What drew you into the entrepreneurial world?

I’ve been in construction my whole life starting at age 14 or 15. I worked in Lubbock framing apartments and learning all the ins and outs of how not to hurt yourself. Ultimately, after I graduated college, I tried all kinds of different jobs.

I ended up at a company in Grand Prairie, Texas, called Read Plastics. I had to wear a suit and tie and work indoors. We supplied colorant to any company throughout the U.S. that would manufacture a plastic product that had color. One of the companies that we supplied material to was called Sport Court out of Salt Lake City. So, I picked up the phone and gave them a call—fortunately it was family owned back then. They said for $250 they’d send me a [sport court starter] kit. So, I scrambled up $250, sent it on in, and that’s how it got started. That was around 1988, 1989—and I’ve just enjoyed the journey so far.

While sport courts themselves are prolific, construction-wise they are down a pretty niche avenue. Elaborate on the actual construction process of building a court.

It starts with a phone call or a referral. We talk to the family or business briefly about what they’re looking for, how many people will be using the court, what sports they are looking to play, etc. And then we work on setting up a time and a date to go out and meet with the client at their home or business, paying close attention to easements, HOA requirements, permitting, etc. If mother nature isn’t an issue, we can get permitted pretty quickly once we start breaking ground—typically about 45 days or less.

Then we work on design: If it’s outdoors, that means paying attention to the lay of the land, the flow of water, the orientation of the sun at different times of day. Once the design is set, we come in and pour a concrete slab, which sets up for a few days. Then we can start topping it out with the fencing, the lights, the hoops, the surfacing, the tennis net, the shuffleboard lines or other. Then it’s a cleanup, a handshake and years of fun.

All these courts are built custom, in one-foot increments, whether it’s a full-size tennis court or a compact sport court—which allows you to play up to 15 games from roller hockey to basketball to volleyball to pickleball to paddle tennis to badminton and more.

We do a lot of indoor courts, as well. We are seeing a trend of more and more families doing indoor courts, especially in homes up in Minnesota where they have frigid temperatures, or in incredibly hot climates. We actually have a ribbon cutting tomorrow with the Mavs Foundation—we supplied the floor and the sports equipment for the YMCA in Flower Mound.

Do you do work with any multifamily complexes or retail places?

We have an individual in our office who specializes in that area. There’s a huge amount of development going on in North Texas right now with homes, community homes, apartments, etc. We are staying busy every week building commercial pickleball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts.

How has your company grown since you first started?

Early on, it was just me and my dad. Eventually, I met my wife and she came on board and took care of all the stuff that I wasn’t doing properly—I had shoe boxes in our bedroom where I kept all my receipts. She got me organized and started handling the phones, entering in leads and more, and that enabled me to go out and continue to sell and build and so forth. Over the years we went from three people to now 12 employees, so it’s grown a lot. And of course our business seems to keep growing as well.

We want to continue to grow. We are always looking at potential new products and partnerships. Ten years ago, we teamed up with Donnie Nelson of the Dallas Mavericks. He created the PFL, the Professional Futsal League, and we helped promote that league for him and it just slowly keeps growing and growing and growing. And we’ve partnered with FC Dallas, building eight mini-pitch soccer courts for them. We are always looking for ways to grow our business, and a lot of that’s going to have to do with making sure that we know what’s coming down the pike as far as new sports and new equipment and things of that nature.

Talk about your philanthropy efforts—namely the Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Award from D CEO magazine—but also where did these efforts originate? Was this always something you wanted to make part of your business plan?

It started probably 25 years ago with the Mavs Foundation. I learned that they would go out once a year and renovate an old basketball court. And I actually saw them doing that in South Dallas 25 years ago. What they were doing back then is taking an old basketball court and then putting a layer of paint on it. But in six months to a year, that paint would either peel or crack or the logos would fade. So, I introduced them to the modular-tile sport court product, and they thankfully said, ‘You know what, let’s try one.’ 25 years later, we’ve completed probably close to 40 courts now with the Mavs Foundation.

