March - April
The mission of W. W. Gay is to provide the best service, at the best value, with the best people — every time.
The vision of W. W. Gay is to be a leader in our industry and our community through an unrivaled commitment to our craft and our people.
“Every action and interaction carries weight, not only in the jobs that we do but in the experience it creates for the people around us.”
Greetings W. W. Gay Family,
You hear me talk a lot about “pursuing excellence,” but what does that really mean? Is it just completing a project without mistakes? Hitting a number on a budget? Or is it something deeper that shapes the way we work, lead, and support each other every day?
To me, pursuing excellence is a mindset. It’s choosing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. It’s considering why a task matters, not just how it gets done. Every action and interaction carries weight, not only in the jobs that we do but in the experience it creates for the people around us. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Excellence isn’t achieved overnight; it’s something we pursue every single day.
Excellence shows up in countless ways across our company. It’s visible in the quality of our work, the solutions we find for our customers when no one else can, and the thoughtful ways you lift up fellow employees. It’s in teaching new skills, sharing knowledge, or lending a hand on a task. Excellence isn’t a single achievement, it’s the accumulation of many small choices, consistently made.
Even if you don’t have a formal leadership role, you don’t need a title to lead. Every person at W. W. Gay has the opportunity to lead in their own role and to make choices that influence the work of those around them. Leadership belongs to anyone who decides to make their work, and the work of their teammates, better.
Pursuing excellence also means embracing growth, even when it feels challenging. It’s about being honest with ourselves, asking the hard questions, and seeking ways to improve. It requires resilience and the courage to adapt. As Maya Angelou once said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Every day at W. W. Gay is an opportunity to “know better” and put that knowledge into action.
Excellence is something we work on every day. It’s about building a culture where our work reflects our values, where our teams are empowered to learn and grow, and where we continually raise the bar for ourselves and each other.
Thank you for continuing to pursue excellence in all that you do, and for shaping a company that is as committed to doing things the right way every time.
I’ve shared this quote with you before, but so applicable to this message: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” - Vince Lombardi
Thank you for always being the Best in the Business!
Paul Jones CEO
As part of our strategic plan, two pillars continue to guide the work happening across our satellite offices: Diversify our Geographical Footprint and Thrive in Current Markets. While there are no plans to open additional offices this year, the focus remains on strengthening the newest markets we have entered, particularly Savannah and Tampa, and ensuring those locations are positioned well for longterm success. At the same time, every satellite office plays an important role in helping us grow where we already have a presence, deepen customer relationships, and continue building momentum in the markets we serve.
In Tampa, the focus continues to be on building the right leadership structure to support long-term growth. The team is actively searching for and interviewing candidates for the Business Unit Leader role, a key position that will help establish direction and drive continued development in that market. An Account Manager was recently added to the team, bringing dedicated support for both pursuing new business opportunities and managing the work that comes in. That effort is already producing results, with service work and minor projects being awarded as the office continues building traction. The goal in Tampa remains to continue adding growth in the market while establishing strong relationships and a solid foundation for the future.
In Orlando, momentum is being driven by the largest project that office has taken on to date, the hangar project at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
moments happen, input from satellite offices and teams across the company is essential. Sharing those stories helps ensure the work being done in every market is visible and recognized.
Internally, Marketing is also focused on
With additional airport-related opportunities expected to follow, there is clear recognition that delivering excellence on this project is critical to opening future doors. Alongside that work, the office has also been awarded additional minor projects, thanks in large part to the efforts of Mike Runge and the relationships being built in that market. Orlando’s growth also brings hiring needs, with active efforts focused on adding Project Managers, senior leadership support, and an HVAC Service Manager. While minors remain a strong focus, the long-term goal is to continue growing into more plan-and-spec work and expanding our position in the market.
In Tallahassee, progress is taking shape both in the field and within the office itself. The team is currently working on its first-ever project with the Florida State Capitol, an exciting milestone that represents new opportunity in that market. At the same time, renovations are underway at the Tallahassee office, with expansion into the downstairs space now possible following the departure of former tenants. The additional space will allow for more offices and better support future growth.
Further north, the Savannah office continues to perform well and remains in a strong position. The office has added personnel, creating greater capacity to take on additional work while continuing to pursue new opportunities in the market. That added strength has helped the team remain responsive as work continues to grow.
In St. Augustine, focused leadership and customer commitment have been especially important in recent months. Duane Palmer and Adam Gauch and the rest of the team have done an outstanding job helping re-establish stability in that market during a period of transition, with a strong emphasis on bringing excellence to the work and ensuring customers continue to receive the support they need. The priority has been maintaining strong relationships, meeting current customer needs well, and continuing to build trust for the long term.
Across all of these markets, the common theme is intentional growth. Each office represents a different opportunity, whether that means building momentum in newer locations or continuing to strengthen our presence in established markets. The work being done today supports both our commitment to diversifying our geographical footprint and our goal of thriving in the markets where we already operate. As each team continues building relationships, delivering quality work, and creating new opportunities, that progress helps position the company for long-term success.
Here’s to continued progress,
Chris Stalnaker Senior Vice President, Operations
As the company continues to grow, the work of the Marketing team remains focused on supporting that growth in ways that are consistent and aligned with overall company goals. This year, much of that effort centers on continuing to strengthen W. W. Gay’s brand presence and market credibility through highquality marketing materials, targeted brand awareness efforts, and communication tools that directly support growth across all markets.
A major priority is ensuring that our satellite offices have the tools they need to grow effectively in their local markets. That includes creating collateral that reflects the quality of our work, supporting growth conversations, and helping communicate who we are as a company in a way that is consistent across every location. As new opportunities continue to emerge in markets like Tampa, Orlando, Savannah, and beyond, Marketing plays an important role in helping strengthen visibility and reinforce trust in each region.
Another key focus this year is continuing to highlight the work happening across the company through project features and team spotlights. Many of the strongest stories within W. W. Gay come directly from the field, whether that is a successful project, a creative solution for a customer, or an employee going above and beyond in their role. As those moments happen, input from satellite offices and teams across the company is essential. Sharing those stories helps ensure the work being done in every market is visible and recognized.
Internally, Marketing is also focused on strengthening employee engagement through consistent communication, recognition, and connection to company values. Whether through The Pipeline, event communication, or companywide updates, the goal is to help employees stay informed and connected to the broader direction of the company. That same consistency also supports the larger goal of continuing to position W. W. Gay as both an employer of choice and a trusted partner in every market we serve.
Talent management is also an important priority. Marketing will continue supporting efforts to attract, engage, and retain talent across the employee lifecycle. This includes strengthening school partnerships by creating materials that help students better understand career opportunities at W. W. Gay and developing engagement plans that support each partner school in a more intentional way.
We are excited to recognize continued growth within the Marketing team and the ways each role is evolving to better support the company.
Peyton Beasley has been promoted to Brand Manager. Peyton has been with W. W. Gay for nearly five years and has grown significantly in her role during that time. As Brand Manager, she will focus on maintaining and strengthening W. W. Gay’s brand across all channels, with greater ownership of brand standards, messaging consistency, and the overall way the company is represented visually and strategically across markets.
