By Caroline Krug, Editor The LICA Contractor
For more than two decades, Jerry Biuso, Sr. was the face of the Land Improvement Contractors of America. To many, he’ll always be the “Godfather of LICA,” a nickname born from his unmistakable personality, his Jersey confidence, and the way he looked after this association as if it were his own family. As he retires at the end of the year, the LICA community is taking time to reflect on the incredible impact he has had on the organization, its members, and the people who had the privilege of working beside him.
Growing a National Family
When Jerry first got involved with LICA, membership hovered around 1,400 contractors. Through relentless effort, creative ideas, and countless flights-between 40 and 60 a year by his count—he helped double that number to 2,800. He believed in the value of connection and never hesitated to get on a plane, shake a hand, or listen to what members needed.
Those conversations weren’t transactional. They were personal. He remembered people’s families, their businesses, and the challenges they faced. Jerry had a way of making everyone feel like they mattered. He wasn’t just recruiting members; he was building a family.
A Brand Builder in a World of Bulldozers
Jerry didn’t come from the construction world. His background was in New York advertising, where he represented brands like Elizabeth Arden and Saks Fifth Avenue. He knew how to build an identity and how to make people take notice. LICA benefited from every bit of that experience.
One of Jerry’s proudest accomplishments was creating The LICA Contractor magazine. What began as a way to communicate news and updates quickly became the heart of LICA’s national identity, uniting contractors, sharing ideas, and celebrating members’ achievements.
He also championed the visibility of the LICA name. He believed LICA members should be instantly recognizable, and he turned the green shirt into a symbol people looked for at every event. No one wore that shirt with more pride than Jerry.
Creating Community, One Idea at a Time
Jerry had a knack for turning simple ideas into beloved traditions. One of his favorites was Associates’ Night, which he reinvented as a themed networking event that reflected the personality of the host city. These gatherings became a highlight of every national meeting, blending business, laughter, and local flavor.
He also expanded LICA’s visibility at trade shows and national events. From CONEXPO to Hard Hat, NACD to IECA, Jerry made sure LICA was represented. He later served on the CONEXPO educational committee, helping shape educational programming for excavating professionals and raising LICA’s national profile.
State Chapters and Strong Partnerships
Throughout his career, Jerry visited every state chapter, recruiting, supporting, and celebrating the people who make LICA strong. Many of the members he recruited went on to serve in leadership positions at both state and national levels.
He built relationships with associate members and major manufacturers that helped sustain LICA’s growth over the years, agencies, legislators, and industry partners so contrac- tors had someone in their corner. And he showed up for members whenever they needed him, whether the issue was big or small, business or personal.
An Advocate Contractors Could Count On
Jerry stood apart because he treated advocacy as a responsibility, not a task. He knew the pressures facing small contractors and kept a close watch on every regulatory or tax change that could affect their bottom line. He paid attention, he asked questions, and he was an early voice urging members to make full use of Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation.
Whenever he spoke to a crowd, he reminded contractors that he saw himself as their advocate first. “My job is to help my members run safer, smarter, and to be more profitable,” he once said, “and I take that very seriously.” He meant it.
In His Own Words
Jerry shared a few reflections from his early days with LICA:
“I had a hostile beginning,” he laughed. “At my first Iowa meeting, a contractor threatened to chop off my legs. In Virginia, someone told me if I didn’t take off my tie, he’d cut it off. And in the Carolinas, a member told me he’d be watching my every move because he didn’t think I’d ever succeed.”
“But I kept showing up. I went from being the new guy from New Jersey to being part of something bigger than I ever imagined.”
He recalls how his national journey began almost by accident.
“I started as the NJ LICA Executive Director, and when I went to my first national convention, I sat in on the public relations committee meeting. I was the only one there. Without a vote, they made me chair of the committee. That’s how my national career began.”
Over the years, Jerry worked alongside dozens of dedicated presidents, executive committee members, and contractors he now considers lifelong friends.
