Honoring a Builder and a Community: Doug Watts Receives the 2026 Eric W. Ryberg Award
Each year, the Associated General Contractors of Utah presents its highest individual honor—the Eric W. Ryberg Award—to a contractor whose career reflects the very best of the industry. In 2026, that honor was awarded to Doug Watts, recognizing a lifetime defined by leadership, integrity, and service to both the construction profession and the communities it serves.
The Ryberg Award is reserved for those whose impact extends far beyond individual projects. It celebrates builders who elevate the industry, mentor others, and leave a lasting imprint through both their work and their values. Doug Watts exemplifies that legacy.
A Career Built on People, Purpose, and Community
As highlighted in the official award video released by AGC of Utah
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNMXJNm-_RU
Doug Watts’ journey in construction began early, growing up around the family business and learning firsthand the responsibility that comes with building places where people live, work, and gather. After joining Watts Construction in the mid-1980s, Doug helped guide the company through decades of growth in Southern Utah, navigating economic shifts while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and relationships.
Throughout the video, Doug reflects on the importance of people—employees, partners, and community leaders—emphasizing that construction is ultimately a team effort. His remarks underscore a theme repeated throughout his career: success is measured not only in finished projects, but in trust earned along the way.
Leadership That Extended Beyond the Jobsite
Doug’s influence reached well beyond his own company. He played an active role in civic and industry organizations, ensuring that contractors had a seat at the table as Southern Utah experienced rapid growth. His involvement helped align public needs with private-sector expertise, reinforcing construction’s role as a community partner.
Industry peers have consistently pointed to Doug’s example as one rooted in collaboration and service. In a published industry profile, local leaders described him as someone who “led by example” and viewed construction as a way to give back—not just build up.
🔗 Related industry coverage:
https://www.enr.com/articles/60326-doug-watts-named-intermountain-legacy-award-winner
Projects supporting public safety, education, and social services were approached with the same care and professionalism as any commercial development—an approach that reinforced trust between contractors, owners, and the communities they serve.
The Meaning Behind the Eric W. Ryberg Award
Named in honor of longtime industry leader Eric W. Ryberg, the award recognizes contractors who demonstrate:
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Long-term service to the construction industry
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Meaningful involvement with AGC of Utah
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Leadership grounded in integrity and responsibility
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A legacy of mentorship and community impact
Doug Watts’ selection places him among a distinguished group of past recipients whose careers helped shape Utah’s construction landscape. The award reflects not just what he built, but how he built it—with character, humility, and a deep respect for the profession.
A Legacy That Continues
As highlighted in the video, Doug’s legacy lives on through the next generation of leadership and the countless professionals he influenced along the way. His career serves as a reminder that the most enduring structures are often the relationships, values, and standards passed down over time.
The 2026 Eric W. Ryberg Award stands as a fitting recognition of a builder who understood that construction is about more than concrete and steel—it’s about people, purpose, and building what truly matters.