Chair of the Board Steven Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.
Chair-Elect Ed Engle Smucker Company
1st Vice Chair Jeff Witmer Pathway Business Advisors
2nd Vice Chair Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company
Secretary Aimée Deraco Brubaker
Treasurer Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group
Immediate Past Chair Guy Kingree, III Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jeff Albright High Construction Company
Corbin Beittel Warfel Construction Company
Jeff Bright Offit Kurman
Stephanie Conway Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company
Kevin Eshleman SLC Excavating, LLC
Michael L. Fiore Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Brian Floyd MPB Insurance & Risk Management
Ken Funk Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.
John H. Hykes, II B&B Integrations
Anthony Leer Leer Electric, Inc.
Michael Metz-Topodas Saul Ewing LLP
Patrick Snyder Peoples Security Bank & Trust
Lee L. Summers, Jr. C Mechanical Services
Kevin VanPelt S&T Bank
Jan L. Wagner Wagman Construction, Inc.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
LOOKING BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL MOLD
BY: STEVEN KEARNS
Every March, we pause to reflect upon and celebrate the impact of women within the construction industry. Whenever I look back on my journey into this industry, just like many others, I wouldn't be in it without a woman.
Growing up in a family-owned mechanical contracting business, construction was simply what we did. It was the family trade, passed down, always on the table. What I didn't fully appreciate at the time was who was running things behind the scenes.
My mother didn't just work in the business; she was (and still is) a leader within it. While I was spending summers learning the hands-on aspects, she was managing her department, making tough calls, and demonstrating the technical proficiency and leadership that kept the company moving forward.
More importantly, she made it clear that there was a place for me in this industry if I wanted it. Not because it was expected, but because she saw the opportunity and made sure I understood it was there. That matters more than people realize. When you grow up seeing
someone who doesn't fit the traditional mold of what a construction professional is supposed to look like, it changes your perspective on who belongs in this industry. It forces you to evaluate people based on what they bring to the table, not what they look like when they walk onto a jobsite.
We have a workforce problem in construction because we keep looking for talent in the same places we've always looked. In doing that, we overlook an enormous pool of capable people who will excel in this industry if we seek them out.
Women represent approximately 11.2% of the construction workforce as of 2024, the highest share in two decades. That includes everyone: engineers, project managers, office staff, and field workers. But when you narrow it down to hands-on occupations, women make up only 4% of that workforce. Meanwhile, women represent 47% of the American workforce. Think about that for a second. We're drawing from roughly 2% of available female talent while complaining about workforce shortages. That's not a pipeline problem. That's a perception problem.
Across the industry, we've seen more women taking on key roles outside traditional office positions. We're seeing them step into operations roles, project coordination, and field supervision; positions that require technical knowledge, leadership, and the ability to manage complex projects under pressure. These are people who are damn good at their jobs and who are making our companies stronger.
But we're still not where we need to be. If young women don't see themselves reflected in our industry, they're not going to consider it as a career path. If we don't actively work to create opportunities and change perceptions, nothing will change.
That's why initiatives like ABC Keystone's All 'bout Construction Girls Camp matter. We're giving girls hands-on exposure to the trades and showing them
Continued on next page
that there's a future here if they choose it. The goal is to plant the idea that this is a viable, lucrative, rewarding career path where they belong.
I got into this industry because a woman showed me, through her own leadership and competence, that it values skill, intelligence, and work ethic over everything else.
So, the next time you're looking to fill a position, or the next time you're talking to a young person about career options, or the next time you're evaluating your workforce development strategy, remember this: talent doesn't have a gender. Skill doesn't have a gender. Work ethic doesn't have a gender.
Don't overlook talent just because it doesn't look like what you expected. Because if we want to solve our workforce challenges, we need to look at people for what they can do, not what they look like when they show up.
That's a lesson my mother taught me. And it's one this industry needs to learn.
FROM THE PRESIDENT-CEO
GREAT HEADLINES……LESS THAN STELLAR RESULTS!
