October 2, 2026

By Lane Kimble

KOHLER — Only 7,077 Olympic gold medals have been awarded since the modern games started in 1896.

Two gold medal winners sat in front of an awestruck audience Tuesday night in Wisconsin, insisting they have plenty in common with the hundreds of thousands of folks who build our nation’s roads, bridges and highways.

“It’s simple. I understood hard work. I understood about being a good person. Those values, they’re worth more than dollars,” Mike Eruzione told the room, encouraging them to take the same perspective with their jobs and coworkers.

Eruzione, who helped Team USA win gold after the 1980 “Miracle on Ice”, joined 2026 Women’s gold medal winner Megan Keller during the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s National Convention closing banquet in Kohler.

The world-famous duo was the icing on the cake for a three-day conference that drew industry leaders from across the country to the Badger State for the first time in more than a decade.

“We’ve been all around the country with this group and it’s great to have the top contractors throughout the nation here in Wisconsin,” Walbec Group Director of Business Development Jeff Parisi said.  “And, as you would expect, Kohler is showing off incredibly well.”

ARTBA’s conference attracted more than 250 participants to The American Club.

There were insightful general sessions and breakouts, wonderful receptions and banquets, an exceptional round of golf at Whistling Straits’ Irish Course, and plenty of time for networking and relationship building.

WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas worked closely with ARTBA staff for months to put on the best possible conference.

“I’ve often said Wisconsin shows better than it tells,” Baas said.  “We have this modesty about us.  It’s so cool to have the entire country here, seeing first-hand what a wonderful state we have.”

Wisconsin was well represented during the conference.

WTBA Director of Engineering Matt Grove introduced WisDOT Deputy Secretary Scott Lawry during the opening luncheon, Baas presented during the Contractors Division meeting, and Michels co-owner Tim Michels participated in a leadership panel.

WTBA Board President Mike Hahn joined representatives from Walbec, Mathy Construction, James Peterson Sons, HNTB, EXP and others during many events.

“Everyone loves the place,” Parisi said. “It could not have gone any better.”

There’s no prize–or gold medal–for organizing a strong conference, but Baas believes this year’s National Convention will inspire the hard work our industry needs to put in over the months and years ahead.

“So many of our contractors and companies were here,” Baas said. “It’s a great way to expose the national organization to the great things we’re doing in Wisconsin but also be a strong resource for them so then we can increase their impact in Washington.”