Retired Contractor and 50-Year Member Kenneth Thompson, “Mr. Albuquerque”

For fans of the southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico often conjures up visions of colorful hot air balloons, good Mexican food, and beautiful mountains. For BAC member and retired contractor Kenneth Thompson, however, a drive through his adopted hometown brings to life more than 40 years of quality construction, progress, and pride.

Thompson, a native Texan, began his BAC apprenticeship in Fort Worth with the C.R. Bradley Construction Company and received his Union card in 1949. Before long, he was running jobs as a foreman, eventually being named as superintendent on a premier New Mexico hotel project. His temporary relocation to Albuquerque in 1958 became permanent when he realized the opportunities presented by the growing city, and established his own contracting firm, Kenneth P. Thompson Co., Inc.

The company, which developed into the largest masonry construction firm in the area, specialized in large commercial buildings including hotels, schools, libraries, shopping centers, and the International Sunport.

Through it all, Thompson brought integrity, excellence, and dedication to the industry he loves. His unflagging support of local apprenticeship programs and active involvement in contractor association matters made him a popular mentor to many young bricklayers and contractors seeking advice and guidance at the start of their masonry construction careers. IU Organizer Frank Lozano respectfully refers to Thompson as “Mr. Albuquerque.”

Even in retirement Thompson remains true to his entrepreneurial spirit by keeping busy with ranching, real estate, and gas and oil leasing interests across the Southwest. His wife, Juanita – to whom he credits much of his success in business and in life – along with his daughter and family struggle to keep pace as he continually forges ahead with yet another plan or idea, secure in the knowledge that his contributions to the masonry industry and the city of Albuquerque will long be remembered with appreciation and esteem.