Issuu

A Monthly Publication of ABC Keystone

BUILDING FUTURES

CELEBRATING CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION MONTH AT ABC KEYSTONE

2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chair of the Board Guy Kingree, III Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Chair-Elect

1st Vice

2nd

Kearns James Craft & Son, Inc.

Engle Smucker Company

Witmer Pathway Business Advisors

Secretary Robb Beiler Wohlsen Construction Company

Treasurer Timothy A. Kershner, CPA Walz Group

Immediate Past Chair John Lehmann Poole Anderson Construction, LLC

Corbin Beittel Warfel Construction Company

Jeff Bright Offit Kurman

Steve Conway Pyramid Construction Services, LLC A Quandel Company

Aimée Deraco Brubaker

Scott Duke The Witmer Group

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.

Wengrenovich Murray

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

BUILDING OUR FUTURE: TURNING WORKFORCE CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

BY: GUY KINGREE, III

As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, October reminds us of both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. For many in our industry, workforce development continues to be one of the most pressing concerns. Across the Mid-Atlantic region, contractors — especially those of us in the merit shop community — face the “scary” reality of a skilled labor shortage that shows no signs of disappearing overnight. Yet, just as Halloween teaches us that fear can be faced head-on, our industry has the courage, creativity, and commitment to turn this challenge into opportunity.

Earlier this fall, ABC Keystone proudly welcomed a new class of apprentices into our training programs. These men and women represent the next generation of craft professionals — the backbone of our industry. With every class, we see individuals taking a bold step into a rewarding career path that offers not just a paycheck, but pride in building something lasting. Apprenticeship remains one of the most effective tools we have to close the workforce gap, and Keystone continues to lead the way in providing best-in-class training to prepare these students for success.

The construction industry is built on teamwork, mentorship, and shared learning. For our seasoned professionals, this is the season to invest in our apprentices — to guide them, support them, and ensure they see the value of what it means to be part of the merit shop tradition. By pairing experience with enthusiasm, we can ensure that our projects are staffed with capable, confident workers who will carry the torch of excellence for years to come.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the larger trends shaping our industry. Rising material costs, evolving technology, and regulatory pressures all impact how we deliver projects. But none of these factors will matter if we don’t have the people to build them. Investing in apprenticeship, leadership training, and Total Human Health initiatives isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about cultivating resilient professionals who are equipped to thrive in today’s environment and tomorrow’s.

ABC Keystone continues to fight on behalf of our members, ensuring that merit shop contractors have fair access to projects and that our values of free enterprise and open competition remain protected. While the headlines may highlight labor shortages as a “haunting” statistic, I believe the real story is the hope and opportunity we see in programs like apprenticeship, STEP, and career development. Together, we are not just weathering the storm; we are building the future.

So, as you enjoy the fall season — whether carving pumpkins, cheering on your favorite football team, or preparing for the year’s final push — remember the importance of investing in people. Our apprentices are the harvest of seeds planted long ago, and with our continued commitment, they will grow into the leaders who keep our industry strong.

That’s not scary at all — that’s something worth celebrating.

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

PRESENTED BY

Keynote: Paul Doherty, President and CEO, The Digit Group, Inc. "Tech, Innovation & the Future of the Construction Industry"

Track 1 Field Operations

Track 2 Office Operations

Track 3 IT/Tech Innovation

Explore other tracks throughout the day!

Closing Panel: Technology Adoption "How to implement what you’ve learned today."

FROM THE PRESIDENT-CEO

THE FOURTH QUARTER – THE FINAL DRIVE

BY: G. DAVID SLOAD

As we enter October, we enter the fourth quarter of a year that has had excitement, energy and continued success. Just like in football, we need to finish the game. There’s no time for preventative defense, (an unfortunate habit my Steelers get into) but a need to continue to move the ball down the field.

