The Pipeline - January - February 2024

Our Vision

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.

Our Mission

The mission of W. W. Gay is to provide the best service, at the best value, with the best people

A Message From Our CEO

Dear W. W. Gay Family,

January has come and gone, and the dawn of 2024 heralds a promising trajectory for our company!

Since the last time we spoke in The Pipeline, we reached a milestone with the unveiling of our 5-Year Strategic Plan. I am genuinely thrilled about this significant achievement. The Strategic Planning Committee is committed to maintaining transparency, ensuring that you are updated with developments related to this exciting roadmap. Moving forward, updates from the team will be communicated through emails and the newsletter, highlighting new programs aligned with the plan’s initiatives and tracking progress in the ensuing years. In case you missed that announcement, or wish to revisit the details, please refer to page 9.

Embedded within our Strategic Plan are ambitious goals deliberately set to propel us to unprecedented heights. This deliberate intention underscores my belief that we must continually aspire to surpass our previous accomplishments. To attain these aspirations, I urge each of you to delve into your personal reservoirs of ambition and drive. If you identify a need or conceive innovative ways to contribute to these initiatives, vocalize your ideas and turn them into reality! These goals are not just benchmarks; they represent avenues for creating more opportunities for our people. I am steadfast in my desire to witness each of you pushing boundaries and advancing your careers within W. W. Gay.

“I am steadfast in my desire to witness each of you pushing boundaries and advancing your careers within W. W. Gay”

In line with our commitment to always be “Employee Focused”, we’ll soon be releasing employee feedback reviews and other transformative processes. While these initiatives represent uncharted territory for our company, their purpose is to enhance our collective performance and foster continuous growth.

The Pipeline 4

As highlighted in December’s Town Hall meeting, we have attentively listened to the survey results and are actively addressing the challenges mentioned, including job-specific training and other procedural enhancements. Ultimately, our unwavering belief in investing in you remains at the forefront of our commitment, and that commitment will endure!

In closing, I’m extremely proud of each of you and the progress we continue to make together. We are moving in the right direction and I can’t wait to see what this year will bring us.

Thank you for being the Best in the Business!

Paul Jones CEO

Marketing Update

I hope each of you has been enjoying the new year so far! From the perspective of the marketing department, 2024 will be bringing many exciting things, some familiar and some brand new. All in all, each goal is geared towards a specific initiative of our 5-Year Strategic Plan and will help move us closer to where we want to be.

Old Logo - Final Phasing Out

An item that sits atop my 2024 goal sheet is the final phasing out of the old logo. As you’re aware, the rebranding project was completed in August 2021, nearly three years ago. During this time, our entire 400-vehicle fleet was rebranded, new apparel was created for 1,200 employees, and collateral was updated with the new logo. This was a massive undertaking that I knew would not happen overnight. However, there are still remnants of the old logo floating around with apparel, vehicles, and forms.

The W. W. Gay brand is much more than just a logo that identifies our company. It impacts what others think about us, even before they experience our company firsthand. Consumers and customers will create an impression of our company based on the way our employees are dressed, our website, forms they receive, email signatures, etc. So, consistency is key here, which means every piece of the brand should look the same.

To achieve this goal, my team and I need your help! If you have any forms that need updating, teammates that still need new logo apparel, or anything else, please reach out to me and I’ll be more than happy to assist you!

Marketing Request Form

For those who aren’t aware, the Marketing team at W. W. Gay is currently three people: Myself, Peyton Beasley who handles all things creative, and Caroline Carter who heads up events and sponsorships. Together, the three of us tackle anything from our website, social media platforms, email communications, presentations, forms, company events, volunteer opportunities, tradeshows, career fairs and many more!

Between the three of us, we receive many requests throughout each workday. We want these requests to keep coming! But in order to stay organized and efficient, we are currently creating a Marketing Request Form that will be utilized companywide. This form will help establish streamlined communication between us and the entire company, enabling you to clearly outline your request. These requests can be written up and submitted by anyone within the company needing Marketing’s assistance.

Not only will this assist us in ensuring only the new logo is used on all marketing materials, but it will also help us in getting projects completed for you in a timely manner.

Once this form is completed, the link will be sent out companywide and we’ll ask that you begin using it immediately. We look forward to serving you better through this platform!

Business Cards – New Format

To ensure we’re continually advancing and staying ahead of the curve, I am excited to share that we’ll soon be introducing digital business cards! This tap card will replace the old hard copy business cards and will be an easy and efficient way to exchange contact information. These cards work on Android and iPhone devices, are extremely simple to use, and include your own digital profile.

While I know many of you will have questions regarding the functionality of the cards and details on how to use… don’t worry! My team and I will be here to support you and plan to provide as much information as needed to help make this an easy transition.

It is my hope to have this rolled out in February, so look out for more details very soon!

Customer Gifting Website

Also rolling out this first quarter will be a Customer Gifting Website, hosted by our merchandise and apparel company The Morgan Company. So many of you enjoy gifting our customers with W. W. Gay swag items (hats are the obvious winner!) and this will be a new and exciting way to show them your appreciation. Different than our Employee Apparel site, this order-taking website will include a long list of items (both basic and high-end) you can purchase in bulk for customers.

While more details will be announced soon, please be aware of some important specifics.

These items will not be available on demand and will require lead time. Once your order is approved, the items will then go into production, so expect a 2–3-week turnaround.

These items are not purchased by Marketing. Once your items are in production, you will receive an invoice and your business unit will be responsible for the payment.

The Marketing team will have a selection of items that will be kept on hand for those true lastminute situations but will be in limited quantities.

This new feature will be just another way to showcase our brand and impress our customers in new ways! Look for more information to be released soon.

Forging the Way Awards

After moving through one year of honoring employees who are “forging the way” for our company, I’m looking forward to continuing the Forging the Way Awards in 2024. While this has been celebrated on a quarterly basis, moving forward we will be pivoting to a semi-annual basis, once in June and the other in December. These will also coincide with our companywide Town Hall Meetings which are scheduled for the same months.

Also new will be the number of honorees. Previously, we have honored one employee from Gainesville, one from Orlando and three from Jacksonville. In 2024, we will begin awarding three (3) employees total.

Marketing Update (Cont.)

All offices, including Tallahassee and Fort Meade, will be included in this total number.

Other than the frequency and number of honorees, all details of the awards will remain the same. You will still be asked to nominate your fellow employees in the same way via a questionnaire form. I’m thrilled to continue shining the spotlight on our people and celebrate the work YOU do! Please look for the first nomination form of 2024 to be emailed to you in the next few months.

