The Pipeline - March - April 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,

The first quarter of 2024 has swiftly passed, leaving me delighted to announce that we are firmly on track for another big year! The potential for a phenomenal year has been at the forefront of so many conversations, and witnessing it materialize is immensely gratifying. Our backlog is stronger than ever with numerous long-term projects in our pipeline. This achievement is truly noteworthy and the fruit of our hard work and strategic planning is showing in everything we do!

Despite the recent release of our 5-year strategic plan, we’ve wasted no time in making outstanding strides across various initiatives. While Chrissy Graham delves into the specifics of our progress with the ‘Employee Focused’ initiative on page 6, I’m excited to shed light on our advancements with the ‘Efficient and Process Driven’ initiative.

Over the past few months, every department within the company has dedicated significant effort to meticulously map out their processes. This endeavor served a dual purpose: firstly, to understand how and why we’ve done things the way we have, and secondly, to determine opportunities for streamlining workflows without compromising on quality. By meticulously dissecting and analyzing these processes, we’re now poised to operate more intelligently, achieving greater outcomes with fewer resources. This strategic approach not only ensures efficiency but also propels us towards greater success.

Another crucial component contributing to our ongoing success is our unwavering commitment to safety. While it may not be explicitly outlined in our strategic plan, the significance of safety both on and off the job cannot be overstated. It has become so integral that safety considerations now significantly influence our new project incentive program. We acknowledge that reporting safety incidents may not be the most enjoyable aspect of the job.

“Together, we have the power to build more than structures; we have the power to build a better future.”

However, it’s crucial for everyone to understand that our company places immense value on safety. In fact, we’re currently in the process of developing a dedicated program focused solely on rewarding our teams for working with a safety mindset. This program aims to encourage and incentivize the reporting of safety incidents and injuries. Additionally, we’ll shine a spotlight on employees who consistently prioritize safety in their work. By implementing these measures, we aim to emphasize the critical nature of safety and urge every employee to actively contribute to ensuring a safer workplace.

As we continue to navigate new processes and hurdles that come our way, let me remind you that we have experienced such great success because of our dedication to constantly creating value in everything we do. By embracing new practices, prioritizing safety, and investing in the development of our team, we not only enhance our reputation but also contribute positively to the world around us. With each new project, job, and task, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to creating value at every turn. Let us strive for excellence, support one another, and never compromise on integrity. Together, we have the power to build more than structures; we have the power to build a better future.

Thank you for always being the Best in the Business!

Paul Jones CEO

Forging Ahead - The Next 5 Years

As part of our commitment to remain transparent about the 5-year strategic plan’s progress, members of the Strategic Planning Committee are dedicated to providing updates on each of the initiatives as changes are implemented. On behalf of the Committee, I’m excited to provide the first update on the “Employee Focused” initiative.

Our employees are the backbone of our company and the reason we’re able to do what we do every day. Because of this, we’re committed to investing in your success! This means establishing consistency across all offices, creating opportunities for our people through career paths and identifying resources to grow and fill roles.

Job Titles & Career Paths

We know many of you have requested career paths for your personal growth and advancement. Acknowledging the importance of this, we have undertaken a meticulous review of job titles to pave the way for structured career paths. Over the past several months, we have diligently updated these titles to ensure consistency companywide.

While these changes have been reflected in COINS, we are still in the process of updating all titles in Microsoft Office. As previously mentioned, these title changes do not reflect a change in role or responsibility. It merely ensures title alignment across our company for people employed in the same or similar roles.

Once all updates have been completed inside Microsoft Office, the Marketing team will begin the process of issuing new “tap” business cards.

With the establishment of standardized job titles, we have also developed clear career paths for each business unit. Each department is mapped out with all applicable positions and includes upto-date job descriptions for each.

Employee Change Form

To streamline processes and ensure uniformity across all offices, all employee-related changes must be routed through the HR department using the newly updated Employee Change Form. As you will see, these include the following changes:

Wage changes

Promotions

Title changes

Payroll deductions

Address changes

Time entry changes

Only managerial-level personnel should initiate these submissions and should be directed to Chrissy Graham at cgraham@wwgmc.com.

New Hire Process

In addition to these updates, we are actively refining our onboarding procedures to enhance efficiency. Updates to the New Hire Coordination Form will facilitate a smoother integration process for incoming employees. I will provide further updates on this process soon.

In the meantime, please continue to direct all new hire information directly to HR.

Your cooperation in adhering to these revised processes is greatly appreciated. These enhancements are designed to foster organizational efficiency and ensure that we navigate these transitions with clarity and precision.

Training – Easyllama

To help reinforce our Company Policies, we recently introduced Easyllama, a new training program that provides multiple online training courses. The invitation to complete the first course on Harassment Prevention was emailed directly and is mandatory for all employees. Please ensure that you complete this training by the deadline that was specified in the email.

