KCA MEMBER PROFILES

be taught. We in the trades owe the next generation the ability to teach what we have learned from those who preceded us.

Do you have a favorite sports team or player?

Steph Curry of the NBA is a fav. Lebron taking his platform and speaking on behalf of social justice issues far above anything he does on the court. The Williams sisters, as tennis is the ONLY thing I can beat my wife at in this stage of my life, and I love their advocacy and entrepreneurship. My favorites are those who achieve at the highest level and yet never forget where they came from.

How about your favorite musician or actor/ actress? Michael Schenker. He is the brother of the Scorpion’s guitarist, Rudolf Schenker. Michael’s artistry and beauty in his guitar work never translated to major commercial success but it leaves me to ask, “what is our measure of ‘success?’” For those curious, his work with UFO as a teen is pretty powerful. Google “Lights Out” and strap on your seat belt!

How do you relax when you are not working?

Run, bike, swim, play guitar, and take inventory of the day ahead and give thanks for this day that we all have together, as our time here is short. Then I answer all of Jon O’Brien’s emails and texts about KCA as I don’t think he ever sleeps.

What was your favorite vacation and what made it so special? My father-in-law, Ike, now deceased, would treat his entire family to a week on Lake Powell on a timeshare houseboat in the beautiful Arizona/Utah sunshine. My three boys, who are now adults, looked forward to that every year. There were inevitably moments looking up at the unobscured stars on any given night, with any individual who was still awake, that helped give perspective on all of our lives. Thank you, Ike!

Are you involved in any community activities, volunteer roles, etc.? Service above self. I am a long-time Rotarian, YMCA and free clinic advocate, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Goodwill, etc., and believer that all of us can do more to make our communities better. I have only been one small cog in their outreach but have always been inspired by volunteerism and empowered by the men and women I have met in helping others.

Why did you join the Keystone Contractors Association? As an outsider with no friends or business contacts here, I saw these great leaders in the construction industry and wished I could be part of the group. One day I took a leap and years later I count many of these people as my friends. I am humbled every day to be part of this group and part of something so much bigger than Howard.

James Darr KCA Board of Directors Vice President, Darr Construction, Inc

Why did you get into construction? I was born into it. My father started the business in 1968.

What was your first job ever? Helping my father and his first employee change out light fixtures at our local high school in the evenings. I was probably 10 years old.

Where were you born and raised? The beautiful little town of Berlin, PA in Somerset County.

What is something someone would be surprised to know about you? I have a private pilot’s license.

Do you have someone whom you consider to be your hero or role model? Probably my father. He worked very hard to take care of his customers and would go out any time of the day or night to take care of their needs.

Do you have a favorite sports team or player? I follow the three Pittsburgh teams.

How about your favorite musician or actor/ actress? Billy Joel / Denzel Washington.

What was your favorite vacation and what made it so special? A week in Costa Rica. For a small country, they host beaches, tropical rainforests, a volcano, and a dry region. Very friendly people.

How do you relax when you are not working? Watching the grandkids’ sporting events, hiking, and reading.

Are you involved in any community activities, volunteer roles, etc.? My church; the Berlin Fife & Drum Corps (44 years); cochaired the Berlin Whiskey Rebellion Celebration (eight years); co-chaired the Berlin Borough Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1987; 23 years coaching AYSO soccer teams; coached Little League Baseball and softball.

Why did you join the Keystone Contractors Association? When first approached many years ago by then Executive Director Terry McDonough, he explained the benefits of being a member of KCA. It was a very easy decision to join. I have served on the board of directors for over 25 years.

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