Volunteer Program

Finally, in the last newsletter I mentioned the creation of a new Volunteer Program here in Jacksonville that is intended to impact our communities. I’m proud to say this officially began in January and we now have four (4) different companies on the schedule for each quarter in 2024. For this first opportunity, each Friday in January, a small group of employees helped prepare and serve lunch to our neighbors at the City Rescue Mission. While it was only scheduled for the month of January, it has been such a success that we will be continuing this every Friday through March. Not only does this program help strengthen our business relationship with these companies, but it also gives our employees the ability to directly impact lives. It has truly been a fulfilling way to spend an hour of your Friday, giving back to those who are less fortunate than us.

It is, and always has been, my vision to incorporate this Volunteer Program across all offices so that our company can touch as many lives as possible through the good work of our employees. The Orlando office has already expressed interest in possibly doing the same for their office, which is so exciting!If this is something you would be interested in pursuing for your office, please reach out to myself or Caroline Carter. I’m beyond happy to watch this grow into something beautiful!

I am really looking forward to what 2024 will bring for our company and look forward to working side-by-side with each of you!

Forging ahead,

Emily Andrews Vice President, Marketing & Community Relations

FORGING AHEAD

The Next Five Years

Forging Ahead - The Next 5 Years

Strategic Ambition Statement

We will be an employee focused, efficient, and process driven company, with a geographically diverse footprint, that is a thriving pillar of the communities we serve, continuously adapting to change, without losing connection to our roots.

We will accomplish this with our unique access to skilled labor, financial resources, and a vertically integrated delivery model, which enables W. W. Gay to fulfill mechanical and plumbing needs requiring complex solutions, continual attention of trained technicians, or large amounts of resources for customers who value reliability and quality.

1.

Employee Focused Initiatives

Invest in Training, Leadership Development, Human Resource Management and Employee Engagement

Add Junior Resources to grow and fill existing roles

Identify internal opportunities for employee growth and advancement

2.

Efficient and Process Driven

Initiatives

Organize for an optimal flow of resources across customers and projects without sacrificing the customer experience

Document, Optimize, and Execute our Business processes to further efficiency and continuous improvement

Increase Gross Profit by 5%

3.

Diversify our Geographical Footprint

Initiatives

Open (5) Office Locations in the Southeast

Develop service opportunities in outside markets

Add $22.5M in Inorganic Revenue

4.

Thrive in Current Markets

Initiatives

Focus on Business Development and Preconstruction Processes

Strengthen our relationship with current customers, adapt to their changing needs, and expand our opportunities to serve them through self-performed scope

Increase Organic Revenue by $100M (40%) over the next 5 years

5.

Pillar of our Community

Initiatives

Focus giving and employee volunteering to organizations local to our community

February Anniversaries

02/01 – Chedel Nelson – 19 Years (Orlando)

02/01 – John Tickner – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

02/01 – Destiny Martinez – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/01 – Laura Hernandez – 1 Year (Orlando)

02/02 – Matthew Furlong – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

02/03 – Eris Vega – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

02/03 – Aaron Jervis – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/03 – Atakan Ciftci – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/03 – Christopher Preston – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/03 – Shelly Arnold – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/04 – William Bowles Jr. – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

02/04 – John Dare – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/04 – Jorge Cardona – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

02/04 – John Caserta – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

02/04 – Miranda Johnson – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

02/04 – Richard Beville – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

02/05 – Raul Diaz – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/05 – Sarah Kendall – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/06 – Joseph Napoli – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

02/06 – Dylan Youmans - 6 Year (Jacksonville)

02/06 – Branden Wallace – 1 Year (Gainesville)

02/07 – Christopher Stoia – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

02/07 – Jacob Jervis – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/07 – Garrett Williams – 4 Years (Gainesville)

02/07 – Jason Bryce – 2 Years (Gainesville)

02/07 – Nicolas Kesler – 1 Year (Gainesville)

02/08 – Larry Hauter – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

02/08 – Justin Summerall – 3 Years (Gainesville)

02/10 – Dalton Dietz – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/10 – Josh Niederwemmer – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/10 – Leslie Blankenship – 1 Year (Orlando)

02/12 – Michael Whitner – 21 Years (Gainesville)

02/12 – Rachel Roper – 6 Years (Gainesville)

02/12 – Adam Hayes – 6 Years (Gainesville)

02/12 – Randall Glisson Jr. – 6 Year (Jacksonville)

02/13 – Iaisha De Graff – 5 Years (Orlando)

02/13 – Shannon Conti – 1 Year (Orlando)

02/13 – Donald Oneal – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

02/13 – Jenrri Espinosa Mezquida – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/14 – Jon Byrd – 30 Years (Jacksonville)

02/14 – Richard Holder – 12 Years (Jacksonville)

02/15 – Jacob Stephens - 8 Years (Jacksonville)

02/15 – Charles Ward – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/15 – Joseph Anderson – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/15 – Clayton Gill – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/16 – Ronald Loder Sr. – 5 Years (Orlando)

02/16 – Kamren Martin – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Neftali Adorno – 10 Years (Orlando)

02/17 – Tucker Stack – 4 Years (Gainesville)

02/17 – Cody Zak – 4 Years (Gainesville)

02/17 – Ryan Carpenter – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Garth Beattie – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Michael Fenwick – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Gabriella Parrish – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Kenneth Varnes Jr. – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/19 – Brayton Lowe – 6 Years (Gainesville)

02/19 – Billy Rispoli – 4 Years (Orlando)

02/19 – Simon Smith – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/20 – Lucas Nelms – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

02/20 – Grenville Beattie III – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/20 – Aleaha Napoli – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/21 – Russell Barker – 6 Years (Gainesville)

02/21 – Austin Willoughby – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

02/21 – Bramlitt Kolb – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

02/21 – Rudy Peeples – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

02/21 – Kyle Jones – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/22 – Jason Smith – 3 Years (Gainesville)

02/23 – Johnny Boehm – 42 Years (Jacksonville)

02/23 – Chandler Hodges – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

02/23 – Rafal Kutylo – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Ronald Creel – 32 Years (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Craig Shivers – 21 Years (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Brandon Smith – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Jeffrey Russell – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Tonya Brabham – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Paige Woodall – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

02/25 – Conner Townsend – 5 Years (Gainesville)

02/25 – Ikonakamaehu Pescaia – 5 Years (Orlando)

02/25 – Susan Mcleod – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

02/25 – James Troxwell – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

02/26 – Robert Lee – 38 Years (Jacksonville)

02/28 – Kelly Fish – 13 Years (Jacksonville)

02/29 – Kendel Seay – 8 Years (Gainesville)

**If you find that any of the above information is incorrect, please reach out to Creative Services Coordinator Peyton Beasley at pbeasley@wwgmc.com so that it can be corrected in our system.