More training courses will be assigned throughout the year, so please stay tuned for further announcements. Together, we can foster a safe and respectful workplace environment.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our shared success.

Chrissy Graham Director, Human Resources

April Anniversaries

04/01 – Matthew Marcusky – 5 Years (Orlando)

04/01 – Jason Smith – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

04/02 – Aaron Millien – 34 Years (Jacksonville)

04/03 – Warren Shearin – 46 Years (Jacksonville)

04/03 – Joshua Curtis Sr. – 24 Years (Jacksonville)

04/03 – Kelly Seyler – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

04/03 – Mark Block – 1 Year (Orlando)

04/04 – Christopher Mcanney – 13 Years (Orlando)

04/04 – Richard McManus – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

04/04 – Jon Everhart – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

04/05 – Ryan Sullivan – 17 Years (Gainesville)

04/05 – Landon Peek – 2 Years (Gainesville)

04/05 – John Songer – 7 Years (Orlando)

04/05 – Pete Hodge III – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

04/06 – Dallas Read – 8 Years (Gainesville)

04/06 – Bruce Cox – 4 Years (Gainesville)

04/06 – Jessie Burrell – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

04/06 – Gary Vernon Jr. – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

04/06 – Casey Walker – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

04/08 – Dillion Hbaba – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Kearyn Sims – 5 Years (Orlando)

04/10 – Zacary Bulow – 1 Year (Orlando)

04/10 – Steven Plemons – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Mark Thompson – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Seth Varhall – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Andrew Rock – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

04/11 – Melinda Rea – 8 Years (Orlando)

04/12 – Daniel Paulson – 12 Years (Gainesville)

04/12 – Brandon Sullivan – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

04/13 – Scott Yelin – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

04/13 – Thomas Galtieri – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

04/13 – Roy Strickland III – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

04/13 – Jarrod Needham – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

04/14 – Micah Hodges – 24 Years (Jacksonville)

04/14 – Derek Guyton – 15 Years (Jacksonville)

04/16 – Jeremy Geiger – 25 Years (Gainesville)

04/16 – Troy Craig – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Travis Young – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Gabriel Ard – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Conner Smith – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

04/18 – Reid Shore – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

04/18 – Gabriel Nevarez – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

04/19 – Crystal Gaskins – 17 Years (Jacksonville)

04/19 – Chloe Summerall – 3 Years (Gainesville)

04/20 – Ryan Waycaster – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

04/21 – Eric Surrency – 30 Years (Jacksonville)

04/21 – Cecil Lowe – 9 Years (Gainesville)

04/21 – Deano Godsil – 3 Years (Orlando)

04/22 – David Boggs – 22 Years (Jacksonville)

04/23 – Tony Glover – 12 Years (Gainesville)

04/23 – Jose Padro – 5 Years (Orlando)

04/24 – John Mathis – 17 Years (Gainesville)

04/24 – Kenneth Gray – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

04/24 – Willard Beattie – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

04/24 – Justin Jeffers – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

04/26 – Mark Hofrichter – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

04/27 – Robert Shaver – 24 Years (Jacksonville)

04/27 – Octavio Diaz Teran – 4 Years (Orlando)

04/27 – Cadel Diaz Tejeda – 4 Years (Orlando)

04/27 – Christopher Werley – 3 Years (Gainesville)

04/28 – Walter Laubach – 16 Years (Jacksonville)

04/28 – Richard Tipping Jr. – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

04/28 – Corey Lavoie – 3 Years (Gainesville)

04/28 – Mark Bracken – 3 Years (Orlando)

04/28 – Isaac Bowser – 3 Years (Orlando)

04/29 – Jessie Ruiz – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Chrissy Graham – 17 Years (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Leonard Dobson Jr. – 4 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

April Birthdays

04/01 – Joseph Pinna (Gainesville)

04/02 – John Culbreth (Gainesville)

04/02 – Daniel Hohorst (Jacksonville)

04/02 – Jonathan Johns (Jacksonville)

04/02 – Brandon Clark (Jacksonville)

04/02 – Shane Davey (Orlando)

04/03 – Robert Fakess (Orlando)

04/03 – Mark Garcia (Gainesville)

04/03 – Jonathan Taylor (Jacksonville)

04/03 – Patrick Todd (Jacksonville)

04/04 – Ryan Sullivan (Gainesville)

04/04 – Andrew Rock (Jacksonville)

04/04 – Dayton Dunn (Jacksonville)

04/05 – Ryan Waycaster (Jacksonville)

04/06 – Chandler Hodges (Jacksonville)

04/06 – Travis Young (Jacksonville)

04/06 – Richard Sanderson Jr. (Orlando)

04/07 – Dalton Deloach (Jacksonville)

04/07 – Stephen Lacourse (Jacksonville)

04/07 – Troy Lambert (Jacksonville)

04/08 – Steven Ray (Jacksonville)

04/08 – Gabriel Blair (Jacksonville)