Then I became a sponsor of the Texas Legends in Frisco, the NBA G-League team. I did a court for Pat Summerall, the former pro-football player and sports announcer. Then I met Nancy Lieberman, the former pro-basketball player and coach, and she put together a program called Dream Courts, and we built her very first one 17 years ago in Frisco. And now she’s done 150 nationwide, and we’ve done about 50 of those locally.

It just kept blossoming: We did five or six ball-hockey courts for the Dallas Stars Foundation, and we’ve done about eight futsal courts for FC Dallas.

By partnering with these organizations and groups, we’re able to provide that same upper echelon product and design to the lower income communities that normally might just be playing on a painted slab or an asphalt court.

When you go look at an old basketball court that’s been there for 25 years, the rims are faded, they’re broken, the court’s cracked. For an organization to come in and use a high-end product, the before and after pictures are unbelievable. When the local kids who are used to the dilapidated court walk in and see this color—because it comes in 20 different colors—they are just so excited to see what someone’s given back to them.

From there, we got into donating courts to some of these nonprofit groups for their live auctions. The very first one I did was with the Children’s Cancer Fund of Dallas. It just so happened at that first event, Dak Prescott was the highest bidder. So, we built him a pickleball court. Then Dak Prescott’s foundation—Faith. Fight. Finish.—called and said, ‘Hey, will you do that for us?’ So, we have stayed active in that realm.

How do you instill that sense of philanthropy in the people you hire?

When a court’s donated, obviously we have to fund it. And I’m not as young as I used to be, so I tend to ask one of my sales reps. It’s worth their while because every time you build a court, you build a relationship with a family or business and that family or business has relationships with other families or business associates.

Right now, we just finished a court for someone who was the highest bidder at the Cattle Baron’s Ball in Dallas. It turns out we’re actually doing a big basketball court and a little football field in his neighbor’s home, whose best friend and wife are this year’s chair of Make-A-Wish. So, to give the employees and give the sales reps stories to tell is a big part of selling.

Of course, the benefits of getting involved in a lot of these groups and organizations is you often get invited to events, and we make sure that our employees and their family can come to these events, which is always a lot of fun as well.

Let’s talk about the award.

This is the benefit of having a PR firm like The Power Group. One of the things they started doing that I never would’ve thought of doing is to nominate the company for various awards like this one. So, I have to give 100% of the credit to The Power Group in Dallas.

When you received word that you got the award, how did you feel about that?

Well, I felt excited. Finally, I found an avenue where people can educate families and educate the public about what we do. Hopefully there’ll be a family that sees it, and we can help them build something for their kids to grow up with in their own backyard.

We were also just awarded a contract to build seven mini-pitch soccer courts for the North Texas World Cup Committee. So, we’re very excited about that. It’s probably going to be over 40,000 square feet of court surfacing, fencing, soccer goals. I grew up in Arlington, Texas, playing soccer, and one of the courts is going to be right in downtown Arlington, real close to where the games are going to be starting in June. The World Cup coming to DFW is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but then being awarded that contract is just something else.

SEE ALSO: TRUSTING THE PIPELINE: SUPPORTING EARLY-CAREER CONSTRUCTION TALENT

The post Build a Court, Give a Court: Dallas Business Founder’s Philanthropy and Construction Efforts Culminate in World Cup Spotlight first appeared on Construction Executive.

“We realize how necessary it is to get in front of students at a young age to let them know our industry exists and that there are a multitude of careers available,” says Helen Robinson, chair of the DFI Educational Trust and vice president of GEI Consultants Inc.

The trust serves as the charitable arm of DFI—an international association of contractors, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, academics and owners in the geotechnical construction industry.

Over the past 20 years, more than 700 students and young professionals—geoprofessionals involved in the design and construction of foundations, excavations, ground improvement and tunneling—have received scholarships and grants across the United States and Canada, which includes many international students studying in North America.

“We always get a very high caliber of candidates, so it’s very difficult to make the scholarship selections,” Robinson says.

Recipients of the scholarships are enrolled full time at U.S. and Ontario, Canada-based colleges or universities and are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees related to the field. Spring scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000. “A $5,000 scholarship is wonderful, but we’d love to do even more,” says Robinson.

