by Jessica Gillette | Feb 18, 2026 | News
Spencer Teel & ABC-VA President, Pat Dean
2025 Member of the Year: Spencer Teel
President & CEO, TEEL Construction
It is one thing to lead a successful firm; it is another entirely to dedicate your limited time to the growth and education of our industry peers. This year, ABC Virginia is proud to honor Spencer Teel as our Member of the Year (2025).
Spencer’s journey in construction began from the ground up (literally!), spending his high school summers as a laborer and superintendent. That “boots on the ground” perspective has stayed with him as he ascended to President and CEO of TEEL Construction. But for ABC Virginia (ABC-VA), Spencer has been much more than a member; he has been a strategic builder of our chapter’s recent success.
A Legacy of Leadership Spencer’s impact is woven into the very fabric of our chapter’s operations. Having served on the Board of Directors since 2023 and now stepping into the Executive Committee for 2026, his vision has been instrumental during our Strategic Planning Conferences for the last four consecutive years. His commitment to the next generation of leaders was never more evident than when he shared his insights as a speaker for the Leadership Institute, presenting on “The Purpose Driven Life”, a topic that resonates deeply with our mission.
Spencer & Derek Irelan at ABC-VA SummerFest
Building the Bench What truly sets Spencer apart is his “culture first” mentality. He doesn’t just show up alone; he has championed a culture of involvement at TEEL, encouraging his staff to dive into ABC-VA committees, networking events, and our Young Professionals programs. Spencer’s team, with Director of Field Ops Deborah Magano as ring leader, has achieved STEP Diamond and Platinum status, proving that excellence in safety and professional development goes hand-in-hand.
GC Perspective Panel
Beyond the Blueprint Whether he was chairing the Management Education Committee, moderating our 2025 GC Panel, or supporting our PAC initiatives, Spencer has consistently raised the bar. When he finally steps “off the clock,” you’ll likely find him cheering from the sidelines of his sons’ games or crafting custom furniture — a testament to a man who enjoys the art of building, whether it’s a table, a team, or a community.
Please join us in celebrating Spencer Teel, a leader who defines what it means to be a truly engaged partner of ABC-VA!
Congratulations, Spencer!
View Spencer’s LinkedIn profile
by Jessica Gillette | Jan 15, 2026 | News, Political Advocacy
House Bill 42 was submitted to the Virginia General Assembly on January 14 and would extend mechanic’s lien agent provisions to most commercial projects.
Why General & Specialty Contractors Should Oppose Virginia HB 42
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It weakens mechanic’s lien rights on commercial projects.
Missing a 30-day MLA notice — even unintentionally — means losing lien protection entirely.
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The notice deadline is too early to be practical.
Contractors must send notice before payment issues are known, creating a technical trap.
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It increases risk without improving payment.
MLA notices do not require owners or lenders to pay faster or differently.
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More paperwork, more cost, more exposure.
Increased admin burden and legal risk raise costs for GCs and specialty trades.
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It favors title insurance companies and lenders, not contractors.
Contractors assume more risk while others gain protection.
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Higher contractor risk means higher project costs.
Weakening lien rights leads to higher pricing, tighter credit, and fewer competitive bids.
Bottom line:
HB 42 shifts risk away from owners and lenders and onto contractors — without fixing payment problems.
ABC-VA member Jim Fullerton of Fullerton & Knowles, P.C., provides a full breakdown on HB 42, its affects on the construction industry, and what you can do in his report, Expanding Mechanic’s Lien Agent Requirements to Commercial Projects in Virginia.
by Jessica Gillette | Oct 17, 2025 | News, Apprenticeship
He built his legacy, brick by brick, student by student, and friend by friend.
Bill DixonFor 26+ years, Bill Dixon was the heartbeat of his trade. If you graduated from the ABC-VA Richmond apprenticeship training program, if you earned your certification, if you ever successfully diagnosed a complex refrigerant leak or perfectly balanced an air handler, you carry a piece of Bill with you. He didn’t just teach HVAC; he lived and breathed it. He had a profound love for the trade, and that enthusiasm was contagious.