04/08 – Destiny Martinez (Jacksonville)

04/09 – Zachary Culverhouse (Jacksonville)

04/09 – Tylor Vause (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Kevin Nobles (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Brent Schultz (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Thomas Ponsell (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Caroline Carter (Jacksonville)

04/10 – Larry Howland (Orlando)

04/11 – Scott Spoon (Jacksonville)

04/12 – Taylor Gibson (Jacksonville)

04/12 – Christian Muse Jr. (Jacksonville)

04/12 – Alexander Giuliano (Jacksonville)

04/12 – Austin Anderson (Orlando)

04/13 – Joe Lazenby (Gainesville)

04/13 – Marcus Butler (Jacksonville)

04/13 – Laura Horst (Jacksonville)

04/13 – Jessica Dunkley (Jacksonville)

04/13 – Joseph Starling Jr. (Jacksonville)

04/14 – Clifford Raulerson (Jacksonville)

04/14 – Brandon Murphy (Jacksonville)

04/15 – Daniel Ranard (Gainesville)

04/16 – Adam Anderson (Gainesville)

04/16 – Michael Lindsey (Jacksonville)

04/16 – Robert Zuzu II (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Aaron Millien (Jacksonville)

04/17 – John Edwards (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Kyle Touchton (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Irvine Leonard (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Bryan Strickland (Jacksonville)

04/17 – Mark Block (Orlando)

04/18 – Andrew Thomas (Orlando)

04/18 – Jordan Crews (Gainesville)

04/18 – John Dare (Jacksonville)

04/18 – Everett Glisson Jr. (Jacksonville)

04/18 – Mark Brinley (Jacksonville)

04/18 – Joshua Gamble (Gainesville)

04/18 – Jeremiah Cremeens (Orlando)

04/19 – Jacob Johnson (Gainesville)

04/19 – Jonathan Starling (Gainesville)

04/19 – Devin Townsend (Gainesville)

04/19 – Tucker Stack (Gainesville)

04/19 – Rhonda Wrye (Jacksonville)

04/19 – Kenneth Montanez (Orlando)

04/19 – Hunter Willis (Orlando)

04/20 – John Hildebrand (Jacksonville)

04/20 – Fabian Chin Sanchez (Orlando)

04/21 – James Brigman (Jacksonville)

04/22 – Austin Beaulieu (Jacksonville)

04/24 – Christian Holmes (Gainesville)

04/24 – Ronald Loder Sr. (Orlando)

04/25 – John Emond (Jacksonville)

04/25 – Gregory Laho Sr. (Jacksonville)

04/26 – Daniel Kutylo (Jacksonville)

04/26 – Keshawn Highsmith (Orlando)

04/26 – Jacob Fox (Gainesville)

04/28 – Zane Britton (Gainesville)

04/28 – Monica Wilkey (Jacksonville)

04/28 – Alexander Wallace (Jacksonville)

04/28 – Timothy Romano (Jacksonville)

04/28 – Daniel Wallace (Jacksonville)

04/29 – Raymond Hunt (Orlando)

04/29 – Steven Haupt (Orlando)

04/29 – Micha Mcfarland (Gainesville)

04/29 – Michael Ferreira (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Shelly Arnold (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Johnathan Rabon (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Dylan Youmans (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Jayton Willis (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Alec Cason (Jacksonville)

04/30 – Richard Beville (Jacksonville)

May Anniversaries

05/01 – Michael Kennard – 32 Years (Gainesville)

05/01 – John Traxler – 21 Years (Gainesville)

05/01 – James Vennard – 22 Years (Jacksonville)

05/01 – Nicholas Buckingham – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

05/02 – Robbie Farr – 13 Years (Jacksonville)

05/02 – Melinda Harden – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

05/03 – Donald Eshelman – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

05/03 – Jack Sandberg – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

05/05 – Randall Glisson Sr. – 16 Years (Jacksonville)

05/05 – Kristen Dubose – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

05/05 – Brock Williamson – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

05/06 – David Olitsky – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

05/06 – Robert Tomlinson – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

05/06 – Bridget Guthrie – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

05/07 – Kevin Arnold – 12 Years (Jacksonville)

05/08 – Kyle Dermody – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

05/08 – Maxwell Petty – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

05/08 – Jonathan Starling – 6 Years (Gainesville)

05/09 – Edgar Rivera Jr. – 6 Years (Orlando)

05/09 – Negheen Zaman – 2 Years (Gainesville)

05/10 – Rory Singletary – 35 Years (Gainesville)

05/10 – Justin Chila – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

05/10 – Christopher Hollingsworth – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

05/11 – Vergil Sykes – 9 Years (Gainesville)

05/11 – James Jorelus – 3 Years (Gainesville)

05/11 – Joshua Suber – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

05/11 – Matthew Stephens – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

05/12 – Lancin Hersey – 25 Years (Gainesville)

