In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, ABC Gulf Coast Chapter President & CEO Steve Cona III sits down with Ron Pierce, President and CEO of RSA Consulting, to break down everything you need to know about the 2024 legislative session in Tallahassee. Here’s what we cover:

✔️ Why the session lasted 105 days
✔️ The $900 million commercial lease tax repeal
✔️ ABC’s major win on apprenticeship funding & transparency
✔️ How ABC plays defense against harmful bills
✔️ Key leaders from the Gulf Coast shaping Florida’s future
✔️ What’s coming next: permitting challenges, special elections, and 2026 planning
✔️ Why political relationship-building never stops
✔️ How construction, healthcare, and sports industries work together to drive Florida’s growth

This is your front-row seat to how legislation affects construction in Florida - and what ABC is doing to make sure your voice is heard.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on industry insights, legislative updates, and real talk with industry leaders.

#FloridaConstruction #ABCGulfCoast #LegislativeUpdate

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