Crystal Gaskins has been promoted to Events & Sponsorship Coordinator. She joined the Marketing team last year
Crystal Gaskins has been promoted to Events & Sponsorship Coordinator. She joined the Marketing team last year as Marketing Coordinator while also continuing to manage the Sign Shop for the last 19 years. With her move fully into Marketing, the Sign Shop has officially closed. In her new role, Crystal will focus on coordinating company events, managing sponsorship opportunities, and helping ensure W. W. Gay’s presence in the community continues to reflect the company well. She will also support internal marketing and employee engagement efforts, not only in Jacksonville, but with an increased focus on helping define and strengthen those efforts across satellite offices as well. As a reminder, with Crystal stepping fully into that role, teams should now use MSI for signage and related needs, following the updated ordering process that has already been shared internally.
As the year continues, Marketing’s goal remains to support the business well, communicate clearly, and help strengthen the reputation of W. W. Gay in every market where we operate.
Forging Ahead,
Emily Andrews Vice President, Marketing & Community Relations
Peyton Beasley Brand Manager
As we move into May and recognize Safety Awareness Week, along with the warmer weather, which brings increased risks, it’s a good time to recommit as a team to safe, consistent practices. Looking out for one another goes beyond simply following rules; it means staying aware, speaking up, and taking action when something isn’t right. Whether on the road, operating equipment, or handling daily tasks, a shared commitment to safety protects everyone and strengthens our team.
One of the most important areas where this commitment shows up is in how we operate on the road. Vehiclerelated incidents remain one of our biggest risks, making safe driving habits and strong jobsite traffic control essential. Staying alert and following established protocols helps reduce risk for everyone on site.
A major contributor to these incidents is distracted driving. Even a brief loss of focus or following too closely can quickly lead to an accident, especially as traffic conditions change. Staying fully present and maintaining a safe following distance are critical habits.
It’s also important to recognize how risk can shift throughout the week. Fridays, in particular, tend to be higher risk as attention turns to weekend plans and the rush to get home, often amid heavier traffic. Staying patient, alert, and disciplined behind the wheel is key.
Speed management plays an important role as well. Your vehicle’s GPS system can help reinforce safe driving habits, use it as a tool to stay accountable, and maintain safe speeds.
In addition to how we drive, how we maintain our vehicles is just as important. Our vehicles are essential tools, and proper maintenance keeps them safe and reliable.
When service alerts appear, such as oil changes, it’s important to address them promptly. Delaying maintenance beyond recommended intervals can lead to breakdowns and larger issues that affect both safety and operations.
Another area to stay mindful of is load security. Unsecured materials are a serious hazard, especially when operating trucks. Items in open beds can become dangerous debris at highway speeds if not properly secured. Use ratchet straps or cargo nets when needed and ensure anything extending more than three feet beyond the vehicle is clearly flagged. Before leaving, take a moment to complete a walk-around inspection to confirm everything is secure, helping protect both you and others on the road.
That same level of attention carries over to how we handle tools and equipment on the job. Jobsite demands and tight timelines can create pressure to move quickly, but our priority remains the same: doing the job right the first time. That starts with using the right tool for the task and taking the time to use it properly.
All hand and power tools should be inspected daily before use and kept in safe working condition. If a tool has a visible defect or could cause injury, stop using it immediately. Tag it out and remove it from service until it has been repaired and re-inspected by a competent person.
Avoid improvising or using tools in ways they weren’t designed for. Taking shortcuts with equipment can quickly lead to injuries or larger issues. Using the right tools, the right way, every time helps keep everyone safe and the job running smoothly.
Even with strong prevention efforts, how we respond when incidents occur is just as important. The good news is that our response continues to improve. Reporting times have decreased year over year, allowing leadership and Safety teams to respond faster and more efficiently.
This consistent reporting ensures issues are addressed quickly and helps prevent similar incidents in the future. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making the process smoother and more reliable.
Maintaining this progress depends on continued diligence. Reporting issues as they occur allows the Safety team to respond effectively while ensuring proper documentation. We must keep this momentum going by reporting incidents at any time, not just during standard working hours.
If an accident or injury occurs outside of the typical 7 AM–5 PM window, continue to report it to your local Safety Coordinators. They are available to support you and provide guidance, no matter the situation.
Reminder: All Safety Department contact information can be found in the Weekly Toolbox Talks shared by the Safety Department.
Alongside these day-to-day safety practices, seasonal changes also bring new considerations. As temperatures rise, staying properly hydrated becomes increasingly important. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty; hydrate before, during, and after work to keep your body functioning safely. During intense labor, a person can sweat between 27 and 47 ounces per hour, which adds up quickly. Taking breaks in the shade or in airconditioned spaces, when possible, also helps prevent heat-related illness.
May also marks National Mental Health Awareness Month, making it a good time to check in with yourself. Increased workloads and stress can lead to fatigue and burnout if not addressed. Recognizing the signs early and taking steps to manage stress is key. Don’t hesitate to seek support when needed, whether that’s talking with someone you trust or reaching out to a professional. Resources like counseling or other treatment options can make a meaningful difference.
Building on this focus on overall well-being, National Construction Safety Week takes place May 4–8 with the theme “All in Together.” Centered on the pillars of Recognize, Respond, and Respect, the goal is to prevent serious injuries and fatalities by identifying high-energy hazards and strengthening a shared culture of safety accountability.
Recognize: Identify high-hazard (“STCKY” – Stuff That Can Kill You) activities and improve awareness. Respond: Put controls in place during planning to reduce risk. Respect: Follow plans and take ownership of safety on-site.
W. W. Gay will support this effort through daily Safety Toolbox Talks and participation in an industry-wide stand-down focused on fall hazard awareness, helping build a safer and stronger industry for everyone.
As the month continues, Memorial Day offers a time to honor and remember the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
It also marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing increased travel, gatherings, and outdoor activities. With more traffic and crowded public spaces, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant both on and off the road.
For some projects, job sites may be inactive during the holiday. Be sure to check with your supervisor for specific guidance. If your site is shut down, take time to properly secure all tools and equipment, lock up materials, secure vehicles like golf carts, and ensure everything is safely stored until work resumes.
As we continue to grow, so does our Safety Department, allowing us to better support the needs of the company. If you haven’t already met Roberto Cuevas and Nicholas Smith, we encourage you to get to know them. Roberto brings over a decade of residential construction safety experience, along with several years in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Analyst and Translator. Nicholas joined the team in recent months and has already made a strong impact supporting our Central Florida group, with plenty of growth ahead.
They’ve been great additions to the safety team and continue to strengthen our support across the board. As always, please reach out to them or any of our Safety Coordinators with questions or concerns; they’re here to help.
Thank you, and stay well.
