ABC Florida Gulf Coast

"All we have to do is pick up the phone." That's what a real professional network looks like.

Not a LinkedIn connection you've never spoken to - a group of people who've been in the trenches together, who span every trade in the industry, and who will actually answer.

The NEXGEN Leadership Program builds that. Designed to develop the next generation of leaders in commercial construction, eight months of real shared experience creates friendships that don't fade when the program ends.

▶️ Hear from Ciarra Wilson, Project Engineer at Gaylor Electric, on what that network has meant.

🍷🎬 Wine’d Up Wednesday is pouring a special blend this week!

David Turcios and Laura Gross are joined by 2026 ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chairman Jason Spears to recap our recent trip to Washington, D.C. for the ABC Legislative Conference and discuss the issues impacting the merit shop construction industry at the national level.

The conversation also looks ahead to what's still to come in 2026, including the programs, events, and initiatives shaping another exciting year for our chapter.

And because no Wine’d Up Wednesday is complete without a good pour, we're enjoying some incredible Frank Family wine courtesy of Jason himself. 🍷

Plus, with the chapter's largest event of the year happening tomorrow, we're giving a final preview of the GC Tabletop and why you don't want to miss it.

Grab a glass and join the conversation!

Eight months. One day a month. Fully unplugged.

That's the NEXGEN Leadership Program commitment - and it's designed that way on purpose.

An eight-month experience built to develop the next generation of leaders in commercial construction, each session runs 9 to 5 at rotating locations across the Gulf Coast region. Every participant shows up present, phone down, fully in it. Eight months of that kind of focused development changes how you lead.

▶️ See what a full year in the NEXGEN Leadership Program looks like. Applications open through June 30.

Featuring our Executive Vice President, Laura Gross | ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

The NEXGEN Leadership Program network is different from the company connections your employees already have.

It's theirs. Built by them. Driven by the industry.

Sara Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager & Head of Talent Acquisition at GMF Steel Group, explains why that distinction matters: the network participants create cross-age brackets, seniority levels, and companies - and they carry it back to work. It shows up in shared projects, faster problem-solving, and relationships that grow alongside their careers.

Hear why the network participants built into the NEXGEN Leadership Program is one of its most lasting benefits.

Featuring Sara Taylor, Senior Marketing Manager & Head of Talent Acquisition | GMF Steel Group

Applications for the Class of 2027 close June 30. Learn more: abcflgulf.org/professional-development/nexgen-leadership-program/

Session one. DISC assessment. Implemented immediately.

That's how fast the NEXGEN Leadership Program starts delivering.

Designed to develop the next generation of leaders in commercial construction, the program equips participants with frameworks they actually use. Samantha Butler, Senior Project Engineer at The Beck Group, walked out of the first session with a sharper understanding of herself, her communication style, and how the people around her work - and she put it to use right away.

More effective leader. More effective manager. More effective employee. From session one.

Hear what Samantha took away from just the first NEXGEN Leadership Program class.
Featuring Samantha Butler, Senior Project Engineer | The Beck Group

▶️ https://abcflgulf.org/professional-development/nexgen-leadership-program/

Ciarra Wilson, Project Engineer at Gaylor Electric, was hesitant before applying to the NEXGEN Leadership Program.

She figured she was older than the typical candidate. A little anxious about it. She applied anyway.

The NEXGEN Leadership Program - designed to develop the next generation of leaders in commercial construction - broadened her view of the industry and helped her understand the full picture of what commercial construction actually is. She'd tell anyone sitting on the fence to do the same.

Hear why Ciarra says applying was the best professional decision of her career. 🙌

Featuring Ciarra Wilson, Project Engineer | Gaylor Electric
🔗 Discover more: abcflgulf.org/professional-development/nexgen-leadership-program/