As I write in this article, the Keystone Chapter has achieved growth for the 5th year in a row. We are currently at 670 members with more room to grow. With this year’s growth and retention we are in the lead to win the prestigious ABC National Mullen Award. It would be only the fourth time we have won this award in our 66-year history, with the last time being 2023.

While our growth has been good, let’s not stop at 670. Between the Board, the Membership Committee, and individual member sponsorships, we have had 76 new members this year. Our stretch goal is 680 and with the aforementioned groups I know we can hit that goal. As always, I invite you to use Michael Bachman, our Director of Membership, to assist you in your recruitment efforts.

It has also been an exceptional year for Events, Education, and Safety. Registrations and attendance have been at all-time highs with several sold-out classes and events. Apprenticeship began a new school year with a record number of member companies participating. We have over 525 individuals participating in the Keystone apprenticeship program throughout all our locations.

We can’t forget Government Affairs. We continue to kill bad bills advanced by the State House by utilizing our supporters in the State Senate. We continue to fight RCOs (responsible contractor ordinances) and see success as some are being repealed or suspended once they realize the things we told them would happen, do. We had a major win with the temporary injunction against the PA DGS-mandated PLA. At this point, the project cannot move forward. However, we need to continue to fight to make it permanent.

Thanks to you, the members, and all you do to support and advance the mission and value proposition of ABC Keystone. We need to finish the game and continue to play the fourth quarter. This is our Final Drive for 2025. Let’s make it historic.

Grow and Develop Your Workforce with ABC Keystone

The construction industry is constantly evolving. To stay relevant, companies must continually grow their talent. ABC Keystone understands that making employee development a priority within a company culture ensures the team remains well-informed on industry trends, recent developments, and best practices.

• Create your own workforce through formalized training.

• Increase productivity, safety & profits.

• Expand your workers' knowledge base.

• Bid work more competitively.

ADVOCACY UPDATE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: NOVEMBER 4 IS ELECTION DAY

BY: JIM WILLSHIER, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

While this election may not dominate national headlines or airwaves, it’s incredibly important— especially for Pennsylvania’s business community and anyone concerned about the future of our courts.

In addition to local races for positions like county commissioners and school board members, voters will weigh in on a key judicial decision: whether to retain three Democratic justices currently serving on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

These justices—Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—have each completed 10-year terms. Now, voters must decide whether they should remain on the bench for another term or be removed from office.

These three justices currently help make up the Democrats’ 5–2 majority on the state’s highest court. Their past decisions have sparked both praise and criticism, including:

• Allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted in the 2020 election;

• Overturning a legislative redistricting map in 2018, citing partisan gerrymandering—and replacing it with the court’s own map, which also faced criticism for bias;

• And growing public concern about the court’s impartiality and potential partisanship in high-stakes cases.

What happens if voters choose not to retain them?

There’s no immediate flip in control. If any of the justices are removed, Governor Josh Shapiro—a Democrat—will nominate a temporary replacement, who must then be confirmed by a two-thirds vote in the Senate. A full election for permanent replacements won't occur until 2027.

This vote is especially critical in light of Pennsylvania’s current political landscape. With the governor and

House majority already Democratic, and the Senate moving closer to a potential flip, we could soon see all three branches of state government under one-party control. That makes the independence and balance of our judiciary even more vital.

And remember—this isn’t just about the Supreme Court. The Commonwealth Court and Superior Court also have elections this year, and these courts make key decisions affecting daily life, from business regulation to civil disputes.

Want more details on those races? Check out this article from the nonpartisan Spotlight PA: https://bit.ly/ SuperiorCourtCandidates

Not Registered?

Not registered to vote in PA? The deadline for the November 4, 2025 election is October 20. You must be a U.S. citizen, a PA resident for 30+ days, and 18 by Election Day. Register online, by mail, or in person by the deadline.

BUILDING FUTURES:

Celebrating Careers in Construction Month at ABC Keystone

ABC Keystone proudly celebrates Careers in Construction Month, when we recognize the many rewarding career paths and opportunities available within our industry. At ABC Keystone, we don’t just talk about the value of construction careers - we build the path forward through our registered apprenticeship programs and career development offerings.