Bruce Cox Safety Director
Celebrating Our People, Stories, and Achievements
04/01 - Matthew Marcusky - 7 Years (Orlando)
04/01 - Jason Smith - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/02 - Brandon Rickmon - 1 Year (Gainesville)
04/02 - Brian Hodge Jr - 1 Year (Gainesville)
04/02 - Christopher Cardwell - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
04/03 - Joshua Curtis Sr - 26 Years (Jacksonville)
04/03 - Kelly Seyler - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
04/03 - Kirby Jordan III - 2 Years (Gainesville)
04/04 - Richard McManus - 10 Years (Jacksonville)
04/04 - Jon Everhart - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/04 - Warren Shearin - 47 Years (Jacksonville)
04/05 - Ryan Sullivan - 19 Years (Gainesville)
04/05 - John Songer Jr - 9 Years (Orlando)
04/05 - Landon Peek - 4 Years (Gainesville)
04/05 - Pete Hodge III - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
04/06 - Jessie Burrell - 11 Years (Jacksonville)
04/06 - Dallas Read - 10 Years (Gainesville)
04/06 - Bruce Cox - 6 Years (Jacksonville)
04/06 - Casey Walker - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/06 - Gary Vernon Jr - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/07 - Braxton Bowdell - 1 Year (Gainesville)
04/08 - Jacie Elhoff - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
04/08 - Ryan Davis - 2 Years (Gainesville)
04/10 - Mark Thompson - 11 Years (Jacksonville)
04/10 - Anthony Haston Jr - 6 Years (Jacksonville)
04/10 - Andrew Rock - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
04/10 - Seth Varhall - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
04/12 - Daniel Paulson - 14 Years (Gainesville)
04/12 - Johnny Johnson Jr - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/12 - David Mazure - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
04/13 - Cody Nipper - 11 Years (Jacksonville)
04/13 - Scott Yelin - 11 Years (Jacksonville)
04/13 - Roy Strickland III - 6 Years (Jacksonville)
04/13 - Jarrod Needham - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/13 - Trefton Vickorie - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/14 - Micah Hodges - 26 Years (Jacksonville)
04/14 - Derek Guyton - 17 Years (Jacksonville)
04/14 - Caleb Prescott - 1 Year (Gainesville)
04/15 - Brittany Cubbedge - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
04/15 - Michael Wilhite - 2 Years (Tampa)
04/16 - Jeremy Geiger - 27 Years (Gainesville)
04/16 - Troy Craig - 7 Years (Jacksonville)
04/16 - Kristian Abercrombie - 2 Years (Fort Meade)
04/17 - Travis Young - 9 Years (Jacksonville)
04/17 - Conner Smith - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
04/18 - Christopher Shore - 9 Years (Jacksonville)
04/18 - Gabriel Nevarez - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
04/19 - Crystal Gaskins - 19 Years (Jacksonville)
04/21 - Eric Surrency - 32 Years (Jacksonville)
04/21 - Cecil Lowe - 11 Years (Gainesville)
04/21 - Michael Kress - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
04/22 - David Boggs - 24 Years (Jacksonville)
04/22 - Joe Jackson - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
04/22 - Allen Brabham - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
04/23 - Tony Glover - 14 Years (Gainesville)
04/23 - Jose Padro - 7 Years (Port Orange)
04/24 - Kenneth Gray - 12 Years (St. Augustine)
04/24 - Willard Beattie - 7 Years (Jacksonville)
04/24 - Christian Sergent - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
04/26 - Mark Hofrichter - 10 Years (Jacksonville)
04/27 - Cadel Diaz Tejeda - 6 Years (Port Orange)
04/27 - James Robshaw - 6 Years (Jacksonville)
04/27 - Octavio Diaz Teran - 6 Years (Port Orange)
04/27 - Christopher Werley - 5 Years (Gainesville)
04/28 - Walter Laubach - 18 Years (Jacksonville)
04/28 - Richard Tipping Jr - 12 Years (Jacksonville)
04/28 - Corey Lavoie - 5 Years (Gainesville)
04/28 - David McCray - 5 Years (Orlando)
04/28 - Isaac Bowser - 5 Years (Orlando)
04/28 - Mark Bracken - 5 Years (Port Orange)
04/29 - Jessie Ruiz - 6 Years (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Christian Graham - 19 Years (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Leonard Dobson Jr - 6 Years (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Travis Roberts - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Stephanie Woolsey - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
04/01 - Joseph Pinna (Gainesville)
04/02 - Brandon Clark (Jacksonville)
04/02 - John Culbreth (Gainesville)
04/02 - Shane Davey (Fort Meade)
04/02 - Peter Ferretti (Jacksonville)
04/03 - Jonathan Taylor (Jacksonville)
04/03 - Mark Garcia (Gainesville)
04/03 - Patrick Todd (Savannah)
04/03 - Robert Fakess (Port Orange)
04/04 - Andrew Rock (Jacksonville)
04/04 - Colton Finley (Gainesville)
04/04 - Dayton Dunn (Jacksonville)
04/04 - Ryan Sullivan (Gainesville)
04/05 - Jayson Almazan (Jacksonville)
04/05 - Kyle Fish (Jacksonville)
04/06 - Chandler Hodges (Jacksonville)
04/06 - Jaron Feagle (Gainesville)
04/06 - Travis Young (Jacksonville)
04/07 - Dalton Deloach (St. Augustine)
04/07 - Stephen Lacourse (Jacksonville)
04/07 - Troy Lambert (Jacksonville)
04/08 - Samantha Sharp (Gainesville)
04/09 - Tylor Vause (Jacksonville)
04/09 - Zachary Culverhouse (Jacksonville)
04/10 - Brent Schultz (Jacksonville)
04/10 - Thomas Ponsell (Jacksonville)
04/10 - Larry Howland (Fort Meade)
04/11 - Luis Castillo Perez (Orlando)
04/11 - Scott Spoon (Jacksonville)
04/12 - Alexander Giuliano (Jacksonville)
04/12 - Anna Mae Massey (Orlando)
04/12 - Joel Barone (Gainesville)
04/12 - Taylor Gibson (Jacksonville)
04/13 - Isaiah Gordon (Jacksonville)
04/13 - Isaiah Gordon (Jacksonville)
04/14 - Brandon Murphy (Jacksonville)
04/14 - Clifford Raulerson (Jacksonville)
04/14 - River Crawford (Jacksonville)
04/14 - Ryan Klimchak (Jacksonville)
04/15 - Daniel Ranard (Gainesville)
04/15 - Darren Mitchell (Jacksonville)
04/16 - Adam Anderson (Gainesville)
04/16 - Michael Lindsey (Jacksonville)
04/16 - Robert Zuzu II (St. Augustine)
04/17 - Bryan Strickland (Jacksonville)
04/17 - John Edwards (Jacksonville)
04/17 - Kyle Touchton (Jacksonville)
04/17 - Lukas Gerlach (Jacksonville)
04/18 - Andrew Thomas (Orlando)
04/18 - Christopher Hollingsworth (Gainesville)
04/18 - Everett Glisson Jr (Jacksonville)
04/18 - Jeremiah Cremeens (Orlando)
04/18 - Jordan Crews (Gainesville)
04/18 - Mark Brinley (Jacksonville)
04/19 - Hunter Willis (Fort Meade)
04/19 - Jacob Johnson (Gainesville)
04/19 - Kenneth Montanez (Orlando)
04/19 - Rhonda Wrye (Jacksonville)
04/19 - Tucker Stack (Gainesville)
04/20 - David Rowell (Jacksonville)
04/20 - John Hildebrand (Jacksonville)
04/21 - Austin Biroschik (Jacksonville)
04/21 - Greyson Goodwin (Jacksonville)
04/21 - James Brigman (Jacksonville)
04/21 - Matthew Mclane (Jacksonville)
04/21 - Richard Geiger (Jacksonville)
04/22 - Austin Beaulieu (Jacksonville)
04/24 - Johnny Johnson Jr (Jacksonville)
04/24 - Ronald Loder Sr (Fort Meade)
