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.

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 powerful episode of Blueprints & Banter, ABC Florida Gulf Coast President & CEO Steve Cona sits down with Bob Buckhorn, Tampa's transformational 58th Mayor, to discuss leadership through crisis, city building, and Tampa's incredible renaissance.

Here's what we cover:

✔️ Leading Tampa through the Great Recession with a $30 million deficit
✔️ The permitting crisis that's choking construction growth statewide
✔️ How Tampa became the Southeast's top destination for young talent
✔️ Why Buckhorn is considering a 2027 mayoral run to finish the job
✔️ Transportation solutions that could make or break Tampa's future
✔️ The AI technology that could revolutionize permitting processes
✔️ Lessons in resilience, tenacity, and never settling for mediocrity
✔️ How public-private partnerships transformed a dying city into an economic powerhouse

Key insights from Mayor Buckhorn: "We literally were facing a $30 million deficit. We set about stabilizing the budget, but more importantly, trying to figure out how we could inspire this community to believe not in what they were experiencing, but to believe in what we could be."

"Time is money to somebody who's carrying a multi-million dollar loan. That interest clock is ticking every day. We can't cut our way out of this problem. We have to grow our way out."

"The job's not done. We're on such an amazing trajectory, and the transformation of this city... I got another tour of duty left in me."

This is your front-row seat to understanding how visionary leadership, strategic partnerships with the construction industry, and relentless focus on economic development can transform entire communities.

🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on leadership insights, construction industry trends, and real talk with the leaders shaping Florida's Gulf Coast region.

#ABCMeritShopProud #ABCFLGulf #TampaRenaissance #ConstructionLeadership #BobBuckhorn

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, 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

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!