As the leading construction trade association in Central Pennsylvania, we’ve educated thousands of craft professionals over the past 65+ years. Today, our mission is more relevant than ever: to develop a highly skilled workforce and ensure that individuals can build meaningful, successful careers - from the field to the office.

Investing in the Future Workforce

Our commitment to workforce development starts well before apprenticeship. Through hands-on events like Construction Wars and the All ‘Bout Construction

(ABC) Girls Camp, we introduce young women to the trades and help break down industry stereotypes. We also support ABC Student Chapters at colleges and universities, offering mentorship and career-building opportunities. These initiatives are critical in fostering early awareness, building interest, and preparing the next generation for lucrative careers in construction.

A Historic Year of Growth

Our apprenticeship programs began in 1969, and the program graduated its first apprentices in 1972. As you, the members, adapt to new and changing workforce needs, so do we. This year, we will begin our Assembler, Pre-Engineered Metal Building program to meet the needs of the sector. And as your need for apprentices increases, our numbers continue to climb. This year marks a significant milestone for us. In the 2025–2026 training year, we’ve enrolled 525 apprentices—the largest number in our program’s history and a testament to the growing interest in

careers in construction. This represents more than a 10% increase over the previous year. We are unique among ABC chapters, with full-time instructors, all of whom come from the trade and most of whom graduated from our program. Our instructors are experienced professionals who bring decades of field knowledge to the classroom. Combined with on-the-job training through employer sponsors, our apprentices receive a balanced, industry-driven education that sets them up for long-term success.

In addition to our rotating courses, we have added to our Career Development offerings so you can upskill your workforce. With traditional refrigerants being phased out, we now offer a Low GWP Refrigerant Safety Course around flammable and mildly flammable refrigerants. And Microsoft® Project® training has been introduced, along with a course on Non-Generational Coworking, a must-attend course to bridge generational gaps on the job site.

Join Us This Careers in Construction Month

As we celebrate Careers in Construction Month, we invite our members to help champion the industry by promoting their companies and their workforce. The momentum is clear: more individuals are seeing the value in joining our industry and pursuing a career that offers both financial stability and personal fulfillment. We’re honored to support that journey and we’re proud to be your association.

NO-COST EVENT Bring a Colleague!

ABC Keystone Workforce Development –

Growing Construction Careers and Connections

Join us for an inside look at ABC’s comprehensive Workforce Development initiatives. Learn how we’re strengthening the talent pipeline—from early career awareness in middle schools and hands-on summer camps to high school programs and partnerships with career and technical centers (CTCs) and higher education institutions. We’ll also highlight our three active college student chapters and the essential role our member volunteers play throughout the process.

Plus, don’t miss a demo of Keystone’s innovative new online Job Board! PRESENTERS

Bruce Wiest Director of Operations Pyramid Construction Services, LLC A Quandel Company

James Rosman Area Leader Assurance Media, LLC

David Schlosberg Principal EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

Brian Fisher Estimator & Project Manager Hursh Painting Co., Inc.

ASK AN ACCOUNTANT

BY: ALEX MOWERY, CPA, TROUT CPA

How the 2025 Tax Law Reshapes Construction

The sweeping 2025 tax legislation brings major changes for construction businesses. From permanent expensing to expanded deductions and energy credit sunsets, this legislation is expected to significantly influence tax planning and project decisions for years to come.

Below, we outline key updates, how they differ from prior law, and what construction professionals should consider doing now.

Key Points

• 100% bonus depreciation and domestic R&D expensing are now permanent.

• Section 179 expensing limits have increased.

• Energy-efficiency construction incentives are sunsetting.

• The QBI deduction and PTET remain intact.

• The PCM exception now applies to a broader range of residential contracts.