BY: G. DAVID SLOAD
It’s 2026 and time for another PA Gubernatorial election. This month we look at the incumbent Governor Josh Shapiro and his first three years. From a construction industry perspective, how did he help or not help the industry? One of the Governors’ greatest attributes is his ability to get press both Statewide and Nationally (did someone say campaigning for higher office?). We will dive into a few of his many statements and the results that ensued.
“As Governor I will make sure we get s#@t done.” Let’s give credit where credit is due. The repair and reopening of I-95 in Philadelphia was a great accomplishment. Beyond that, not much else has happened.
• He failed to negotiate all three annual budgets on time. His excuse? The Republican Senate kept it from happening. Negotiation means being present and he has not been present.
• He promised the City of Harrisburg he’d make sure the Broad Street Market got rebuilt and opened with support from the State. Three years later the market has still not been repaired. Excuse? The city council and mayor are the problem.
• In year two of his term, he came out in support of school choice and negotiated with Senate Republicans to advance his budget. The result? He line-item vetoed it out of the budget right before he signed the budget.
This is just a sample of not getting s#$t done.
On March 14, 2025, while appearing on the Bill Maher show the Governor stated, “I want to give everyone the freedom to chart their own course and chance to succeed.” Apparently, this is not true for those in the construction industry.
• In 2024, the Governor asked his department secretaries to consider putting Project Labor Agreements on state-funded projects. He has no problem discriminating against 90 percent of the construction workforce that freely chooses not to be signatory to a union.
• While he claims to have fixed the State’s permitting process, we are told winners and losers are being picked when it comes to receiving permits.
• He believes in second chances for those that have made mistakes. Not necessarily. As Attorney General he prosecuted companies that he felt were not following rules. While we are not here to debate the cases or outcomes, settlements did occur. Unhappy with settling a case he has made it his mission to prevent one company from continuing to work and proudly makes a point of highlighting it in his current book. I guess he has no problem with putting over 1,600 people out of work.
Will Governor Shapiro be a full-time Governor? It is no secret that he wants to be the President of The United States. If he wins re-election to Governor in November his second term will begin in January of 2027. These days, the run for President takes almost a full two years, which means his run will start shortly after his inauguration. One only needs to see the amount of time he currently spends out of state, on the road, promoting himself and his book to understand that it will only increase 10-fold. Pennsylvania deserves a full-time Governor dedicated to all its citizens.
Only you can decide for yourself and your business which candidate will help you be a thriving company. Next month we will look at the presumable Republican candidate, Stacy Garrity.
CELEBRATE WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK
Expanding Opportunity, Strengthening the Industry
Established in 1998 by the National Association of Women in Construction, Women in Construction Week began as a weeklong observance and has grown into a nationwide initiative celebrating achievement and expanding career opportunities across the industry.
Women now represent about 11% of the construction workforce, the highest percentage in decades, yet participation in many craft professions remains limited. With women making up nearly half of the total U.S. workforce, the industry has an opportunity to broaden awareness and access as part of a long-term workforce strategy.
For merit shop contractors, Women in Construction Week reflects the principles of free enterprise and equal opportunity. Advancement is based on skill, performance and work ethic. Expanding outreach to women strengthens the talent pipeline and reinforces fair competition.
Across ABC Keystone’s footprint, more women are stepping into roles in project management, estimating,
safety, operations and field supervision. Their growing presence reflects both competence and the evolving face of construction.
Initiatives such as ABC Keystone’s All ’Bout Construction Girls Camp provide early, hands-on exposure to the trades and connect students with industry professionals. Early engagement helps young women see construction as a viable and rewarding career path.
Women in Construction Week serves as both recognition and reminder. The future of the industry depends on attracting the full range of available talent. Ability and performance, not gender, define success in construction.
Designing Her Future:
Sarah Clark’s Story
For as long as she can remember, Sarah Clark has been drawn to creativity and design. The summer before her senior year of high school, a family friend introduced her to CAD and showed her how technical drawings translate into real-world construction. The experience sparked immediate interest. With his encouragement, she enrolled in the architectural CAD program at Lancaster County Career & Technical Center, where she completed her graduation credits while gaining hands-on technical skills.