“We’re always trying to quantify the impact and determine how we can use the funds more effectively. It’s a challenge because the cost of getting an engineering degree continues to increase,” she says.

Since 2006, the trust has awarded nearly $2.7 million in scholarships and grants through 24 funds, including the spring offerings for At-Large Scholarship Program and Women in Deep Foundations Professional Development Grants Fund.

Recognizing diversity gaps within the industry, DFI’s Women in Deep Foundations Committee worked with the trust to create an initiative to support professional growth and industry engagement among women involved in geotechnical design, manufacturing and construction.

The grant awards recipients $1,750 and provides a complimentary opportunity to attend DFI’s Annual Conference on Deep Foundations in Orlando, Florida—helping expand networking and career development opportunities.

“Over the past 15 years or so, we’ve seen real progress for women in the industry,” Robinson says. “But there’s always more we can do, especially when it comes to supporting parents starting young families.”

Despite strong career potential, the geotechnical industry is not usually at the forefront of students and parents’ minds. A lack of awareness around the field’s opportunities continues to impact recruitment.

“There’s so much work to be done. We are working to educate parents and students who may be interested in the field,” says Robinson. “Not everyone needs to go to college. You can make a good living, be part of a team and be very successful without that path. We want young people to know that.”

Retention is another growing concern.

“People in the industry are getting burned out because we can’t keep up, and some are seeking lower-stress jobs. It creates a cycle,” she says. “Geotechnical work has a reputation for people getting dirty, and the tools or lab testing may not seem as exciting.”

The solution? Supporting the next generation of professionals in the geotechnical industry with access, awareness and opportunity.

“We need to change the image of professions in the industry to reflect innovation,” says Robinson. “It’s not just about moving dirt—it’s an exciting and highly challenging field, and the world is built on the work we do.”

SEE ALSO: A BEACON OF HOPE: JOSEPH GROH FOUNDATION’S NEWEST GRANT RECIPIENT

The post Trusting the Pipeline: Supporting Early-Career Construction Talent first appeared on Construction Executive.

“It’s really a way to take what we do in construction and have some fun with it while engaging not only the local artist community, but also the organizations we donate to,” said Todd Sachse, CEO of Sachse Construction.

The 2025 auction featured three hard hat collaborations between industry sponsors and artists.

Milwaukee Tool partnered with Bo Shepard to transform a vintage steel hard hat into a working lamp, with proceeds benefiting Focus: HOPE, a Detroit-based organization that provides youth with skills training, education and employment opportunities to promote economic mobility.

LuxWall and April Wagner collaborated to create a hard hat sculpted from molten glass. Proceeds supported EcoWorks, whose programs educate youth on sustainability and connect young people to careers in environmental initiatives.

Carhartt and Josh Welton teamed up to create a fully welded metal hard hat honoring Detroit’s industrial backbone. Proceeds benefited the welding department at Randolph Career & Technical Center, a school for skilled trades that works alongside the Detroit Public School system.

“Hard Hats for Detroit gets a lot of social media attention. Year after year, we gain more exposure and more people want to support it,” Sachse said. “We’ve been fortunate to have such a great response from the artist community. The exposure is another way to support them and help get their names out there.”

The impact of initiatives like Hard Hats for Detroit reflects a broader need within the city. Detroit faces ongoing challenges related to literacy rates, economic mobility, housing and mental health. Creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation is critical to long-term community stability.

“Detroit’s population struggles tremendously,” says Sachse. “Our mission is to reach young men and women in Detroit and show them opportunities. We need to break that mold and think long term for Detroit. If we can get to them young and provide skills—whether skilled trades training or life skills—we can help break cycles that repeat generation after generation.”

For 35 years, Sachse Construction has built a reputation not only in Detroit, but across the industry. When asked what inspires other companies to launch similar initiatives, Sachse says the motivation must come from within.

“We define our community as Detroit—the people of Detroit,” he said. “We’re passionate about their success, their growth and building a better future for the city.”

He encourages companies to start by identifying their own purpose.

“Reach inside yourself and ask: What’s important to you? What drives you? What are you looking to achieve?” Sachse said. “You can’t be everything to everybody. Define your community. Then figure out how you want to make an impact.”

