Welcome to our newest regional chapter: NUCA Gulf Coast
NUCA Gulf Coast
Working toward a stronger Texas Gulf Coast utility and excavation industry through training, continued education and participation in the communities in which we live.
NUCA Gulf Coast is the newest regional chapter. A strong board of 11 industry contractors and associates came together in May 2021 to offer industry-specific training and education, strengthen local relationships, create unique business opportunities, stay up-to-date on the latest industry news, and participate in shaping industry-related legislation.
We welcome prospective members at events throughout the year.
Thank you to our NUCA Gulf Coast Founding Sponsors!
Board of Directors
Meet the Gulf Coast Board working to promote our members and our industry.
Robert Garner
Ace Services
President
With 40+ years of service in the Construction Industry with a focus on Electrical contracting, Robert's dream came to fruition in 2006 through Ace Services. Ace Services is focused on the excavation of systems and disciplines, through partnering with customers including General Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors. Ace Services' beliefs and core values align naturally with the NUCA National strategic goals for 2021. They are committed to a safe work environment, providing solutions through proven skills and dedication to our clients and associates.
"By serving as the first President for the NUCA Gulf Coast Chapter, I hope to build collaboration among those of us who specialize in the utility and excavation construction industry ,cultivate growth and new relationships and work together to utilize safety resources and education for the betterment of our work forces."
Christian Topfer
Vice President Associate
Christian is currently the Regional Sales Manager for Sunstate Trench Safety. He has been in the underground construction industry since 2010 and has 10+ years of providing contractors with engineered trench safety solutions in the field. He is a certified NUCA Competent Person trainer with 10+ years of teaching Excavation Safety and Confined Space Entry classes. He and his company decided to join NUCA to help share industry knowledge of the OSHA standard and underground solutions linked to safety, efficiency, and profitability.
Sunstate Trench Safety
Chase Barker
CE Barker, LTD
Contractor Director
Chase started his professional career working as a legislative aide in the 82nd and 83rd Legislative Sessions at the Texas State Capitol.
After working in state government, he decided to attend South Texas College of Law in Houston to better understand the mechanics of the law. After graduation, he worked as an Assistant District Attorney where he gained valuable first chair litigation experience and a better understanding of how public policy is carried out and the impact it has on a community.
Chase was born and raised north of Houston and grew up on Lake Conroe. He spent summers and holidays working for the family business which is heavily involved in the construction of infrastructure projects around the Greater Houston area.
Jim Slack
Slack & Co. Contracting
Contractor Director
Since 1992 Jim Slack, Jr. has been President and CEO of Slack & Co., a Houston based civil contracting firm that provides civil contracting services. The company is licensed to provide earthwork, utilities, paving and excavation services in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. Under Mr. Slack’s direction, Slack & Co. has been ranked on Engineering News-Record’s Top Specialty Contractors List since 2010. Previously, he served as President of the Houston Contractors Association as well as the American Subcontractors Association/Houston Chapter. Additionally, he Chaired the Specialty Contractors Council of the Associated General Contractors-America. He has participated in several Engineering News-Record specialty contractor round table discussions, has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and has been featured in Constructor magazine.
Associate Director
Vice President Contractor
Klynn is an owner of RL Siteworx, a Houston based site utility and dirt work contractor.
Klynn Lundemo
RL Siteworx
Treasurer
Josh Aumiller is the Business Operations Manager at Buyers Barricades, a traffic control company established in 1984 that is focused on safety and service. Josh is the fourth generation to work in the construction industry in her family. She brings a background in driving successful business operations in addition to managing finances for several organizations. She is excited for the opportunity to serve on the NUCA Gulf Coast Executive Board to help grow the chapter and build relationships in the community.
Josh Aumiller
Buyers Barricades
Mike Yarbrough
Ditch Witch of Houston
Mike Yarbrough is Sales Manager for Ditch Witch of Houston. He has worked with the Ditch Witch since 2015 and has been in the equipment industry since 1979. He has experience on several Association boards and was involved as a member of the Rio Grande Valley Associated General Contractors and Southwest Hardware and Implement Dealers for many years.
Mike found himself interested in NUCA after winding up on the email list for the North Texas Chapter. From seeing what was offered in that area, he found NUCA to be an organization that offers real value to its members, and consequently is growing and improving. He says, "Though there are already some great organizations in the Houston area, they are more generalized in nature, and NUCA [is] more focused on the underground contractor. This segment is typically smaller contractors, and thus it is harder for them to be heard. NUCA offers a voice to this group of underserved businesses."
Contractor Director
Alan Pate
BRH Garver
Associate Director
Mike Sturgill
Xylem, Inc.
Contractor Director
Greg Seely
National Works
Laura Trujillo
Core & Main
Associate Director
"With 22 years in the municipal distribution / manufacturing industry, to say this is my passion is an understatement. I truly believe in going above and beyond to help our customers. Being an Outside Sales rep, you have a responsibility to educate and advise contractors on new policies and procedures in our market. NUCA Gulf Coast is an association that will help local contractors and build relationships for the better. I believe professional success is when a customer becomes a friend."