Today, Sarah is currently employed as an electrical estimator/drafter at Tekrins, Inc. and is a second-year electrical apprentice at ABC Keystone. She continues to build her technical knowledge both in the office and in the field. In recognition of Women in Construction Week, we sat down with Sarah and asked her a few questions about her career path, goals and what it’s like to be a woman in construction.
How did you learn about ABC Keystone's apprenticeship program?
I learned about the apprenticeship program through my job at Tekrins. Several members of our team completed the program and later earned their journeyman and master electrician licenses. Seeing the knowledge and experience they gained and hearing their strong recommendations made the decision to enroll an easy one for me.
What has been the most challenging part of your apprenticeship so far?
Honestly, things have been going well, and I’m grateful
"In reality, electrical work is built on skill, precision, problemsolving and training, not gender."
for that. One challenge has been holding myself to a high standard, making sure I fully understand the material in school and can apply it accurately on the job. That mindset has pushed me to grow and develop more quickly.
What misconceptions do you think people have about women in electrical work?
One of the biggest misconceptions about women in electrical work is the belief that they are somehow less capable physically or technically. There is still an outdated perception that the trade is “too hard” or “too dangerous” for women. In reality, electrical work is built on skill, precision, problem-solving and training, not gender.
Where do you see yourself in five year?
In five years, I see myself earning my journeyman and master electrician licenses and continuing to grow into a leadership role. I hope to expand beyond estimating and drafting into managing projects and overseeing them from design through execution.
Because I already work on the preconstruction and design side, earning my licenses will give me a stronger understanding of field execution and allow me to better connect planning with real-world applications.
What would you say to other women who may be considering a career in the trades?
If you’re considering a career in trades, I’d say go for it. Success isn’t determined by gender. It’s built on initiative, work ethic and problem-solving skills. If you’re willing to learn and put in the effort, you can absolutely build a successful career.
BUILD YOUR TEAM WITH ABC
Strength Starts With Your Workforce
ABC Keystone helps contractors build skilled, compliant workforces through registered apprenticeship. We provide the guidance and support you need to succeed—now and into the future.
Grow and Develop Your Workforce with ABC Keystone.
Create your own workforce through formalized training.
Increase productivity, safety & profits.
Expand your workers' knowledge base.
To learn more about how ABC Keystone can help build your workforce for today and tomorrow contact Randy Doxzon at randy@abckeystone.org.
Committee Update TECHNOLOGY
Year Two, Bigger Impact: Inside ABC Keystone’s Technology Committee
BY: Mitchel Erb, Director of Innovation & Technology, Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.
As we kick off 2026, the ABC Keystone Technology Committee is back for its second year and building on strong momentum. Following the success of Technology Day in October 2025, we’re energized to deliver even more value to members in the year ahead.
The committee includes a diverse group of technology advocates representing local contractors and subcontractors, regional IT providers and national software partners. With support from the ABC National Technology Committee and Alliance, members have access to a broad range of resources and solutions designed to address real world construction challenges.
In 2026, the committee plans to offer multiple learning opportunities throughout the year. Technology Day will return, incorporating feedback from last year’s event to make it even more engaging and practical. The committee is also planning virtual lunch and learn sessions centered on timely, member driven topics, along with an introductory session titled What You Need to Know About Construction Technology for those new to the industry. These offerings will complement the full day event and provide accessible education throughout the year.
Potential virtual lunch and learn topics include:
• How AI fits into construction
• Choosing the right software solutions for your company
• Building and managing a technology budget
• Technology resources available to ABC Keystone members
Finally, we want your input. If you have questions about a specific technology or a challenge you think technology could help solve, we encourage you to reach out. Your feedback helps us shape meaningful, relevant programming that supports your business and the industry as a whole.
Questions for the Technology Committee?
Scan the QR code to connect directly with a committee member and get the answers you need.
10 21 26
SOUTHEAST REGION NORTH REGION
MARCH 11 MARCH 26
Location: Manheim Office, Manheim, PA
Presented by
Location: Axemann Brewery, Bellefonte, PA
Presented by
Specialty Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Site Designers, and Suppliers: Meet multiple general contractors!