04/25 - John Emond (Jacksonville)
04/25 - Ryan Davis (Gainesville)
04/26 - Houston Fessenden (Gainesville)
04/26 - Jacob Fox (Gainesville)
04/27 - Austin Smith (Orlando)
04/28 - Alexander Wallace (Jacksonville)
04/28 - Daniel Wallace (Jacksonville)
04/28 - Monica Wilkey (Jacksonville)
04/28 - Timothy Romano (Jacksonville)
04/28 - Zane Britton (Gainesville)
04/29 - Micha Mcfarland (Gainesville)
04/29 - Raymond Hunt (Orlando)
04/30 - Alec Cason (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Dylan Youmans (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Jay Lebrun (Orlando)
04/30 - Jayton Willis (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Johnathan Rabon (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Kristian Abercrombie (Fort Meade)
04/30 - Matthew Wright (Savannah)
04/30 - Richard Beville (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Shelly Arnold (Jacksonville)
04/30 - Shelly Arnold (Jacksonville)
05/01 - James Vennard - 24 Years (Jacksonville)
05/01 - John Traxler - 23 Years (Gainesville)
05/01 - Michael Kennard - 34 Years (Gainesville)
05/01 - Nicholas Buckingham - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/01 - Isaiah Ramos - 2 Years (Orlando)
05/01 - Robert Russell - 2 Years (Gainesville)
05/02 - Aaron Brown - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
05/02 - Melinda Harden - 12 Years (Jacksonville)
05/02 - Robbie Farr - 15 Years (Jacksonville)
05/03 - Donald Eshelman - 10 Years (Jacksonville)
05/05 - Brock Williamson - 5 Years (Jacksonville)
05/05 - Kristen Dubose - 5 Years (Jacksonville)
05/05 - Randall Glisson Sr - 18 Years (Jacksonville)
05/06 - Billy Bingham Sr - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/06 - Bridget Guthrie - 5 Years (Jacksonville)
05/06 - Laurie Beitel - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/07 - Ryan Mauga - 1 Year (Gainesville)
05/08 - Maxwell Petty - 9 Years (Jacksonville)
05/09 - Edgar Rivera Jr - 8 Years (Port Orange)
05/09 - James Hurst - 2 Years (Gainesville)
05/09 - Justin Adkins - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/09 - Negheen Zaman - 4 Years (Gainesville)
05/09 - Phontaisha Moody - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/10 - Chester Weaver - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/12 - Nathan Landis - 1 Year (Gainesville)
05/13 - Jonathan Ortiz - 5 Years (Orlando)
05/14 - Clayton Ranard - 11 Years (Gainesville)
05/14 - Clint Geer - 13 Years (Gainesville)
05/14 - Dalton Stephens - 2 Years (Gainesville)
05/14 - Eric Klokis - 1 Year (Orlando)
05/14 - Haaris Chaudhry - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/14 - Jacob Mccaffrey - 12 Years (Gainesville)
05/14 - Jinner Gonzalez - 6 Years (Port Orange)
05/14 - Rachel Johnson - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
05/15 - Jacob Fox - 3 Years (Gainesville)
05/15 - Jonathan Tedder - 7 Years (Orlando)
05/15 - Michael Landon - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/15 - Treyce Hersey - 3 Years (Gainesville)
05/16 - Kyle Seas - 19 Years (Jacksonville)
05/16 - Shaun Guardiola - 3 Years (Fort Meade)
05/17 - Aaron Copher Jr - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/17 - Ethan Whitty - 4 Years (Jacksonville)
05/17 - Johnell Harmon - 5 Years (Jacksonville)
05/18 - Brandon Mercer - 9 Years (Jacksonville)
05/18 - Chris Stalnaker - 28 Years (Jacksonville)
05/18 - Nathan Kight - 9 Years (Gainesville)
05/19 - Cody Peterson - 12 Years (Jacksonville)
05/19 - Haiden Barringer - 1 Year (Gainesville)
05/10 - Christopher Hollingsworth - 5 Years (Jacksonville)
05/10 - Justin Chila - 9 Years (Jacksonville)
05/10 - Rory Singletary - 37 Years (Gainesville)
05/11 - Joshua Suber - 10 Years (Jacksonville)
05/11 - Vergil Sykes - 11 Years (Gainesville)
05/12 - Cole Hughes - 11 Years (Jacksonville)
05/12 - Greyson Goodwin - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
05/12 - Jonathan Whiting - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
05/12 - Lancin Hersey - 27 Years (Gainesville)
05/20 - Kimberly Crabtree - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
05/20 - Lee Mills - 12 Years (Jacksonville)
05/20 - Matthew Losco - 7 Years (St. Augustine)
05/20 - Nathan Crawford - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/20 - Nicholas Mazzanoble - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/20 - Richard Curl - 7 Years (Gainesville)
05/21 - Ransom Moxley - 13 Years (Gainesville)
05/22 - Benjamin Wallen - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/22 - Forrest Blair - 20 Years (Jacksonville)
05/23 - James Brigman - 13 Years (Jacksonville)
05/23 - Trevor Putt - 10 Years (Gainesville)
05/24 - Keith Thomas - 5 Years (Jacksonville)
05/25 - Adam Anderson - 8 Years (Gainesville)
05/25 - John Dehoff - 9 Years (Gainesville)
05/25 - Timothy Patterson - 10 Years (Jacksonville)
05/26 - Julius Williams - 5 Years (Gainesville)
05/27 - Brad Sullivan - 40 Years (Gainesville)
05/27 - Deborah James - 18 Years (Jacksonville)
05/27 - Joel Figueredo Legon - 6 Years (Port Orange)
05/27 - William Sellars - 1 Year (Jacksonville)
05/28 - Grayson Jennings - 1 Year (Gainesville)
05/28 - Jordan Wheeler - 2 Years (Jacksonville)
05/28 - Malcolm Dees - 2 Years (Gainesville)
05/28 - Mason Kight - 2 Years (Gainesville)
05/28 - Rodney Barnett - 2 Years (Gainesville)
05/28 - William Poppell - 2 Years (Gainesville)
05/29 - Dylan Crews - 11 Years (Gainesville)
05/29 - Houston Fessenden - 1 Year (Gainesville)
05/30 - Joseph Howland - 24 Years (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Noble Mccain - 19 Years (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Gavin Reddish - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Sandra Binger - 8 Years (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Skyler Atkins - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Steven Weldon - 9 Years (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Zane Miller - 3 Years (Jacksonville)
05/31 - Gavin Losco - 3 Years (St. Augustine)
05/31 - Nicholas Jones - 4 Years (Gainesville)
05/31 - Juan Da Conceicao Garcia - 3 Years (Port Orange)
05/01 - Brayton Lowe (Gainesville)
05/01 - Domonique Faulk (Jacksonville)
05/01 - Joshua London (Jacksonville)
05/01 - Juan Da Conceicao Garcia (Port Orange)
05/02 - John Henderson (Jacksonville)
05/02 - Kayne Bragg (Jacksonville)
05/02 - Hunter Dennis (Gainesville)
05/03 - Jamie Webb (Jacksonville)
05/03 - Trevor Bowen (Jacksonville)
05/04 - Timothy Hunter Jr (St. Augustine)
05/05 - Griffen Ballesteros (Savannah)
05/05 - Kyle Brickner (Jacksonville)
05/06 - Gavin Banks-Hill (Gainesville)
05/06 - Mitchell Marchand (Jacksonville)
05/06 - Remington Hoke (Jacksonville)
05/07 - Alexander Carusone (Gainesville)
05/07 - Kyle Mcclellan (Gainesville)
05/07 - Layton Deloach (St. Augustine)
05/07 - Terry Johns (Jacksonville)
05/08 - Jackson Unrau (Fort Meade)
05/09 - Darnell West (Jacksonville)
05/09 - Derek Guyton (Jacksonville)