05/12 – Cole Hughes – 9 Years (Gainesville)

05/12 – Steven Dukell – 3 Years (Orlando)

05/14 – Clint Geer – 11 Years (Gainesville)

05/14 – Jacob Mccaffrey – 10 Years (Gainesville)

05/14 – Clayton Ranard – 9 Years (Gainesville)

05/15 – Jonathan Tedder – 5 Years (Orlando)

05/15 – Treyce Hersey – 1 Year (Gainesville)

05/15 – Michael Landon – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

05/15 – Jacob Fox – 1 Year (Gainesville)

05/16 – Kyle Seas – 17 Years (Jacksonville)

05/16 – Eric Johntry – 2 Years (Gainesville)

05/16 – Shaun Guardiola – 1 Year (Orlando)

05/17 – Ethan Whitty – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

05/17 – Aaron Copher Jr. – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

05/18 – Nathan Kight – 7 Years (Gainesville)

05/18 – Chris Stalnaker – 26 Years (Jacksonville)

05/18 – Deborah Glisson – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

05/18 – Brandon Mercer – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

05/19 – Cody Peterson – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

05/20 – Lee Mills – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

05/20 – Matthew Losco – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

05/20 – Richard Curl – 5 Years (Gainesville)

05/21 – Ransom Moxley – 11 Years (Gainesville)

05/22 – Forrest Blair – 18 Years (Jacksonville)

05/22 – Benjamin Wallen – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

05/23 – James Brigman – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

05/23 – Trevor Putt – 8 Years (Gainesville)

05/23 – Kenneth Sanders – 2 Years (Gainesville)

05/24 – Jason Walker – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

05/24 – Keith Thomas – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

05/25 – John Dehoff – 7 Years (Gainesville)

05/25 – Adam Anderson – 6 Years (Gainesville)

05/25 – Timothy Patterson – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

05/26 – Julius Williams – 3 Years (Gainesville)

05/26 – Peter Cordero – 1 Year (Orlando)

05/27 – Brad Sullivan – 38 Years (Gainesville)

05/27 – Deborah James – 16 Years (Jacksonville)

05/28 – Ronnie Cribb – 21 Years (Jacksonville)

05/29 – Dylan Crews – 9 Years (Gainesville)

05/30 – Joseph Howland – 22 Years (Jacksonville)

05/30 – Steven Weldon – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

05/30 – Sandra Binger – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

05/30 – Gavin Reddish – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

05/31 – Nicholas Jones – 2 Years (Gainesville)

05/31 – Gavin Losco – 1 Year (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.

05/01 – Brayton Lowe (Gainesville)

May Birthdays

05/01 – Joshua London (Jacksonville)

05/01 – Juan Da Conceicao Garcia (Orlando)

05/02 – John Henderson (Jacksonville)

05/02 – Patrick Leijenaar (Orlando)

05/03 – Jamie Webb (Jacksonville)

05/03 – Trevor Bowen (Jacksonville)

05/04 – Timothy Hunter Jr. (Jacksonville)

05/04 – Larry Hauter (Jacksonville)

05/05 – Brandon Sullivan (Jacksonville)

05/05 – Kyle Brickner (Jacksonville)

05/06 – Deborah Glisson (Jacksonville)

05/06 – Remington Hoke (Jacksonville)

05/07 – Alexander Carusone (Gainesville)

05/07 – Layton Deloach (Jacksonville)

05/08 – Anthony Gullion (Jacksonville)

05/09 – Derek Guyton (Jacksonville)

05/09 – Jennifer Pipkins (Jacksonville)

05/09 – Erick Fausto (Jacksonville)

05/10 – Hunter Wheeler (Gainesville)

05/10 – Robby Walton (Jacksonville)

05/10 – Foster Blansit (Jacksonville)

05/11 – Isaac Hayes (Jacksonville)

05/11 – Ethan Whitty (Jacksonville)

05/12 – James Smith (Gainesville)

05/12 – Elizabeth Shore (Jacksonville)

05/12 – Nathan Glickenberger (Jacksonville)

05/13 – Mark Hofrichter (Jacksonville)

05/13 – Raymond Cason (Gainesville)

05/14 – Andrew Bent (Orlando)

05/14 – Kevin Williams (Gainesville)

05/14 – Peggy Tipping (Jacksonville)

05/14 – Bradley Vennard (Jacksonville)

05/14 – Nicholas Lucas (Orlando)

05/15 – Christopher Stoia (Jacksonville)

05/15 – Charles Sweat (Jacksonville)

05/16 – Ty Sullivan (Jacksonville)

05/17 – Chedel Nelson (Orlando)

05/17 – Willard Beattie (Jacksonville)

05/18 – Derrick Ross Jr. (Gainesville)

05/19 - Sabrina Bourque (Jacksonville)

05/19 – Susan Mcleod (Jacksonville)

05/20 – Christopher Kirby (Gainesville)

05/21 – John Songer (Orlando)

