Marist Contractors Association
Alumni
The Marist Contractors Association
The Marist Contractors Association (MCA) was founded in 2020 to bring together individuals and organizations within the Marist community who own contracting businesses or work in the trades, unions, and related industries. MCA provides opportunities to gather, network, and fundraise in support of students seeking financial assistance at Marist High School.
Rooted in Catholic values and the St. Marcellin Champagnat spirit of humility, hard work, and service, MCA is committed to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals. We award scholarships to families within the trades community, helping students pursue a Catholic, Marist education and setting them up for lifelong success.
In the spirit of faith, brotherhood, and community, MCA also mentors younger members and fosters leadership within our network. By cultivating connection and offering guidance, we ensure that our mission continues to grow, strengthening the Marist tradition for years to come.
Building futures. Honoring faith. Working with purpose.
The signature event for the MCA is the annual members-only golf outing, being held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Full membership ($2,000) entitles an individual or organization to a foursome at the members-only golf outing, one hole sponsorship, an invitation to future events, and special recognition on the Marist website.
Associate membership ($300) entitles an individual or organization four dinner guests at the members-only golf outing, an invitation to future events, and recognition on the Marist website. Please note to golf in the event, you must purchase a full membership.
Social membership ($150) entitles an individual or organization to two dinner guests at the members-only golf outing, and an invitation to future events. Please note to golf in the event, you must purchase a full membership.
We are excited to announce the honorees of the 2025 MCA Golf Outing:
The 2025 MCA Lifetime Achievement Award:
John Berzanskis ’75
The 2025 MCA Persons of the Year:
James Snyder ’84
Timothy A. Rossborough ’85
John F. Berzanskis, Jr. ‘75
A self-made leader in mechanical contracting, John F. Berzanskis, Jr. built his career on hard work, strong values, and an unwavering commitment to his team. These principles were instilled in him from an early age and further shaped during his time at Marist.
John got his start in the trades working for his father in a small refrigeration business with just three or four employees. That hands-on experience and family mentorship laid the foundation for a career that would span over four decades. In 1982, he purchased the business, then known as Antarctic Refrigeration Inc., and led its transformation into AMS Industries, Inc., one of the top mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors in the Chicagoland area. As President from 1978 to 2016, John oversaw major growth into complex markets including healthcare, food processing, cold storage, education, refining, and mission-critical data centers. In 2017, he transitioned the company to an employee-owned model (ESOP), continuing as Chairman until 2023. Today, he still plays an active role as a Director and company ambassador.
John is most proud of the team he built—longtime employees who operate like family and helped shape a company culture grounded in loyalty, respect, and collaboration. He also served the industry more broadly as a Trustee and Director for the Mechanical Contractors Association for over 20 years, and as a member of the Joint Apprenticeship Board from 2000 to 2012.
A 1975 graduate of Marist High School, John credits the school for reinforcing the values his mother instilled in him, particularly faith, discipline, and service to others. He and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 45 years and share a passion for giving back, including sponsoring tuition for children in need. They currently divide their time between Burr Ridge, Lake Geneva, and Marco Island, where they joined Island Country Club in 2020 and enjoy golfing, boating, and community life.
John remains grateful for the unwavering support of his family: Sandy, their two children, and their grandchild. “You can work hard your whole life,” he says, “but without family, what is it all for?”
Humbled and honored to be recognized, John notes he never sought accolades, but appreciates the acknowledgment. His advice to young Marist students considering the trades echoes the wisdom of his father: “If you want to be successful, work hard. And do the right thing.”
Jim Snyder ’84
A proud tradesman and dedicated union operator, Jim Snyder has spent more than 30 years building everything from local landmarks to major national projects; always grounded in the values he learned at home and at Marist.
Jim entered the trades at age 22, working alongside fellow Marist alumnus Tony Poole ’85 at Lowery Masonry. He quickly found his calling in the field, where his work ethic, reliability, and leadership set him apart. Today, Jim serves as an operator with Joliet-based Lindblad Construction, representing Local 150. His career has taken him across the country, from large-scale infrastructure projects in Texas to meaningful community work closer to home, including the Beverly Arts Center on Chicago’s South Side.