1. 100% Bonus Depreciation Made Permanent

What Changed:

Construction companies can now permanently expense 100% of qualified property costs in the year placed in service, reversing the prior phaseout that would have reduced bonus depreciation to 0% after 2026.

Planning Tip:

Accelerate capital purchases such as equipment after January 19, 2025, to leverage immediate write-offs.

2. Section 179 Expensing Limits Significantly Raised

What Changed:

Annual deduction limits have risen to $2.5 million, with a phase-out beginning at $4 million, providing broader expensing ability for machinery, trucks, and jobsite equipment.

Planning Tip:

Evaluate high-spend projects or upgrades, particularly those improving jobsite productivity,

and time them to maximize Section 179 benefits.

3. Domestic R&D Expensing Permanently Reinstated

What Changed:

Previously, R&D costs had to be amortized over 5 years. The new law restores full, immediate expensing for domestic R&D and offers retroactive relief dating back to 2022.

Planning Tip:

Construction companies developing new software, construction methods, or materials should review past filings for refund opportunities and reassess R&D budgets moving forward.

4. QBI Deduction and PTET Rules Remain Favorable

What Changed:

The 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is now permanent and maintains high income phase-out levels. Additionally, PTET remains available for firms operating as passthrough entities.

Planning Tip:

Partnerships and S Corporations should model out tax savings under the PTET structure and assess ownership compensation strategies to optimize QBI deduction eligibility.

5. Redefined PCM Exception for Residential Contracts

What Changed:

The 2025 tax law redefines the exception to the Percentage-of-Completion Method (PCM) under IRC Section 460(e)(1)(A). Previously limited to “home construction contracts,” the exception now applies to a broader category defined as “residential construction contracts.” This change may expand eligibility for small and mid-sized builders to defer income recognition on qualifying contracts.

Planning Tip:

Construction companies engaged in multifamily or mixed-use residential projects should reassess contract classifications and determine if the new definition allows for more favorable tax treatment.

6. End of Energy Efficiency Credits for Builders

What Changed:

Credits for energy-efficient commercial buildings (179D) and homes (45L) are ending; no 179D deduction for property beginning construction after June 30, 2026, and no 45L credit for homes acquired after June 30, 2026.

Planning Tip:

Fast-track green-certified projects to start construction before mid-2026. Consider including language in contracts to capture any remaining credits before they expire.

The 2025 tax legislation brings a mix of permanent deductions and expiring incentives that will reshape how construction businesses plan investments and structure operations. Early planning can yield substantial savings and reduce risk in a competitive construction landscape.

1705 Oregon Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 569-2900 www.troutcpa.com

NOVEMBER 6, 2025

Spooky Nook Sports Manheim, Pennsylvania

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

What better way to promote your company than in front of 400 ABC Members?

Sponsorships are now available for the 2025 EIC Awards, or place an ad in the highly anticipated Excellence in Awards Program!

Contact: Laura Chanoski | laura@abckeystone.org

FREE MEMBER SEMINAR

• Learn practical tools for early identification and intervention

• Strengthen your workplace’s mental health culture

• Empower your team to support one another

• It’s FREE for ABC Keystone members

Allan Myers

Allied Mechanical & Electrical

Arthur Funk & Sons, Inc.

Assurance Media, LLC

B&B Integrations

Belfry Builders, LLC

Benchmark Construction Co., Inc.

Brechbill & Helman Constr. Co., Inc.

Brubaker

C Mechanical Services

C.M. High, Inc.

Capital Coating, Inc.

CB Construction Services, Inc.

CCS Building Group

CH+N Site Construction, Inc.

Clark Contractors, Inc.

CLARK, Inc.

CMC, Inc.

Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.

Conewago Enterprises, Inc.

Conewago Manufacturing, LLC

D.E. Gemmill, Inc.

DeRock Electric Company

Dolan Construction, Inc.

E.R. Stuebner, Inc.

EA Roofing Co.

