as executive vice president for ten years.
In 2009, Cole became president of L.S. Brinker Construction Management & General Contracting, where he mentored Larry Brinker Jr. to lead the company.
"Mentoring let me share the lessons of my career to support L.S. Brinker's growth and carry forward its father-son legacy," he said.
Under his guidance, the Brinker family of companies became the largest Black-owned commercial construction organization in the nation.
Shaped by his childhood battle with polio, Cole has dedicated himself to giving back through extensive volunteer work with the Associated General Contractors, Construction Association of Michigan, and Engineering Society of Detroit, creating student outreach programs and serving on numerous industry boards. He has also served as chairman of the board for St. John Northshore and St. John Hospital/Ascension, and for over 15 years as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.
Mary and John Henry built John Henry Excavating, Inc. into a successful multi-generational family business serving northern Michigan.
John Henry grew up in Iosco County, where his father was superintendent for the Iosco County Road Commission. After working for the road commission for eight years while attending community college, he enrolled at Northern Michigan University to study civil engineering—where he met Mary, who was pursuing a degree in English education.
After graduation, John borrowed money to purchase a bulldozer, backhoe, and truck, launching John Henry Excavating, Inc. Early projects included foundations, basements, and driveways, eventually expanding to MDOT work including utility installation, box culverts, landfill capping, and marina work.
As the business grew, Mary left teaching to manage the company's books. She immersed herself in learning construction through workshops on management, safety, bonding, and procurement. The company participated in Michigan Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program with Mary holding controlling interest.
Their son, John Henry Jr., earned a degree in Construction Management at Ferris State and returned to run field operations. His wife, Connie Henry, who studied surveying at Ferris State, took over office administration. Today, granddaughters Alexis and Alyssa have also joined the family business, maintaining the company's multi-generational legacy.
Beyond business, Mary and John have served their community through the township planning board, school board, church council, and Quota of Iosco County. They attribute their success to their faith, their partnership, and the belief that when family works together, anything is possible.
Ron Staley built a distinguished career in historic preservation, leading landmark restoration projects including Michigan Central Station and the U.S. Capitol.
Staley earned an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology and a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Michigan Technological University in 1980. After beginning his career at Bechtel Power Corporation, he joined The Christman Company in 1984.
Staley launched his historic preservation career as project manager for the Michigan State Capitol's fourth-floor rehabilitation in 1986. In 1992, he became vice president of the newly formed Christman Historic Preservation Group, completing projects at Mackinac Island, Cranbrook, and Notre Dame's Administration Building.
Staley in 2004 led the opening of Christman's Washington, D.C. office, managing work at the U.S. Capitol and Cannon House Office Building. International projects followed, including churches in Poland and Slovakia, and Ernest Hemingway's Finca Vigía in Cuba.
In 2018, Staley managed the $344 million Michigan Central Station restoration with Ford Motor Company, chronicling the project in his book, Ruin to Revival, Restoring Michigan Central Station, The Builders' Journey.
Staley served the Association for Preservation Technology International as treasurer, director, and committee Chair, earning Fellow and Recognized Professional honors.