05/21 – Kenneth Hovey (Gainesville)

05/21 – Clayton Ranard (Gainesville)

05/21 – James Jorelus (Gainesville)

05/21 – Justin Bassett (Gainesville)

05/21 – Nick Koulias (Orlando)

05/22 – Christy Smith (Jacksonville)

05/23 – Amy Britton (Gainesville)

05/23 – Austin Morgan (Gainesville)

05/23 – Michael Scribbins (Jacksonville)

05/23 – Kevin Hanger (Orlando)

05/24 – Mallory Parmeley (Jacksonville)

05/25 – Stuart Babins (Jacksonville)

05/25 – Tom Smith (Jacksonville)

05/26 – Kenneth Gray (Jacksonville)

05/26 – Blake Crawford (Jacksonville)

05/26 – Matthew North (Jacksonville)

05/27 – Emily Painter (Orlando)

05/27 – Ryan Williams (Jacksonville)

05/27 – Jacob Silberman (Jacksonville)

05/27 – William Leon (Orlando)

05/28 – Aimad Ait Darmouch (Orlando)

05/28 – Troy Townsend (Gainesville)

05/28 – Shawn Damron (Jacksonville)

05/28 – William Williams (Jacksonville)

05/28 – Elliot Feliciano (Jacksonville)

05/29 – Christopher Pittman (Jacksonville)

05/30 – Kenneth Hall Jr. (Jacksonville)

05/30 – Tashad Lake (Jacksonville)

05/30 – Jacob Stephens (Jacksonville)

05/31 – Bradley Griffin (Gainesville)

05/31 – Stephen Beatty (Gainesville)

In The Know

All We Do is Win!

Breaking the Mold!

This past March, our Orlando office rocked National Women in Construction week with a fabulous luncheon alongside the awesome ladies of the National Association of Women in Construction!

Spreading the Word!

It’s great to be a Florida Gator!

Recently, employees from our Gainesville office represented W. W. Gay at the UF Rinker School of Construction Management Career Fair. With over 300 students registered in UF’s College of Design, Construction and Planning, this presented a great opportunity to get in front of eager students interested in all aspects of the construction field.

The First Coast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) annual Cornhole tournament always brings the competition. This year, we’re proud to say that our very own Ryan Hudgens and Jon Byrd from Jacksonville took home the 1st place prize! This event is a great way to network while enjoying a friendly game of cornhole with fellow contractors from across the city.

Great job, Jon and Ryan!

Inspiring the Next Generation!

In early March, a group of students from the University of North Florida (UNF) visited the Jacksonville office for a special tour and presentation. The students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, are currently enrolled in the Construction Management course and typically tour different construction sites and companies throughout the semester. During their visit, they received a first-hand look at our operation, specifically the VDC and Fabrication processes, and had the opportunity to walk through the Pipe Fabrication Shop. We always enjoy these visits as it gives us the chance to teach the community just what W. W. Gay is all about!

Blowing it Away!

Longtime partners of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, our Gainesville office recently took part in their annual Sporting Clays tournament. More than 250 participants came together for a great cause and helped make a difference for the organization. With over $170,000 raised, W. W. Gay was proud to have played in a small part in changing lives.

In The Know

Got ‘Em!

Local Jacksonville organization, Vision is Priceless, provides access to vision care for the uninsured and underserved and aims to improve vision health for adults and children. We’ve supported their mission by stepping up as Presenting Sponsors for their annual Pull for Sight Clay Shoot since 2021. Our team had a blast at this year’s event with all funds raised going directly towards providing over 100,000 vision screenings for children in Northeast Florida.

Sweat, Stride, and Ortega Pride!

In February, the Jacksonville office was excited to step up as title sponsors for the annual Ortega River Run. For the past 46 years, the Episcopal School of Jacksonville’s St. Mark’s Campus has been home to this legacy community event, with proceeds directly benefitting the financial aid program at the school. We’re thrilled to have our name on such a community-driven, family fun race for the next three years!

Giving a Hand!

As part of the new Volunteer Program started in the Jacksonville office, we partnered with the local City Rescue Mission for the first quarter of 2024. The City Rescue Mission offers support to members of the community battling homelessness, hunger, and substance abuse. Each Friday, our employees had the great opportunity to serve lunch and spend time with those in need, witnessing firsthand the impact of their actions. Each visit reminded us of the power of compassion and community.

With the help of our employees, W. W. Gay continues to be a pillar of our community!

In The Know

Running for a Cause!

Wolfson Children’s Hospital, one of the best children’s hospitals in America, provides specialized care for children with a full range of needs and has always been near and dear to our heart. As part of our partnership, we have the opportunity to participate in many events throughout the year, including a 55k relay. The Wolfson Children’s Challenge has become a fun team event that honors 55 patients and helps ensure that every child receives world-class care.

W. W. Gay’s team of 10 runners completed their individual legs and tackled the 55k together, knowing the miles counted towards a greater cause.