SEE ALSO: WINDSOR DOORS PARTNERS WITH MIRACLE LEAGUE OF ARKANSAS

The post Industrial Canvas: Turning Hard Hats Into Artwork first appeared on Construction Executive.

View ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index for February. View the full Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index data series.

Backlog increased sharply during February in the Middle States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Notably, the Middle States is the only region with higher backlog than one year ago. 

SEE ALSO: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS PRICES SURGE IN JANUARY, DRIVEN AGAIN BY TARIFFS

ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales and staffing levels increased again in February, while the reading for profit margins fell. Sales expectations are better than they were one year ago, while profit margin and staffing expectations are slightly worse. The readings for all three components remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months.

“Backlog bounced back from January’s four-year low, yet it remains subdued by historical standards,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “It’s notable that backlog growth has been confined to the Middle States region. After struggling in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, the Midwest has posted surprisingly strong population and economic growth over the past year, and that growth has clearly translated into increased levels of construction activity. 

“Contractors under contract to work on data centers (11.2 months) continue to have significantly longer backlog than those who are not (7.6 months),” said Basu. “While data center work should continue apace over the next few quarters, the conflict in Iran, which began during this middle of this month’s CBI survey period, may suppress demand for other forms of construction work due to elevated materials prices, borrowing costs and uncertainty. 

“While contractors remain slightly optimistic that their profit margins will expand over the next six months, that confidence may not survive the recent and precipitous increase in oil prices,” said Basu. “Rising input costs, if persistent, could weigh on hiring expectations, which were particularly upbeat in February. The CCI series for staffing level expectations rose to the highest level since March 2025.”

SEE ALSO: CONSTRUCTION LOSES 11,000 JOBS IN FEBRUARY

The post Construction Backlog Indicator Rebounds in February, Contractor Confidence Grows first appeared on Construction Executive.

Launched in 2021, the program supports 30 community colleges and is designed to create clear pathways to careers while strengthening programs in high-demand technical fields. During the 2024–25 school year alone, the program supported 554 scholarships and helped launch more than 1,000 careers.

“Without proper funding, community colleges don’t have the resources they need to educate the next generation of skilled workers,” says Susan Ranft, vice president of human resources for the Americas at Johnson Controls. “Younger students who would be great candidates for skilled trades positions often lack exposure to—or even awareness of—the potential of these career paths.”

With nearly 5,000 students enrolled to date, the program empowers participants to do more than take a leap into a new career. Through the involvement of local Johnson Controls volunteer mentors and guest educators, students gain hands-on insight, build professional networks, learn from real-world experiences and access internships and entry-level career opportunities within the company.

“During the 2024–25 school year alone, our employees logged nearly 850 volunteer hours as educators and mentors, demonstrating how strongly they believe in the program’s mission and their dedication to building the next generation of skilled workers,” Ranft says. “They help students build professional networks and empower them with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in building technology careers.”

While intelligence, passion and determination provide a strong foundation for careers in the skilled trades, limited access to funding and educational resources continues to challenge workforce development efforts for prospective students.

Through the program, schools receive grants of up to $100,000, renewable for as many as three years, to support programming across HVAC, fire, security and digital disciplines. “We’re on track to donate up to $15 million by the end of 2026 across 30 community colleges to help them expand educational programs and workforce development initiatives,” Ranft says.

As a global leader in smart buildings—creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces for more than 140 years—Johnson Controls encourages other companies to explore similar initiatives that support students pursuing family-sustaining careers.

“It’s incredibly important to invest in the future workforce,” Ranft says. “Companies should look for ways to fund and collaborate with local community colleges to strengthen skilled-trades programs, including creating opportunities for employees to engage with students as mentors and educators while fostering the expertise and motivation students need to succeed.”

SEE ALSO: A BEACON OF HOPE: JOSEPH GROH FOUNDATION’S NEWEST GRANT RECIPIENT

The post For Good: Johnson Controls Invests in Community College Partnership Program first appeared on Construction Executive.