General Contractors will have booth displays set up, giving attendees the opportunity to work the room at their own pace and have one-on-one and meaningful conversations to make connections and grow their network. Register today at ABCKEYSTONE.ORG.
• Showcase your team’s quality work and proficiency.
• Promote your company and build your business.
• Strengthen relationships with industry-leading GC's.
• Gain first-hand information on upcoming projects and bids.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!
ABC Keystone STUDENT CHAPTER
Penn College Construction Management Association to Compete at ABC Construction Management Competition
The Penn College Construction Management Association (CMA) will represent Pennsylvania at the ABC Construction Management Competition, scheduled for March 17–21, 2026, during the ABC Convention 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
CMA is comprised of 78 future construction managers and maintains an active presence on and off campus. The organization sponsors events, completes school and community service projects, and provides peer mentorship and academic support.
The national competition places student teams in a modified real-world project scenario designed to test technical knowledge, teamwork and adaptability. Participants analyze construction documents, develop schedules, prepare cost estimates, evaluate risk and present solutions to a panel of industry professionals. The format reflects the pace and complexity of today’s construction environment.
The Penn College team enters this year’s competition following a strong national performance in 2025, earning first place in Estimating, Project Management and Safety, along with a third-place overall finish nationally. In addition, the chapter was recognized as ABC Student Chapter of the Year for the second consecutive year, a distinction that highlights its leadership and engagement.
In addition to the competition, the ABC Convention features educational sessions and networking opportunities with contractors and industry leaders from across the country. The experience provides students with exposure to the merit shop philosophy and valuable professional connections.
We wish the students the very best of luck as they compete on the national stage.
ABC Keystone encourages members to demonstrate their commitment to workforce development by supporting this year’s competition team and investing in the next generation of construction leaders.
Interested in presenting or learning more about CMA or the Penn College Construction Management program? Contact us.
James Fretz | jcf25@pct.edu
Penn College CMA President
Wayne Sheppard | wsheppar@pct.edu
Penn College CMA Faculty Advisor
Presented by:
Professional Perspectives ASK AN ACCOUNTANT
BY: CARL ROWITS, CPA, FOR THE TRADES FINANCIAL WELLNESS LLC
WHY 2026 IS THE YEAR PA TRADE OWNERS FINALLY STOP THE REVOLVING DOOR
If you run a trade business in Pennsylvania, you know the drill: demand is through the roof, yet your lead tech (the one you spent years training) can still walk out tomorrow for a few extra dollars from a competitor. It feels like a punch in the gut. But in 2026, most workers aren’t leaving because they’re disloyal; they’re leaving because they have to. With housing and childcare prices soaring, good people are making short-term moves just to stay afloat. At For The Trades Financial Wellness, we talk to owners daily who are exhausted by this wage bidding war. The good news? Federal policy is finally giving small shops the tools to build a workplace people can’t afford to leave.
Fixing the "Right Now" Stress
The best parts of the SECURE Act 2.0 are now fully live. These aren't just dry retirement perks; they handle the day-to-day financial fires that cause guys to quit.
• Emergency Savings Accounts (PLESA): You can now add a payroll-deducted emergency fund right into your team's retirement plan. This lets your crew save for a blown transmission or a surprise medical bill and pull the cash out penalty-free. It ends the "financial fire drills" that lead to stress and no-shows.
• Student Loan Matching: We’re seeing apprentices enter the trades with more debt than ever. You can now match an employee’s student loan payments with a contribution to their 401(k). You're helping them kill off their past debt while building their future.
Trump Accounts: A New Tool for Retention
Starting July 4, 2026, Section 530A - is expected to become available as a long-term savings vehicle for U.S. children. While some implementation details are still pending IRS guidance, the program is already shaping up to be a powerful retention tool for trade business owners.
• Federal Seed Deposit: Children born between 2025 and 2028 are slated to receive a one-time $1,000 government contribution to open an account.