Having Too Much Gun!

Recently, members of our Orlando office had an incredible time participating in the AdventHealth Sporting Clay Shoot alongside our friends at Robins and Morton!

It was an afternoon filled with meaningful connections and fun competition among friends! W. W. Gay couldn’t be happier to have contributed to raising an astounding $104,000 in just one afternoon. The amount will go a long way in helping to support the dreams of future doctors, nurses, and clinical staff at AdventHealth University.

1st Place

Locked and Loaded!

2nd Place

This past February, the Jacksonville Service Department came together for their 2nd Annual Service Clay Shoot. It was a fantastic opportunity for all our service teams, both the office and field personnel, to come together and strengthen bonds through team building.

The atmosphere was buzzing with lots of laughter and fun as everyone joined in on the friendly competition. Check out of our 1st place and 2nd place winners above. Thanks for all you do!

Staff Shout - Out

Angela Gash

Introducing Angela Gash, our new addition to the Jacksonville office as a Safety Specialist!

Angela entered the safety industry while on active duty with the United States Coast Guard, stationed at the Pacific Strike Team. She served ten years of active duty in St. Petersburg, FL, Charleston, SC, and Novato, CA. She is currently a chief in the US Coast Guard Reserve. Her exposure to the HAZMAT and environmental safety world at her latest unit led her to further her education and career in the civilian safety and environmental sector. W. W. Gay provides the perfect opportunity for Angela to work as a team to help foster a safe and healthy work atmosphere. Keeping up with the latest and greatest safety standards, she is committed to setting employee safety as the number one goal. Outside of work, Angela frequents the beach and concerts with her family and loves to quilt.

Emily Painter

We welcome Emily Painter as she returns to W. W. Gay as our Office Manager in the Orlando office!

Having previously served as a project administrator over three years ago, Emily recently rejoined our team as John Songer’s Assistant. With significant growth in our Orlando office, Emily’s exceptional skills led to her recent promotion to Office Manager.

Emily’s impact goes beyond office management; she’s a catalyst for positivity and innovation. Emily’s role is unique as she assists in many ever-changing facets from aiding new hires to orchestrating events and assisting project managers, her dedication keeps our administrative functions running seamlessly.

She strives to foster a culture of collaboration and positive

change both within and outside our workplace. Making a difference in her colleagues’ lives and contributing to our collective success is what motivates Emily each day.

Outside of work, Emily’s passions include painting, kayaking, and spending time with her pug and two cats.

Emily, your dedication, and enthusiasm inspire us all. Thank you for making W. W. Gay an extraordinary place to work. Here’s to many more successes together!

Emily Andrews

Emily Andrews has been named as a 2024 Jacksonville Business Journal ’40 Under 40’ honoree.

For over 20 years, the Jacksonville Business Journal has sought to honor young professionals with the 40 Under 40 award. This prestigious award recognizes up-and-coming leaders who have helped their companies grow and are shaping the future of the First Coast.

Emily, we are incredibly proud of your contributions to W. W. Gay and the First Coast community. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.

Keep an eye out for Jacksonville Business Journal’s forthcoming publication on May 10 to learn more about Emily’s impactful endeavors within the Jacksonville community.

Elizabeth Ray

We’re delighted to welcome Elizabeth Ray to the W. W. Gay team as our newest Human Resources Assistant!

With her background in the construction industry and a recent pivot from finance to HR, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our company.

Elizabeth’s role involves various tasks, including onboarding new hires, attending career fairs, streamlining processes, and assisting our HR lead, Chrissy Graham. Despite being new to the role, Elizabeth is already making strides and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm and dedication.

When asked about her favorite part of working at W. W. Gay, Elizabeth emphasized the warmth and support

she has received from her new colleagues. After months away from an office environment, she enjoys reconnecting with people every day.

Looking ahead, Elizabeth is excited about the future of our HR department and hopes to streamline our onboarding process and support the HR department with her organizational skills. She is passionate about connecting with people and is eager to contribute to the success of our HR department.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. She enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hiking and traveling.

We look forward to the energy and expertise Elizabeth brings to our team!

Staff Shout - Out

Patrick Leijenaar

Introducing Patrick Leijenaar, our new addition to the I] Orlando office as a Assistant Project Manager!

Patrick joins W. W. Gay as a recent graduate from Seminole State College of Florida. Originally from Aruba, he moved to the United States in 2019 to pursue an education, majoring in construction management, inspired by his family’s general contracting company. Patrick’s journey with W. W. Gay began just a month ago, marking his first full-time position post-college. In this short time, he’s already delved deep into learning and applying his skills.

