Founded in 1972 and open to union and non-union general contractors and construction managers, AGC, Akron Division, offers its members a wide variety of unique benefits and access to some of Northeast Ohio’s largest construction companies and organizations through strategic partnerships.
It’s important to note we’re a trade association and not a union. While we collaborate with local unions, we’re different in that we’re an organization founded and funded by contractor businesses. We participate in public relations, advertising, education, and other services that promote our industry.
Our Mission Statement
We strive to promote understanding, high standards, and good relations on behalf of our contractors with the construction industry and the community.
Our History
A Century of Leadership in Northeast Ohio Construction
The Associated General Contractors of Ohio, Akron Division has a long and influential history rooted in the early development of the American construction industry. While historical records date back to 1941—with some gaps—this overview highlights the organization’s evolution and its enduring impact on construction in Northeast Ohio.
AGC’s origins trace to 1918, when President Woodrow Wilson called for the creation of a national construction organization to support World War I efforts. From those beginnings, AGC of America grew into the nation’s leading construction trade association. In Akron, early industry leadership was shared between the General Contractors Association of Akron (GCAA) and the Akron Chapter of AGC America, with both groups playing vital roles through World War II, postwar rebuilding, labor negotiations, and workforce development.
During the 1960s, Ohio’s building chapters united to form a statewide structure, leading to the creation of the Associated Contractors of Ohio (ACO) in 1970. Akron transitioned from a standalone chapter to a division within the state organization, helping shape statewide advocacy, labor relations, and industry standards. In 1991, the organization became known as AGC of Ohio, Inc., a name it retains today.
Over the decades, the Akron Division has expanded its mission beyond labor relations to include safety programs, workforce development, scholarships, legislative advocacy, and community service. Notable initiatives include Operation Open Door for disabled veterans, partnerships with Kent State University and the University of Akron, youth outreach through iBuildNEO and Akron/Canton Builds, and sustained support for apprenticeship and mentoring programs.
Today, the AGC of Ohio, Akron Division continues its legacy as a trusted voice for contractors—promoting excellence, integrity, and opportunity while advancing the future of construction throughout Northeast Ohio.
Our Executive Team & Staff
It takes the right kind of leadership to ensure our members – and organization – continue to flourish. We’re proud to say our executive team and staff members boast almost 200 years of combined industry experience.
Tom Agresta
Board President
Tom Agresta
President of The Eclipse Companies, Tom Agresta has worked in the construction industry his whole life – both of his grandfathers were in construction and each owned his own company – and boasts over 20 years of construction leadership experience. Assisting his wife in starting Eclipse 15 years ago, Tom has managed work for the company in seven different states (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) and has played a major role in its overall success.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University and has been with AGC, Akron Division, for the past four years. In addition, Tom is an active member of AGC, Ohio Division.
Brian Exl
Board Member
Brian Exl
Brian Exl, the current Board President of AGC, Akron Division, is a Vice President at The Ritenour Group with over 25 years of professional experience in the construction industry. He specializes in pre-construction and estimation, with expertise in metal studs, drywall, acoustical ceilings, and exterior facades.
Brian has been formally trained in Lean practices and methodology, bringing efficiency and innovation to every project. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and has been an active member of AGC since 2014.
Mike Danks
Board Member
Mike Danks
Michael Danks is a Project Manager at The Ruhlin Company, where he has cultivated a distinguished career over the past 20 years in the construction industry. His passion for construction began in high school through the Kent Roosevelt Construction Technologies program, part of the 6th District Compact, where he gained hands-on experience that would lay the foundation for his successful career. With extensive expertise in managing large-scale commercial building projects and renovations, Mike has led numerous high-profile and complex projects for a diverse range of clients, including the State of Ohio (OFCC), the Federal Government General Services Administration (GSA), and a variety of private-sector clients. His impressive portfolio includes projects such as Buchtel High School, Tallmadge Elementary and Middle Schools, Kent State University’s Arts, Sciences, Aeronautics Technology, and Architecture buildings, the NEOMED Medical Research Facility, the University of Akron Law Library, and Davey Tree’s Corporate Addition, Renovations, and Training Campus.
A 2008 graduate of Akron University’s Construction Engineering Program, Mike began his professional journey at The Ruhlin Company as a Project Engineer. His dedication, technical expertise, and leadership potential quickly became evident, earning him rapid promotions to Superintendent and eventually to Project Manager. Over the years, Mike has developed a deep understanding of the entire construction process—from the early stages of planning and design to the final stages of project completion. This broad perspective, coupled with his hands-on approach to project management, has made him an integral part of The Ruhlin Company’s success.
