Blueprints & Banter

By: ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
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  • Summary

  • "Blueprints & Banter" is a dynamic podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate world of the construction industry. Hosted by industry experts and enthusiasts alike, this engaging podcast delves deep into the fascinating realm of construction, offering insightful discussions, expert interviews, and captivating anecdotes. From dissecting the latest construction technologies and innovative building techniques to sharing practical tips and industry best practices, "Blueprints & Banter" is a must-listen for professionals, enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the art and science of construction. Whether you're a seasoned veteran looking to stay abreast of industry trends or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, tune in to "Blueprints & Banter" for a riveting journey through the ever-evolving landscape of construction.
    2024
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Economics Management Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead at ABC FL Gulf Coast Chapter!

    Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead at ABC FL Gulf Coast Chapter!
    Oct 18 2024
    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 supported ABC’s initiatives throughout the year. Laura kicks off the discussion by sharing updates on ABC membership renewals, emphasizing the value of remaining an active member and how being involved helps the chapter thrive. Members can expect renewal invoices soon and are encouraged to reach out if there are any issues with receiving them. She also highlights ABC’s *Excellence in Construction (EIC)* awards, where members can showcase their standout projects. The awards, set for May 2025, provide a great opportunity for both general and specialty contractors to be recognized for their work. Next, Laura and Dave review upcoming events for the rest of the year, including the *Cigar Social* at Rick’s on the River, the *Merit Shop Golf Tournament*, and the always-popular *Chili Cook-Off* and *Clay Shoot*. These gatherings allow members to network and build relationships within the ABC community. Dave reflects on his time as Chairman, sharing how the role has been both educational and rewarding. Steve takes a moment to highlight some of the chapter’s major accomplishments under Dave’s leadership, including a major legal victory against the City of St. Petersburg and the celebration of ABC’s 55th anniversary. The group acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the ABC staff, recognizing their crucial role in these successes. Looking ahead, Laura discusses exciting goals for 2025, including expanding ABC’s reach into new areas like Gainesville and Polk County. They plan to continue providing a wide range of professional development opportunities, from safety training to leadership programs, ensuring members at all levels—from project engineers to business owners—can benefit. As the episode wraps up, Dave and Laura encourage members to stay involved, provide feedback, and vote in the upcoming elections, reminding listeners that ABC works tirelessly to support the construction industry and fight for legislative victories that benefit all members. Listeners are invited to subscribe to *Blueprints & Banter* to stay informed on the latest in construction, events, and ABC initiatives, as the podcast continues to grow and evolve. /// Website: ABCFLGulf.org https://www.facebook.com/abcflgulf/ https://twitter.com/abcflgulf https://www.linkedin.com/company/associated-builders-&-contractors-florida-gulf-coast-chapter/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blueprints-banter/id1729913658 https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d2731d7a-0195-4513-a109-c2a1e34a907d/blueprints-banter https://open.spotify.com/show/5BggdOvAgUGdtaOzZgbLfJ?si=b17f9185e4414e38 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. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry. * ABC is the merit shop construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media. * ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. * ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and business development through an online contractor search directory. ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors - Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson - helped to quickly spread the merit shop philosophy, within time making ABC the fastest growing association in the United States. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.
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    20 mins
  • What Happens Next for St. Petersburg After ABC Lawsuit Ruling

    What Happens Next for St. Petersburg After ABC Lawsuit Ruling
    Oct 18 2024
    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 begins with Steve and Dave acknowledging their sponsors and setting the stage for the episode’s legal focus. Steve introduces two special guests—attorneys Brian Lambert from Adams and Reese, and Rick Asfar from Asfar Law—who were instrumental in the victory against the City of St. Petersburg. Together, they break down the arguments that led to this win, focusing on how the ordinances overreached in mandating specific numbers of apprentice and disadvantaged worker hours for city construction projects. Rick Asfar delves into the legal nuances, highlighting how their team successfully argued that these ordinances violated state law, particularly regarding preemption in the field of apprenticeships and the public bidding process. He also touches on the constitutional arguments of equal protection and due process, emphasizing how construction companies were unfairly singled out by these requirements. Rick further explains how penalties tied to the ordinance, such as losing retainage and being barred from future city contracts, were especially problematic. Brian Lambert adds context by discussing the impact of state legislation, such as House Bill 53, and how it played a role in narrowing the city's authority to enforce these ordinances. He stresses how these legal victories were not just important for the construction companies involved but for the entire industry, as the ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving similar ordinances across the state. The conversation turns toward the broader implications of this ruling. Laura Gross points out that contractors now feel more empowered to reach out to trade associations like ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) for support when faced with questionable local ordinances. Dave adds that ABC is uniquely positioned to take on these battles on behalf of its members, ensuring that individual contractors aren’t left to fight alone. In their closing remarks, Rick and Brian emphasize the importance of vigilance in the industry. They encourage contractors to speak up if they sense unfair practices or regulations and highlight the critical role trade organizations play in defending the rights of the construction community. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the victory's long-term significance for Florida's construction industry, including the economic opportunities presented by major upcoming projects like the new Rays stadium in St. Petersburg. Steve and his co-hosts express their gratitude to ABC, their legal team, and the broader construction community for their collective efforts in this monumental case. Listeners are reminded to subscribe to *Blueprints & Banter* for more episodes that keep them informed about the latest industry trends, legal battles, and stories of perseverance in construction. /// 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 is the merit shop construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media. * ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. * ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and business development through an online contractor search directory. ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.
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    28 mins
  • Exploring ABC’s New Healthcare Captive and 401k Program

    Exploring ABC’s New Healthcare Captive and 401k Program
    Jul 24 2024
    - 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 special guest host Laura Gross and today’s guests Adam Bonsky and Larry Crocker. **Segment 2: ABC’s New Healthcare Captive (10 minutes)** - **Discussion with Adam Bonsky:** - Introduction to the Healthcare Captive program. - Key benefits of the Healthcare Captive for ABC members. - How the program can help members reduce healthcare costs. - Real-world examples or case studies (if available). - Q&A session with hosts and special guest host. **Segment 3: ABC 401k Program (10 minutes)** - **Discussion with Larry Crocker:** - Introduction to the ABC 401k Program. - Key features and benefits of the 401k program. - How the program can provide a competitive advantage in the construction marketplace. - Success stories or testimonials from ABC members using the program. - Q&A session with hosts and special guest host. **Segment 4: Member Benefits and Competitive Advantage (5 minutes)** - **Roundtable Discussion:** - Summary of how these programs collectively help ABC members. - Discussion on the broader impact of these programs on the construction industry. - Final thoughts from each guest and host on the importance of leveraging ABC member benefits. **Closing Remarks:** - **Hosts:** - Recap of key points discussed in the podcast. - Information on how to access more details about the Healthcare Captive and 401k programs. - Call to action for listeners to join ABC and take advantage of these programs. /// 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. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors of the industry. * ABC is the merit shop construction industry's voice with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government and with state and local governments, as well as with the news media. * ABC's mission is the advancement of the merit shop construction philosophy, which encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach that awards contracts based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation. * ABC's activities include government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits, information on best practices and business development through an online contractor search directory. ABC was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, Md. to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors - Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson - helped to quickly spread the merit shop philosophy, within time making ABC the fastest growing association in the United States. Today, ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America's business community and the merit shop construction industry.
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    33 mins

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