PARIC People
After 50 Years, Michael Rallo, Sr., Builds Retirement Plans
After 50 successful years in the construction industry, Michael Rallo, Sr., will be retiring June 30.
Rallo began his career in 1976 in the construction company started by his grandfather, C. Rallo Construction. Later he formed his own company, CMR Construction, where he had the opportunity to manage many diverse challenges.
For the last 15 years, he has been with PARIC, where he was in charge of operations, led the Self-Perform Division and, over the last six years, managed the larger, most challenging projects.
During his half-century, he built prisons, car assembly plants, sports complexes, high-rises, manufacturing facilities, industrial projects, multi-family housing and senior living facilities.
Micheal reflects that the highlights of his career have been some of the highest-profile projects in the St. Louis area.
Early in his career, he oversaw the renovation of Union Station. Special attention was needed in the 1894 structure to restore Tiffany windows and to maintain the history of the building. Later, he was involved in another intriguing project – the renovation of the historic Kiel Auditorium into the Peabody Opera House, now known as the Stifel Theatre.
Another “special” project is Downtown’s 29-story Eagleton Federal Building. Upon opening, it was the largest federal court house in the country, and it changed the St. Louis skyline. The construction of the dynamic Ball Park Village was another project Rallo oversaw and which has made a major difference in Downtown.
Most recently, and especially important to him, has been his work with Boeing at the new MQ25 defense facility in Mascoutah, and the STLX Boeing expansion at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
Over the years, Rallo contributed time and talent to worthwhile community organizations, serving on the board of Christian Brothers High School for nine years, on the St. Louis Sports Authority board and the Associated General Contractors’ Governmental Affairs board.
His work in support of research on cancer and diabetes was recognized with a national “City of Hope” award.
These days, one of his most passionate issues is that he feels the construction industry today lacks workers who know “how to” build. He feels that too many young people have all the computer skills and know the “must do’s” of construction but he would like to see more workers who truly understand the “how to’s” of construction.
Through the years, Rallo has worked with and had excellent working relationships with all the building trade unions in St. Louis. He has worked with numerous architects, developers and owners, with a few more difficult than most others.
Currently, Michael is affectionately known as “Senior” at PARIC as his son Mike has ascended to the position of President. They share many conversations about what’s happening in the company. Michael reflects that it “was a dream come true to be able to work with my son.”
Michael knows that his career has had many ups and downs, but he is overwhelmingly proud of his 50 years in construction.