Known for his exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, Mike ensures that every project is executed efficiently, on time, and within budget. His ability to navigate the complexities of large, multifaceted projects—while maintaining strong client relationships, fostering collaboration, and leading diverse teams—has earned him a reputation as a trusted and effective leader in the construction industry.
Mike is also deeply committed to the development of the next generation of construction professionals. His involvement with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) began in 2021 when he served in as the inaugural chair of the CIDB Future Leaders committee, where he played a key role in developing the committee and engaging the future leaders of AGC, MCA, and SMACNA. Through this initiative, he has helped cultivate a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of the construction industry.
With a proven track record of success and a passion for mentoring and leadership, Mike Danks continues to be a respected figure at The Ruhlin Company, known for his technical expertise, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to delivering results.
Charles Izzo
Board Member
Charles Izzo
A construction industry veteran of 43 years, Charles Izzo spent 17 years in various management positions at Turner Construction before starting Infinity Construction Co., Inc. in 1996. As President/CEO, he’s led the company to complete over $1.1 billion in various projects while registering annual sales of $80 million.
Charles holds an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Villanova University and an MBA in finance from Cleveland State University. He’s been involved with AGC for over 20 years and has served as Board president for the Akron, Cleveland and state of Ohio divisions. His tenure as a State AGC Board member dates back to 2007.
Aaron Hall
Executive Director
Aaron Hall
The Executive Director of AGC, Akron Division, Aaron Hall serves in the same capacity with the Mechanical Contractors Associations (MCA) of Akron and Mahoning Valley, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association of East Central Ohio (ECO-SMACNA), the Akron Canton Mansfield Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (RSMCA), and the Construction Industry Development Board, Inc. (CIDB). He represents these associations on a local, state and national level to ensure the construction industry’s interests are properly reflected in legislation.
A former Ohio carpenter and graduate of The University of Akron, Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication with minors in Marketing and Advertising and Professional Speaking and Writing. His education extends to completed courses on negotiations, grievances and dispute resolution at the Cornell School of Industrial Relations, Michigan State University, Harvard University, Tufts University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He’s also a Master Facilitator through the Leadership Access Institute, a Master Trustee through the IFEBP Trustees Masters Program, and has attained Executive Leadership Accreditation from the MCA of America.
Aaron’s leadership experience also includes service with numerous industry committees, including the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Board of Directors (NCPWB), Mechanical Contractors of America (MCAA) Industry Improvement Committee, the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Board of Directors, and as chairman of the MCAA Associated Executive Council (AEC).
He currently serves as a trustee on the United Association Local 219 Pension, Annuity, Health and Welfare, and Industry Training funds, in addition to the United Association Local 396 Pension Fund, Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 Health and Welfare Committee, and the Ohio State Carpenters Health and Welfare Trust Fund and Collections Committee.
A technology advocate, Aaron also has extensive experience as a national instructor and consultant on how to properly integrate and utilize tablets, smartphones (specifically iPads and iPhones) and other cutting-edge tools to help improve productivity and professionalism in the industry.
Joe Stella
Assistant Executive Director
Joe Stella
Joe Stella serves as Assistant Executive Director of AGC, Akron Division, and holds the same position with the Mechanical Contractors Associations (MCA) of Akron and Mahoning Valley and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association of East Central Ohio (ECO-SMACNA). He’s been in his current position since 2017.
An experienced public sector contract negotiator and union representative of 15 years, Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Akron and has attained Executive Leadership Accreditation from the MCA of America. He also attends annual trustee training through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).
Joe is extremely active in the industry, serving as a trustee on Sheet Metal Local 33 Health & Welfare Fund, Tri-County Pension Fund, UA Local 219 Health & Welfare Fund, and Local 219 Training Fund. He’s also been a member of the Akron Canton Builds Board of Directors since its inception in 2020. He works extensively with local schools and universities in leading workforce development and outreach efforts, utilizing partnerships with the Six District Compact, Akron Public Schools, and Kent State University to promote opportunities in the construction industry.
To that end, Joe helped establish a new nonprofit organization called Akron Canton Builds. Its purpose is to promote union skilled trade programs to communities and schools in Summit, Stark and surrounding counties.