As an Assistant PM in our Orlando office, Patrick collaborates closely with Ralph Segarra to help manage various projects. Patrick’s work is different every day, ranging from submittal work to billings, purchasing, and contract review. He’s eagerly looking forward to

taking charge of his own projects soon. He finds joy in witnessing the intricate pieces of a project come together, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

Patrick is excited to embark on a groundbreaking endeavor: the Cape ICO Headquarters project. Working on a federal project like this will introduce him to new technical challenges and opportunities for growth. Working to build something of this magnitude ignites his passion for construction and fuels his ambition.

Grateful for the patience and guidance of the Orlando team, Patrick values the wealth of knowledge they’ve shared in the short time he has been with the company. The camaraderie and mentorship in the office make every day a learning opportunity for him.

Outside of work, Patrick enjoys staying active by playing tennis and soccer. As an avid sports fan, he also enjoys cheering for his favorite football team, The Steelers.

We are excited to have you on the team, Patrick!

Kyle Smith

Congratulations to Kyle Smith on his promotion to General Superintendent!

Starting his career as a pre-apprentice, Kyle’s passion for working with his hands and tools quickly became evident. From completing his entire apprenticeship as a journeyman at the renowned Mayo Clinic to overseeing significant projects like the 2012 two-story expansion of the Mayo Hospital, UF Health downtown north campus site, and many more job sites, Kyle’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

In his current role as General Superintendent out of the Jacksonville office, Kyle thrives on challenges. Whether it’s pre-planning for projects, strategizing pricing, and manpower, or managing subcontractors, Kyle’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence shines through in

everything he does. Beyond his professional achievements, Kyle is also deeply invested in nurturing future talent within the industry. He currently represents W. W. Gay on the JATT apprenticeship committee and hopes to bring more opportunities for growth and learning, inspired by his rewarding journey as a young apprentice.

One of Kyle’s favorite projects to date was the solvent tank farm at Johnson and Johnson Vision Care. The intricate details and craftsmanship required made it a challenging yet incredibly rewarding endeavor. Another project that stands out to Kyle was installing bulk oxygen tank farms and over 240 patient beds for Baptist Hospital that contributed to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moments like these remind Kyle of the true value of his work and the impact it has on our community.

Kyle owes a lot of success to his supportive family. He and his wife Christi are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They enjoy watching the growth of their three children, Conner and Simon Smith who are both apprentices at JATT and are following in their father’s footsteps. His daughter Mallory is currently attending college at USF. Kyle is passionate about music and is an avid collector of vinyl records. He enjoys attending concerts and exploring record stores.

You are a wonderful asset to the team, congratulations Kyle!

Harmony in Hobbies

Haylee Graham

Jacksonville, FL

Haylee Graham is passionate about softball! Not only does she play on the W. W. Gay company softball team, but she lends her skills as a coach for the local Argyle 12U Purple Aces. She loves motivating the girls to be the best they can be on and off the field.

C & G & the Tool Room

Jacksonville, FL

Earlier this month, employees from Jacksonville’s Tool Room and C&G department attended the annual FL vs FSU baseball game, held at 121 Financial Park, and had a great time bonding over one of America’s favorite pastimes.

Morgan McMillian

Jacksonville, FL

Morgan McMillian is eagerly anticipating her first born baby girl!

Congratulations Morgan, you’re going to make an amazing mother!

Jacksonville Employees Jacksonville, FL

Members from our Jacksonville office enjoyed their weekend gathering with family, friends, and colleagues at the annual Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass.

Harmony in Hobbies

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!

Employee Spotlight

Malinda Bostic

Port Orange l Orlando

Malinda Bostic, out of our Port Orange / Orlando office, brings over 30 years of experience in the sheet metal industry, making her an invaluable asset to W. W. Gay. Malinda’s journey to W. W. Gay began over a decade ago when she joined as the 4th ever sheet metal employee in Orlando. She made history as the first female to obtain her journeyman license in central Florida, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the industry.

Malinda’s career path is a testament to her resilience and determination. As a single mother, she embarked on her career after hearing about the apprenticeship program from a friend. Despite facing skepticism and doubt from others, Malinda’s response was simple yet powerful: “Watch this.” Her passion for the industry, coupled with her unwavering resolve, led her to excel in her field. Over the years, she honed her skills, eventually managing the sheet metal shop for over 12 years. Recently, Malinda embraced a new challenge as a business unit leader, expanding her responsibilities and making a profound impact on the company’s operations.

During her time at W. W. Gay, Malinda has not only expanded her technical skills but also gained valuable insights into the business side of operations. In her current role, Malinda oversees various aspects of the business, including field operations, manpower management, BIM coordination, sheet metal estimating, and shop oversight. Embracing the importance of the business side of operations, Malinda is dedicated to ensuring the success of future generations within the company. She approaches her work with passion and commitment, striving to deliver quality ductwork while providing leadership and guidance to her team.

“Despite facing skepticism and doubt from others, Malinda’s response was simple yet powerful: ‘Watch this.’ ”

For Malinda, W. W. Gay is more than just a company; it’s a family. She values the sense of belonging and camaraderie throughout the organization. The trust and support she has received, including being entrusted to run the shop, have made her feel valued and appreciated.

