# CAWGC Welcomes Members to Annual Steak Fry in Joliet

- **Published:** 2026-08-26
- **Edition:** Midwest
- **Source:** Construction Equipment Guide
- **Authors:** CEG
- **URL:** https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/cawgc-welcomes-members-to-annual-steak-fry-in-joliet/72084
- **Tags:** CAWGC, Events, Illinois

## Summary
The Contractors Association of Will and Grundy Counties (CAWGC) hosted its annual steak fry, giving members an opportunity to network within the industry.

## Article

The Contractors Association of Will and Grundy Counties (CAWGC) hosted its annual steak fry on Aug. 20, 2026, at St. Joe's Park, 700 Theodore St., Joliet, Ill.

The event brought contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and other construction industry professionals together for an evening of food, networking and fellowship.

The annual gathering has become one of CAWGC's signature events, drawing hundreds of members of the regional construction community each year. Attendees enjoyed the Steak Fry's traditional food and festivities while having an opportunity to connect with colleagues from throughout the construction industry.

According to CAWGC, the steak fry is part of the association's ongoing efforts to provide members with opportunities to network and strengthen relationships within the regional construction industry.

## Photos

![Carla Montagano Liburdi (L), executive director of CAWGC, and Kristi Cichon, events and membership director of CAWGC, are ready to welcome guests to the annual steak fry.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-1.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![(L-R) are Austin Taylor, Nathan Stipanovich, Brian Paros and Lexus Stipanovich, all of Stip Bros. Excavating.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-10.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![(L-R) are Advantage Paving’s Matt Toomey, Zach Wisneski, Thomas Yonker and Mike Wisneski.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-11.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Adam Cerepa (L) of Ozinga and Matthew Halm of Clean Soil Consulting were enjoying the festivities.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-12.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Jeff Speer (L) of Altorfer CAT talked with John Stipanovich of Stip Bros. Excavating.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-13.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Joe Adler of Adler Roofing proved his expertise in grilling a good steak.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-14.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Jim Tacchia (L) of McCann Industries had a good conversation with Tony Wellner of Austin Tyler Construction.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-15.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![(L-R): Wayne Massid of West Side Tractor Sales talks with Justin Schriefer and Anthony Nolpe of Renzo Excavating.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-16.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Derrick Justice (L) of Hardings Heavy Equipment met up with Bob Baish of Baish Excavating, CAWGC board of directors.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-17.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![(L-R) are Chuck Rogers, Howie Heneger and Dave Waz, all of McCullough Equipment Group, and Brian Neumann of Fields on Caton Farm.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-18.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![(L-R) are Adam Degaetano of West Side Tractor Sales; Daniel Hardik of McGill Construction; Brian Anderson, product support representative of ALTA Equipment; and Nick Stipanovich of West Side Tractor Sales.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-2.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Dan Saxen (L) of Rod Baker Ford and Wayne Holt of Holt & Sons Truck Sales in Gardner, Ill., catch up during the event.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-3.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Louis Guidarelli (L) of Front Runner Systems and Vince Blecha of Liquidia Services man the grill at the annual CAWGC steak fry.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-4.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![John Young (L) of Seasons Landscape, CAWGC board of directors, and Eddie Olszta of Acrisure Insurance are ready to serve a feast at the steak fry.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-5.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![It takes a lot of chefs to prepare steaks for the hungry crowd, including JR Boerner (L) and Chris Petges of McCann Industries.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-6.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Wayne Minor (L) and Keith Valek of Lindbald Construction of Joliet, Ill., came with their appetites.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-7.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![(L-R): Logan Welch, Cody Nussbaum, Phil Welch and Paul Becerra, all representing Welch Bros., were ready to mingle at the steak fry.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-8.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*

![Ted Stipanovich (L) of Stip Bros. Excavating and Jason Henschen of Underground Pipe and Valve are enjoying some refreshments at the CAWGC steak fry.](https://dmt55mxnkgbz2.cloudfront.net/1205x0_s3-72084-M-CAWGC-STEAK-26-9.jpg)
*Photo credit: CEG photo*