“I am now able to wash my face, brush my teeth and comb my hair out of bed and in front of the mirror. This has allowed me to have my first real shower in months,” said Bray. “My wife and child depended on me before the accident as a father and financial provider. All of that has been shattered, and I would like to put the pieces back together for my family.”

The foundation provides information, resources, financial assistance and grants for individuals in the construction industry who face both short- and long-term disabilities. For Joe Groh, the nonprofit’s founder, aiding Bray and others in reestablishing comfort and independence after a life-changing injury is more than just work—it’s a personal mission. More than 17 years after breaking his neck and damaging his spinal cord on Father’s Day, Groh has maintained a mindset of positivity and resilience.

“You can’t imagine it. It’s a story that you read, but put yourself in their position. How would any of us feel if we couldn’t take a shower or perform our daily tasks for years? It gets at the very heart of your dignity,” said Groh. “Sometimes they are just looking for someone to talk through that understands their experience. I let them know that at the end of the rainbow, there’s definitely a life on the other side. Even if it’s going to be a different life, it can still be a good life.”

Since its establishment, the Joseph Groh Foundation has helped 151 families across 38 states, providing grants totaling more than $1.4 million.

“We try to provide information that we didn’t have when I got hurt. We want to at least get families started on the path of learning, because when something like this happens to you, it affects your entire family,” Groh said.

By offering grants for essentials that government programs or insurance won’t cover, the foundation has delivered shower chairs, various wheelchairs and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, assistive technology, rehabilitation equipment and other personal needs that help individuals with disabilities feel more independent, productive or able to resume work.

“A lot of smaller employers and public contractors with fewer than 10 employees may not offer short and long-term disability insurance for their employees. That’s critical to your survival,” said Groh.

After more than 35 years of working in the industry, Groh is focused on ensuring his experience, knowledge and foundation’s mission will survive well past the original founders.

“The stories that we come across inspire us and make us more determined to make sure we are able to pass this on to the next generation—that 30 to 50 years from now, the foundation is still helping people,” Groh said.

SEE ALSO: WINDSOR DOOR PARTNERS WITH MIRACLE LEAGUE OF ARKANSAS

The post A Beacon of Hope: Joseph Groh Foundation’s Newest Grant Recipient first appeared on Construction Executive.

An evident strain was the destruction the fires set on Palisades Charter High School—colloquially known as Pali High—which left approximately 2,500 students without a campus to go to. This resulted in a return to online learning, a setting too familiar as five years earlier, these students were ripped from their educational experience because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Building schools is in the DNA of C.W. Driver, so when the firm saw the damage to Pali High, the team rushed to create a temporary campus—Pali High South. Through a partnership with design firm Gensler, the former Sears retail building—a Santa Monica landmark—was transformed into a safe, fully equipped learning environment for 2,500 Pali High students just three months after the fires took place.

WORKING FROM A BLANK SLATE

The former Santa Monica Sears building was selected for several reasons: Its existing infrastructure, modern upgrades and open plan layout allowed for the creation of a unique learning environment.

In 2020, the building was partially renovated after two years, as developers converted the structure from three stories into four with original plans to occupy it with offices and restaurants. Tenants couldn’t move in due to the pandemic, but the structure provided an ample head start as the building was gutted and new HVAC system provisions, upgraded electrical equipment, and the head end equipment for a code-compliant fire and life safety system were already in place.

The basic building components were in place, and still C.W. Driver had to transform it into an environment conducive to learning, as its current layout was geared towards a retail and mixed-use space. The firm navigated the building’s infrastructure and floor plan to help transform it into a proper school that could hold thousands of students circulating to different classrooms while also providing an intimate learning experience—not to mention a respite from the new-found stressors of daily life in the still-recovering Los Angeles.

The materiality and open floor plans of the building made way for the innovative use of space. Its steel-and-concrete structure provided a durable and fire-resistant shell that is lightweight, offering flexibility within. Each floor also had 20,000 to 30,000 square feet of open layout, paving way to carve out 90 classrooms and various support spaces in a timely manner.

Additionally, its location made it logistically desirable. Situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, the project provides easy access to public transportation and notable roadways. A pedestrian tunnel also offers a safe walkway from the school to the city, so that students, staff and parents would not have to cross busy streets. Santa Monica is also a neighboring town of the Pacific Palisades, allowing students to resume their schooling in a familiar area.

