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

What if your entire career started with one high school program—and led you to manage multimillion-dollar jobs by your mid-20s?

In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, Steve Cona sits down with Alex Myers, former ABC apprentice and now Assistant Project Manager at Tri-City Electrical Contractors. Alex shares how his journey started at Pasco High School, where a strong electrical program and ABC’s Build Tampa Bay event helped him skip the traditional college path and go straight into the trades.

Alex was “recruited” before he even graduated, started his apprenticeship in 2018, and fast-tracked through the ABC program thanks to his high school experience. In just a few years, he climbed from apprentice to journeyman, to lead man, to foreman, and now to the project management team—running work on high-profile jobs like the new Mote Aquarium in Sarasota.

This episode is packed with real-world insight on:

- How high school trades programs can change lives

- What it’s actually like to start on the jobsite on day one

- The path from tools to the office in under seven years

- How skilled trades careers lead to real financial independence

- The role of parental support in making alternative career paths possible

- And why more young people—and their parents—need to hear stories like this one

If you’re a contractor looking to hire the next generation, a student unsure about college, or a parent who wants your child to thrive, this episode is for you.

🎧 Watch now and hear how ABC’s workforce pipeline is transforming real lives.

#ABCMeritShopProud #ABCFLGulf #ConstructionCareers

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!