Bill was more than an instructor. He was a mentor, a counselor, and often a demanding but fair critic. He would never let you settle for “good enough”. He instilled in us the truth that in this industry, “good enough” is the enemy of safe, efficient, and professional work. Beyond the gauges and the schematics, Bill was there for us, too. He didn’t just teach us how to fix systems; he helped fix our confidence when we doubted ourselves, cheering us through life’s tougher moments as much as he cheered on his team during a tough installation or service call.
Many of us carry memories of Bill leaning over your shoulder in the shop, not just pointing out a mistake, but pausing to explain the WHY connecting the textbook theory directly to the tangible, real-world consequence. He demanded precision, he expected excellence, and he gave us the confidence to go out into the world and build not just careers, but truly successful lives. If you needed a technical answer, Bill had it. But if you needed a boost when you felt lost or ready to quit, he was the first person to make time for you, and that kindness defined his career. The high standards of this program, the success rate of our graduates and the reputation we enjoy across the industry are direct reflections of Bill’s unshakeable vision. He built his legacy, brick by brick, student by student and friend by friend.
And now, we ensure that his legacy is cemented forever as the foundation of our future.
It is with great privilege to announce the formal dedication of the Richmond Lab, henceforth to be known as “The William “Bill” Dixon Lab of Learning Excellence”.
To Bill Dixon: Thank you for the lessons that reached far beyond the classroom. Thank you for showing us what excellence truly looks like.
Penned by Sherrie Dickerson, ABC-VA Education Manager
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 3, 2025 | News
ABC Virginia proudly recognizes Rhonda Bridgeman of Comfort Systems of Virginia, Inc. as the 2024 Member of the Year for her outstanding dedication, leadership and unwavering support of the construction industry and the ABC community.
Since joining ABC-VA in 2010, Rhonda has been a driving force within the organization, exemplifying commitment and leadership at every level. Her journey through ABC-VA highlights her passion for the industry and her dedication to fostering growth and excellence:
• Leadership Committee – Joined in 2017, contributing to key strategic initiatives
• Board Member – Serving since 2018, providing guidance and insight into ABC-VA’s mission
• Executive Board – Appointed in 2019, playing a critical role in steering the chapter forward
• Chapter Chair – Led the organization through 2020 and 2021, demonstrating strength and vision during pivotal years
• ABC National Chapter Development Committee – Joined in 2025, further extending her impact on the national level
Rhonda is not only a leader in title but also in action. She is a consistent participant in all ABC-VA functions, leading by example and fostering a culture of engagement. Under her leadership, Comfort Systems of Virginia has remained deeply involved in the ABC community, with multiple team members serving on committees and as chairs, reflecting Rhonda’s commitment to building strong industry relationships and promoting professional development.
A strong advocate for the construction industry, Rhonda actively supports both State and Federal PACs, understanding the critical importance of legislative engagement in protecting and advancing the merit shop philosophy.
Her dedication, leadership and continuous support of ABC-VA’s mission make Rhonda Bridgeman a truly deserving recipient of the 2024 Member of the Year award.
Congratulations, Rhonda!
by Jessica Gillette | May 8, 2024 | Mental Health, News
Anyone involved in construction for more than a few years knows our industry faces mental health and suicide issues to an exponential degree.
Sherrie Dickerson, ABC-VA Education Coordinator & Mental Health Advocate
But how do companies address the problem? How do we flip the script and create an environment where it’s okay to talk about your struggles? Enter: ABC-VA’s Education Coordinator, Sherrie Dickerson. Sherrie is a mental health advocate for her apprentices, instructors, team members, family, friends, and anyone who needs help. With continuous training in mental health, Sherrie is a brilliant resource for our members who want to create a safe, inclusive environment for their employees. We sat down with Sherrie for a wonderful conversation we know will inspire you to take the first step in implementing a mental health-first mentality.
What is your why behind your passion for mental health support in the construction industry?