NEED FOR (BUILDING) SPEED

On average, the design and construction for a high school of this magnitude would take upwards of three to four years from conception to completion. However, the goal was to get students back on campus as soon as possible, so much so that the campus was able to be finished in 25 days.  

There are several factors that helped expedite the construction and design of Pali High South. Aside from materials that were already embedded into the structure, C.W. Driver was able to use off-the-shelf materials like standard 8-10-feet studs and drywall, which avoided delays in ordering and cutting. Of course, this rapid pace wouldn’t have happened without generous donations.  Over 100,000 square feet of flooring was donated by companies like Mohawk and Shaw, alongside carpets, some acoustic materials and graphics, which helped reduce incremental costs.

Aside from donations, the robust collaboration between all parties involved significantly helped the speed of construction. As Gensler is an international design firm, its designers worked on the project at all hours as they were able to enlist support from California to Bangalore, India.

Even as support was available from offices approximately 9,000 miles away, a project with such urgency needed a strong all-hands-on-deck approach at its home base. C.W. Driver’s senior superintendent, Ray Weaver, worked tirelessly each day, coordinating 130 workers over two shifts—work that sometimes lasted until 10 p.m. To prevent the stresses of commuting, onsite housing was also provided.

Critically, robust collaboration was necessary to complete a project within this timeframe. The City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica Fire allowed for design, permitting and inspections to happen simultaneously instead of sequentially, which would normally exceed 18 months. C.W. Driver also handpicked subcontractors with preapproved insurance, contracts and design-build capability, which allowed them to begin work instantly.

BRINGING BACK NORMALCY

Certainly, a former big box retail store is not immediately equipped to hold a high school campus. However, C.W. Driver was able to recreate several spaces that carried the spirit of Pali High.

Aside from classrooms, the construction team was able to implement a small library, music rooms and support areas, and Gensler implemented graphics that remained true to the color and character of the school.

What wasn’t innately present in the former big box retailer was a noise prevention system. When C.W. Driver first began work on Pali High South, noise traveled from one side of the building to the otherthanks to the original open concept. From previous experience building schools and implementing noise prevention, Gensler and C.W. Driver developed three tangible solutions: acoustic wall panels, InsulQuilt blankets and carpet enhancements.

Acoustic wall panels were added in classrooms and common areas to lessen reverberation, helping improve focus. InsulQuilt blankets were suspended from the ceiling deck to the top of walls to prevent sound from bouncing between floors. Carpet enhancements were incorporated into floors and partition walls to absorb sound and reduce echo. All these factors ultimately enhanced the intimate experience of sharing a learning environment with peers and staff.

BUILDING ON A MISSION

C.W. Driver has been building educational institutions for over a century and when Palisades High was damaged by the wildfire, there was only one solution: rebuild.

These were the same students who had to endure many formative years online due to the pandemic. The new Pali High South campus was able to keep students close to their peers and instructors and maintain a strong sense of community.

The project was also incredibly personal to C.W. Driver, as a significant number of team members were affected by the fires throughout Los Angeles as well.

However, most importantly, the temporary campus is an emblem of C.W. Driver’s values of community impact, collaboration, innovation and speed under pressure. Pali High South was not a heroic effort; it was a necessary feat. It wasn’t another school that was built; it was the preservation of a learning environment.

The project would not have been possible without the robust support of C.W. Driver’s partners: AJ Kirkwood & Associates, ACCO, ProCraft Construction, Continental, Raymond Group, PDF Flooring and Pacific Carpets, among several others.  

SEE ALSO: FROM THE ASHES: RECONSTRUCTING AFTER THE MAUI WILDFIRE

The post Contractor Turns Former Sears Into Interim High School Following Palisades Wildfires first appeared on Construction Executive.

This summer, ABA successfully distributed $34,990 in essential school supplies to 800 K-12 students across Arizona. Over four separate events in July and August, children received backpacks along with colorful notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, folders and more. The distribution event followed ABA’s annual backpack drive in June, during which ABA’s Community Service Board, construction professionals, volunteers and community members collected donations to purchase supplies for underprivileged students.

