Beacon News

Happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was enjoyable and that 2026 is off to a strong start.

Here at Beacon, we’ll soon be celebrating 23 years in business—and each year truly does seem to pass more quickly than the last. One of the highlights of December was Beacon’s Annual Corporate Meeting, where our staff came together from around the country and met in Savannah, Georgia. It was a great opportunity to celebrate another successful year, reflect on lessons learned, focus on areas for improvement in 2026, and enjoy some quality time together in a beautiful city (see photos here).

A special thank you to our invited guests, particularly Todd Braggins, recently retired Managing Partner of the law firm Ernstrom & Dreste LLP. Todd has been a valued collaborator on many surety claims projects over the years and an outstanding partner and friend to Beacon. At this year’s meeting, he delivered a moving and inspirational talk to our team, sharing lessons learned during his remarkable career along with thoughtful reflections on life, friendship, and family. Todd is well known throughout the construction and surety law communities, and he will be greatly missed. For those who may not know him, his professional biography can be found here. I personally would like to thank Todd for his friendship and mentorship over the years. He is truly a unique and talented person. We will miss him very much, but also wish him the best life has to offer as he enjoys his very active and exciting retirement.

Looking ahead, members of Beacon’s construction consulting team—including myself—will be in Washington, D.C., from January 21–23 to attend the ABA’s 2026 Fidelity & Surety Law Committee (FSLC) Midwinter Conference. This conference is always a great way to begin the year, featuring excellent panel discussions and opportunities to connect with leaders across the surety industry. Beacon will be co-sponsoring a dinner and networking event during the conference, and we hope to see many of you there.

Please take a moment to explore this month’s Beacon E-News for project updates and firm news. As always, if you need support with any construction consulting matter, don’t hesitate to Contact Beacon.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful 2026.

Dennis O'Neill, President
Beacon Consulting Group, Inc.