Under the Hard Hat with UCANE’s Officers and Board Members

with UCANE’s Officers and Board Members

How did you get started in the underground construction industry and what was your first job?

I got into the water and sewer industry when I was 14 years old. I worked four years during the summer for Paolini Corp., out of Newton. I was lucky enough to work with a young engineer named Bob Lewis who not only gave me opportunities to install water pipes and rake asphalt, he also taught me about line and grade and how to layout the job. The Paolini’s also gave me opportunities to operate about every piece of equipment they owned.

When Bob Lewis went to work with Methuen Construction in 1983 I followed him there as a laborer. For the next three years I worked with Methuen and his top superintendent Joe Silva. I really got an education on deep sewer and heavy construction work. I knew then what I wanted to do.

In 1985 I bought a Dynahoe backhoe and an International 10 wheeler and started doing water services and catch basins. I credit Angelo (Chickie) Paolini for helping guide me through the insurance and bonding aspects of the business and for giving my small company its first subcontract.

What type of work does DeFelice Corp. focus on, and what is your current role in the company?

DeFelice Corp. has grown steadily since we started as a subcontractor for Paolini Corp. We almost exclusively perform as a General Contractor now and our focus is mostly on water and sewer work in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We do pump stations and site-work and other heavy civil work, as well. As President of the company, I’m a hands-on type and you might find me at any one of the sites on a given day. UCANE Board Member George DeFelice DeFelice Corporation

How long has your company been a member of UCANE and why did you decide to serve on the Board of Directors?

DeFelice Corp. has been a UCANE member for 21 years. I decided in 2020 that it was time for me to commit some time to the industry and work alongside some of my peers trying to not only advance our industry but to protect it as well from harmful legislation.

2020 saw our country and our industry suffer through a global pandemic. How was your company impacted in 2020 by COVID-19?

We had a decent backlog going into 2020. Our company and our employees were able to adapt to all the COVID protocols pretty quickly. We suffered only a couple of minor delays and were able to meet schedules and come through this strange year of 2020 in decent shape. continued on page 19

Dagle Electrical Construction Corp.

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As we enter 2021 and a new construction season, what do you see ahead for the underground construction industry?

I think a lot of us are banking on the new administration reviving the economy with both a stimulus bill and an infrastructure package. I can’t see how clean water won’t be a significant part of these bills. How soon these bills can get into motion will determine how 2021 goes, but I’m feeling confident.

What would you like our membership to know about being a UCANE Board Member?

UCANE has always provided our company with not only up-to-date information, but comfort as well knowing there are people working on our behalf every day. Being on the Board gives me a close up look at what the issues are in the industry and gives me a direct voice in how we move forward on certain issues. The time commitment is very reasonable and I would recommend it for any size contractor. n

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