Blueprints & Banter

In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, Steve Cona III, President & CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast, sits down with Oliver Corizzi, Principal at Avenue Media - an experienced, industry-focused marketing agency based in Sarasota - to talk about what's driving unprecedented competition in commercial construction and what contractors need to do differently to stay ahead. Oliver shares why AI is dramatically increasing the number of firms bidding on every project, why more contractors are niching down into specific sectors rather than positioning as generalists, and why a strong website is less about lead generation and more about validating your credibility when a client is comparing bids. Together, Steve and Oliver discuss what it really takes to differentiate in today's market: How AI is lowering the bidding barrier - and what that means for contractors Why niching down is replacing "we do it all" - and winning more work because of it Why your website validates, not generates - and what most contractors get wrong How culture and tenure speak louder than any marketing campaign Why your workforce is your most powerful recruiting tool How featuring your subs in your marketing builds project-wide loyalty What AI can and can't replace - and why storytelling matters more than ever Whether you're a GC, subcontractor, or construction-related business navigating a tighter market, this episode offers a candid and practical look at how reputation, brand, and story are becoming as strategic as any bid on the Gulf Coast. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes of Blueprints & Banter and conversations with leaders shaping the future of construction

In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, Steve Cona III, President & CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast, sits down with Jason Hall, Chief Revenue Officer at GMF Steel and ABC's 2025 Member of the Year, to talk about what real industry engagement looks like - and why it matters more than ever. Jason shares how his company leaned into ABC from day one, how involvement across leadership, workforce programs, and committees created measurable value, and why collective action is essential for solving the construction industry's biggest challenges - from workforce shortages to policy advocacy. Together, Steve and Jason discuss what happens behind the scenes at ABC, how industry leaders shape advocacy efforts, and why participation at every level of a company helps build stronger teams and stronger businesses. This conversation also dives into: Why networking is only the starting point of ABC membership How advocacy efforts help shape policy and protect the industry The importance of leadership buy-in when engaging your team What Jason sees coming next for construction on the Gulf Coast Whether you're already involved in ABC or considering membership, this episode offers a clear look at how engagement, leadership, and collaboration move the construction industry forward. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes of Blueprints & Banter and conversations with leaders shaping the future of construction.

In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, ABC Florida Gulf Coast President & CEO Steve Cona sits down with Adam Handfinger - construction attorney and co-founder of Document Crunch - to unpack the real risks contractors are facing right now, and how technology can help keep projects on track. With 25 years practicing construction law and a front-row seat to jobsite realities, Adam explains how AI is changing the way contractors understand contracts, manage risk, and avoid costly mistakes—especially in today's volatile environment. Here's what we cover: ✔️ How AI tools like Document Crunch support project teams-not just legal teams ✔️ Why undocumented fear, not just enforcement, is driving labor shortages ✔️ What contractors should do if ICE or Homeland Security shows up on a jobsite ✔️ How to track labor shortages before they derail your schedule ✔️ The return of material price chaos - from tariffs to steel, aluminum, and lumber spikes ✔️ Common contract mistakes that leave GCs and trades exposed to escalation risk ✔️ Why trade contractors must understand the prime contract - even if they can't negotiate it ✔️ How better documentation and real-time tracking prevent disputes before they start Key insight from Adam Handfinger: "Most project teams don't fail because they don't care. They fail because they don't know what their contracts actually require - until it's too late." This conversation is a practical, no-nonsense look at how contractors can protect themselves, their teams, and their margins - by combining legal insight, better process, and smart use of AI. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on construction leadership, risk management, workforce challenges, and the future of the industry. #BlueprintsAndBanter #ABCFLGulf #ConstructionLaw #DocumentCrunch #AIinConstruction #LaborShortage #ConstructionRisk #MeritShopProud