• Employer Contributions: Current drafts suggest employers may contribute to their employees’ children’s accounts, with commonly discussed limits of up to $2,500 per year, within the account’s total federal contribution cap (currently proposed at $5,000 annually).
For trade owners, this creates a unique opportunity to strengthen loyalty. Imagine telling your foreman: “We’re helping build your child’s future savings.” They’ll never leave.
The "Net-Zero" cost reality
The IRS is essentially subsidizing these moves for shops with 50 or fewer employees:
• Employer Contribution Credit: For the first two years of a plan, you can receive a 100% tax credit (up to $1,000 per employee) for money you put into their accounts. It’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax bill.
• Startup Credits: The government covers up to $5,000 a year for three years to handle 100% of setup and admin costs.
The Bottom Line
Retention in 2026 isn’t about who has the biggest paycheck; it’s about who provides the most stability. When you help your team handle debt and invest in their kids, you stop being just "the boss" - you become the partner they want to grow with.
Change Orders in Politics:
What’s Coming for PA in 2026?
Start your day face-to-face with the people shaping construction in your region at ABC Keystone’s Regional Construction Wake-Up Calls. These in-person, early-morning gatherings offer a relaxed, high-impact way to connect with peers, share local insights, and hear timely updates that affect your business—before the workday takes off. Grab a coffee, build relationships, and stay plugged into what’s happening right here in your region.
• Explore current policy issues under consideration and their potential impacts on the construction industry.
• Hear an overview of the upcoming presidential midterm election cycle and how it may be influenced by a sitting governor running for re-election while pursuing a presidential campaign.
• Highlight best practices for advancing policy solutions that benefit workers across the construction industry.
Presented
by:
Jim Willshier, ABC Keystone, Director of Government Affairs
ADVOCACY UPDATE
EARLY WARNING ON POLITICAL TIDES
BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Most of us are familiar with early warning weather alerts that help people prepare for emergencies, so they can have supplies and be ready for upcoming disasters. As we begin our 2026 elections, we advise everyone that this is an early warning of policy issues in our state.
Historically, midterm elections often shift against the party of a sitting president. At the same time, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s popularity could influence down-ballot races. These factors can create an environment for a “blue wave.” Some may see that as a good thing, as they support social issues or want to send a message to Republicans (or Democrats who aren’t progressive enough) through the ballot box.
This early warning isn’t about any potential for greater democratic control in the state legislature and the governor’s office. The early warning forrelates to the policies that we have seen democrat policy-makers champion against the construction industry. They have pursued policies to penalize merit shop contractors, bar merit shop contractors from bidding on projects, and intentionally block all efforts for a level playing field for apprentice ratios, to name a few. In a blue wave, these issues will pass with more to follow.
Voters should prepare for the possibility that a blue wave would target the construction industry. We have seen these bills introduced, and we must stop them. Lawmakers have proposed budgets that increase spending and will likely lead to future tax increases borne by businesses. We have heard the strong rhetoric directed at our members, which is the justification for all the above.
Sheltering in place won’t be an option in a blue wave. But there is time to take action. We need to engage in voter registrations, meet candidates or incumbents that can be champions for merit shops, and help voter turnout in both to primary elections (May) and the fall general election. It is always important to be engaged politically. Still, the very real potential of strong democratic control in all three branches of state government (possibly a change in DC too) should be cause for alarm among our membership.
Please engage with your legislators and our government affairs program while we still have time to avoid a policy disaster for merit shops.
