October 5, 2007

Duke Schaub looks back on 26 years with the AGC

Schaub

Schaub is 67 and spent more than 26 years with the AGC, many of those as director of state and national government affairs.

“I've had a long and very good career with the Associated General Contractors of Washington,” he said. “It's been a great run.”

Schaub served from 1973 to 1980 as executive vice president of the Homebuilders Association of Washington, which is now the Building Industry Association of Washington. He did a lot of lobbying for that organization and jumped at an opportunity in January 1981 to join the AGC in a similar capacity.

Schaub said he was drawn to the AGC for a number of reasons, including its status as the largest commercial trades association in the state, and the diverse and sophisticated projects built by its members. “They (also) had a stronger and larger financial base,” he said.

He said some of the biggest accomplishments in his career were participating in high-level policy discussions on construction, especially transportation issues. He said he was involved in creating the 1984 Public Works Trust Fund, which directed money to help fix failing infrastructure. “It became a model for the nation after the Legislature adopted it,” he said.

He said another feather in his cap was helping to defeat Initiative 912, which in 2005 sought to repeal an increase in the gas tax earmarked for transportation projects.

Schaub said the political scene has evolved over the years from individual leadership to legislation by committee. “It's a much broader process (now),” he said. “I think it's a good thing for the citizens of the state to have boarder representation.”

However, the political climate also concerns him.

“I think there's a real tendency by elected officials to want to over-regulate the industry,” he said.

There have been great changes in the construction industry over the past 26 years, too. Schaub said information technology — computer-aided drafting, electronic communications and electronic evaluation of design and constructability — makes it easier to get accurate designs and stay on schedule.

Schaub said some of the biggest challenges facing the industry are adapting to new methods of construction and coping with owners who are more critical of procedures, budgets and schedules.

Schaub said the best construction project he witnessed during his time with the AGC was the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which he called “an engineering marvel.”

He said the biggest disaster was when the Interstate 90 bridge sank in 1990.

Schaub said the best part of his job was relationships he made with AGC members and staff. He said he was impressed by their professionalism and ethics.

What did he most dislike about his job? Raising money for campaigns.

He will continue to work for the AGC as a transportation consultant, but spend more time with his family and on personal pursuits.

“It's time for younger minds and younger bodies to take over,” he said.

Rick Slunaker, former assistant director of government affairs and a 13-year AGC staffer, took over for Schaub.

The AGC is holding a reception for Schaub Tuesday night at the AGC Building in Seattle. To attend, call Sawndra Curtis at (360) 352-5000 or e-mail her at scurtis@agcwa.com.