February Birthdays

02/01 – Natasha Degrave (Jacksonville)

02/01 – Kyle Smith (Jacksonville)

02/01 – Matthew Hunter (Orlando)

02/01 – Negheen Zaman (Gainesville)

02/01 – Matthew Stephens (Jacksonville)

02/01 – Benjamin Masters II (Jacksonville)

02/02 – Matthew Williams (Gainesville)

02/03 – Ricky Murphy (Gainesville)

02/03 – Daniel Prideon (Gainesville)

02/03 – Octavio Diaz Teran (Orlando)

02/03 – Timothy Moegenburg (Jacksonville)

02/03 – Dale Reddish Jr. (Jacksonville)

02/03 – Clayton Brinlee (Gainesville)

02/03 – Oliver Tower (Jacksonville)

02/04 – Samuel Asker (Jacksonville)

02/04 – Jack Kersey (Jacksonville)

02/04 – Scott From (Orlando)

02/04 – Jerry Dunn Jr. (Jacksonville)

02/05 – Justin Smith (Gainesville)

02/05 – Kristopher Dehart (Jacksonville)

02/05 – Bryan Rose (Jacksonville)

02/06 – Lancin Hersey (Gainesville)

02/07 – Robert Brannon (Jacksonville)

02/08 – Charles Crosier II (Gainesville)

02/08 – William Craven (Jacksonville)

02/08 – Paige Woodall (Jacksonville)

02/08 – Christopher Encinas (Jacksonville)

02/09 – Travis Sprague (Orlando)

02/10 – David Trantham (Jacksonville)

02/10 – Jack Sandberg (Jacksonville)

02/10 – Julius Williams (Gainesville)

02/11 – Zachary Fanelli (Orlando)

02/11 – Jeremy Geiger (Gainesville)

02/11 – Christopher Hohorst (Jacksonville)

02/11 – Deano Godsil (Orlando)

02/11 – Jake Bledsoe (Gainesville)

02/12 – Walter Baum Jr. (Gainesville)

02/12 – William Ferrell II (Jacksonville)

02/12 – Benjamin Tinker (Jacksonville)

02/13 – Jose Diaz (Orlando)

02/13 – Gabriel Ard (Jacksonville)

02/13 – Vincent McMahon (Jacksonville)

02/14 – Johnny Velazquez (Orlando)

02/14 – Alexander Valdez (Jacksonville)

02/14 – Aaron Davis (Jacksonville)

02/14 – Dylan Middleton (Orlando)

02/15 – Shane Hughes (Gainesville)

02/15 – Joshua Frey (Jacksonville)

02/16 – Brandon Kutylo (Jacksonville)

02/16 – Robert Mencner Jr. (Jacksonville)

02/16 – Jonathan Kelly (Jacksonville)

02/16 – Scott Griffin (Orlando)

02/17 – Morgan Lopez (Gainesville)

02/17 – Zachary Halifko (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Patrick Boseman (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Kelly Seyler (Jacksonville)

02/17 – Wyatt Chapman (Jacksonville)

02/18 – Michael Runge (Orlando)

02/18 – Bridget Guthrie (Jacksonville)

02/19 – Klinton Kennard (Gainesville)

02/19 – Michael Farr (Jacksonville)

02/19 – Brandon Graves (Gainesville)

02/20 – Adam Baich (Gainesville)

02/20 – Conor Lewis (Gainesville)

02/20 – Garth Beattie (Jacksonville)

02/20 – James Noviello II (Jacksonville)

02/20 – Angela Jones (Jacksonville)

02/20 – Justin Summerall (Gainesville)

02/20 – Robert Degrave II (Jacksonville)

02/20 – Jerred Henry (Orlando)

02/21 – Iaisha De Graff (Orlando)

02/12 – Joseph Bouchard (Jacksonville)

02/21 – Michael Wenzel (Jacksonville)

02/21 – Sarah Kendall (Jacksonville)

02/22 – Joe Gaylard Jr. (Gainesville)

02/22 – Branden Raulerson (Jacksonville)

02/22 – Mark Hudson (Jacksonville)

02/22 – Cody Peterson (Jacksonville)

02/22 – Robert Lee (Gainesville)

02/22 – Jaylin Slater (Orlando)

02/23 – Robbie Farr (Jacksonville)

02/23 – Hunter Powers (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Daniel Giles (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Jon Everhart (Jacksonville)

02/24 – Casey Walker (Jacksonville)

02/24 – William Elphick IV (Jacksonville)

02/25 – Charles McLaurin (Orlando)

02/25 – Kristen Dubose (Jacksonville)

02/25 – Jonathan Magriz (Orlando)

02/25 – Samuel Gibson (Orlando)

02/26 – Tanner Holshey (Orlando)

02/26 – Matthew Mauga (Gainesville)

02/26 – Yalier Roman (Gainesville)

02/26 – David Drury IV (Jacksonville)

02/26 – Frank Harriman II (Jacksonville)

02/26 – Krystian Piwowarczyk (Jacksonville)

02/26 – Walter Laubach (Jacksonville)

02/27 – Mark Bracken (Orlando)

02/28 – Robert Wasson (Jacksonville)

02/28 – Meghan Nemeth (Jacksonville)

02/28 – Clayton Connelly (Gainesville)

02/28 – Isaac Bowser (Orlando)

02/28 – Jacob Smith (Orlando)

02/28 – Dillon Hbaba (Jacksonville)

02/28 – Colin Reynolds (Jacksonville)

02/28 – Chris Stalnaker (Jacksonville)

March Anniversaries

03/01 - Clayton Connelly – 3 Years (Gainesville)

03/01 – Joshua London – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

03/01 – David Fischer – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

03/01 – Cartur Ferguson – 1 Year (Orlando)

03/02 – Christopher Bolstein – 4 Years (Gainesville)

03/02 – Ted Williamson – 32 Years (Jacksonville)

03/03 – Jonathan Crews – 13 Years (Orlando)

03/03 – Daniel Pridgeon – 16 Years (Gainesville)

03/03 – Steven Buonomo – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

03/03 – Charles Griner – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

03/03 – Daniel Giles – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

03/03 – William Williams – 16 Years (Jacksonville)

03/04 – Latricia Burrell – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

03/04 – Valerie Polk – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

03/04 – David Drury IV – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

03/04 – Weldon Lane – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

03/04 – Brett Watson – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

03/05 – Charles Crosier II – 12 Years (Gainesville)

03/05 – John Fields – 34 Years (Jacksonville)

03/05 – Dane Adams – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

03/05 – Daniel Hohorst – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

03/05 – Anthony Marino – 4 Years (Orlando)

