Oscar C. Boldt, the third-generation leader of The Boldt Company, the Wisconsin-based general contractor with 14 offices across the U.S., passed away June 9 from natural causes at the age of 96.
Boldt, known to friends and business associates as O.C., had been with the company his grandfather, Martin, founded in 1889 for 72 years. Over more than half a century, Boldt transformed a family business that once teetered on the verge of bankruptcy into one of the country’s largest construction firms that generates around $1 billion in annual revenue and employs 2,000 workers.
“Oscar built a business based on honesty, and fairness, hard work, performance and a passionate love for construction,” said President and COO Dave Kievet. “These are principles that guide our team members on a daily basis and are the foundation of our culture.”
Boldt’s son Tom, the company’s CEO, who with his mother, Pat, was at his father’s side when he died, noted that Oscar maintained a deep connection with the organization. “He loved the company and the positive impact it has had on so many customers and communities. He was excited about what we will be capable of in the future. And, he wanted us to have fun doing it.”
NOTED PHILANTHROPIST
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a civil engineering degree, Boldt served as a B-24 navigator in the Air Force during World War II. After the war, he joined the company, and assumed its leadership reins from his father, Oscar J. Boldt, in 1950.
During his tenure, The Boldt Company, headquartered in Appleton, Wis., built many local landmarks, including the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and multiple healthcare facilities.
Aside from his business achievements, Boldt was a philanthropist. According to local news reports, he and his wife—who married in July 1949—regularly donated half of his annual income to church, charities, colleges, and local arts organization. They also served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Appleton Medical Center.
Boldt’s accolades include honorary degrees from Ripon College and Lawrence University, and a Distinguished Contractor Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2000 he was inducted into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame.
The family is planning a private funeral and memorial service for a later date.
Related Stories
Building Team | Jul 1, 2022
Less portable potty, more movable restroom
Some contractors are packing up their portable potties and instead using the H3 Wellness Hub.
Market Data | Jun 30, 2022
Yardi Matrix releases new national rent growth forecast
Rents in most American cities continue to rise slightly each month, but are not duplicating the rapid escalation rates exhibited in 2021.
Headquarters | Jun 30, 2022
Lenovo to build its new global headquarters in Beijing
Washington, D.C.-based architecture and design firm CallisonRTKL has announced it will create the new global headquarters in Beijing for Lenovo Group, a Chinese multinational personal technology company.
Mass Timber | Jun 29, 2022
Mass timber competition: building to net-zero winning proposals
The 2022 Mass Timber Competition: Building to Net-Zero is a design competition to expand the use of mass timber in the United States by demonstrating its versatility across building types and its ability to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.
Laboratories | Jun 29, 2022
The "collaboratory" brings digital innovation to the classroom
The Collaboratory—a mix of collaboration and laboratory—is a networking center being designed at the University of Denver’s College of Business.
Airports | Jun 29, 2022
BIG and HOK’s winning design for Zurich airport’s new terminal
Two years ago, Zurich Airport, which opened in the 1950s, launched an international design competition to replace the aging Dock A—the airport’s largest dock.
Museums | Jun 28, 2022
The California Science Center breaks grounds on its Air and Space Center
The California Science Center—a hands-on science center in Los Angeles—recently broke ground on its Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center.
Contractors | Jun 27, 2022
Reverse mentorship: A model for the future of the construction workforce
Reverse mentorship can help seasoned professionals develop new skills, stay connected with younger generations, and gain future-forward insights for life and business.
Building Team | Jun 27, 2022
Chapel of St. Ignatius by Steven Holl Architects receives AIA’s twenty-five year award
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is honoring the Chapel of St. Ignatius in Seattle, designed by Steven Holl Architects, with its Twenty-five Year Award.
Green | Jun 22, 2022
The business case for passive house multifamily
A trio of Passive House experts talk about the true costs and benefits of passive house design and construction for multifamily projects.