In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, Steve Cona III, President & CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast, sits down with Nick Murphy, Project Manager at Gaylor Electric and ABC's 2025 Young Professional of the Year, to talk about how early career decisions, hands-on experience, and industry involvement shape the next generation of construction leaders.

Nick shares how starting in ABC's apprenticeship program reshaped his perspective on learning, how combining field experience with formal education strengthened his communication and leadership skills, and why involvement in industry programs accelerated his professional growth.

Together, Steve and Nick discuss how young professionals can build credibility in the field, why relationships matter in a relationship-driven industry, and how stepping outside your comfort zone helps unlock new opportunities. This conversation also dives into:

• How apprenticeship experience bridges the gap between field and office teams
• Why industry relationships are critical for long-term career growth

The leadership lessons Nick gained through ABC involvement and NEXGEN

• Why young professionals shouldn't fear failure - and how growth actually happens in construction

Whether you're early in your career, managing emerging talent, or looking to build stronger teams, this episode offers a practical look at how involvement, learning, and mentorship help develop future industry leaders. 👉 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, Steve Cona III, President & CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast, sits down with Jason Spears, the newly appointed 2026 Chairman, to discuss leadership, advocacy, and the future of the construction industry.

Jason shares his 20+ year journey with ABC - from his early days in the University of Florida student chapter to serving on the executive board - and how programs like NEXGEN Leadership became a national model for developing industry leaders. Together, Steve and Jason unpack what really happens behind the scenes at ABC, from boardroom conversations to legislative advocacy that protects merit shop contractors.

This conversation also dives into:

- Why leadership development matters more than ever in construction
- How ABC supports contractors through safety, workforce, and policy challenges
- Jason's vision for strengthening advocacy, permitting reform, and member engagement in 2026
- Why involvement—not observation—is the key to getting real value from ABC

Whether you're a longtime member or considering getting involved, this episode offers an inside look at how ABC works to move the industry forward -and why strong leadership is critical to what comes next.

👉 Subscribe for more episodes of Blueprints & Banter and insights from leaders shaping the future of construction.