05/10 - Foster Blansit (St. Augustine)
05/10 - Hunter Wheeler (Gainesville)
05/10 - Myron Bolden (Jacksonville)
05/10 - Robby Walton (Jacksonville)
05/11 - Ethan Whitty (Jacksonville)
05/11 - Isaac Hayes (Jacksonville)
05/12 - Bobby Harris III (Jacksonville)
05/12 - Elizabeth Shore (Jacksonville)
05/12 - James Smith (Gainesville)
05/12 - Nathan Glickenberger (Jacksonville)
05/13 - Christian Moore (Jacksonville)
05/13 - Mark Hofrichter (Jacksonville)
05/14 - Andrew Bent (Orlando)
05/14 - Bradley Vennard (Jacksonville)
05/14 - Kevin Williams (Gainesville)
05/14 - Nicole Sutton (Jacksonville)
05/14 - Peggy Tipping (Jacksonville)
05/15 - Colton Mullis (Jacksonville)
05/15 - Christopher Stoia (Jacksonville)
05/16 - Jason Blong (Jacksonville)
05/16 - Ty Sullivan (Jacksonville)
05/17 - Chedel Nelson (Orlando)
05/17 - Cyrus Stewart (Jacksonville)
05/17 - Daniel Calvert (Fort Meade)
05/17 - Tyler Higginbotham (Jacksonville)
05/17 - Willard Beattie (Jacksonville)
05/18 - Derrick Ross Jr (Gainesville)
05/19 - Alan Alt (Jacksonville)
05/19 - Kieran Barnett (Jacksonville)
05/19 - Sabrina Bourque (Jacksonville)
05/19 - Susan Redenius (St. Augustine)
05/20 - Cristin Lynch (Jacksonville)
05/20 - Christopher Kirby (Gainesville)
05/20 - Joshua Canizales (Jacksonville)
05/21 - Clayton Ranard (Gainesville)
05/21 - John Songer (Orlando)
05/21 - Justin Bassett (Gainesville)
05/21 - Kenneth Hovey (Gainesville)
05/22 - James Leverette Jr (Jacksonville)
05/23 - Amy Britton (Gainesville)
05/23 - Austin Morgan (Gainesville)
05/23 - Perry Martin Jr (Port Orange)
05/25 - Stuart Babins (Jacksonville)
05/25 - Thomas Smith (Jacksonville)
05/26 - Blake Crawford (Jacksonville)
05/26 - Caleb Prescott (Gainesville)
05/26 - David Mccray (Orlando)
05/26 - Kenneth Gray (St. Augustine)
05/26 - Matthew North (Jacksonville)
05/27 - Emily Painter (Orlando)
05/27 - Haaris Chaudhry (Jacksonville)
05/27 - Jacob Silberman (Jacksonville)
05/27 - Mark Lucas Jr (Jacksonville)
05/27 - Robert Avery (Jacksonville)
05/27 - Ryan Williams (Jacksonville)
05/27 - William Leon (Port Orange)
05/28 - Aimad Ait Darmouch (Orlando)
05/28 - Troy Townsend (Gainesville)
05/28 - Shawn Damron (Jacksonville)
05/28 - William Williams (Jacksonville)
05/29 - Christopher Pittman (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Jacob Stephens (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Kenneth Hall Jr (St. Augustine)
05/30 - Kody Torres (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Tashad Lake (Jacksonville)
05/30 - Tyler Albritton (Gainesville)
05/31 - Bradley Griffin (Gainesville)
05/31 - Stephen Beatty (Jacksonville)
Our Georgia team was excited to participate in this year’s Brunswick Bridge Run, an annual event that’s become a meaningful tradition for the local community. Known as one of the most demanding 5Ks in the state, the course stretches across the Sidney Lanier Bridge, reaching 480 feet at its highest point.
Throughout the weekend, the team enjoyed connecting with the community, from pre-race activities to race day. It was a great opportunity to support participants and be part of such a high-energy event.
Congratulations to Ryan Dillard for taking first place in his age group! An outstanding achievement!
Our team is proud to help shape the future of our communities.
At the CTE Construction Field Day at Baker County High School, our Jacksonville team was excited to be part of an event that brought this mission to life. Students rolled up their sleeves, gained hands-on experience, and explored career pathways in the trades. Seeing their talent, teamwork, and determination firsthand was inspiring and a strong reminder of the bright future ahead for our community.
Our Jacksonville office was proud to once again serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Ortega River Run! This community event has become a Jacksonville tradition, with proceeds supporting the financial aid program at the Episcopal St. Mark’s Campus. A morning full of racing, family fun, and community spirit made for an incredible day!
Recently, our Jacksonville team had the opportunity to attend the threeday Construction Career Day event in Clay County, Florida. The event brought together local high school students from across the area to explore CTE pathways and learn more about career opportunities after graduation.
We’re grateful to everyone who played a role in making this impactful event possible!
In March, ULI North Florida hosted its 9th Annual Moving Dirt program, showcasing seven impactful projects shaping the future of our region.
Our team enjoyed being part of the conversation, connecting with others across the industry and discussing the continued growth of our communities and the opportunities ahead.
We’re especially proud of our SVP of External Affairs, Madelen Salter, for serving as emcee and helping guide the program.
Our team had an incredible time attending the 6th Annual Pull For Sight Clay Shoot at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports. From friendly competition to perfect weather, it was the ideal setting to come together, connect, and support a meaningful cause.
Our team was excited to take part in the Clay County Career Fair, where we had the opportunity to engage with high school students from across the county. Throughout the event, our employees shared insights about their roles, discussed different career pathways, and encouraged students to start thinking about their goals beyond graduation. It was especially rewarding to see students ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in learning more about the trades.
In the spirit of Easter, our Jacksonville team volunteered with City Rescue Mission to serve a special holiday meal to members of our community experiencing homelessness. From preparing and serving food to sharing conversations and smiles, it was a meaningful opportunity to come together and give back.
In March Local 234 hosted the Florida State Pipe Trades Apprentice Competition, bringing together talented apprentices from across the state to showcase their skills and dedication to the trade.
We’re proud to celebrate our Industrial Department team members Ephraim Long (Pipefitting) and Matthew North (Welding) for earning 1st place in their respective fields. Their hard work, focus, and commitment to their craft truly set them apart and reflect the strength of our team.
Congratulations to both of you on this well-earned achievement! Your success is a great example of the talent and excellence within our company!
The Jacksonville office was honored to welcome Mayor Donna Deegan to our headquarters this month! She toured our facilities and met the talented team behind the projects that have helped shape our city for more than six decades. It was a privilege to share the work we do every day to support and strengthen our community, and we’re grateful for her time, interest, and partnership in helping Jacksonville continue to thrive.