03/06 – Rebecca Brown – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

03/07 – Trace Milton – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

03/09 – Gordon Brigance – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

03/09 – Gregory Laho Sr. – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

03/09 – Caleb Crady – 4 Years (Orlando)

03/10 – Randall Hettel – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

03/12 – Bernard Newman – 26 Years (Orlando)

03/12 – Marina Hoak – 5 Years (Orlando)

03/12 – Tanner Holshey – 5 Years (Orlando)

03/12 – Steve Ray – 12 Years (Jacksonville)

03/12 – Jacob Sapp – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

03/13 – Charles Owens – 7 Years (Gainesville)

03/13 – Nastasha Degrave – 24 Years (Jacksonville)

03/14 – Jason Masters – 30 Years (Jacksonville)

03/14 – Zachary Breitenfeld – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

03/14 – Alexander Wallace – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

03/14 – Robert Odam – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

03/15 – Trenton Sweat – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

03/15 – Joseph Starling Jr. – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

03/16 – Austin Morgan – 9 Years (Gainesville)

03/16 – Joe Gaylard Jr. – 4 Years (Gainesville)

03/16 – Scott Spoon – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

03/17 – Ryan Young – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

03/17 – Elizabeth Shore – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

03/18 – Christopher Kirby – 9 Years (Gainesville)

03/19 – Zachary Fanelli – 14 Years (Orlando)

03/20 – Scott Houser – 46 Years (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Shurronn Sibley – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Michael Lindsey – 29 Years (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Adam Perschino – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Ricky Deen – 12 Years (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Gabriel Foster – 1 Year (Gainesville)

03/20 – Dan Luca – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

03/21 – Jacob Johnson – 6 Years (Gainesville)

03/22 – Kyle Craven – 23 Years (Gainesville)

03/22 – Christen Isaac – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

03/23 – Ryan Moody – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

03/23 – Bradley Vennard – 24 Years (Jacksonville)

03/25 – Joseph Bouchard – 21 Years (Jacksonville)

03/25 – Richard Sadler – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

03/26 – Cleveland Hill Jr. – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

03/28 – Jake Bledsoe – 2 Years (Gainesville)

03/28 – Martin Jusino Cintron – 2 Years (Orlando)

03/29 – Clifford Raulerson – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

03/29 – Mark Brinley – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

03/29 – Dustin Cornett – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

03/30 – James Taylor – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

03/31 – Sam Cason – 10 Years (Gainesville)

03/31 – Anthony Gullion – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

03/31 – Lesdy Rodriguez – 13 Years (Jacksonville)

**If you find that any of the above information is incorrect, please reach out to Creative Services Coordinator Peyton Beasley at pbeasley@wwgmc.com so that it can be corrected in our system.

March Birthdays

03/01 – Khiree Mosley-Jones (Jacksonville)

03/01 – Jimmy Miller (Jacksonville)

03/01 – Harold Freeman (Jacksonville)

03/01 – Ryan Painter (Jacksonville)

03/02 – Aleaha Napoli (Jacksonville)

03/02 – Isaiah Utegg (Gainesville)

03/02 – James Elliot (Orlando)

03/03 – Cartur Ferguson (Orlando)

03/03 – John Mathis (Gainesville)

03/04 – Trevor Yawn (Gainesville)

03/04 – Christopher Hollingsworth (Jacksonville)

03/04 – James Silba (Jacksonville)

03/04 – Joseph Howard (Jacksonville)

03/05 – Richard Davis (Orlando)

03/05 – Adam Hayes (Gainesville)

03/05 – Dalton Crawford (Jacksonville)

03/05 – Nicholas Echoff (Jacksonville)

03/06 – Benjamin Wallen (Jacksonville)

03/06 – Donald Eshelman (Jacksonville)

03/06 – Justice Geiger (Gainesville)

03/08 – Darrell Connelly (Gainesville)

03/08 – Scott Yelin (Jacksonville)

03/09 – Kevin Bertie (Gainesville)

03/09 – Nathan Kight (Gainesville)

03/09 – Ethan Willimon (Jacksonville)

03/09 – Michael Fazzolari Jr. (Jacksonville)

03/10 – Charles Ward (Jacksonville)

03/11 – Timothy Batten (Jacksonville)

03/12 – Craig Rowe Jr. (Jacksonville)

03/12 – Jaden Collazo (Orlando)

03/13 – Dylan Wilson (Gainesville)

03/14 – Conner Townsend (Gainesville)

03/15 – Kevin Arnold (Jacksonville)

03/15 – Steven Plemons (Jacksonville)

03/15 – Joel Fillyaw II (Orlando)

03/16 – Ronnie Cribb (Jacksonville)

03/17 – Barbara Carlson (Jacksonville)

03/17 – Christopher Durden (Jacksonville)

03/17 – Clinton Avant (Jacksonville)

03/17 – David Ray (Jacksonville)

03/17 – James Chalfant (Jacksonville)

03/17 – Joseph Collier (Jacksonville)

03/17 – William Back (Jacksonville)

03/18 – Ricky Deen (Jacksonville)

03/19 – Leford Alexis (Jacksonville)

03/19 – Robert Bruckelmyer (Orlando)

03/20 – Forrest Blair (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Jorge Cardona (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Pete Hodge III (Jacksonville)

03/20 – Nicholas Crane (Gainesville)

03/21 – Chad Howe (Gainesville)

03/21 – Scott Bohn (Jacksonville)

03/22 – Gabirel Riesterer (Orlando)

03/22 – Michael Rizzo (Jacksonville)

03/22 – Ronnie Weston (Jacksonville)

03/22 – Sam Cason (Gainesville)

03/23 – Cody Mott (Gainesville)

03/23 – Connor Padgett (Orlando)

03/23 – Russell Barker (Gainesville)

03/24 – Codye Benedict (Orlando)

03/24 – Vincent Gocek (Jacksonville)

03/25 – Shane Ferguson (Jacksonville)

03/25 – Zachary Gray (Jacksonville)

03/27 – Dallas Read (Gainesville)

03/27 – Karen Smith (Jacksonville)

03/27 – Jeffery Schwartz (Jacksonville)

03/28 – Albert Rangel Jr. (Orlando)

03/28 – Aaron Copher Jr. (Jacksonville)

03/28 – Jared Crews (Jacksonville)

03/28 – Richard Mccullough III (Jacksonville)

03/29 – Carter Bell (Jacksonville)

03/29 – Noble McCain (Jacksonville)

03/29 – Richard Tison Jr. (Jacksonville)

03/30 – Dylan Pilcher (Gainesville)

03/30 – Javier Collazo (Orlando)

03/31 – Aidan Beiter (Gainesville)

03/31 – Eston Taylor (Jacksonville)

03/31 – William Craven (Jacksonville)

Earlier in December, we were thrilled to honor our quarter four recipients of the Forging the Way Awards! If you didn’t get the chance to read about each individual recipient, please view their stories on the following pages.

