Look Good, Feel Better, Build Great: Developing Better Workwear Options for Women in the Skilled Trades
By Nadia Sinner
March 20, 2025
Women’s participation in the skilled trades has steadily increased in recent years, rising from 8.9% in 2010 to 11% today. However, this progress has not come without challenges—one being access to functional, durable and comfortable workwear. Historically, jobsite apparel has be...
Executive Decision: An Analysis of Trump Executive Orders
By Michael Altman
March 20, 2025
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president and quickly issued a sweeping set of executive orders aimed at reversing Biden administration policies related to diversity, immigration, national security and climate. The orders require enactment throug...
It Takes a Village: McCarthy and First Responders Build Kits4Kids Relief Kits
By Jordan LeGras
March 20, 2025
For the past 160 years, McCarthy Building Companies—one of the oldest privately held national construction companies in the U.S.—has been devoted to serving its community both on and off the jobsite.
On Friday, Jan. 17, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, McCarthy teamed up ...
Capitalizing on Competition: ABC 2025 Top Performers Answer Compelling Questions
By Erika Walter
March 19, 2025
Competition is a constant in the ever-evolving world of construction. It’s fundamental to the bottom line, creates a quality product, invites the best talent and—to be frank—it’s exciting to compete. And it’s even more exciting to be the winner.
So, how are winners in the contra...
Long Shot: Chandra Wakeland's Leap of Faith Into Construction Ownership
By Jordan LeGras
March 18, 2025
When Chandra Wakeland was a young girl, most of her friends spent their summers soaking up the sun by the pool or at summer camp. Wakeland spent hers going to work with her father, a chief estimator for a steel contractor.
“I would go to work with my dad during summer school whil...
Power Balance: How Lorena Carrillo Balances Her Role as Project Engineer With Her Passion for Bodybuilding
By Grace Calengor
March 13, 2025
A Mexican American and the daughter of immigrants, Lorena Carrillo always looked up to her parents—admiring their work ethic and striving to make them proud in everything she did. But she didn’t know exactly what it was she wanted to do.
Today she is a senior project engineer at...
ICYMI: Highlights From ABC Convention 2025
By Construction Executive
February 28, 2025
In the last week of February, the Las Vegas Strip was brimming with nearly 2,000 construction professionals who flocked in to celebrate ABC Convention 2025. The event kicked off on Monday with the swearing in of this year’s national chair, David Pugh, followed by the annual board...
ABC Unveils Award-Winning Construction Projects, National Contractor of the Year and Safety and Diversity Excellence in the Industry
By ABC
February 27, 2025
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 27—Associated Builders and Contractors announced the Excellence in Construction,® Safety Excellence and Inclusion, Diversity and Merit Excellence award winners and the Contractor of the Year. The winners were celebrated at the 35th annual EIC Awards Gala during AB...
People Powered: Gaylor Electric Is ABC's 2025 Contractor of the Year
By Maggie Murphy
February 27, 2025
What do you call a company that puts people before profits? A company that values lifelong education over low overhead? A company that does nearly $1 billion in annual business while its leadership stays firmly connected to the boots on the ground bringing its projects to life? Y...
ABC Names 2025 Craft Instructor, Craft Professional and Young Professional of the Year
By ABC
February 26, 2025
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26—Associated Builders and Contractors today announced the honorees for the 2025 Construction Workforce Awards: the Craft Instructor of the Year, Craft Professional of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. These three construction professionals are shaping ...
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New Names and Faces: February 2025
By Construction Executive
Construction Executive's monthly roundup of appointments and promotions amongst ABC member companies.
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From the Ground Up: How ABC Keynoter Saved Himself From Financial Ruin
By Grace Calengor
‘Creativity without discipline is like a river without banks.’ As a former financial broker who personally faced financial devastation, Erik Wahl has perfected the art of blending creativity with business. At ABC Convention 2025, he’ll give a keynote speech on exactly how that’s done—all the way from rock bottom.
Culture
A Man With a Plan: 2025 ABC National Chair David Pugh
By Grace Calengor
2025 ABC National Chair David Pugh has made his way from the sandbox in his backyard to the stage in Las Vegas—just like he planned. He now has plans to guide ABC through the new year, the new administration, ABC's 75th anniversary celebration and beyond.