Special to Florida Construction News
In a time of social, economic and environmental upheaval, construction businesses across Florida continue to build their communities and support workers.
Even during the pandemic, progress has been made toward a healthy, equitable and prosperous future for the industry and the state.
Florida Construction News is honoring several leaders in the community who have gone above and beyond to achieve and plan for a robust economic recovery.
Florida Coast Equipment was incorporated in January 1985 with two employees, two bays and a small office. Four years later the company took over the facility of Broward-Palm Beach Tractor, a former John Deere Dealer and the door opened for Florida Coast Equipment to become the newest Kubota dealer in the South East.
There have been several expansions through the years and in June 2021, purchasing Gulf Coast Tractor and adding two additional locations in Plant City and Land O’ Lakes, made them the largest Kubota dealership in the Southeast and one of the top five largest in the country.
In October of 2021, Florida Coast Equipment acquired Agricon, the Kubota Superstore. With the three new locations in Apopka, Lecanto and Ocala, this made Florida Coast Equipment the largest Kubota dealer in Florida.
“Our growth is about building a world-class organization that provides opportunities for the members of our team and gives us the tools to deliver superior service and unrivalled product support to our customers today, tomorrow and for years to come,” said Todd Bachman, Florida Coast Equipment’s president and CEO.
“During challenging economic times you can either lead and innovate the industry or be left behind. By investing in our team, we choose to lead. That’s who we are. That’s our culture.”
See: Florida Coast Equipment leading, innovating and creating opportunities state-wide
The Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF) is a not-for-profit trade association that educates and fosters a high standard of business ethics among roofing contractors and associate members.
RCASF members endeavor to give back to their community throughout the year by hosting several charitable events. The RCASF Fishing Tournament is the association’s largest annual philanthropic effort. This year, the RCASF Fishing Tournament raised $225,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and $25,000 for the IGFA’s Junior Angler’s Educational Program.
Neal Communities, Southwest Florida’s premier, private homebuilder, made a $1,000 donation to the North Port Mustangs Pop Warner organization to help replace youth football equipment for the organization. The need was brought to the company’s attention by Harry Russom, a construction manager for Neal Communities at the Kings Gate community in Port Charlotte.
“Our goal is to raise the funds to replace half of our inventory that has become too aged to recertify,” said Russom. “As Neal Communities has increased its presence in the area surrounding North Port, I thought the company might be interested in supporting this cause that is close to my heart.”
Polyglass U.S.A. Inc. worked alongside contractor Perkins Roofing and other partners to refurbish the damaged roof of Abandoned Pet Rescue in Ft. Lauderdale, one of South Florida’s biggest no-kill animal shelters. This not-for-profit organization had been fundraising for the project when Perkins Roofing got involved.
As a premier manufacturer of roofing membranes, Polyglass was happy to donate more than 100 rolls of Elastoflex SA V FR elastomeric SBS membranes and Polyflex SA P granulated APP cap sheets.
The shelter’s leaking roof covered 6,200 square feet. A combination of old gypsum and metal panels that had been infested with termites. The project took two weeks and involved extensive work.
SOPREMA, Inc. announced on Arbor Day a donation of $5,000 to the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of Chamberlin Roofing and Waterproofing of Texas.
“At SOPREMA, it’s our mission to protect people’s property, possessions and health,” said Matt Davis, SOPREMA’s marketing content and brand manager.
The company has been developing and diversifying its activities by including, over the years, additional operations to its traditional trade. By becoming the world leader in waterproofing solutions, the group is today a key player in the construction sector.
Current Builders raised $39,000 for local charities in its 15th Annual Holiday Fundraising Program. The Pompano Beach-based general contractor donated more than $5,000 to Toys for Tots and distributed checks to acclaimed nonprofits such as Rebuilding Together Broward, Feeding South Florida, Kappa Foundation, Best Buddies, and Casa.
Founded in 1972, Current Builders is an award-winning general contractor with an average annual revenue of over $250 million, housing projects, healthcare facilities, office/warehouse buildings, commercial distribution facilities, parking lots and interiors.
ABC Cares Foundation’s Florida East Coast Chapter is committed to helping professionals hone their skills and move up the career ladder, and they also recognize the importance of giving back to the community that’s been so kind to the organization over the years.
“We aim to make our neighborhoods a better place for all. Our members know “giving back” is more than just offering superb services; it’s also about helping our neighbors in need.
A total of 98 cents of every dollar collected each year going straight to charity and the foundation operates with very little overhead, meaning donations are guaranteed to go to someone in need.
The organization is predominantly run by individuals with a background in non-profit management, along with support from trade professionals.
Allen & Company, a Lakeland-based financial investment firm, has donated $1 million to the park’s capital campaign.
“Partnering with Bonnet Springs Park is one of the most exciting opportunities along the I-4 corridor, and perhaps even the state and region,” Michael Walker, vice president of Allen & Company’s regional operations, said in a press statement. “We believe the experience, inclusion, and vision of this magnificent park will further elevate and invite growth and excitement to our community.”
When Ralph Allen joined his father’s firm – the oldest investment firm in Florida – in 1963, Allen & Company had four financial advisors. Today there are more than 70 associates in three offices across Central Florida.
PC Construction made a $5,000 donation to a foundation dedicated to supporting contractors’ families impacted by the accidental worksite death of a loved one.
“We’re proud to play a small part in the important work of the Classic Mike Loyer Foundation,” said Eve Norris, vice-president at PC Construction. “Particularly in a small state like Vermont, the construction community feels like family. We’re very fortunate that this organization is here to coordinate financial and moral support during times of extreme grief and hardship.”
PC Construction has over 50 years of experience. The team of employee-owners hail from every craft and expertise in the field, allowing us to combine innovative construction methods and accountable project management to get the job done, and to get it done right. To do this, we work closely with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients at every stage of the process. They are a 100% employee-owned company whose daily actions are guided by core values.
Hypower, a leading electrical and utility contracting company, is committed to the community and when the Holiday Picnic, historically the largest corporate event with over 800 in attendance was cancelled by the pandemic, that didn’t stop them.
“Construction employees are considered essential workers and most of our employees have been able to remain productive and provide for their families during these difficult times,” said Barry Olson, vice-president of purchasing. “Others within our community have not been so fortunate. Because of this, all of us at Hypower decided to show our collective appreciation for those within our local community who are in need.”
The solution was to increase support for two local community resources who have made it their mission to make a direct positive impact upon our community members in need.
Bud Construction, a general contractor and sister company to IC Mechanical, made its first donation to Metropolitan Ministries – $10,000 to support the affordable housing project.
Established in 1995, the team quickly made its name as a leader in the Design Build market.
Then, recognizing the need for a general contracting organization with the same values and vision, IC Mechanical established Bud Construction. Together the companies are committed to meeting each customer’s needs and to exceed their expectations through quality engineering, detailed project management, and superior construction.