Nomination forms for the next ceremony will be sent out comanywide soon, so be sure to submit yours! The ceremony will be held this upcoming June with formal invitation to follow.

NEGHEEN ZAMAN

Gainesville

Serving as a project manager out of the Gainesville office, Negheen is known to always go above and beyond to support her team. Negheen’s trajectory at W. W. Gay is a testament to her genuine love for the construction industry. From a young age, she became enamored with the world of construction, fueled by her fascination with building something from the ground up.

Following her college years, Negheen entered the workforce at an industrial engineering firm, specializing in mechanical, plumbing and controls. This job only grew her love for the industry. She first joined the company as an intern, working alongside project managers. The decision to become a part of the W. W. Gay family was instant; she recognized a promising future and a remarkable team of coworkers.

Under the mentorship of Walt Traxler, she spent four (4) months honing her skills as an intern before accepting the opportunity to step into the role of a project manager. In her current role, Negheen’s responsibilities are diverse, spanning healthcare, generic commercial, and lab-related projects. Negheen enjoys her close collaboration with the field personnel, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving success within the construction industry.

Her most memorable project to date has been the Shands 5th floor renovation, her first significant undertaking that allowed her to manage a project from inception to completion. For Negheen, the experience of being involved in a project of this magnitude is both rewarding and exhilarating.

Since joining the company in May 2022, Negheen has found inspiration in the supportive energy of her workplace. The camaraderie within the closely-knit team is a daily motivator for her.

Negheen’s growth within W. W. Gay is ongoing. She acknowledges the continuous learning curve, expressing a commitment to evolving as a leader and a team player. In her own words, “At the end of the day, we are all a team, and we are all just here to make sure that every project succeeds.”

Negheen’s journey embodies the spirit of W. W. Gay—a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and a passion for constructing success, one project at a time.

We are proud to have you as a part of the team Negheen!

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

My proudest moment was passing my first AHCA. A couple of months after I got started with the company and was promoted, my very first solo project was a healthcare renovation at Shands that I ran from start to finish, during which, I passed my AHCA with flying colors.

What Motivates You

The people I work with motivate me. I am so lucky to work with an amazing team that truly feels like a family.

Core Value That Best Describes You

Dedication. Dedication relates to me the most. I’m dedicated to the people I work with and every project I work on. I believe that we are a team and it’s important to be dedicated to your team and the success of the project to deliver quality work.

Define What Success Means To You

Success is symbolized by persevering through challenges to deliver results while never letting your team down.

JON CREWS

Orlando

Jon Crews, a Construction Foreman based in Orlando, has emerged as a standout figure at W. W. Gay. Reflecting on his transformative journey, Jon shares that in his younger years, he had come to a point in his life where he needed guidance. He was fortunate that someone in his mom’s church group mentioned the apprenticeship program. His journey as an apprentice was a pivotal time that steered his life toward newfound blessings.

Jon currently serves as construction foreman and is passionate about his leadership role. He loves the diverse nature of his role and the team that he works with. Jon embraces the challenges that arise, often working long hours, being on call, and balancing service demands with effective management. A handson leader, he emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in ensuring customer satisfaction, unwavering commitment to safety, and high-performance standards.

Working extensively in healthcare, Jon recognizes the gravity of his responsibilities, knowing that precision is not just a matter of quality but a potential matter of life and death. This awareness fuels his pride in the importance of his craft and motivates him to approach each challenge with determination.

Jon highlights Mike Runge as a key role model in his career. Recognized for his integral role in keeping the Orlando office running smoothly, Runge’s work ethic has been motivating for Jon. From initially working on Mike’s truck to now having a truck of his very own and working as a foreman himself, Jon is thankful for where his career has led him and all the knowledge that he has gained along the way.

Jon Crews stands as a shining example of the transformative power of dedication, hard work, and seizing opportunities.

We are happy to have you, Jon!

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

Watching the people that worked directly under me move up the ranks.

What Motivates You

I like being reliable and I don’t want to let anyone down. My family and my kids motivate me. Coming from the rough place that I was in, I constantly feel that I have to prove myself. My career has paved the way into my new life.

Core Value That Best Describes You

Dedication. Without dedication you can’t have the others. I am dedicated to everything I do. I am dedicated by waking up in the middle of the night to get to a job and working long hours to get everything done. I am dedicated to my family, wife, and my kids. I do it all with a good attitude.

Define What Success Means To You

Working in construction, we are very transient. I am proud to be working for the same company for as long as I have. I love that the company recognizes my skillset. Success is consistency.

JOE COLLIER

Jacksonville

Dependable and hardworking, Joe Collier always goes above and beyond to ensure that our employees and customers are satisfied. Joe serves as the Carpentry General Foreman and is your go-to guy for all things carpentryrelated. The carpentry shop is known to be a positive environment and a big part of that is due to Joe’s attitude. Joe is meticulous about the quality of his finished products, regardless of their significance, and takes pride in all his work.

Joe has had a passion for woodworking for as long as he can remember. His father was a truck driver for lumber, which intrigued Joe at a young age. By the age of fourteen (14), Joe took his first step into the world of woodworking by sweeping the floor of a local cabinet shop. Within a year, he became the shop foreman, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to the craft.

Recognizing the potential to turn his passion into a career, Joe enrolled in the Westside Skills Center, a vocational school offering a specialized track in cabinet making. Over the four years of schooling, Joe participated in competitions that showcased his exceptional talent. Notably, he secured 1st place at both regional and state levels and even achieved an impressive 33rd place nationwide.

Taking his commitment to the next level, Joe joined the Carpenter’s Union, Local 702, fully immersing himself in the work he loved. By the time he graduated in 2008, Joe had a collection of awards that reflected his dedication, including a 1st place award for Interior Systems Carpentry, an Outstanding Carpenter award, and recognition as an Outstanding Apprentice. These accolades not only showcased his skill but also established him as a respected member of the carpentry community.

The following year, Joe accepted a position at W. W. Gay, working in the carpentry shop. Over his 14-year career with the company, Joe has played an integral part in many memorable projects. Joe currently manages all aspects of the interior side. According to Joe, his day-to-day routine involves pricing jobs, overseeing maintenance tasks, and, in his own words, “building what you can see.” Joe loves the challenges that he faces in his role and the fact that every day is different.