Verified STEP Participants

Easy Does It Drywall, Inc.

EG Stoltzfus Construction, LLC

Flow Mechanical, LLC

Flyway Excavating, Inc.

Garrety Glass, Inc.

Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.

Gorski Engineering, Inc.

High Construction Company

Hursh Painting Co., Inc.

James Craft & Son, Inc.

John E. Fullerton, Inc.

Johnston Construction Company

Keystruct Construction, A Viocity Company

Krislee Electric, LLC

Lebanon Valley Electric, Inc.

Leer Electric, Inc.

Leo Kob Co., Inc.

Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.

LEW Site Construction LLC

MVE Group

MYCO Mechanical, Inc.

Paramount Contracting, Inc.

Pincus Elevator Company, Inc.

Poole Anderson Construction, LLC

Quality Buildings, LLC

Quandel Enterprises, LLC

Quarry View Building Group

RSR Electric, A Viocity Company

S&S Structures, Inc.

Scenic Ridge Company

Schlouch Incorporated

Smucker Company

Speedwell Construction, Inc.

Susquehanna Valley Construction Corp.

Tabora Painting, LLC

The Tri-M Group, LLC

The Tuckey Companies

The Witmer Group

Vision Mechanical, Inc.

Wagman Construction, Inc.

Warfel Construction Company

Wenrich Painting, Inc.

White Rose Interiors, LLC

Wickersham Construction and Engineering, Inc.

Wohlsen Construction Company

Yoe Construction, Inc.

Zartman Construction, Inc.

CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION

Developing leaders in the field and the office.

Microsoft® Excel® Series - Starts 10/28

Advanced Blueprint Reading Starts 10/29

Building A Better Crew: Non-Leadership Generations - 11/5

Construction 101: Project Development - 11/5

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Eden Resort & Suites

Angela Esh, Corporate Sales Manager 222 Eden Road Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 569-6444

www.edenresort.com aesh@edenresort.com

OCTOBER

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

10/1 The Construction Process Part of the Construction 101 Series

10/2 Tailgate Party Presented by Barley Snyder Manheim, PA

Starts 10/6 Dynamic Crew Leadership

10/7 First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification

Starts 10/8 Project Management

Starts 10/8 Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)

10/9 Executive Leader Contractor Peer Group

10/14, 10/15 & 10/16 Construction Wars Presented by Quality Buildings, LLC

10/15 Conducting Investigations, Disciplining, & Terminating Employees Part of the Human Resources Management Academy

10/17 Rough-Terrain Forklift Training

10/21 Setting & Achieving Goals Part of the Leadership Development Series

10/22 Construction Technology Conference Presented by Everound, LLC Manheim, PA

10/22 Bluebeam® Free Launch Webinar

OCTOBER

SOUTHEAST REGION EVENTS

10/23 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

10/23 Low GWP Refrigerant Safety Course: Flammable & Mildly Flammable Refrigerants

10/27 First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification

10/28 Microsoft® Excel®: Basics Part of the Microsoft Excel Series

Starts 10/29 Advanced Blueprint Reading

Starts 10/30

Microsoft® Project®: Basics Part of the Microsoft Project Series

Starts 10/30 OSHA 10-Hour Construction

Starts 10/30 OSHA 30-Hour Construction

10/31 Essential Rigging & Crane Signaling Practices

NORTH REGION EVENTS

10/9 Clay Shoot | North Region Rain or Shine! Presented by Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. Huntingdon, PA

10/9 Hot Topic FREE Member Seminar Davis-Bacon and Prevailing Wage Compliance

10/28 Fall Wake-up Call | North Region Northumberland, PA

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER

11/3

First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification

11/4 Fall Southwest Regional Construction Wake-up Call Altoona, PA

11/5 Non-Leadership Generational Coworking Part of the Building a Better Crew Series

11/5 Project Development & Environmental Decisions Part of the Construction 101 Series