My passion for mental health support in the construction industry stems from a deeply personal experience. I have a family member who works in the construction industry and has attempted suicide twice. While this is my biggest motivation in shedding light on the urgent need for better mental health resources, I also feel a call to help people and really be a rock for anyone who’s experiencing suicidal ideations. There are so many resources available for those who are struggling – we just need to educate companies and their leaders on how to recognize and address the problem head-on.
Tell me about the training programs you’re certified to teach.
I’m certified to teach several training programs aimed at addressing mental health issues in the construction industry. One such program is VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry, which educates individuals on recognizing signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses. It also provides guidance on postvention strategies for managers and supervisors. Additionally, I’m trained to provide Mental Health First Aid training, emphasizing de-escalation techniques, and highlighting what not to say in sensitive situations. Currently, I’m working towards certification in teaching the use of NARCAN, an overdose-reversal medication, to further support mental health initiatives.
Please note: VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry is a FREE training offered to our members. I will come to your office and provide a safe, open environment where your employees feel comfortable. Email me to schedule this training today!
What are 4 things companies can do right now to create a de-stigmatized environment where employees can say “hey, I’m not okay”?
1. Institute mandatory mental health breaks/check-ins. Require your employees to take at least two 10-minute mental health breaks during the day (if not more!), plus morning check-ins on the jobsite before work starts (supervisors should make everyone feel comfortable to either speak up or come to them one-on-one)
2. Book our VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry – FREE for ABC-VA members
3. Ensure mental health services are included in your health benefit package at a reasonable cost
4. Find someone in leadership passionate and willing to speak up about mental health – you most likely already have someone on your team (you can also create a special email address where employees can reach out for mental health support—this provides a different way to communicate for those who are uncomfortable reaching out face-to-face)
How do you think leadership impacts the mental health conversation at a company?
Without leadership buy-in, employees won’t feel like they’re in a safe space, period. Leaders who lead by example and advocate for mental health can greatly influence the overall atmosphere. Adopting an open and available approach to mental health discussions, along with a top-down mentality, can foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable addressing mental health concerns.
One of Sherrie’s antique window projects 😍
Sherrie, what are some things you do to be proactive in keeping mentally healthy?
1. I focus on things that are incredibly meaningful to me, like helping people. It gives me purpose and keeps my brain happy.
2. Creating antique windows is a passionate hobby of mine. It keeps my mental health in the green and allows for me to explore my feelings and creativity. It’s so soothing to work with my hands and create beautiful pieces of art that will make me smile, as well as others.
3. Mental health breaks! Life is tough, and we were not built to go-go-go and forget about ourselves. Taking intentional moments throughout the day to refocus, possibly meditate and do some breathing exercises, can make a huge difference.
Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share?
The construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate in the United States with men in construction committing suicide twice as much as the national average. We must all stop pretending like this isn’t a depressing threat. Whether you’re the boss, colleague, or the person struggling—be open to accepting help. A circle of support can be the difference between seeing your co-workers, staff, family, or friends the next day or never again.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial *988. While it will not make all your problems go away, it’s a fantastic resource to create a barrier between thought and action.
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 15, 2024 | News
Associated Builders & Contractors – Virginia Chapter (ABC-VA), is pleased to announce our 2023 Member of the Year: Mike Miller, CEO of RetroAIM! This honor is bestowed upon a member each year that shows commitment to not only ABC-VA, but to the industry, throughout their career.
ABC-VA proudly celebrates Mike Miller as its 2023 Member of the Year. His unwavering dedication has helped shape the organization’s trajectory since 2004. Throughout his tenure, Mike’s commitment to ABC-VA’s mission has been exemplified through multifaceted roles and impactful contributions.
As an active member of the Membership Committee, Mike has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant community within ABC-VA. His leadership qualities became increasingly evident during his tenure as the Leadership Chair from 2019 to 2020, where he spearheaded initiatives to cultivate emerging talent and nurture future leaders within the organization.
Elevating his involvement further, Mike’s appointment to the Board in 2021 marked a significant milestone, underscoring his deep-rooted commitment to advancing ABC-VA’s objectives. Mike assumed the role of the inaugural Inclusion, Diversity & Merit (IDM) Chair in 2022, pioneering efforts that led to the successful acquisition of the organization’s first grant—a testament to his visionary leadership and strategic expertise.