Joe’s unwavering dedication, exceptional craftsmanship, and passion for woodworking have left an indelible mark on W. W. Gay. We are happy to have you, Joe!

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

When the fire happened, I oversaw the compound maintenance and truly learned how much of a family W. W. Gay is. Everyone came together to help where they could. That was such a tough piece of W. W. Gay’s history. At that moment, I was ready to do anything to help because that place was so special to so many people.

The people in the company and the people I speak with on the daily motivate me. There is always something new to look forward to each day. I like to keep busy, and this job definitely does that for me. What Motivates You

Success is satisfaction, gaining knowledge, and treating people well. Job completion is a success. Define What Success Means To You

Core Value That Best Describes You

Dedication. Dedication describes me best. I am always committed when a new project comes up and I am always willing to give a hand to anyone who needs it. I am dedicated to each project that comes my way.

SCOTT ACHTEMEIER

Jacksonville

Scott Achtemeier is known for his quality of work and integrity as a Senior Project Manager of Healthcare. Scott is a proud Auburn graduate with a background in mechanical engineering. He joined W. W. Gay 23 years ago, following a unique connection through the childhood church of WW Gay’s CFO. Scott’s uncle was the pastor of the church where Mr. Gay had generously donated a pipe organ. When deciding on his first job out of college, Scott was looking for a company that aligned with his values and that is just what he found. Scott’s career at W. W. Gay began in commercial construction. He then spanned into many different sectors including healthcare, military, federal, and industrial projects. His expertise and commitment soon caught the eye of John Fields, leading to his transition into healthcare project management due to the increasing demand in that sector. Over the years, he has worked on projects ranging from small services to large renovations and major mechanical equipment upgrades. Currently, in the middle of a fiveyear stent of projects with UF Health, Scott ensures that every aspect—from quality to communication, procurement to budgeting, and fabrication to coordination—flows seamlessly.

Scott stands out not only for his project experience but also for his dedication to the values of W. W. Gay. He states, “I love that I am working for a company that has the same values that I do.” The values of dedication, quality, and stewardship are not just words, but principles ingrained in the company’s DNA from the very beginning. He takes great pride in being associated with a company that actively upholds these principles. He especially appreciates his team in healthcare and values their positive collaboration, even during difficult situations.

A defining moment in Scott’s career was the completion of the UF Health Proton Beam Therapy facility in 2005. This was a massive undertaking as this was the second facility of this type built in the United States and one of only five in the world at the time. Serving as the Project Manager, the project team successfully navigated multiple mechanical and plumbing challenges that arose. This high-profile project showcased his capabilities as a project manager and marked a significant milestone in his professional journey.

Reflecting on his career, Scott acknowledges the wealth of resources within W. W. Gay. He emphasizes that he was lucky enough to learn from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable professionals. Scott is focused on growth for not only himself, but for the company overall, and is motivated by each person on his team.

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment I am motivated to come to work each day because I work for a company that shares the same values that I do. What Motivates You

I’m proud of the project I am currently working on and proud of the team that is involved. I am proud when I see the younger generation who I have mentored evolve in their

Core Value That Best Describes You

Quality. When I think of quality it takes me back to our motto, “Our employees are the best in the business.” It started to sink in early in my career if I would go to a meeting and announce that I worked for W. W. Gay, you would get immediate respect for the company we represent. The quality as a whole company is tangible, and I hope to represent that in my work.

Define What Success Means To You

Obviously, profit is an important component towards being successful in your career but as I have worked in the industry, I have grown to think success is winning as a team and feeling emotionally proud of your work.

STEPHEN NAPOLI

Jacksonville

Stephen Napoli, a steadfast employee, has contributed four decades of unwavering dedication to the company, following in the footsteps of his father, who served W. W. Gay for over 50 years.

Stephen’s journey with W. W. Gay began as an apprentice, and over the years, he evolved into a seasoned journeyman, foreman, and currently holds the title of Superintendent. His career path has seen significant milestones, from pivotal projects at Baptist, Shands, and St. Luke’s to his current focus on a substantial hot water pipe project at Baptist.

As a Superintendent, Stephen wears multiple hats, often contributing project management responsibilities. “I do whatever helps us get to the end goal,” he states. This includes estimating, billing, and overseeing various projects spanning Clay, Beaches, and Nassau.

When asked about his favorite aspect of the job, Stephen’s eyes light up. “I enjoy helping people out. I can’t say no if someone needs something,” he shares. For him, working at W. W. Gay is not just a job; it has become an integral part of his life. The family atmosphere, the camaraderie among colleagues, and the company’s values have created a sense of belonging that extends beyond the workplace.

Over the years, Stephen has accumulated a wealth of knowledge, learning all aspects of the trade. He considers himself blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry while doing what he loves. “I enjoy the variety of my job,” he adds, reflecting on the many projects he has been involved in.

The Pipeline 28

One project that stands out to Stephen is the St. Luke’s build-out. It was his first major undertaking, a four-story building where he was “thrown to the wolves.” Despite the challenges, Stephen led a capable crew, and everything went smoothly, leaving a lasting impression on him and motivating him as a leader.

As we celebrate Stephen’s 40 years of service at W. W. Gay, we honor not only his professional achievements but also the values and dedication that he brings to the company each day. Stephen Napoli is a testament to the spirit of W. W. Gay, forging the way with excellence, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the job at hand.

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

St Luke’s 4 story build up project was my proudest because I was in charge for the first time. Despite the challenges, it was a fun job! Finishing a project makes me feel proud.

What Motivates You

I enjoy doing what I do. I love seeing the people at W.W. Gay. I enjoy getting to know the customer and doing what I can to help and make things run smoothly. That is what keeps me coming back for all these years.

Success is striving for your goals and doing everything you can until they are complete. Define What Success Means

Core Value That Best Describes You

Dedication. Dedication because I am goal oriented. I like to follow things through until the end and see the finished product.

To You

In The Know Spreading Holiday

Joy

This holiday season, members from the Jacksonville office gathered to serve lunch through the City Rescue Mission’s Christmas Public Meal. City Rescue Mission is a Christian ministry that serves people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. The afternoon was filled with joy and hope for all who participated!

Running for a Cause

Our Jacksonville office had the best time supporting our friends at the 15th Annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge this past January! The 55K relay has become a fun team building event that our Jacksonville office looks forward to each year, knowing we’re running for such a great cause. W. W. Gay’s team of 10 were honored to see our community come together to help ensure every child receives world-class care!

Jacksonville Christmas Party

Orlando Christmas Party

Gainesville Christmas Party

Staff Shout - Out

Karen Smith

Introducing Karen Smith, our newest addition to the Jacksonville office as a new Assistant Project Manager!