Stay
MARCH MARCH
EVENTS, COURSES & TRAINING
3/3, 3/4 & 3/5
Construction Wars
ABC Keystone, Manheim, PA
3/4 Delegating for Results
Part of the Professional Development Series
3/4 Construction Risk Management
Part of the Construction 101 Series
Starts 3/4
Advanced Blueprint Reading
3/9 Arc Flash & Energized Electrical Work Safety
Starts 3/9
Dynamic Crew Leadership
3/10 Attitude Adjustments
Part of the Leadership Development Series
3/10 Hot Topic Seminar: Navigating Davis-Bacon & Certified Payroll
Attend In-person or Virtual
3/10
Motivating Fellow Employees
Part of the Leadership 2.0 Series
3/11 HR Compliance
Part of the Building a Better Crew Series
3/11 Meet the Generals – Southeast Region Presented by Central Penn Propane, LLC
ABC Keystone, Manheim, PA
Starts 3/12
STP: Contract Documents
Part of the Superintendent Training Program
3/12 The Power of Understanding Conflict & Games Playing Part of The Power of People Series
Starts 3/13
Field Supervisor Safety Skills –Your Role in Driving This Bus
EVENTS, COURSES & TRAINING
3/16 Rough-Terrain Forklift Training
3/18
3/18
VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
HR’s Strategic, Operational & Administrative Roles Part of the Human Resources Management Academy
3/19 Spring Southwest Regional Construction Wake-up Call Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. Altoona, PA
3/24 Spring North Regional Construction Wake-up Call Zartman Construction, Inc. Northumberland, PA
3/25 Sizing Up Your Digital Footprint Part of the Marketing Boot Camp Series
3/26 Bluebeam® Revu Intro –FREE Launch Session
3/26 Meet the Generals – North Region Axemann Brewery, Bellefonte, PA Presented by National Jobsite Catering
Jeremy Shertzer, Territory Manager 305 Thoroughbred Drive York Haven, PA 17370 (717) 606-2570 www.rbauction.com
jshertzer@ritchiebros.com
Sponsored by: Kevin Eshleman SLC Excavating, LLC
MERIT SHOP PROUD
WALZ GROUP PROMOTES MEREDITH REINHART TO PRINCIPAL
Walz Group announced that Meredith Reinhart, CPA, has been promoted to Principal, effective January 2026.
Reinhart joined Walz Group in 2023 as a Director and brings more than 18 years of public accounting experience, advising businesses and individuals with complex tax needs. Her expertise includes tax, assurance, and business advisory services, with a focus on manufacturing and not-for-profit organizations.
Reinhart holds a B.S. in Accounting from York College of Pennsylvania and is a Pennsylvania Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the AICPA and PICPA, and serves on the board of Lancaster Cleft Palate.
SCHAEDLER YESCO DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES OPERATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS
Fourth-generation, family- and employee-owned Schaedler Yesco Distribution, Inc., has announced operational enhancements and appointments.
Since its 100th anniversary in 2024, the company has continued to focus on growth and investment to meet customer expectations and enhance its services and solutions. As part of its plan, the company has announced the following updates.
Vince Liberto, Executive Vice President of Operations
Appointed in January 2025, Liberto’s primary responsibilities have included quality and continuous improvement initiatives, process streamlining, and efficiency gains through technology. His responsibilities will also include the company’s Purchasing & Pricing and Warehouse Operations teams starting in the second quarter.
Mike Ofak, Vice President of Supply Chain
Since joining the company in 2012, Ofak has held various roles across warehouse operations, purchasing, and pricing, and most recently serves as Corporate Purchasing Manager. His new role, effective this summer, will focus on streamlining purchasing, pricing, and warehouse operations, risk mitigation, and promoting customer-centric practices within the supply chain.
Eric Orner, Director of Warehouse Operations
Orner recently replaced John Barrett (retired) as Director of Warehouse Operations. Orner’s distribution experience at FedEx and the last 13 years at Southwire’s York, PA, facility will help drive operational excellence and support the development of robust capabilities to meet customer needs.
In addition to personnel, the company is making large investments in equipment and technology. Following a 2025 corporate office move, Schaedler Yesco converted the former office area into functional warehouse space, enabling major warehouse improvements, including Vertical Lift Modules, a larger, more efficient wire area, an enhanced ModCenter services department, and a designated services department. The company will also launch a new Warehouse Management System this quarter.
“2026 is poised to be an exhilarating year for us,” said Farrah Mittel, President of Schaedler Yesco. “This is just the beginning of great things for us, our vendors, and our customers.”
Vince Liberto
Mike Ofak
Eric Orner
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in March 2026!