Beyond his individual contributions, Mike’s impact extends to the collective endeavors of ABC-VA. His steadfast support for the State PAC underscores his advocacy for legislative initiatives crucial to the construction industry’s prosperity. Moreover, Mike’s advocacy goes above and beyond, with multiple employees actively participating in committees and contributing to the federal PAC, amplifying ABC-VA’s advocacy efforts on a national scale.
Notably, Mike’s dedication extends beyond administrative duties to hands-on involvement in pivotal projects. Serving as the owners’ representative for the construction of the new ABC-VA Hampton Roads Training Facility in Chesapeake exemplifies his commitment to advancing the organization’s mission to proudly serve construction professionals.
Mike Miller’s indelible imprint on ABC-VA resonates through his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and transformative contributions. As our organization honors him as Member of the Year, Mike’s legacy stands as a source of inspiration, guiding ABC-VA towards a future defined by excellence, innovation, and sustained growth.
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 8, 2024 | Apprenticeship, News, Political Advocacy
On Jan. 17, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor published a proposed rule that would make significant and controversial revisions to the National Apprenticeship System, which will affect ABC members, chapters, apprentices and other industry stakeholders participating in government-registered apprenticeship programs.
While ABC supports government-registered apprenticeship programs and offers more than 450 such education programs across the country as part of its all-of-the-above approach to meet the workforce needs of the construction industry, the proposed rule implements dozens of burdensome and costly new recordkeeping requirements and reduces flexibility for GRAP sponsors and employers.
ABC is concerned this proposed rule will only exacerbate the construction industry’s workforce shortage, with over half a million new workers needed in 2024 alone, by discouraging ABC contractors, ABC chapter GRAP providers and other stakeholders from continued participation and future expansion of the GRAP system.
In short, the proposal will discourage participation by construction industry employers and GRAP providers and likely reduce the number of apprentices enrolled and graduating from GRAPs. Of note, DOL data suggests that, in FY2023, construction industry GRAPs had roughly 250,000 enrolled apprentices and graduated 45,000. Simply put, the current GRAP system is already unappealing to many construction industry stakeholders and is not attracting enough new apprentices or graduating enough skilled apprentices to meet industry workforce needs. This proposal will make the GRAP system even worse.
WHAT ISSUES WILL ARISE FROM THE NEW RULE?
Specifically, the rule proposes expansive new recordkeeping for employers and sponsors regarding employment decisions, apprenticeship agreements, records of apprentice performance and progress, wages and benefits and more. It also introduces a new mandate and related paperwork burdens requiring employers to verify that all journeyworkers involved in upskilling and supervising apprentices are qualified to do so. The rule provides little clarity on what would qualify as sufficient evidence to meet this requirement. Regardless of how this requirement is implemented, it will represent an onerous and costly new burden on employers that are required to verify undefined qualifications of the many journeyworkers frequently involved in on-the-job training of apprentices.
The proposal’s imposition of a new endpoint assessment requirement represents an unnecessarily prescriptive and burdensome change to existing GRAPs, which are already free to implement such assessments if sponsors and employers determine they are needed. The DOL should remove this requirement to prevent increasing administrative/recordkeeping costs, preserve flexibility and avoid a new impediment to apprentice recruitment/retention in GRAPs.
The rule has a concerning new obligation for GRAP providers to request information from employers regarding past labor law violations. The provision imposes new civil and criminal liability on employers and provides little clarity regarding the responsibility of sponsors to verify employer disclosures. The DOL should remove this overreaching requirement, and at a minimum must provide additional clarity to sponsors.
The proposal significantly reduces flexibility for sponsors and employers by eliminating competency-based and hybrid GRAPs, instead mandating rigid, multiyear, time-based standards. This change would shut out new sponsors and employers interested in these approaches, and may result in the deregistration of existing GRAPs utilizing these legitimate and tested models if sponsors and employers determine transitioning to a time-based model is not feasible.