The Giving Back Games is a fundraising event that was started by the Jacksonville Healthcare team last year. The team wanted to bring the “Pillars of our Community” strategic focus to life in a way that was both meaningful and fun. The vision was to create an event that not only brought the community together, but also made a financial impact on smaller, local organizations that may not always be in the spotlight but truly need it. By partnering with our customers, vendors, and community connections, the team set out to build a fundraising event where we could truly make a difference through sponsorship opportunities at various levels and team registrations that allow everyone to get involved.
Designed as a high-energy field day, the event features 10 game stations where two-person teams compete across activities like football, basketball, cornhole, and wiffle ball. Teams earn points at each station, and the team with the most points at the end takes home the grand prize of a Giving Back Games trophy.
This year, we were proud to support Angels for Allison, a local non-profit that provides financial assistance to families facing the unimaginable loss of a child, helping to cover funeral costs and other related expenses. Through the generosity of our customers, vendors, and partners, we raised an incredible $50,000 to support their mission.
This amount will go on to help close to 30 families in Northeast Florida, bringing dignity and comfort to families during their darkest hours.
A special part of this event is the way it continues to grow its impact year over year. Our 2025 recipient, Healing Hearts, played a role in selecting this year’s beneficiary, Angels for Allison. We look forward to continuing this tradition, empowering each year’s recipient to help identify the next organization we can support.
Hosted at a large venue in Jacksonville, over 100 people joined us for a fun-filled day of friendly competition, great food, and a great cause at the root. Most importantly, it was so great to see the city of Jacksonville come together to show what a great community we really are.
This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, partners, and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped make the second annual Giving Back Games such a meaningful success. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Charlie joined our team in March as a Facility Coordinator; her energy and positive attitude have been felt from day one. With over 30 years of experience and a true love for cleaning, she takes pride in keeping our facilities sparkling. Her attention to detail and passion for what she does make her a perfect fit for this role.
Charlie’s journey started early, cleaning alongside her mom. Together, they built their own successful cleaning business, growing it through word of mouth and strong customer relationships. Through that experience, Charlie learned the value of great service and discovered just how much she enjoys helping others. Owning her own business also gave her the flexibility to spend meaningful time with her kids while doing work she genuinely loved.
In her new role, Charlie has embraced learning new materials and surfaces while taking care of the gym, various departments, and making sure conference rooms are always clean and ready.
And here’s a fun fact; Charlie says she should have been a sports analyst! She’s a big college football fan and proudly cheers on the Gators and the Jags.
We’re so glad to have Charlie on the team, her positivity, dedication, and love for her work shine through in every space she touches.
Chris McGuire recently joined the team in March as an Account Manager in Sales Operations at the Tampa office. With over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Chris brings a strong background in both sales, marketing and finance. Prior to joining, he was a partner at a large residential HVAC company, where he developed extensive expertise in growing customer relationships and driving business success.
In his new role, Chris focuses on supporting current operations while helping expand the company’s customer base. He is especially excited about contributing to the growth of an established business in a new market and applying W.W. Gay’s proven approach to success. As one of only two employees in the Tampa office, he plays a key role in shaping its development.
Originally from Philadelphia, Chris was drawn to this opportunity in part by the appeal of relocating to a warmer climate after 10 years in NYC. His confidence in making such a move stems from his experience studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, where he spent six months attending business school.
Outside of work, Chris has a unique talent— he can juggle, a skill he learned from his brother, who took a juggling class in college.
Denver Wells joined W. W. Gay in February as a Controls Assistant Project Manager, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience working in hospital IT and billing departments. His extensive background in hospital environments—and in programming the systems that support them—has provided him with a strong foundation for learning and adapting to our control systems. Working closely with a wide range of professionals, from CFOs to physicians, has also strengthened his communication and problem-solving skills.
Denver is enthusiastic about expanding his knowledge of project management and programming controls. When asked why he chose this role, he shared that he was seeking a more relaxed, flexible atmosphere—one that allows greater freedom to innovate without the constraints of hospital regulations. He also wanted to work at a company that truly values its employees, and he believes W. W. Gay embodies that culture.
Though he prefers to stay behind the scenes, focusing on systems and background controls, Denver is already making an impact. He is actively building relationships with new customers, maintaining connections with existing ones, and helping create opportunities to further support them through our controls department.
One fun fact about Denver you may be surprised to learn is that he makes homemade canes and brooms for his family and friends. Crafting each one by hand is something he enjoys, and it provides him with a creative outlet outside of work.
Jaron Feagle joined the company back in January, bringing with him a strong hands-on background and a passion for construction. His experience includes electrical work in the field, home building, welding, and more, giving him a well-rounded foundation as he steps into his new role. Jaron first connected with the company through a Student Builders Association presentation, where he met Walt. After sharing his resume, that introduction quickly turned into an internship opportunity.
What excites Jaron most about this role is the chance to broaden his perspective. Having spent most of his time working in the field, he is eager to learn how operations differ on the office side and gain a deeper understanding of construction management. He was especially drawn to this position because of the opportunities it offers for growth, learning, and long-term development within the industry.
Outside of work, Jaron enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. One of his favorite activities is thermal hunting, which takes place at night using specialized equipment like thermal imaging to detect heat signatures.
Madelen Salter, joined the company this past February as our Senior Vice President of External Affairs. In this role, she will lead our strategy for building, managing, and protecting relationships with key external stakeholders, including government entities, community leaders, industry partners, media, and advocacy groups. Her leadership will help position W. W. Gay for long-term growth and meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
Madelen is a highly respected business and community leader with extensive experience in strategic development, change management, communications, stakeholder engagement, and talent development. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the JAX Chamber, Leadership Jacksonville, appointed by Governor Ron Desantis to the Jacksonville Transit Authority Board of Directors, and Business Development Chair for JAXUSA among several other civic and professional organizations. She was named Professional Business Woman of the Year by the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center and is a graduate of Auburn University. We are excited to have her leadership and perspective as part of our executive team.
Say hello to one of our newest team members, Tamya Ruff! Tamya joined W. W. Gay about a month ago as a Project Manager Intern in our Gainesville office, and she’s already diving in and getting a feel for the fast-paced world of construction.
Tamya first connected with W. W. Gay at a University of Florida career fair, where she is currently pursuing a degree in Construction Management. With two prior internships under her belt, she brings a strong foundation of industry experience and a curiosity to keep learning. She’s worked with programs like Procore, Microsoft Project, and Autodesk, gaining insight into contracts, project finances, and collaborating with field teams.
While she’s still exploring exactly where she wants to land long-term, Tamya has her sights set on potentially becoming a Project Manager. As this is her first experience working with a mechanical contractor, she’s especially excited to learn the ins and outs of this side of the industry and expand her skill set along the way.
Her interest in construction started early; she’s always loved building and creating, even participating in Lowe’s kids’ building programs growing up. That passion only grew through her involvement with Habitat for Humanity, where she discovered how meaningful construction can be in serving others.
Outside of work, Tamya enjoys dancing and also knows how to sew, creative outlets that match her hands-on mindset.
Ben Wilder has stepped into his new role as Senior Business Analyst, and he is definitely in his element. In this position, Ben analyzes data from a variety of sources to support company operations, with a strong focus on identifying trends, such as how long it takes to complete specific jobs. His work helps provide a clearer picture of overall capacity, allowing W. W. Gay to better understand how much work can be taken on at any given time.
