Honoring the 2025 Legacy Award Winners

GBI Legacy Awards logo

A Celebration of Values, Vision, and Heart

At Goodfellow Bros., we believe that our legacy is not just measured in miles of road laid or infrastructure built, but in the people who shape our culture, serve our communities, and lead with integrity. This year, we are proud to recognize five extraordinary individuals who embody the very best of who we are. Please join us in congratulating the 2025 recipients of our most prestigious Legacy Awards.

 

Ron Jordan – Bill Gates Customer Service Award

Ron Jordan has set the gold standard for customer service at Goodfellow Bros., serving not just as a manager, but as a steward of long-lasting relationships. With more than 14 years of service, Ron has cultivated trusted partnerships with clients like the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho—relationships built not on contracts, but on shared vision, mutual respect, and unwavering integrity.

Ron lives by the principle: “Keep a customer for life.” This guiding philosophy has not only led to projects won without the need for competitive bidding, but has earned him deep respect across agencies including the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians and Chelan County. Ron goes far beyond the project scope—offering guidance, planning insight, and even personalized gestures of appreciation like handcrafted wooden benches.

With humility, heart, and relentless dedication, Ron exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose.

 

John Looper – Bill Gates Customer Service Award

Recent retiree John Looper leaves behind a remarkable legacy built on client advocacy, technical expertise, and authentic partnership. With 35 years in the construction industry—including 18 dedicated years at Goodfellow Bros.—John has been a trusted force in shaping major development projects across California, including Folsom Ranch, Bickford Ranch, and East Ridge.

From his early days earning a Construction Management degree to leading complex initiatives, John’s deep knowledge and passion consistently earned the confidence of clients. His quiet assurance and sharp insight helped partners uncover challenges, solve problems, and optimize outcomes—often well before a contract was signed. As one client shared, “You could not have chosen a better representative of your company.” Whether educating, advising, or simply listening, John built relationships that transcended business and left a lasting impact rooted in trust.

 

Joe Correy – Bud Junger Field First Award

A protégé of the legendary Bud Junger, Joe Correy carries forward a legacy rooted in mentorship, humility, and boots-on-the-ground leadership. Joe’s journey began on Kauai under Bud’s guidance and his wisdom has spanned more than three decades of steadfast dedication to the field.

Joe’s leadership philosophy is simple: be present, be approachable, and lead by example. He checks in with every crew member, listens intently, and makes each person feel seen and valued. His commitment to his teams has transformed jobs into careers, workplaces into communities.

Those who work with Joe describe a leader who asks not, “What can you do for me?” but “What do you need from me?” It is this spirit of selflessness and authenticity that makes Joe the perfect honoree for the Bud Junger Field First Award.

 

Bob Takamatsu – Goodfellow Way Award

For over four decades, Bob Takamatsu has stood as a pillar of wisdom, professionalism, and grace at Goodfellow Bros. Starting as outside counsel during the iconic Piilani Highway project, Bob quickly became a trusted advisor and key figure in the company’s rise as a leading contractor on Maui.

Bob is deeply respected by all who work with him; his impact spans legal counsel, leadership mentoring, and unwavering community involvement. Known for his calm under pressure and relentless pursuit of fairness, he brings a thoughtful, balanced perspective to every challenge.

Bob’s humility is legendary—he’s often the first to express gratitude for being included, and the last to seek recognition. His embodiment of the “Goodfellow Way” sets a shining example of character-driven leadership.

 

Maria Millare – Jim Goodfellow Sr. Community Service Award

Maria Millare’s name has become synonymous with service. Whether organizing beach cleanups, leading food drives, or mentoring young professionals, Maria consistently steps up to serve her community with enthusiasm and heart.

Maria is not only a leader in action but an inspirer of action. Her energy is infectious, drawing colleagues into meaningful outreach projects that connect Goodfellow Bros. with the broader community. She plays an instrumental role in university engagement and industry programs, mentoring the next generation with the same passion she brings to every volunteer effort.

Maria’s commitment to people, both inside and outside our organization, is a shining example of what it means to lead with compassion and purpose. She embodies the values of the Jim Goodfellow Sr. Community Service Award in every sense.

A Legacy Built on People

These five remarkable individuals have contributed immeasurably to the legacy of Goodfellow Bros.  “When I think about what makes GBI special, it always comes back to our people,” said CEO Chad Goodfellow. “This year’s awardees have lived our values—whether in the field, in the community, or behind the scenes. They’ve not only contributed to our success, they’ve shaped who we are as a company and as a family.”

Congratulations Ron, John, Joe, Bob, and Maria as the Legacy Awards Class of 2025!

 

 

 

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