MMR President and CEO James B. “Pepper” Rutland Receives ECC Lifetime Achievement Award

September 10, 2026

MMR Group is proud to announce that President and CEO James B. “Pepper” Rutland was honored with the ECC Lifetime Achievement Award during the Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC) Association’s 58^th annual conference in Austin, Texas.

 

Rutland was recognized for a career spanning decades of leadership and growth at MMR, where he built the company into the nation’s largest privately owned open-shop electrical and instrumentation contractor. Today, MMR operates 30+ district offices across North America, providing comprehensive solutions through its core electrical and instrumentation, power, and fabrication services.

 

Throughout his career, Rutland has championed a people-first approach centered on integrity, opportunity, and leadership development. He has been a strong advocate for workforce development, investing in training programs, internships, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships that help prepare the next generation of skilled craft professionals and industry leaders. 

 

“It’s not the equipment, tools, buildings or dollars that have led to our success. It is the compassion, ingenuity and drive to succeed instilled in our people,” said Rutland. 

 

Beyond his work at MMR, Rutland has remained committed to giving back, supporting charitable organizations and community initiatives that make a positive impact in the places MMR employees call home.

 

The ECC Association is an industry organization that brings together leaders across large scale commercial and capital projects. The ECC Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding individuals with careers that have made a lasting impact on the industry through exceptional leadership, professional achievement, and service.

 

As part of the award ceremony, attendees viewed a congratulatory video with messages from industry leaders, MMR executives, friends, and family.

 

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