Bill Watson and Leroy

The Association is running a new program for students nominated by University faculty in which they will work in small teams with Master Members of the association on a project designed to develop into an actual business opportunity. One of the several Masters who have contributed to this process is Leroy Ozanne, founder of the Ozanne Construction Company. Leroy has developed a structural wall product using his years of extensive construction experience.

A student team will be working with Worthington Industries of Columbus, Ohio on an evaluation of this product in the integrated building systems market. Leroy has been leading the charge and is shown meeting with Bill Watson, Worthington’s Director of Product Development to discuss different applications for this advancement.

At noon the same day, Leroy was honored by Minority Business Solutions, Inc. with their Trailblazer of the Year award. The perfect award recipient, Leroy was short and to the point. At the luncheon, you could see that he has earned the respect of the contracting and building community. In fact, one of the people in the audience was Master Member Evelyn Kuzilla, President of Jance Construction. Here is what Evelyn had to say about Leroy: “He established his company at a time when the opportunities which are available for minorities today were not available. He persevered and grew his company to one of the country’s most successful general contracting and construction management firms. The construction industry is very difficult with many variables and Leroy should be congratulated. He is an inspiration, not only to minority contractors, but to all of us who are in construction."

Leroy is a great example of the intent of the Masters program. He is a leader in the community and yet takes the time to help our students learn both the business and life lessons he has mastered. Congratulations Leroy! If you would like to add your congratulations for Leroy click here.

Arlene Anderson; Dominic Ozanne; Leroy Ozanne; Congresswoman Marcia Fudge