Karen’s interest in the construction industry was sparked by her father, a traveling superintendent. After high school, she ventured into the Navy as a CB heavy equipment operator, deploying to Kuwait, Afghanistan, Africa, Spain, and California. It was during her military service that she met her husband. Upon completing her time in the Navy, Karen returned to Jacksonville to be closer to family and pursued a degree in Construction Management at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).

Drawn to W. W. Gay’s unique culture and atmosphere, Karen now holds the role of Assistant Project Manager. On a day-to-day basis, Karen coordinates pay operations and startups for smaller projects, showcasing her organizational skills and analytical mindset.

She values the support from her team, fostering a collaborative environment that ensures successful project completion.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys taking care of her houseplants and gaming time with her 11-year-old son.

John Songer

Congratulations to John Songer on his promotion to Regional Operations Director of South-Central Florida!

John has been part of the W. W. Gay family for over a decade. His journey began as a sheet metal worker, and over the years he progressed through the ranks to a Project Manager. Currently, he holds the role of Regional Operations Director, covering the corridor from Daytona to Tampa. Managing five business units, John oversees various aspects such as plan and spec, estimating, administration, billings, and day-to-day operations.

Embracing this new role has been challenging but rewarding. John works closely with Chris Stalnaker and others on the executive leadership team, navigating the complexities of overseeing multiple business units.

Despite the challenges, he expresses gratitude for the tremendous support from his colleagues and the team in Orlando. John says that the workplace feels more like a close-knit community than a large corporation.

In his new role, John is eager to contribute to the expansion of W. W. Gay in the region and he looks forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.

Outside of work, John’s interests include playing golf, spending time with his family, and attending church.

A big shout-out to Isaac Hayes in our Plumbing Service department. This past December, CSX were so pleased with Isaac’s management of services, they just had to share it with everyone. They wrote the following

“I know that Ike had some adjustments with transitioning into the Account Manager role, but he never let those translate into the service and work that you all have provided us. Ike has help us since taking over in so many ways, from offering new services that we did not know were available to sending us detailed and on time invoices. Ike has been able to put W. W. Gay’s best foot forward for CSX.”

Congratulations to Isaac for continuing to be a shining example of why our employees are still the best in the business! Isaac Hayes

Bobby Crawford

A big shout-out to Bobby Crawford and his unwavering dedication and expertise.

Introduced through a friend’s connection, Bobby began as a helper and progressed under the mentorship of Kyle Bessent and Jon Locke to run his own truck for about ten years. Now serving as General Superintendent of the healthcare department, Bobby oversees operations across multiple facilities, including St. Vincent South Side, Baptist, Shands HCA, Mayo, and Flagler.

Each day for Bobby is ever-changing, requiring patience as he navigates the intricacies of healthcare facilities. Bobby’s most memorable project was during the COVID-19 pandemic when he worked around the clock installing medical gas oxygen tanks

He recalled that immediately after finishing they were put to use and he went on to install the next tank. Through the many challenges of the industry, Bobby’s leadership shines through. He not only ensures seamless operations but also inspires the next generation of professionals by offering guidance and motivation.

Bobby finds strength in the supportive community and the collective problem-solving spirit with W. W. Gay. With a wealth of knowledge and resources at hand, Bobby cherishes the team he works with and couldn’t see himself anywhere else. Beyond work, Bobby enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending quality time with his family.

Staff Shout - Out

Melissa Clay

We are thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotion of Melissa Clay to the position of Office Manager!

Melissa’s journey with W. W. Gay began when a friend’s relative suggested an open position. Inspired by her father’s career in construction and the respect he held for this company, Melissa found herself naturally drawn to our team. Seven years ago, she joined us from a small insurance company, bringing her experience in accounting. Since then, she describes her time here as “the best job I’ve ever had,” due to the company culture and the people she works with.

Over the past seven years, Melissa has served as a plumbing service administrator, overseeing all plumbing service billing, managing time and paid leave, handling dispatch

calls, and assisting Wes Shaver. Now, as she steps into the role of Office Manager, she will serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding invoicing, job costs, purchase orders, job discrepancies, and permitting.

Melissa aims to foster positivity and cultivate a team-oriented environment. Her infectious optimism and character inspire those around her. “I’ve had too many blessings to be anything but happy,” she reflects.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her fiancé, three kids, and three grandkids. She also spends her free time tending to her five chickens and beachcombing for sharks’ teeth.

Michael Rizzo

Congratulations to Michael Rizzo on his well-deserved promotion to Senior Business Analyst!

Mike has been with W. W. Gay since August 2010, with most of that time spent in the Orlando office. In this new role, Mike joins the Strategy team with Anthony White and splits his time between offices. His role is the first of its kind at W. W. Gay and involves a blend of operations and IT, focusing on building analytics to create a comprehensive database. Mike’s goal is to streamline information access, making everyone’s job easier. He values the diversity of work and unique challenges he faces at W. W. Gay. Mike looks forward to contributing to a project the company has never undertaken before.

Outside of work, he cherishes family time with his wife, 9-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. Mike also enjoys taking his boat on the water, offshore fishing, surfing, and traveling internationally with his family.

Harmony in Hobbies

Jessica

Dunkley Jacksonville, FL

Jessica runs a small business on Etsy called Cryptid Designs. She enjoys making candles, wax melts, soaps, shampoo & conditioner bars, keychains, 3D prints, and so much more.

Christina Tarpley

Jacksonville, FL

Meet Christina’s purrfect friend, Luna! Luna was found here on the yard at Florida Mechanical. She was semi-feral at the time and Christina wasn’t sure if she would ever get to interact with her, but after two months of constant, slow interaction Luna has begun to trust Christina.

Now, Luna enjoys the ideal life of a house cat, and she has mastered the art of getting attention, food, or toys by letting out her meows. She is a sweet, albeit still wild girl, and brings immense joy to Christina.

Kelly Poff

Orlando, FL

Bill Brown

Jacksonville, FL

Three generations hit the links at Penny Retirement, 110 years of golf experience gets you -5 through nine holes.

Seen here is Bill Jr., Bill Sr. & Aaron Brown.

This past Christmas, Kelly adventured on an 11-day Caribbean cruise for the holidays. During that time, she had the priviledge of visiting the Grand Cayman, Cartagena, Columbia, Colon, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico.

