EP 7: Jack Kocsis of Associated Construction Contractors (ACCNJ)

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ). With more than 35 years leading the organization, Jack brings a rare depth of experience from both the construction site and the negotiation table. He reflects on the evolution of labor management partnerships, the origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust, and how listening yes really listening has been the most powerful leadership tool in his career. Jack also shares his perspective on workforce development, public policy, apprenticeship, and the industry's responsibility to adapt and grow. From enforcing laws on wage theft to building bridges between contractors and unions, this conversation lays out what real collaboration in construction looks like and what still needs to change.01:26 – Introducing Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of ACCNJ02:39 – Jack’s blue collar roots and journey into construction leadership06:55 – Why the union construction industry is different and more honest07:29 – What ACCNJ does and the value of listening in leadership10:43 – The role of trust, fairness, and communication in successful negotiations11:45 – What healthy labor management partnership really looks like12:04 – The origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust14:53 – How labor and management built a new model of cooperation15:20 – The challenge of educating policymakers and telling labor’s story17:33 – The real cost of wage theft and misclassification18:00 – A pivotal moment: why labor and management stuck together19:39 – Why lowering wages isn’t the solution for competitiveness20:00 – Apprenticeship, inclusion, and evolving recruitment in the trades22:08 – Disproving the myth that union labor is unproductive or costly23:49 – How contractor success drives union job growth24:24 – Jack’s policy wish: enforcement over new laws25:30 – Connecting agencies to catch unscrupulous contractors26:19 – Changing the culture of the construction industry26:58 – How Jack defines success after 35 years in the industry27:41 – Final thoughts and appreciation for partnership