In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, ABC Gulf Coast Chapter President & CEO Steve Cona III sits down with Nathan Somerville from VectorNet, a Tampa-based engineering design firm specializing in reality capture and advanced construction technology. As a licensed engineer and contractor in Florida, Nathan brings a unique insider's perspective on how construction technology can solve real industry challenges. Here's what we cover: ✔️ How VectorNet started three years ago to fill technology gaps in the AEC space ✔️ Why AI is the hottest trend in construction - from ChatGPT to Procore's AI-powered RFI analysis ✔️ Reality capture and laser scanning: from 10-year delays to same-day concrete pour adjustments ✔️ Practical technology entry points for mid-sized contractors and subcontractors ✔️ Using 360 cameras and helmet-mounted devices for easy jobsite documentation ✔️ AI-powered safety monitoring to identify hazards before they become incidents ✔️ How wearables could revolutionize construction site safety and location tracking ✔️ Streamlining permitting processes and using AI to analyze city comments ✔️ Daily applications of ChatGPT for proposals, RFP reviews, and workflow efficiency ✔️ Preview of ABC's upcoming Tech & Safety Conference on August 29th Whether you're a large contractor already using advanced technology or a smaller firm looking to get started, this episode provides actionable insights on embracing construction technology to stay competitive in today's labor-challenged market. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on industry insights, technology trends, and real talk with construction leaders.

In this episode of Blueprints & Banter podcast, Steve Cona welcomes Laura Gross, Vice President of ABC Florida Gulf Coast, to dive deeply into how ABC's latest workforce strategies are directly benefiting apprentices, emerging leaders, and your entire team. Specifically, you'll hear about: The Redesigned Apprenticeship Model: ABC's apprenticeship program has been revamped with fewer nights in the classroom, expanded online learning options, and customized in-house training opportunities. Laura explains how these changes directly support contractors by delivering more efficient, site-specific skills training to their workforce. Next Gen Leadership Development: Now entering its 13th year, ABC's selective NEXGEN Leadership Program accepts only 30 carefully chosen participants annually, fostering deep industry connections, preparing future chapter leaders, and strengthening the leadership capacity within member companies. Mental Health and Total Human Wellness Initiatives: With a significant shift toward total human health in the construction industry, ABC has introduced critical mental health and suicide prevention training. Laura shares how these initiatives are helping member companies prioritize employee well-being, enhancing both retention and productivity. Young Professionals Group (YPG): ABC's YPG provides essential networking and professional growth opportunities for young industry professionals. Discover how participation in YPG accelerates career growth, builds confidence, and connects emerging professionals to industry veterans. Plus, get an exclusive preview of ABC's upcoming Tech & Safety Conference, showcasing innovative solutions to create safer, more efficient job sites. Tune in to understand exactly how these strategic workforce changes at ABC are designed to deliver real value to your business and your teams. #ABCMeritShopProud #ABCFLGulf #WorkforceDevelopment

Does social media really work in commercial construction? Many construction companies still believe marketing is only about getting new projects—but the reality is, digital strategy plays a much bigger role. From attracting skilled workers to strengthening industry influence, construction companies that ignore social media risk falling behind. In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, Steve Cona (President & CEO, ABC Florida Gulf Coast) sits down with Oliver Corizzi (Principal, Avenue Media) to break down the real impact of marketing in construction. They tackle one of the biggest misconceptions: Why digital presence isn't just about lead generation—but about positioning, credibility, and workforce development. Key episode takeaways: - Recruitment is marketing. The companies that showcase their projects and culture attract the best talent. - Networking extends beyond events. A strong digital presence increases visibility and industry credibility. - Strategy beats volume. Posting without a plan doesn't work—structured storytelling does. - ABC Florida Gulf Coast is evolving. 2025 will highlight advocacy wins, workforce training, and member success stories in a way that drives real impact. Looking ahead, the upcoming Excellence in Construction Awards will offer a prime opportunity to showcase top-tier projects and member achievements! Learn how digital storytelling can turn award-winning work into a powerful marketing asset. 📍 Learn more about ABC Florida Gulf Coast: www.abcflgulf.org 🎧 If you're in construction and still think social media is just an afterthought—this episode will change your mind. Tune in now!