Jim looks back on his time at Marist with pride and appreciation. A member of the baseball team and the Class of 1984, he credits the school with helping shape his character and career path by instilling leadership, discipline, and commitment. He often reflects on the lessons passed down by his father, who reminded him, “Whatever you do, do it right.”
That mindset has defined Jim’s approach to both his work and his service. Over the years, he has remained closely connected to Marist, volunteering alongside fellow alumni on campus improvement projects such as the Joe Dwyer Elevator, the baseball dugouts, and the early planning stages of the Larry Tucker Marist SportsPlex. He values the chance to give back and has especially enjoyed reconnecting with classmates, friends and colleagues like Dennis Nolan, Tim Rossborough, and Tony Poole.
Now just a year away from retirement, Jim is grateful for the journey and the many friendships forged along the way. He’s most proud of his family—his wife, Christine, of 19 years, and their children—who have supported him through every phase of his career.
Jim is humbled to be honored and admits that seeing his friend and former classmate Tony Poole named Person of the Year last year was recognition enough. Still, he’s grateful for this moment and hopes to inspire the next generation of Marist students considering the trades. His advice: “Listen and work hard.”
Tim Rossborough ’85
As Director of National Agreements and Jurisdiction for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Tim Rossborough plays a pivotal role in shaping labor standards and protections for masonry workers across the country.
Tim’s educational journey began at St. Christina School and continued at Marist High School, where he was honored with the Leadership Block M Award as a senior in 1985. He went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from St. Xavier University. Shortly after graduating, Tim entered the bricklayers apprenticeship program, launching a lifelong career in the masonry industry.
Tim began laying brick in 1989 with Arnold and Lowery Masonry, co-owned by Marist alumnus Mike Lowery ’75. He quickly advanced through roles as foreman and superintendent, earning respect for his leadership and work ethic. His commitment to the craft led him to the BAC Training Center, where he served as both Instructor and Assistant Administrator. Tim continued to serve the industry as an Organizer and then a Business Representative for ADC1 Illinois. Today, in his national leadership role based in Washington, D.C., Tim is at the forefront of labor policy, advocacy, and opportunity-building for union bricklayers across the United States.
Tim credits the values he learned at Marist—accountability, hard work, and service to others—as foundational to his success. He is especially proud of the opportunities he’s helped create for young people entering the trades, calling it his greatest professional achievement. He applauds Marist’s College and Career Center for supporting all post-secondary pathways, including the skilled trades. His advice for students considering the trades: “Be dedicated, work hard, and we’ll teach you the rest. The trades will always be there for you.”
A proud Marist alumnus, Tim has collaborated with fellow graduates Mike Lowery ’75, Tony Poole ’85, Jim Snyder ’84, and Mike Kawczynski ’84 on several major campus improvement projects, including the Joe Dwyer Elevator Project, the girls’ softball fields, and the boys’ baseball fields. His passion for service extends into the community through volunteer work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Joliet Prison restoration, and other local initiatives.
Above all, Tim is most proud of his family—his wife, Andrea; his daughters, Samantha (and her husband, Chad) and Shelby; and his son, Jacob.
MCA Advisory Board
Officers:
- Bill Niesman ’89
President - Chris Murphy `89
Recording Secretary - Patrick Coakley ’89
Treasurer
Board Members:
- Eric Bergdolld ‘89
- Ken Botta `87
- Kevin Coakley `91
- Roger McGinty `83
- Jerry Joyce ’87
- Dennis Nolan `84
- Brendan Winters
- Kevin Nolan `89
Past Golf Outing Honorees
- 2024 Marist Contractors Association Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Sweeney ’78
- 2024 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Tony Poole ’85
- 2023 Marist Contractors Association Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Niesman ’89
- 2023 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Kevin Coakley
- 2022 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Roger McGinty ’83
- 2021 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Chris Domina ’84
MCA proudly funds the
“Blue Collar Scholars Program”
Each year, the MCA advisory board will coordinate, in conjunction with Marist High School, a process to determine eligibility of students applying for the Blue Collar Scholars Program.
Upcoming Events
View All Events >
