ALUM N I SPOTLIGHT
Bodine Returns to Florida to Lead in Phosphate Mining Field
When Bruce Bodine graduated from the University of Florida with his Environmental Engineering degree in 1995, he probably did not know that his career would take him all the way north to Saskatchewan, Canada, from his hometown in Lakeland, and then back 25 years later. Amidst his focus on the people and the company on which his 25-year career has been built, he has never lost his characteristic Gator outlook, “I am looking forward to returning to UF to see my college,” Bodine said. “A lot has changed since I graduated – even the name, Engineering School for Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE).” Bodine is also excited to come back and see more Gator football games. “Beyond my engineering education, the winning atmosphere UF provided – especially Gator athletics – showed me that in business, competitiveness matters. It was fun to be there in the late 80’s and early 90’s to see all the teams winning and absorb that winning spirit.”
by Diane Choate 16
Greg Wyka Selected as a 2019 Gator100 Recipient
First Florida Constructors was ranked fifth in the Gator100 due to its growth rate of 99.3%
Civil Engineering (‘95) alum Greg Wyka has been named as one of 100 recipients to be honored by the Gator100.
two additional projects, he was promoted to superintendent and then project manager. At age 30, he took on the role as vice president.
The Gator100 was created in 2015 to recognize rapidly expanding innovative Gator-owned or Gatorled businesses.
“As vice president, I was in charge of the projects in the state of Florida and we just kept growing,” Wyka said.
After graduating from the University of Florida, Greg Wyka began his career with First Florida Building Corp., which was founded in 1963 by Bill Miller, and went on to eventually own the company.
Then-president of First Florida, Bob Miller, decided to retire and put forward a succession plan for Wyka to become owner and president.
“When I was looking for a job, I saw an opportunity at First Florida to perform construction management at a timeshare resort in Aruba, and I took it,” Wyka said. Wyka attributed his early career success to professor and thenchair of the Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Paul Thompson. “It was his guidance that not only allowed for me to get this job, but let me know that everything would be okay,” Wyka said. After Wyka completed the project in Aruba, he moved to Miami to fulfill his duty as an assistant superintendent. Once he completed
Since Wyka was named president in 2012, First Florida has completed multiple projects throughout the state, including Baldwin Harbor Luxury Apartments in Orlando, Portico Apartments in Sunrise, The Plaza at Aventura ParkSquare elderly housing facility in Aventura, and City Heights Apartments in Miami. Wyka attended the Gator100 award ceremony at the University of Florida and received the trophy on behalf of his company. First Florida Constructors was ranked fifth due to its growth rate of 99.3%. “This recognition means a lot to me because I feel like I’ve done something to continue the great legacy of Gator companies,” Wyka said. by Reba Liddy Hernandez