Finally, at a time when the construction industry is constantly evolving to accommodate new technologies and innovations, the proposed rule instead makes the process of establishing new occupations as suitable for GRAPs more difficult through the new “suitability” test. I urge the DOL to lower paperwork requirements for suitability applications, shorten the approval timeline and enforce decision deadlines. The proposal’s new emphasis on preventing “splintering” is unnecessary, and the DOL should instead let industry determine whether new GRAPs are needed to meet the needs of the market.
CLOSING
As currently written, the proposed rule is a step backward for the GRAP system and will exacerbate the construction industry’s existing workforce development challenges. Tell the DOL to withdraw this proposed rule immediately and reconsider aspects of the rule that will increase costs and reduce GRAP participation. To guarantee access to high-quality, well-compensated careers in construction for as many Americans as possible, the DOL must instead focus on streamlining and modernizing GRAP regulations to ensure as many sponsors, employers and apprentices participate as possible. ABC National is urging ABC members to respond to its grassroots alert opposing this DOL proposal by March 18. Use the ABC Action App to connect with DOL and make your voice heard.
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 7, 2024 | News
Dulles, Virginia, March 7—Associated Builders and Contractors – Virginia (ABC-VA) today announced thirty-seven (37) member companies were named to Associated Builders and Contractors’ sixth annual Top Performers publication, which lists its contractor members that build the country’s most enduring, innovative, high-quality construction projects, ranked by work hours. ABC-VA now holds the record for most Top Performers.
To be eligible, ABC-VA Top Performers achieved Gold status or higher in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System, which makes the top-performing contractors more than six times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average, according to ABC’s Safety Performance Report. The majority of the honorees also must earn ABC’s Accredited Quality Contractor credential, which recognizes commitment to corporate responsibility in quality, safety, talent management—including inclusion, diversity and equity—education and community relations.
“Business growth is never an accident. It results from a combination of tangibles and intangibles—including a robust culture, innovative tools, a commitment to total human health and a pragmatic appetite for risk. We congratulate these exceptional contractors for operating successfully in a merit shop environment, attracting and retaining top construction talent and setting the standard in business growth,” said Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of ABC.
Through STEP, AQC and other robust programs, ABC-VA’s Top Performers demonstrate they:
- Sustain and grow their businesses, financially and economically
- Offer market-competitive compensation, benefit and retirement packages
- Commit to world-class safety
- Commit to workforce development, education and creating career opportunities
- Commit to an inclusive and diverse work environment
- Develop opportunities for their employees to achieve their career dreams
- Cultivate committed leadership
ABC-VA’s 2024 Top Performers
| Balfour Beatty |
Etolin Strait Development Company |
Kwest Group, LLC |
Skanska Building, Inc. |
| Branch Builds |
Forrester Construction |
Lithko Contracting LLC |
Tecta America Zero Company |
| Brite Electric |
GovSolutions, Inc |
M.C. Dean, Inc. |
Telligent Masonry, LLC |
| Brothers Mechanical, Inc. |
Heartland Construction, Inc |
Mark Turner Construction, LLC |
TST Construction |
| Coakley & Williams Construction |
Helix Electric |
Power Design, Inc. |
VSC Fire & Security |
| ColonialWebb Contractors |
Henley Construction Co., Inc. |
Prospect Waterproofing Co. |
W.M. Jordan Company |
| Comfort Systems of Virginia, Inc. |
Hensel Phelps |
R. W. Murray Co. |
Warfel Construction Company |
| David Allen Company, Inc. |
Hoar Construction, LLC |
SAW Contracting |
Worth & Company, Inc. |
| Delaware Elevator, Inc. |
Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. |
Shapiro & Duncan, Inc. |
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| Donohoe Construction Company |
JRC Mechanical, LLC |
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The ABC Top Performers lists identify the Top 250 Performers, Top General Contractors, Top Trade Contractors, Top Electrical Contractors, Top Plumbing/HVAC Contractors, Top Specialty Contractors and Top Performers by Market, all of which have earned the elite Accredited Quality Contractor credential. The Top Performers with Special Designations hold one or more special designations. The Top Performers were ranked by the number of hours worked in 2021, as reported in their 2022 STEP applications. The rankings also include lists of top-performing companies in 18 market segments, such as government, health care, infrastructure, military, retail, religious, high tech, airport and sports complexes.