He utilizes the fabrication shop’s workflow management software to analyze data and performance, which tracks detailed production data and task durations. By digging into this information, Ben helps uncover opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity across the board.
Ben joined the company just a year ago as Director of Manufacturing, where he was already heavily involved in analysis. This new role leans even further into his strengths. He has a natural ability to evaluate processes and find ways to make them more efficient.
Ben brings strong problem-solving skills and a hardworking mindset to his role. His advice for others looking to grow within the company: be open to new challenges.
Coen Purvis has stepped into his new role as Senior Project Manager, where he oversees operations across Baptist Downtown, Baptist Clay, Baptist Nassau, and other various projects. His responsibilities include managing construction efforts across projects of all sizes, from small-scale service work to large, complex contracted projects.
Coen began his career with the company nearly nine years ago as an Assistant Project Manager. On his very first day, he was sent to the Mayo job site, where he gained valuable hands-on experience working alongside superintendents and foremen. That time in the field gave him a deeper understanding of the work beyond the office. After a few years at Mayo, he was promoted to Project Manager in 2021, overseeing projects at Memorial Hospital, before transitioning to Baptist in 2023.
When asked what prepared him for this role, Coen emphasized the importance of learning from those around him, not only from other managers but those in the field as well. He believes there’s only so much you can learn behind a computer and encourages asking questions and staying curious.
Coen hopes to make an impact by contributing to the continued success of W. W. Gay and maintaining strong customer satisfaction. His advice to others looking to grow within the company is simple: ask questions and seek guidance, people here are always willing to help.
Freddy Santiago is making an impressive impact in his new role as Assistant Project Manager. Since stepping into his new position, he has taken on increasing responsibility, supporting project managers, coordinating project needs, and staying committed to learning something new every day.
Freddy began his journey with the company in our Jacksonville office as an HVAC Service Technician before the Savannah location officially opened in 2023. When the opportunity came to help support the new office, he didn’t hesitate. His background in construction, spanning brick, block, and framing, combined with his experience in HVAC, has shaped his passion for both the trade and helping others succeed. Today, he focuses on making work easier for his team, strengthening customer relationships, and being a dependable resource wherever he’s needed.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone looking to grow within the company, Freddy keeps it simple: stay curious. Try new things, ask questions, and listen.
A fun fact you may not know about Freddy: he loves snowboarding. He grew up in the Poconos, where he spent winters snowboarding on the slopes, and when he’s not on the slopes, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons at their home in Jesup, GA.
In his new role as VDC Lead Manager, Jason supports a team of modelers by answering questions, guiding their work, and assisting with mechanical systems. He regularly attends meetings to provide support and ensure projects stay on track, serving as a key resource for information and problem-solving.
Jason’s history with W.W. Gay spans more than three decades. He joined the company in 1994, beginning in AutoCAD when the team consisted of just five employees working in 2D. In 1996, he transitioned into working with 3D with Mike Scribbins and gained valuable knowledge on the mechanical side of the business.
Bringing a strong passion for computers and design, Jason has developed most of his expertise through hands-on, day-to-day experience. Over the years, he has witnessed major advancements in technology, from 2D to being able to virtually walk around in the model on the Duval County Courthouse in 2009.
Today, Jason is focused on sharing his knowledge to help grow and strengthen the VDC team, which currently includes 12 members and continues to expand. His advice to others looking to grow within the company is simple: take things one day at a time, stay focused, create a plan, and don’t hesitate to ask teammates for help.
Muskan Patel has quickly made her mark, transitioning from an Assistant Business Analyst Intern to a full-time Business Analyst in less than a year. Muskan is energetic, and highly motivated, and brings a fresh perspective and strong drive to everything she does. In her new role, she collaborates closely with multiple teams, leading initiatives focused on improving consistency across processes and responsibilities.
Her work includes developing internal structures around securities and standardizing titles and roles across the organization, efforts that are especially impactful as much of this framework is being built from the ground up. Along the way, Muskan continues to grow and learn, drawing valuable insight from mentors like Mike Rizzo and Anthony White.
Muskan credits her internship experience with giving her the confidence to step into this role seamlessly. She is deeply appreciative of the support she has received from her team and is passionate about making a meaningful impact. She believes improvement isn’t always about implementing new technology, it’s about finding what works best for people.
Her advice to others looking to grow within the company: take initiative, speak up, and be an active, supportive part of the team.
Sam Asker has recently been promoted from Project Manager to Senior Project Manager, taking on larger, more complex projects and an expanded leadership role. While many of his core responsibilities remain the same, his new position includes managing bigger jobs and leading more team members.
Sam has been with W. W. Gay for six years, beginning as an Assistant Project Manager at Orange Park Medical Center. He quickly advanced into a Project Manager role, taking on his first project at Encompass Health in St. Augustine. Since then, Sam has continued to grow, consistently stepping into larger roles with greater responsibility.
Today, he is managing many large and smaller projects at Mayo Clinic and overseeing both day and night crews. In addition, he is currently working on the UF Haley Project at UF Health, further demonstrating his ability to successfully handle multiple large-scale projects at once.
When asked what has prepared him for this role, Sam credits his hands-on project experience, as well as his time working in his family’s restaurant business, where he learned how to manage people and handle challenges as they arise. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and brings that mindset into his leadership style every day.
Sam’s goals are simple: deliver strong results for the company, keep customers happy, and support his team. His advice for others looking to grow within the company is to work hard, ask questions, and take initiative. “Don’t wait for things to happen, go above and beyond,” he says. He also stresses the importance of building relationships, communicating with field teams, reading drawings, and understanding every aspect of a project.
Stephanie Woolsey has stepped into her new role as Director of Learning and Development, transitioning from her previous position as Training Manager. In this expanded role, she continues building on her training initiatives while now overseeing the company’s overall learning strategy at a higher level. Her focus has shifted to a more big-picture approach, including developing a leadership program designed to prepare employees for future leadership roles and better understand the logistics behind them.
Stephanie will celebrate her one-year anniversary in April. She began her journey by connecting with employees, having conversations to understand training needs, and learning the ins and outs of the company. Over time, those efforts naturally evolved into the role she holds today.
When reflecting on what prepared her for this position, Stephanie credits her eight years as a teacher. That experience taught her that everyone learns differently, and it’s important to find the best ways to engage, motivate, and support individuals. Her time in the classroom also helped her develop strong planning skills and a clear understanding of what approaches are most effective.
Stephanie genuinely enjoys working with people and she isn’t afraid to start conversations, which has been a key strength in her role. She is passionate about supporting employees throughout their journey with W. W. Gay and helping them grow.
Her advice for anyone looking to advance within the company is simple: stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Zachary Culverhouse has been with W.W. Gay for 12 years, beginning his career as a welder in the Pipe Fab Shop after joining the Local 234. In early April, he transitioned into his new role in Quality Control, where he is responsible for inspecting welds and ensuring all code work meets the highest standards. His work includes evaluating boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems, as well as overseeing the overall quality of fabrication coming out of the shop. When issues arise, Zachary works closely with the team to ensure corrections are made efficiently and correctly.
Having spent over a decade as a welder in the same shop, Zachary brings valuable hands-on experience to his new position. His background allows him to connect with team members, offer practical guidance, and support their development. He has built strong relationships across the shop, making his transition into Quality Control a natural fit.