11/5 Microsoft® Excel®: Intermediate Part I Part of the Microsoft Excel Series

11/6 Microsoft® Project®: Intermediate Part of the Microsoft Project Series

11/6 ABC Keystone’s 36th Annual Excellence in Construction Awards Manheim, PA

Starts 11/7 Field Supervisor Safety Skills –Your Role in Driving This Bus

11/7 Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Training

11/11 Leadership v. Management Part of the Leadership Development Series

11/11 Microsoft® Excel®: Intermediate Part II Part of the Microsoft Excel Series

11/11 Construction Estimating Principles & Application

11/12 Human Resources Contractor Peer

11/12 & 11/13

Bluebeam® Reading Construction Documents

11/17

Bluebeam® Baseline Basics

11/18 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

11/18

Microsoft® Excel®: Advanced Part of the Microsoft Excel Series

11/18 Rough-Terrain Forklift Training

11/19 Employee Relations and Engagement Part of the Human Resources Management Academy

11/19 Bluebeam® Material Takeoff & Estimates: Basics

11/20 Fall Southeast Regional Construction Wake-up Call Manheim, PA

11/20 Bluebeam® Material Takeoff & Estimates: Advanced

11/24 First Aid/CPR/AED with Emergency Care & Safety Institute Certification

11/25 Bluebeam® for Administrative Professionals

NORTH REGION EVENTS 11/6 VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace

11/12 Fall North Regional Construction Wake-up Call (Howard) Howard, PA

MERIT SHOP PROUD

VIOCITY GROUP PROMOTES MICHAEL SOLA TO PRESIDENT OF KEYSTRUCT CONSTRUCTION

Viocity Group is proud to announce Michael Sola as the new President of Keystruct Construction. Michael’s journey with Keystruct is a story of dedication, growth, and a deep-rooted passion for building both projects and relationships.

Michael started at Keystruct in 2010 as a Preconstruction Manager, unknowingly laying the foundation for the company’s strong culture of teamwork and collaboration. After leaving during the Viocity Group merger in 2020, he returned in 2024, drawn back by the passion and collaborative culture of the new team and leadership. Since rejoining, Michael has strengthened Keystruct’s team mentality, fostering a people-first approach that has reignited old partnerships and built many new ones, an approach that is evident in the company’s ambitious achievements this year.

Under Michael’s leadership, Keystruct has expanded beyond its York County roots, tackling larger and more complex projects throughout York, Dauphin, Berks, and Lancaster Counties. His philosophy is simple: growth is a win for all. Through strong collaboration, both within Viocity Group and with a network of trusted external partners, Michael ensures every project has the expertise and resources it needs. This approach allows Keystruct to deliver seamless, full turn-key solutions that bring client visions to life.

In his new role as President, Michael is focused on strengthening both the team and client relationships. “What sets us apart,” he says, “is our in-house and partner capabilities, combined with the energy and dedication of this team. No one person can do it alone. Our collaboration, both internally and with our partners and clients, allows us to deliver projects on time and exactly as envisioned. Every success reflects the commitment of each team member and their dedication to our shared goals.”

President Chris Miller and Vice President Sasha Wawrzyniak of Viocity Group echo this sentiment, noting Michael’s tireless dedication to the company and the people he leads. His daily outlook reflects a prime example of living Viocity Group’s core values of Pride, Passion and Perseverance. His leadership isn’t just about projects; it’s about building a culture where teams thrive, and clients succeed.

When he’s not at work, Michael can be found on the golf course, out on the water, or enjoying the beach. He and his wife will celebrate 30 years of marriage next year, and his proudest role is being present for his children, guiding and cheering them on through life’s journey. Through it all, Milo, the family dog, is never far from his side. Michael’s commitment to family and community mirrors the dedication he brings to Keystruct, ensuring that every project, relationship, and team member is valued and supported.

