A Commitment to Diversity.
The icon team knew the importance of
developing
a strong diversity
program. They could
envision the impact
such an effort would
make at icon as
well as in the industry
— an industry that
has traditionally fell
short in providing
opportunities for
women and
minorities in both
business and
workforce.
In 2011, construction industry veteran,
Steve Faust, joined icon to lead Business
Development and Diversity initiatives.
Faust grew up in the construction trades and it was that history that ignited his passion for helping those who historically have not been provided equal opportunity.
Under Faust's direction, icon has become one of the industry's foremost leaders in diversity initiatives. This includes being instrumental in the formation of several pre-apprentice programs aimed at providing women and minorities with access to the trades and apprenticeship programs.
"It's about leveling the playing field and building true inclusion and social equity," said Faust, who serves on variety of organizational committees dedicated to promoting diversity among the trades. "icon has developed best practices for the mentoring of MWBE business partners to ensure their success when partnering with icon."
icon has awarded more than $100 million in MBE and WBE contracts over the last 15 years and has a long history of exceeding MBE/WBE project goals.
con works with minority and women-owned business enterprises on a daily basis, matching
Bieg said focusing on every aspect of a project, from start to finish helps avoid mistakes and produces a better product for the owner. It’s just the right thing to do, he said.
“Our strength is in our passion to do it right,” Bieg said, adding if something is hanging crooked on a hanger, it needs to be fixed. “People learn to appreciate that. And, if you pay attention to those little things, clients know you’re attentive to the big things. That kind of effort puts you in a leading position.”
DIVERSITY
A History of Commitment
2012
icon launches diversity initiative
2013
icon becomes one of the first subcontractor members of the AGC MO Diversity & Inclusion committee
icon joins the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumer Diversity Committee
2014
icon helps form the Building Union Diversity (BUD) program
2016
Faust wins SLCC Diversity Award representing icon
2017
AGC of America launches diversity program modeled by the St. Louis programs
Faust becomes part of Southwest Illinois Leadership Council Board and co-chair of Manufacturers and Workforce Development Committee
2019
icon is instrumental in AGC MO winning first National Diversity & Inclusion Award
2020
icon helps form the Champions Program with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 and the MCA
Students from Jennings High School (St. Louis) tour
icon to learn about careers in construction.