Stories From the Road
Jerry’s colleagues didn’t just work with him. They traveled with him, argued with him, laughed with him, and made life- long memories with him.
Mike Cook of Michigan LICA remembers taking Jerry out recruiting in the snow during his early years. Jerry hadn’t brought boots, so Mike handed him a pair and led him across muddy fields to sign up a new contractor.
“Then we went to Les Miller’s nice office,” Mike said, “and the frustration of taking those boots off... I laughed so hard. City guy in a farmer world.”
Mike also remembers how Jerry always asked about his family, especially Mike’s grandson with autism, who Jerry always made feel welcome at conventions. “He’s a brother and a mentor,” Mike said. “I’ll always cherish the time spent with him.”
Maura Dibble from New York LICA told the now-famous chocolate cake story. At one of Jerry’s first conventions, she leaned over and sampled his dessert with her fork. He never forgot it. From then on, she sent him a chocolate cake every year for his birthday. Their friendship spanned countless trade shows, road trips, football games, and plenty of laughter.
A Lasting Legacy
Jerry’s focus on membership, branding, and building genuine relationships left a lasting impression on every part of LICA, from coast to coast and from the boardroom to the job site. Those who worked with him describe a leader who cared deeply about people and believed in what LICA stood for.
As Jerry steps into this next chapter, the LICA community thanks him for his years of dedication. LICA will never have another Jerry Biuso. And we will never forget the years he gave so much of himself to the organization he loved. He led with heart, humor, loyalty, and fire, and his work will continue to inspire the members and friends he’s brought together along the way.
LICA Members Remember...
“Jerry’s energy is contagious — you always knew when he was in the room. He’s fought hard for LICA and for our members, always focused on growth and keeping this organization strong. After working together for so long, it’s hard to imagine LICA without him leading the charge.”
—Eileen Levy, CFO, National LICA
“I had the pleasure of meeting Jerry in New Jersey when he assumed the role of Executive Director. It did not take long for us to become friends, as we quickly found a lot of common interests. Our friendship has been marked by countless road trips, numerous trade shows, football, especially the Buffalo Bills, golf events and many libations and a lot of laughter. Together, we have created hundreds of memories, each one cherished and unforgettable.”
—Maura Dibble, Executive Director, NY LICA
“For nearly twenty years, I’ve had the honor of working alongside Jerry—a true leader whose wisdom, integrity, and tenacity have shaped LICA’s voice and strengthened our community. His vision and tireless commitment gave life to both the LICA Contractor magazine and The History of Farm Drainage and the LICA Contractor book, preserving our industry’s story for generations to come. Jerry’s legacy of leadership and friendship will continue to guide us all. I wish him comfort, gratitude, and the very best in the next chapter of his life.”
—Bob Clark, Past President, National LICA
“Jerry’s ideas have shaped LICA for decades. He’s never been afraid to try something new or push us forward — from the magazine to CONEXPO and everything in between. He’s got a big personality and an even bigger heart for this organization and its members. It’s been an incredible run working side by side all these years.”
—Allison Hack, EVP, National LICA
“I am proud to have worked with Jerry, Bob Clark, Eileen Levy, Deb Dickens, Caroline Krug, and many others on the History of Farm Drainage book. I was honored that Jerry believed my role in the evolution of GPS was worth an entire chapter. It brought back many fond memories from throughout my life.
Jerry, thank you. You were never just a director to me in all the years we worked together at LICA. You have been a brother and a mentor who taught me how to handle both the good and the tough moments. I am grateful for the positions and responsibilities you trusted me with over the years. Best wishes to you, Donna, and your family. Jake and all of my family will always cherish the time we spent with you. We’re always here for you. Go Michigan!”
—Mike Cook, Past President, National LICA
“Jerry changed the entire course of my career. With his support, I grew into the editor of a national magazine. I even became a published author because of a project he put into motion. He taught me so much about publishing, design, and the art of negotiation. I’ll always be grateful for the chance to learn from the Godfather of LICA.”
—Caroline Krug, Editor The LICA Contractor