The NEXGEN Leadership Program has been developing commercial construction leaders on Florida's Gulf Coast since 2014. In this episode, host Laura Gross, Executive Vice President of ABC Florida Gulf Coast, sits down with the incoming Class of 2027 chairs Arin Lowery (ACCI), Kyle Shank (Schaefer General Contracting), and Ciarra Wilson (Gaylor Electric) — to talk about what the program is, what it does, and why now is the right time to apply.

They cover the workforce shortage facing the industry, the role relationships play in a career in construction, what companies gain when they invest in their people, and what the Class of 2027 can expect from September through April.

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In this episode of Blueprints & Banter, Steve Cona III, President & CEO of ABC Florida Gulf Coast, sits down with Oliver Corizzi, Principal at Avenue Media - an experienced, industry-focused marketing agency based in Sarasota - to talk about what's driving unprecedented competition in commercial construction and what contractors need to do differently to stay ahead.

Oliver shares why AI is dramatically increasing the number of firms bidding on every project, why more contractors are niching down into specific sectors rather than positioning as generalists, and why a strong website is less about lead generation and more about validating your credibility when a client is comparing bids.

Together, Steve and Oliver discuss what it really takes to differentiate in today's market:

• How AI is lowering the bidding barrier - and what that means for contractors

• Why niching down is replacing "we do it all" - and winning more work because of it

• Why your website validates, not generates - and what most contractors get wrong

• How culture and tenure speak louder than any marketing campaign

• Why your workforce is your most powerful recruiting tool

• How featuring your subs in your marketing builds project-wide loyalty

• What AI can and can't replace - and why storytelling matters more than ever

Whether you're a GC, subcontractor, or construction-related business navigating a tighter market, this episode offers a candid and practical look at how reputation, brand, and story are becoming as strategic as any bid on the Gulf Coast.

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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.