The absolute highlight of her whole trip... THE PANAMA CANAL!!!! To just get through to the Gatun Lake, she had to go through 3 locks.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Gatun Lake is 164 square mile of rainforest that was flooded to make the canal possible? So much history and so fascinating. (In the picture, she was in the second portion, with the water rising to move on to the last step)

Harmony in Hobbies

James Poff Orlando, FL

Check out these photos of Jimmy golfing at Whistiling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Sabrina Bourque Jacksonville,

FL

Sabrina is a frequent volunteer at the Animal Rescue! She fosters orphaned, sick, or injured wildlife for our local wildlife rescue organization. As well as fostering dogs from our city’s shelter that need a place to heal comfortably from sickness or injury. Animals are Sabrina’s passion and she always more than ready to help!

Thanks for tuning into to our newest segment, “Harmony in Hobbies.”

This segment continues to highlight the unique personal interests of our team. We invite you to continue sharing your passions by using the QR Code form below.

Tune into our next edition to continue getting to know our W. W. Gay Family!

Isaac Hayes Employee Spotlight

Jacksonville

An account manager out of the Jacksonville office, Issac Hayes has over 11 years of experience with our company. Isaac’s journey from apprentice to his current role as account manager stands as a testament to his personal growth and opportunity within this industry.

After attending Jacksonville University for two years, Isaac’s career began with a friend’s introduction to the construction industry. He entered the industry with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Starting as an apprentice in the service department, Isaac found himself under the mentorship of Jimmy Vernard, where he acquired his skills in both welding and plumbing. After several years of handson experience, Issac was entrusted with a truck, finding his niche in the plumbing department, and maintaining the CSX railroad building, a relationship that endures to this day.

The transition from the field to the office was a milestone in Issac’s career, fueled by ambition and hard work.

“I’ve always aspired for a role within the office” he shares. Isaac describes his new role as more mentally challenging than physical, which is new to him.

As an account manager, Isaac’s role is multifaceted, requiring him to provide innovative solutions, accurate project quotes, and ensure overall client satisfaction. He thrives on the ever-changing nature of his job, finding joy in the daily challenges and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with key clients such as CSX, Bank of America, and Publix distribution centers.

Reflecting on his time with W. W. Gay, Isaac emphasizes the invaluable access to knowledge and support within the company. “We have access to some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry just in this office.” he shares. Isaac aspires to lead by example, to empower the younger generation that will someday fill his shoes, just as he was inspired himself.

“ We have access to some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry just in this office.”

When asked about his loyalty to W. W. Gay, Isaac responded, “I’ve worked here so long, I’m comfortable in a great way”.

For Isaac, the company’s culture of knowledge-sharing and camaraderie, combined with its reputation for delivering exceptional work, makes W. W. Gay the ideal workplace for him.

Outside of work, Issac spends his free time with his wife and two young children, ages two and four. He enjoys going to the beach, bike riding, fishing, and surfing.

We are lucky to have you as a part of the team Isaac!

Quick Answers

Favorite quote:

“ If the ocean can calm itself, so can you, we are both salt water mixed with air.”

-Markus Zusak

Favorite book: The Odyssey

Dream dinner guest: Kelly Slater – surfing world champion

Best Jacksonvile recommendation: Little Talbot Island

I’m happiest when.. I’m home and spending time with my family.

BRINGING HOME THE BACON

Our community’s pork-tfolio of pig-turesque moments that’ll have you saying, “This is sow amazing!”

FROM BAKER COUNTY

FROM BRADFORD COUNTY

FROM CLAY COUNTY

Our partnership with the Future Farmers of America is one that we’re proud to continue each year. FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Together, W. W. Gay and FFA share a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Through our support, we aim to provide FFA members with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and excel in their pursuits.

In 2023, we invested in young farmers’ futures through the purchase of 13 pigs across Florida. These pigs were raised by the young FFA members, teaching them the importance of responsibility. Together with FFA, we will continue to sow the seeds of success and cultivate leadership for future generations to come.

Our partnership with FFA rings close to home for our employees, too! Check out this kind and heartfelt letter from Colt Richardson, son of our very own Troy Richardson in the Jacksonville office.

We’re honored to have played a part in your FFA journey, Colt!

Safety Corner

FROM YOUR DIRECTOR OF SAFETY

New Year, Safety Goals for all W.W. Gay Employees, as we move forward…..

As 2023 ends, many of us make resolutions to improve our lives. Why should W. W. Gay be any different? Making our workplace New Year’s resolutions is a great way to start the year as we enter 2024. It can help start the new year off on the right foot, providing goals to work on and motivating our employees.

The Benefits of Safety in the Workplace

By us continuing to create a better workplace and safety guidelines can help keep our employees safe and prevent these injuries and deaths from happening. Accidents can also cost our businesses valuable time and money. Updating/reviewing our workplace safety policy is not always easy, but it’s worth it. Implementing safety programs can reduce injuries, deaths, workers’ compensation claims, medical expenses, and OSHA fines while also boosting productivity. Employees should always understand that their safety is our Company’s #1 priority.

Here are a few examples of New Year’s resolutions for 2024 that can help improve our safety:

1. Informing and educating our employees by making them aware of the four sorts of hazards: physical, biological, chemical, and ergonomic.

2. Maintaining a clean and well-organized workspace is essential for safety. Cluttered or unclean work conditions can lead to injuries, slips, falls, and increased fire risks.

3. Recommitting our team(s) to daily safety practices. This can include a company-wide safety checklist with your top priorities, highly visible safety signage on the shop floors, etc. Anyone can feel free to submit ideas, questions, concerns to me (sray@wwgmc.com) or any of our Safety Specialist.

4. Our goal is to continue to have a reliable return-to-work plan to transition injured workers to meaningful, productive activities as soon as possible. This helps relieve financial stress, shorten recovery time, and reduce workers’ compensation costs.

5. A system evaluation by the manufacturer of our equipment can lead to significant cost savings and improved results for our clients. It involves assessing equipment usage, energy usage, waste reduction, and ways to enhance output and profitability.

6. Continue to establish a zero-tolerance policy for workplace safety, especially in hazardous environments. W.W. Gay should avoid OSHA citations for disregarding common hazards and encourage workers to report any issues, with this encouragement coming from W.W. Gay Supervisors.

7. Prevention is the best treatment for occupational hazards. We need to continue to ensure employees are aware of workplace safety protocols, wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment), and report unsafe situations.

8. Avoid shortcuts in processes and procedures. Continue to maintain accurate records of incidents, including near-miss accidents, to continuously learn and improve systems and procedures.

9. Our Management Team should provide support during times of need and prevent work-life imbalance, as workplace problems can impact mental health and agitation. Prioritize workplace wellness by monitoring workloads and encouraging employees to stay safe and positive and to reach out to their supervisors if they feel the need.

As always, we are available to all employees. If you have any questions or safety-related concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you and stay well,

Steve Ray Director of Safety