Guests raise their glasses in a toast in the ballroom at the 2026 DIG Awards.

The 38th Annual

Honoring Dignity, Integrity and Generosity.

An industry celebration hosted by United Contractors

  • Sat, Jan 30, 2027
  • 5:30 pm to midnight
  • Black Tie Optional
  • $500 per person
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The Celebration Awaits
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Michael Crawford, Chairman of the Board and CEO, Sukut Construction

2027 DIG Award Recipient

Michael Crawford Honoree

Chairman of the Board & CEO, Sukut Construction, LLC

  1. 1980Intern
  2. 1990President
  3. 1999CEO
  4. 2011Chairman

Career

Michael joined Sukut Construction, a heavy civil and earthmoving contractor, as an intern in 1980. He worked through field and management roles, became president in 1990, CEO in 1999 and chairman of the board in 2011. His leadership is grounded in operational knowledge, strong relationships and respect for the people who build the work.

Industry

He joined the Southern California Contractors Association board in 1998 and served as its president in 2003, and was president of The Beavers in 2020. He has also been involved with the Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition, American Contractors Insurance Group, Operating Engineers Local 12 Trust Funds and Southern California Construction Industry Trust Funds, with work on air and water quality, legislative affairs, labor relations and transportation.

Community

He supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and is a former Vistage member.

Read the Announcement
Seven guests in formalwear smiling together at the 2026 DIG Awards.

The evening

Dignity. Integrity. Generosity.

Since 1988, the DIG Awards has brought the construction industry together to honor leaders who advance it with character and give back to their communities.

Dignity

Leading with respect for every person on the job and in the community.

Integrity

Building trust through honest work and principled leadership.

Generosity

Giving back and developing the next generation of industry leaders.

Program

Schedule

Guests in formalwear talking in the garden during the cocktail reception.

5:30 pm

Cocktail Reception

Drinks and conversation before dinner.

A speaker at the DIG podium during the 2026 awards program.

7:00 pm

Dinner & Awards

Dinner and the presentation of the 2027 DIG Award.

Five guests celebrating together at the after party.

10:00 pm

After Party

Music and dancing into the night.

A large group of guests gathered on the lawn at sunset, with the ocean behind them.

Since 1988

Since 1988, this prestigious annual award recognizes Dignity, Integrity, and Generosity in individuals who have laid the foundations upon which the construction industry is built.

Since 1988

Past DIG Award Recipients

The leaders who have embodied Dignity, Integrity and Generosity.

Mladen Buntich, Jr. holding his DIG Award crystal with Emily Cohen, CEO of United Contractors, in front of the blue-lit stage.
Mladen Buntich, Jr. (2026 DIG Award recipient) with Emily Cohen, CEO, United Contractors.

2026

Mladen Buntich, Jr.

Mladen Buntich Construction Co., Inc.

2025

  • Gregg MillerMiller Environmental, Inc.

2024

No award presented

2023

  • Mike RoddySCCA (Posthumous Award)
  • Kevin MalloyTrench Shoring Company

2022

  • Bruce CookseyJ.F. Shea Construction
  • Nick LeeNLE Inc.

2021

  • Steve AtkinsonAtkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
  • John ClarkeClarke Contracting Corp.

2020

No ceremony due to COVID-19

2019

  • John HakelSouthern California Partnership for Jobs
  • Jim BurtonEngineering Contractors Association

2018

  • Patrick DuffyMonteleone & McCrory
  • Ed VadnaisEdmond J. Vadnais Corp.

2017

  • Mark ButierButier Engineering, Inc.
  • Bill DaviesAlbert W. Davies, Inc.

2016

  • Dave SoremMike Bubalo Construction
  • John T. MalloyJohn T. Malloy, Inc.

2015

  • Michael AntonovichLos Angeles County Supervisor
  • Glenn M. GelmanGlenn M. Gelman & Associates

2014

  • John ColichColich & Sons, Inc.
  • Ted Polich, Jr.Morris, Polich & Purdy

2013

  • Tom FossGriffith Company
  • Jon SalataBlue Diamond Materials

2012

  • Tom MalloyTrench Shoring Company
  • Mitch TomovichTomovich & Associates

2011

  • Elco MiramontesMiramontes Construction Co, Inc.
  • Bill ShubinRobert E. Longway, Inc.

2010

  • Cynthia RuizPresident, City of Los Angeles Public Works
  • Jere MeachamSouthern California Contractors Association

2009

  • Ralph Ayala, Jr.Ayala Boring, Inc.
  • Dick ChapmanEngineering Contractors Association

2008

  • Anna CarnoCarno Law Group
  • Al PickeringCatalina Pacific Concrete
  • Leo MajichOperating Engineers Trust Fund

Photo gallery

Seven guests in formalwear posing together in the garden.
Three guests in black tie pose together in the garden.
Four guests in suits gathered in the garden.
Seven guests posing together in the ballroom under blue light.
Guests in formalwear talking in the garden during the cocktail reception.
Two guests taking a selfie during the cocktail reception.
A large group of guests gathered on the lawn at sunset, with the ocean behind them.
Five guests in formalwear posing in the garden.
Guests with drinks during the garden cocktail reception.
Four guests posing together inside the hotel.
A group of guests smiling together on the terrace at night.
Guests gathered around their dinner table in the ballroom.
Two guests taking a selfie at the after party.
Five guests celebrating together at the after party.
Two guests smiling together during the evening.
A group of seven guests posing together during the evening.
Four guests posing together outside at night.

Next steps

Plan Your Evening

Tickets

Reserve your seat or a full table. Registration closes January 22 at 5 pm.

View Tickets

Plan Your Visit

Book your room, attire and FAQ.

Event Info

Start with Legacy & Leadership

Join us Friday, January 29 for the Legacy & Leadership Awards luncheon at the same venue.

Explore Legacy & Leadership
Register for the DIG Awards