View the 2024 Top Performers lists at abc.org/topperformers.
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
by Jessica Gillette | Feb 22, 2024 | News
RICHMOND, Virginia – The Virginia Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors – the Commonwealth’s leading trade association for merit shop contractors – applauds the efforts of Governor Youngkin, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, and JBG Smith to bring the Monumental Arena to Potomac Yards in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Arena project will bring as many as 4,000 lucrative jobs to the area and provide an entertainment venue for Virginians and the region to enjoy for decades to come.
ABC Virginia encourages legislators to help deliver this opportunity and support Chairman Torian and Majority Leader Surovell’s Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority and Financing Fund legislation.
Legislators and the public should not be persuaded by misguided demands from construction unions claiming the arena must be built under a controversial and anti-competitive union-only project labor agreement.
In reality, when mandated through political means, PLAs discourage competition from the vast majority of Virginia’s qualified nonunion contractors and their workforce who are not affiliated with unions. More than 94% of Virginia’s construction workforce does not belong to a union, and PLA discrimination is particularly harmful to the region’s nonunion minority and disadvantaged businesses and employees. Likewise, research has found that PLA requirements can subject nonunion workers to wage theft on almost a third of their paychecks by forcing them to pay dues and benefit contributions into union health and welfare plans they receive no benefit from unless they join a union and become vested.
The arena project will deliver quality, high-paying jobs and contracting opportunities for union and nonunion construction workers and companies alike without a controversial PLA requirement. Virginia dollars should be invested in a manner that benefits all and not just the union workforce that represents less than 6% of the Commonwealth’s construction industry.
ABC Virginia encourages legislators to approve this legislation and partner with the team of Monumental Sports and Entertainment and JBG Smith to deliver the benefits of this project to the region.
Learn more about controversial PLAs at www.BuildVALocal.com.
by Jessica Gillette | Nov 29, 2023 | Apprenticeship, News
The atmosphere was electric, the pipes were humming and the air was buzzing with HVAC brilliance as we hosted our highly anticipated 2023 In-House Craft Competition for ABC-VA’s Central Virginia region. On November 17, nine apprentices across three disciplines came together to put their skills to the ultimate test and compete for a spot in the National Craft Competition (NCC) in Kissimmee, FL, in March 2024.
Each apprentice demonstrated unparalleled skill, dedication and a passion for their craft. Their achievements not only reflect personal excellence but also elevate the standards of our industry. Congratulations to all winners and competitors. First place in each trade will compete in the 2024 NCC.
⚡ Electrical
1st Place – Jhonatan Silva, Electriforce
2nd Place – Mitchell Becraft, ColonialWebb
💦 Plumbing
1st Place – Thomas Carter, Remco
2nd Place – Maurice Clanton, ColonialWebb
3rd Place – Jason Hyer, Atlantic Constructors, Inc.
🔥 HVAC
1st Place – Gabriel Pena, Howell’s Heating and Air
2nd Place – Tyler Clarke, Atlantic Constructors, Inc.
3rd Place – Curtis Tinsley, Howell’s Heating and Air
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, judges and sponsors who contributed to the success of this event. Sponsors included Atlantic Constructors, Inc., Remco, Electriforce, ColonialWebb, Milwaukee, Torque Supply, White Cap and Synergy Technical Services. Your commitment to craftsmanship and innovation fuels the spirit of our industry.
As we celebrate these victories, we also look forward to the continued growth and success of our construction community. Congratulations to all the winners, and may your dedication inspire future generations!
VIEW ALL PHOTOS HERE
L to R: Thomas Carter (1st, Plumbing); Jhonatan Silva (1st, Electrical); Mitchell Becraft (2nd, Electrical); Jason Hyer (3rd, Plumbing); Maurice Clanton (2nd, Plumbing); Curtis Tinsley (3rd, HVAC); Gabriel Pena (1st, HVAC); Alexis Pack; Tyler Clarke (2nd, HVAC)