With Michael at the helm, Keystruct Construction is poised for a future defined by growth, collaboration, expanding opportunity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Michael Sola

SAXTON & STUMP FOUNDING CEO JAMES W. SAXTON TO STEP DOWN; BUSINESS LAWYER THOMAS J. KENT, JR. TO BECOME CEO EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026

James W. Saxton, after ten years, will step down as CEO at the end of the year and assume a role as Chairman during 2026 continuing to work on the firm’s numerous strategic initiatives. Thomas J. Kent, Jr. will step into the CEO role beginning January 1, 2026.

The transition follows more than 18 months of thoughtful planning by the firm’s management to ensure stability, preserve Saxton & Stump’s culture, and position the firm for continued growth. Kent was elected as the new CEO with unanimous support from the management team and all the firm’s shareholders.

Kent, co-chair of the firm’s very successful and growing Franchising, Licensing and Distribution group has also served on the firm’s Finance, Operations, and Pension Committees. He brings decades of experience as a talented business lawyer and trusted advisor to clients. Kent has worked at some of the nation’s largest law firms.

In 2015, Saxton left the prominent firm Stevens & Lee with his long-time partner, Christopher A. Stump and several colleagues to establish Saxton & Stump. They launched the firm with a shared vision to attract like-minded lawyers and grow through innovation, collaboration, and a strong cultural foundation.

“Over the past several years, Tom and I have worked closely together, and I have tremendous trust in his ability to carry our momentum forward and position the firm for long-term success,” Saxton said. “I have no doubt Tom, together with our leadership team, will ensure the collaborative culture we have built continues to thrive as we expand into the future.”

Kent expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the firm during a period of continued innovation and expansion. “This transition has been planned with great care to preserve the qualities that have made Saxton & Stump unique,” Kent said. “I’m honored to help lead us into this next era and excited to continue building a firm that delivers a refreshingly different experience for our clients and opportunities for our team.”

In just 10 years, Saxton & Stump has scaled 14 attorneys to more than 150 attorneys, 8 affiliate companies, and expanded to 10 offices with over 300 professionals. The firm is now well poised to continue this strategic growth in all aspects of its operation.

Jim Saxton

Thomas Kent

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries in October 2025!

45 YEARS

Rohrer's Quarry, Inc.

35 YEARS

Print-O-Stat, Inc.

20 YEARS

Boyer & Ritter LLC

15 YEARS

Alpha Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Gas Field Specialists, Inc.

10 YEARS

J.D. Eckman, Inc.

Pennsylvania Builders Exchange (PBX)

Summit Flagging Source

5 YEARS

Lincoln Pavement Services, Inc.

RES Great Lakes, LLC

Zook Masonry, Inc.

1 YEAR

BuildOps

Fetch Home Management, LLC

Five Thirteen Media

2025 C.O.R.E. SPONSORS

SAPPHIRE SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

Acuity Advisors and CPAs, LLP

Aerotek, Inc.

Assurance Media

Barley Snyder

Brubaker

SILVER SPONSORS

Associated Products Services, Inc.

Bertz, Hess & Co.

Brown Plus

C Mechanical Services

BRONZE SPONSORS

Commonwealth Fire Protection Co.

David Miller/Associates, Inc.

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC

Remco, Inc. EHD

Garrety Glass, Inc.

Horst Construction Co.

Hursh Painting Co., Inc

Martins Flooring

Fulton Bank

D.E. Gemmill, Inc.

Hess Auctioneers, LLC

Leer Electric, Inc.

MVE Group

M. Potteiger, Inc.

Providence Engineering

RKL LLP

S&T Bank

Paramount Contracting, Inc.

R.A. Walton & Company, Inc.

The Witmer Group

Saul Ewing LLP

Company

Trout CPA

Smucker

135 Shellyland Road Manheim, PA 17545

BREAKFAST MIXER

DECEMBER 11 | 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

• Savor a seasonal breakfast

• Network with industry peers

• Share insights on construction

• Test your holiday trivia skills!