- Steve Cona, President/CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter - David Turcios, Chairman of the ABC Board **Special Guest Host:** - Laura Gross, VP of Membership for ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter **Guests:** - Adam Bonsky, CEO & President, ABC Insurance Trust - Larry Crocker, Fiduciary Consulting Group /// **Segment 1: Introduction (5 minutes)** - **Opening Music and Introduction by Hosts:** - Introduction of the podcast and its focus on ABC's new member benefits and programs. - Brief overview of ABC and its role in the construction industry. - Introduction of special guest host Laura Gross and today's guests Adam Bonsky and Larry Crocker. **Segment 2: ABC's New Healthcare Captive (10 minutes)** - **Discussion with Adam Bonsky:** - Introduction to the Healthcare Captive program. - Key benefits of the Healthcare Captive for ABC members. - How the program can help members reduce healthcare costs. - Real-world examples or case studies (if available). - Q&A session with hosts and special guest host. **Segment 3: ABC 401k Program (10 minutes)** - **Discussion with Larry Crocker:** - Introduction to the ABC 401k Program. - Key features and benefits of the 401k program. - How the program can provide a competitive advantage in the construction marketplace. - Success stories or testimonials from ABC members using the program. - Q&A session with hosts and special guest host. **Segment 4: Member Benefits and Competitive Advantage (5 minutes)** - **Roundtable Discussion:** - Summary of how these programs collectively help ABC members. - Discussion on the broader impact of these programs on the construction industry. - Final thoughts from each guest and host on the importance of leveraging ABC member benefits. **Closing Remarks:** - **Hosts:** - Recap of key points discussed in the podcast. - Information on how to access more details about the Healthcare Captive and 401k programs. - Call to action for listeners to join ABC and take advantage of these programs. /// Website: ABCFLGulf.org https://www.facebook.com/abcflgulf/ https://twitter.com/abcflgulf https://www.linkedin.com/company/associated-builders-&-contractors-florida-gulf-coast-chapter/ Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 68 chapters representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry. * ABC is the merit shop construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media. * ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. * ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and business development through an online contractor search directory. ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors - Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson - helped to quickly spread the merit shop philosophy, within time making ABC the fastest growing association in the United States. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.

John (JC) Hudgison is a native of Columbus, Georgia. He advanced his education by attending and graduating from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Architecture & Design (B. Arch), and is scheduled to attain a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) from Troy University in 2022. JC is currently the Construction Services Center Manager and Chief Building Official for the City of Tampa, FL. Prior to working for the City of Tampa, John worked for the Columbus Consolidated Government in Columbus GA and John I Rivers Associates as an Architecture Intern. John has more than 13 years of experience in the fields of architecture, building code, construction, and construction management. In the ten years of service to the Columbus Consolidated Government, he managed numerous projects including new public buildings, streetscape improvements, and a wide range of renovation and rehab projects at various scale. JC has also demonstrated keen skills at introducing innovative processes to improve service delivery to the public. JC has progressively taken on new roles and responsibilities at the department and tackled numerous special projects spanning other service areas of the City. Most recently, JC served as Director of Building Inspections and Code Enforcement where he directed the plan review and inspections program relative to the construction as well as Property Maintenance and Special Enforcement Divisions. JC has received his Certified Building Official (CBO) certification from the International Code Council (ICC), is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is a licensed Building Code Administrator through the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). In his commitment to building design and safety, He previously served on the board of the Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG), Department of Community Affairs (DCA) 2018 International Building Code Task Force, the AIA Georgia Board and still active on the ICC Emerging Leaders Membership Council (ELMC). /// Website: ABCFLGulf.org https://www.facebook.com/abcflgulf/ https://twitter.com/abcflgulf https://www.linkedin.com/company/associated-builders-&-contractors-florida-gulf-coast-chapter/ Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 68 chapters representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry. * ABC is the merit shop construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media. * ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. * ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and business development through an online contractor search directory. ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors - Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson - helped to quickly spread the merit shop philosophy, within time making ABC the fastest growing association in the United States. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.

Guest: Ben Brubeck, VP of Regulatory, Labor, & State Affairs at ABC National Ben Brubeck is vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs at the Associated Builders and Contractors, a construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 general contractors, subcontractors and industry partners. A recognized expert in procurement, labor and employment issues impacting the construction industry, Mr. Brubeck has extensive experience with the Davis-Bacon Act, state prevailing wage laws, project labor agreements and regulations affecting federal contractors. He also serves as vice president of policy for the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships. Prior to joining ABC, Mr. Brubeck was the 2003 James A. Finnegan Foundation Fellow for the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee. /// Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 68 chapters representing 22,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry. ABC is the merit shop construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media. ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and business development through an online contractor search directory. ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors - Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson - helped to quickly spread the merit shop philosophy, within time making ABC the fastest growing association in the United States. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.