Top takeaways and top 10 from ABC’s 2025 Top Performers list

Beyond work hours and award designations, the list includes insights from leaders at firms across the country, who offered advice on staying competitive in a shifting construction landscape.

Here are four key strategies that stood out:

1) Workforce culture is a competitive edge

“No matter what, construction is still a people business,” said Sam Craig, vice president of Craig & Heidt (Houston, Texas). “Take care of your people and be relational with your clients and vendors.”

Dina Kimble, president and CEO of Royal Electric (Sacramento, California), said her firm’s strategy is to, “build people who are inspired to grow in their careers, as well as build relationships that add value to clients, the company and community.”

She continued, “This people-first approach to our strategy is what builds our capability to scale across multiple regions. Ensuring current and future leaders all understand the importance of our strong culture to the success of our strategy will result in a company that lasts several generations from now.”

Image courtesy Associated Builders and Contractors

2) Safety is evolving beyond hard hats

Chris Carter, safety director at Sevan Multi-Site Solutions (Downers Grove, Illinois), said wearables will become standard: “Smart helmets and vests will become as commonplace as hard hats, offering real-time monitoring of worker health and safety.”

He added, “There will also be a greater focus on mental health, with regulations expanding to address stress, fatigue and overall well-being.

“On-demand education platforms will provide instant access to safety guidelines and training, empowering workers to stay informed and compliant.”

3) Upskilling starts from within

“We seek out individuals who are driven to excel,” said Jonathan Wolf, president of Tecta America Zero (Cincinnati, Ohio). “[We upskill] the people with the right motivation and attitude.”

Royal Electric’s Kimble said a diverse workforce is essential and that, “Royal’s company culture values unique experiences and perspectives, where people of all backgrounds feel like they belong, and creates environments that allow people to live and work authentically.”

Craig stressed early intervention.

“We’ve got to get young people to want to go into construction, [and it’s a] good career, not just a job; shifting that mindset is a long-term project requiring calculated steps,” the VP said.

4) Tech matters, but so does restraint

Wolf warned against trend-chasing, especially in new technology.

“Remember, the newest is not always best; tried and true is sometimes the better option. While an open mind is important, it is easy to get enamoured by the shiny object, so be cautious and selective,” he advised.

Sevan’s Carter noted, “AI will play a key role in analysing data from past incidents to predict and prevent potential risks,” and said technology will make sites “safer, more efficient and better equipped to handle the challenges of the future.”

Kimble framed it as a recruiting tool: “Firms that embrace technology and innovation will better attract Gen Z workers who believe it’s critical to their success at work.”

ABC’s Top Performers are ranked by work hours and include companies that achieved STEP Gold or higher and hold Accredited Quality Contractor status. The full list, and additional lists for top general contractors and segment subcontractors, is available at abc.org/topperformers.

ABC’s Top 10 Performers (2025)

These firms earned ABC’s STEP Gold or higher and hold Accredited Quality Contractor status. Rankings are based on work hours submitted in 2024.

1. Turner Industries Group – Baton Rouge, LA
2. BL Harbert International – Birmingham, AL
3. Brown & Root Industrial Services – Baton Rouge, LA
4. Performance Contractors – Baton Rouge, LA
5. MMR Constructors – Baton Rouge, LA
6. M.C. Dean – Tysons, VA
7. Apache Industrial – Houston, TX
8. S&B Engineers and Constructors – Houston, TX
9. Hensel Phelps – Greeley, CO
10. Brasfield & Gorrie – Birmingham, AL

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