How ABC is Changing Workforce Development & Why It Matters with Laura Gross
Release Date: 05/01/2025
How ABC is Changing Workforce Development & Why It Matters with Laura Gross
Blueprints & Banter
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,...
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Alex Myers’s Apprentice Story Is EXACTLY What the Construction Industry Needs to Hear
Blueprints & Banter
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...
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The REAL Impact of Social Media in Commercial Construction
Blueprints & Banter
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...
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Inside ABC FL Gulf Coast's Biggest Year Ever – and How It Impacts You in 2025
Blueprints & Banter
Welcome to the first 2025 edition of Blueprints & Banter podcast! In this episode, Steve Cona (President & CEO) and David Tercios (Immediate Past Chair) reflect on a record-breaking year for ABC Florida Gulf Coast and look ahead to what’s in store for the construction industry in 2025. With the chapter reaching its highest-ever membership, 2024 was a year of growth, networking, and advocacy. From major legislative victories and legal wins to key workforce initiatives and contractor training programs, ABC continued to shape the future of construction in Florida. The conversation...
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Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead at ABC FL Gulf Coast Chapter!
Blueprints & Banter
In this episode of *Blueprints & Banter*, titled "Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead," host Steve Cona, President and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, is joined by co-hosts Laura Gross, Vice President of Membership, and Dave Turcios, Chairman of the Board. They dive into the latest updates, achievements, and future plans for the ABC community as they wrap up the year and prepare for 2025. The episode begins with Steve welcoming listeners and thanking the podcast’s sponsors, including Milwaukee Tool and Piper Fire, who have...
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What Happens Next for St. Petersburg After ABC Lawsuit Ruling
Blueprints & Banter
00:01:22:25 Attorneys Brian Lambert from Adams & Reese, and Ric Asfar from Almazan Law join the show, In this episode of *Blueprints & Banter*, titled "Fighting for Fairness in Construction," host Steve Cona welcomes co-hosts Dave Turcios and Laura Gross for an in-depth discussion on a significant legal battle in the construction industry. The episode centers around a five-year court case involving the City of St. Petersburg's apprenticeship and disadvantaged worker ordinances, with Steve and his guests unpacking the implications of the recent court ruling. The episode...
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Exploring ABC’s New Healthcare Captive and 401k Program
Blueprints & Banter
- Steve Cona, President/CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter - David Turcios, Chairman of the ABC Board **Special Guest Host:** - Laura Gross, VP of Membership for ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter **Guests:** - Adam Bonsky, CEO & President, ABC Insurance Trust - Larry Crocker, Fiduciary Consulting Group /// **Segment 1: Introduction (5 minutes)** - **Opening Music and Introduction by Hosts:** - Introduction of the podcast and its focus on ABC’s new member benefits and programs. - Brief overview of ABC and its role in the construction industry. - Introduction of...
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Construction Law & Litigation with Justin Zinzow
Blueprints & Banter
JUSTIN R. ZINZOW Admitted to Practice Florida & Texas AV Preeminent® Rated Attorney Fla. Board Certified in Construction Law Justin R. Zinzow is a cowboy at heart, a businessman by passion, and a lawyer by profession. Hailing from a small cattle and horse farm in Upstate New York, Justin’s journey has been defined by hard work, entrepreneurship, and a deep love for American values. From his teens, he immersed himself in farming and livestock while nurturing his entrepreneurial spirit, founding his first business at 16. His unwavering patriotism led him...
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Establishing Legislative Priorities with Chief Lobbyist, Carol Bowen
Blueprints & Banter
Carol Bowen, J.D., is the Associated Builders and Contractors’ chief lobbyist. For more information about upcoming legislation, contact Carol at [email protected]. /// Website: ABCFLGulf.org https://www.facebook.com/abcflgulf/ https://twitter.com/abcflgulf https://www.linkedin.com/company/associated-builders-&-contractors-florida-gulf-coast-chapter/ Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 68 chapters representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S....
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2024 Florida Legislative Wrap Up with Carol Bowen
Blueprints & Banter
Carol Bowen, J.D., is the Associated Builders and Contractors’ chief lobbyist in Florida. For more information about upcoming legislation, contact Carol at [email protected]. /// Website: ABCFLGulf.org https://www.facebook.com/abcflgulf/ https://twitter.com/abcflgulf https://www.linkedin.com/company/associated-builders-&-contractors-florida-gulf-coast-chapter/ Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 68 chapters representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms. ABC's membership represents all specialties...
info_outlineIn 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.
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