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.

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