“I think I speak for the entire industry as a whole—this industry is truly one of the most generous, incredibly giving communities that I have ever been a part of. ABA wants to be a guiding voice and a leading example of what that looks like,” says Nikki Rutledge, marketing and events manager at ABA. “We are very lucky and grateful to the generous donors.”

In the past 15 years alone, ABA has received nearly $360,000 in monetary donations. While the backpack drive provides ABA with the financial means to give back, an even greater triumph lies in the efforts of more than 50 of ABA’s community service committee members who personally purchase, sort and deliver the supplies.

“It’s not something where we just drop off a hodgepodge of items and say, ‘Godspeed’, this is what we could get,’” Rutledge says. “We raise enough to purchase all new school supplies for the year. We get very specific lists, needs and quantities based on how many kids are at each school or organization to ensure every child gets what they need.”

During the four distribution events, ABA volunteers collaborated with local community partners, including Children First Leadership Academy in Phoenix, a charter school serving economically challenged families; Arizona Baptist Children’s Services in Tucson; Rise Family Services in Mesa, which specializes in foster care; and the Santo Niño Catholic Community.

One of the more exciting distribution events takes place at CFLA, where volunteers personally interact with students as they choose their supplies for the year. Class by class, volunteers hype up the kids as they walk through a makeshift shopping line of supplies and a mountain of backpacks.

“Most of these kids have never been able to pick their own backpack. A lot don’t even have one, and if they do, it’s typically used. We want them to pick out a backpack that screams their personality,” Rutledge says. “We see tons of the same kids year after year, which is one of my favorite parts of our community effort. We have teenagers that have been with us this whole time, every year, and remember how much it has impacted them.”

The backpack drive and distribution events are just the tip of the iceberg of ABA’s community service efforts. Next, ABA is shifting gears to spread holiday cheer with its annual toy drive—the second largest in the country. 

SEE ALSO: YES, ARIZONA, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS

The post Backpack Builders: The Annual Arizona Builders Alliance Backpack Drive first appeared on Construction Executive.

“We wanted to get the word out there about why it’s okay to go to trade school —and who doesn’t love the Phillies around here?” said Rob Almond, CEO of NEST. “There is a massive dilemma with the deficit of skilled trade workforce out there amongst an even greater market of young individuals that may not even know about why the trades are important.”

Students received a behind-the-scenes look at the HVAC controls room, carpentry shop, mechanical systems and the grounds crew facility. They also learned firsthand how the ballpark’s infrastructure is maintained.

“It’s a unique perspective,” says Carolyn DiGiuseppe, General Manager of Facilities, OVG 360 at Citizens Bank Park. “It may not be as glamorous as something like marketing or sponsorships or actually being on the field, but our team is involved in every aspect of the game. Whether it’s the clubhouse, the fans or the new LED lights—we want to show them it’s cool to be a part of this.”

Alongside hands-on learning, students heard from guest speakers working in the trades who shared insight into their careers. Thanks to guidance from their teacher, Evin Jarrett—a former contractor who has received national recognition for his journey from jobsite to classroom—the students were able to draw from the deep bench of trade knowledge given to them and ask informed questions about possible career paths.

“They came so well-prepared with questions. To young people, when it comes to jobs in the trades like electricians, carpentry or plumbing—it’s not only that it’s a great job, but it’s a solid job that you can do well and support your family with,” says DiGiuseppe.

Whether it was seeing their future careers play out at Citizens Bank Park, having lunch with the Phillie Phanatic, playing a game of wiffle ball on the field or sitting in the bullpen, press box or media booth, the entire experience was a grand slam for the students.

For the Phillies and NEST, they’re just getting warmed up—and when it comes to continuing initiatives to get youth into the skilled trades lineup, “the sky’s the limit.”

“At Phillies, our team is always looking for different ways to connect with our community—and especially the youth,” says Jen Dornbusch, manager of sponsorship and suite sales at Philadelphia Phillies. “We have a lot of hands, obviously, in the baseball and softball side of things, but this was a really great opportunity to reach a different audience.”