Zachary saw this opportunity as a chance to grow and make a greater impact. He hopes to build on the shop’s already high standards by helping deliver the best possible product. His advice to others is simple: consistency matters. Talent and drive are important but doing quality work every day builds a reputation people trust.
Since joining W. W. Gay in 2018, Zack has steadily grown within the company, starting his career right out of high school in a spooler/ detailer role in VDC. With a family background in construction, he developed an early interest in the industry and quickly became eager to learn the technological side of building. Today, he brings strong problem-solving skills and a passion for connecting design with construction, finding it especially rewarding to see projects come to life from concept to completion.
Zack thrives on the responsibility and accountability that come with large-scale projects. He values the collaboration required to deliver high-quality design and fabrication, ensuring the field team has everything needed for successful installation. In his new role as Team Lead, Zack participates in coordination meetings well before construction begins, proactively identifying and resolving potential issues and serving as an “eye in the sky” for the project team.
Looking ahead, Zack is focused on supporting and developing his team by fostering a wellrounded, highly skilled group. His advice to others aiming to grow within the company is simple: show initiative, stay driven, and be willing to go the extra mile.
Dennis Bennet Jr. brings dedication, energy, and a strong sense of family to his role in the C&G Warehouse. Before joining W.W. Gay, Dennis worked in a produce warehouse, spending long hours in refrigerated coolers on the graveyard shift. The demanding schedule began to take a toll on his health, and he knew it was time for a change, one that would allow him to work in a healthier environment and spend more quality time with his family.
A proud father of five, with one more on the way, Dennis stays busy both at work and at home. His children range in age from 21 to just 3 years old, and they are at the center of everything he does. That same commitment carries into his role at W. W. Gay, where his day-to-day responsibilities include maintaining the warehouse, restocking and receiving materials, managing inventory, and ensuring the space stays clean and organized.
Dennis thrives in a hands-on environment and enjoys staying active throughout the day. Whether he’s cleaning bins, organizing steel parts, or sweeping and mopping the warehouse floor, he takes pride in keeping everything running smoothly. His attention to detail and willingness to jump in wherever needed make him a valuable part of the team.
When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Dennis didn’t hesitate, it’s the people. He describes the warehouse as feeling like family, where everyone genuinely enjoys what they do. That positive atmosphere makes the workday go by faster and creates an environment he looks forward to being part of each day.
Before his current role, Dennis spent 20 years working as a dishwasher, where he learned how to connect with people from all walks of life.
That experience shaped his ability to build strong relationships and carry a positive attitude into his work today. One of the biggest lessons his current role has taught him is patience. After years of running at a nonstop pace, balancing overnight shifts and family responsibilities, Dennis appreciates the more balanced schedule he has now. Being able to finish his workday at 5 p.m. and head home to relax with his family has made a meaningful difference in his life.
Outside of work, Dennis enjoys playing video games with his children. It’s a way for him to stay connected, especially with his oldest son who serves in the Navy. He also cherishes time spent with his extended family, including his mother, grandfather, and his sister, who he admires for her strength and resilience. Family is everything to Dennis, and it’s clear that those relationships are a driving force behind his work ethic.
Dennis sees his role as an important part of the company’s overall success. By ensuring drivers have the tools and materials they need for their jobs and setting his coworkers up for success in the field. Reflecting on his time at W.W. Gay, Dennis says what has stuck with him most since day one is the people and the welcoming environment. Having lived in Jacksonville his entire life, he always knew of the company—but now he understands why so many employees build long careers here. For Dennis, it’s simple: it’s a great place to work.
If you had a Free Day with No Responsibilities, How Would you Spend It?: With my family, playing video games all day!
Where are you Originally from? Jacksonville. All my family is from here.
This baby is the Tool Room Manager, Shane Davis.
This baby is our Events and Sponsorships Coordinator, Crystal Gaskins.
This baby is our Chief Strategy Officer, Anthony White.
This baby is the Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations, Emily Andrews.
This baby is our General Superintendent, Shawn Crosby.
This baby is Senior Account Manager, Ryan Hudgens.
This baby is our Brand Manager, Peyton Beasley.
This baby is our President & COO, Tom Smith.
This baby is our Vice President of Georgia Operations, Ronnie Creel.
This baby is the Executive Assistant to the CEO, Peggy Tipping.
This baby is our Vice President of Human Resources, Chrissy Graham.
This baby is Site Manager, Steve Lacourse.
This baby is C & G Warehouse Manager, Amanda Davis-Crider.
This baby is Business Unit Leader, Government Jon Byrd.
This baby is our CEO, Paul Jones.
This baby is our Director of Learning and Development, Stephanie Woolsey.
This baby is our Facility Manager, Josh London.
This baby is Service Technician, Demetrius Brisby.
This baby is Project Administrator, Rylee Temple.
This baby is Site Manager, Forrest Blair.
This baby is Receptionist, Amy Bonnette.
Send your answers to Crystal Gaskins at cgaskins@wwgmc.com. The first person to answer everything correctly will win a prize. Be sure to check out the June issue to see the answers!
Want to be part of the fun? Share your baby photos with Crystal for a chance to be featured in the June issue!
W. W. Gay is proud to partner with the ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida, an after-school mentoring nonprofit that engages, excites, and inspires high school students to pursue careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields. The North Florida affiliate was founded during the 2006-2007 school year and is one of 77 programs nationwide. The local chapter serves 13 schools across Baker, Clay, St. Johns, and Duval counties and reach roughly 260 students with the help of more than 100 volunteer mentors.
Through the program, mentors from local industry professional firms meet with students once a week throughout the school year, typically for 18-20 weeks. During these sessions, students are grouped into teams of 15-25 and are tasked with a “real-world” project that they must create practical solutions for. This year’s project options included a modular classroom, a park, or an adoption center. Once an option is chosen, the teams develop site plans from concept through final presentation. Mentors assist the students as they work through the project, introducing them to industry vocabulary and specific roles companies play in the construction industry. At the year-end event, student teams present judges for awards in multiple categories and scholarship consideration. ACE is proud to have awarded more than $93,000 to graduating seniors pursuing further education. This project not only allows the students to focus on collaboration, but it is also an effective way for students to experience the reality of what architects, contractors, and engineers do during a typical working day.
For many years, W. W. Gay’s involvement has included sponsoring ACE events, including clay shoots and Trades Day, where local trade companies come together to offer students hands-on exposure to industry roles. During the construction of the W. W. Gay HQ building, ACE students toured the active job site and later returned to see the completed project. Additionally, several members of our leadership team have served on the Trades Committee and served as judges for student presentations.
ACE’s alumni are among its greatest impacts: many have returned as mentors and supporters, citing ACE as instrumental to their career success. The program continues to recruit through schools and district contacts, but its largest ongoing challenge is finding more volunteer mentors. A dedicated mentor committee focuses on recruitment, especially among businesses already affiliated with ACE.
Our partnership with ACE is a cornerstone of W. W. Gay’s community commitment: we invest time, expertise, and resources to provide meaningful career exposure, hands-on learning, and internship opportunities. By supporting ACE’s mission, we help develop the next generation of skilled professionals, strengthen the local workforce, and create lasting community impact through mentorship and collaboration.
