Congratulations to these top-tier members of the business community for their long-standing contributions to our islands.

In the current economic climate, companies on Guam and in the Northern Mariana Islands are proud to show their success and longevity in serving the people of our islands. Guam Business Magazine presents a handful of outstanding companies that are doing business in Micronesia celebrating important milestones in 2022. Through inspiration and dedication, each of them has managed to stay on course in a region that has seen more than its fair share of challenges for decades.

These leaders in their fields have ensured quality and reliability to consumers and businesses alike and have given back to the communities in which they do business, setting an example for others to follow. Guam Business is privileged to honor these companies' milestones and brings readers a special Corporate Anniversaries feature with a closer look at their endeavors.

Black Construction Corporation
65 years of accomplishment and dedication

The Black companies were started in Hawaii in 1926 by Mr. E.E. Black. He was referred to by many in the industry as Johnny Black in the early days. Black Construction was eventually borne from the visions and opportunities in the Pacific post-World War II.

In late 1956, Black ventured to Guam as a member of a joint venture to construct housing at Andersen Air Force Base and eventually registered as a Guam corporation in June 1958.

A seasoned team leads Black Construction – Leonard K. Kaae, senior vice president and general manager; Mark J. Mamczarz, vice president of finance. John M. McSweeney, vice president of estimating and business development; Donald J. McCann, vice president of operations; and Dean E. Bates, vice president of engineering. The group has grown today to almost 1,200 employees, comprised of 279 staff and 912 craft employees.

Kaae says, “There are many factors that could describe the success of the Black Group of Companies, but one that truly epitomizes a resounding response is the ‘can do spirit.’ The industry in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s lacked a true subcontracting community, forcing general contractors to execute most of the scope of work required on almost every project.”

The needs were wide, he says. “This included site development, structural concrete, architectural finishes to plumbing, HVAC systems, fire protection and most electrical systems.”

The group’s insistence on rising to the challenge gave it a lead and reputation in the construction industry that continues to 2023.

“Black’s ability to execute all of these disciplines illustrate the company’s unwavering commitment to its clients over the years,” Kaae says. “The slogan ‘On Track with Black’ was coned as a result of this inherent spirit once a person becomes part of the Black Family.”

As part of that attitude from start to finish, Kaae says, “Black is committed to our clients in providing the best quality of construction in a safe productive work environment for all members of the construction team, while ensuring the project schedule is met.

Every member of the Black Family is a top priority, he says.

“Black is committed to providing its employees gainful employment in a safe working environment.”

Those aims have brought the group tangible returns employees appreciate. “Our reputation as a leader in the construction industry speaks for itself. One of the strongest assets of Black is the core value of family. Most of our employees are long-term members of the Black Family.”

The construction industry never stops development. Black Construction is at the forefront of development of a sustainable local workforce, has an ongoing commitment to training and education and is engaging in new construction technologies for Guam and the islands.

Kaae says the group’s commitment to Guam is solid and enduring. “As the largest general contractor on Guam, Black is committed to Guam’s present and future economic and strategic growth in the region. We anticipate being a part of Guam’s history over the next 65 years."