SEE ALSO: HOW CONTRACTORS CAN USE THE MONEYBALL METHOD WITH WORKFORCE DATA TO GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE

The post Grand Slam: Phillies Partner With NEST to Address Skilled-Labor Shortage first appeared on Construction Executive.

Since 2000, Miracle League has been spreading love for baseball across the south, offering children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to take the field. In 2005, that initiative moved to Arkansas and has been gaining momentum ever since.

Construction Executive spoke with Bobby Strahan, Windsor Door plant manager, about the company’s lasting relationship with Miracle League of Arkansas and its efforts with the program this year:

Why did Windsor Door initially get involved with Miracle League of Arkansas?

Partnering with the Miracle League of Arkansas was a natural choice for Windsor Door. Their community-oriented mission immediately resonated with us. Their unwavering commitment to inclusion and opportunity aligns perfectly with our core values.

At Windsor Door, we believe in building more than just doors. We believe in building strong communities. The Miracle League creates a welcoming space where everyone can feel seen, supported and empowered. This partnership is more than a sponsorship; it’s a meaningful collaboration rooted in shared purpose and real community impact.

Has the effort grown throughout the company? Are more employees participating?

Windsor Door launched its partnership with the Miracle League of Arkansas in 2023, driven by a shared goal: to help provide every child the opportunity to play baseball, regardless of ability. What began with a small group of dedicated team members has grown into a companywide tradition that we look forward to each year.

As our workforce continues to expand, so does our passion and commitment to support the Miracle League. It’s more than just an event, it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for: inclusion, community and making a meaningful difference.

As a third-generation company, why is it important for Windsor Door to be involved in the community?

As a third-generation company, Windsor Door has deep roots in the communities we serve. Since the early 1960s, we’ve grown alongside our neighbors, and our workforce has always reflected the people who make up our community. We’re here because of them. That’s why it’s important for us to honor where we come from and invest in the future together. Community involvement reflects our values and is a cornerstone of who we are.

What were some of the reactions from employees after volunteering? What were some of the kids’ reactions?

The employees enjoy assisting the kids play ball and being part of the action. We volunteer twice a year, so as the excitement from one visit begins to fade, the next one comes around the corner. It reenergizes our employees and gives us all something to look forward to. Several kids return each year, so many of the employees know the kids by name and their favorite positions. The kids look forward to seeing their Windsor Door buddies and playing a great game of baseball.

How do you feel this opportunity affects Windsor Door employees’ day-to-day lives, work lives and overall team morale?

It’s truly inspirational. Over the past three years, we’ve witnessed incredible progress in some of the kids we’ve worked with. We’ve seen them move from walkers and canes to now running the bases on their own. Watching that kind of determination and joy is humbling. It puts life into perspective.

One of the most meaningful moments for me personally was receiving a book, signed by the players, as a thank-you. I keep it on my desk as a daily reminder of the impact these kids have on all of us. Their resilience, spirit, and joy stay with our team long after the game is over.

Why did Windsor Door agree to a multi-year commitment to Miracle League of Arkansas? What are the plans after 2026?

The Miracle League of Arkansas is a special organization that’s leveling the playing field, literally, for kids of all abilities. It’s an honor to support a mission that creates such a lasting, positive impact. Committing to a multi-year sponsorship was an easy decision for us. It reflects our belief in building strong, long-term partnerships rooted in community and compassion.

What is the most unexpected part of this partnership? What is your favorite part?

Each year, we anticipate the event. We know we’ll show up, volunteer and help make a great day happen, but what we didn’t expect was the impact building these relationships would have on us and the kids through the Miracle League. Over the years, our employees have built genuine connections with their Miracle League buddies. Many of our team members look forward to seeing the same kids season after season. Now in our third year, we’ve even heard that some of the players look forward to Windsor Door Day just to be paired with the same person again.

Personally, my favorite part is getting to announce the games all day. I love energizing the crowd, making noise and celebrating every big moment. The joy on the players’ faces, those smiles, are absolutely priceless.

SEE ALSO: NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: NAWIC’S BLOCK KIDS COMPETITION

The post Windsor Door Partners With Miracle League of Arkansas first appeared on Construction Executive.