Malinda’s dedication to the company’s success is a testament to her unwavering commitment and loyalty.

Outside of work, Malinda enjoys spending time with her family, particularly her grandkids. Whether it’s exploring the mountains or tending to her garden, Malinda cherishes these moments and treasures her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother.

We are privileged to have Malinda as a part of our team and look forward to witnessing her continued success in the years to come!

Quick Answers

Favorite quote: “‘Are you done yet!’”

Favorite book: The Bible

Dream dinner guest: Johnny Depp

Best Daytona recommendation: Aunt Catfish on the River

I’m happiest when.. I’m on the water, whether that is the Beach or River.

What is your favorite or most memorable job and why?

Orange County Convention Center because I was lucky enough to learn some tricks of the trade from a bunch of old-timers with great skills.

Safety Corner

FROM YOUR DIRECTOR OF SAFETY

Springtime Cleaning & Hazards (at home or work)

Before tackling this annual chore, you should be aware of the hazards that may await you: handling household chemicals, lifting objects, navigating around clutter, walking on wet surfaces, and reaching or climbing – to name a few. Here are tips for keeping spring cleaning safe:

Declutter before cleaning

Before you start cleaning, clear any clutter that you could trip over.

Go mild

Limit the use of harsh cleaning or disinfecting products such as bleach and ammonia, and never mix the two – doing so can create toxic fumes.

Read the label

Each cleaning or disinfectant product should have a label describing its proper use and safety precautions to follow during use.

Take a minute to read the label and follow the SDS – Safety Data Sheets Information.

Ventilation

When using cleaning or disinfecting products, open windows, or a door, and run a fan to help air circulate.

Glove up

It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves when using some household cleaners. The gloves can help prevent reactions (rash, skin redness), from exposure to household cleaners. On the job, be sure to use the correct gloves for each job.

Get a mop

When you are cleaning floors, avoid working on your knees, which could cause sprains and strains. Use a mop instead, including when you are cleaning a bathtub.

Avoid wet floors

Wet floors are a danger zone for slips and falls. Allow freshly cleaned floors to dry before walking on them.

Safely store cleaning products

Keep them in a clean, cool, dry space where children and pets can’t get to them. At work, properly store all hazardous substances.

Lift with caution

When lifting or moving furniture and other heavy objects, ask for help. Bend with your knees – not your back – and use your leg muscles to avoid a back injury and ask for assistance when needed.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water and take breaks during spring cleaning to prevent dehydration, make sure there is plenty of water each day on the job.

Spring Weather Hazards

Springtime brings along a change in temperature during the season. Spring’s frequent weather fluctuations and extra rain during a whole host of extremes. Typically, these could include:

Thunderstorms

Hurricanes

Extreme wet weather or flooding

High winds or tornadoes

Lightening

Such weather can affect conditions greatly and pose workplace hazards. So, it is important that our staff at W.W. Gay are aware of the potential hazards raised by these weather extremes and know how to act. Some topics to consider include:

Working with overhead wires in wind/rain.

Ladder safety: particularly when ground conditions are wet and your boot soles are muddy, be extra careful climbing.

Slips, trips, and falls, particularly on stairs.

Being mindful of loose debris or falling objects in high winds.

Using (or not using) power tools in extreme weather conditions.

Operating dangerous tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Be aware of the dangers of working in a thunderstorm.

Use extreme caution when dangerous driving conditions are present. Also, in springtime there are sun hazards, which can bring on extreme heat and dehydration. As well as insects that have potential for ticks and Lyme disease, safe use of insect repellants is important. Don’t forget to use the proper sunscreen when working outdoors.

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

UF Health North Phase 3 Tower Expansion Jacksonville

Our friends at UF Health North are on the brink of expanding their healthcare offerings with the new Phase 3 Tower! Once completed, this amazing six-story, 181,000 sq. ft. building will bring an additional 120 patient beds to our local community.

The finish line is in sight, and as of last month, the Central Energy Plant is already providing full support to all three hospital buildings. So, we’re giving a big shout-out to our amazing teams on this jobsite for handling all the needs of the plumbing, medical gas, and HVAC systems as well as bringing in brand-new fixtures and equipment. Your hard work is turning this vision into a reality!

Stay tuned for more updates on this project as it comes closer to a successful closeout!

Orlando Our First Tampa Service Contract!

Forging new paths!

Helping serve Central Florida, the Orlando office has been working hard to forge new paths into the Tampa market. Earlier this year, the teams hard work paid off as they proudly reached a remarkable milestone in that journey and executed their first-ever service contract in Tampa! This customer pursued a preventative maintenance contract with us for their office building in West Tampa, and since then we have executed 8 other contracts in the Tampa Bay Area with this client.

This effort is currently supported via Orlando’s service team and this contract was specifically assigned to Taylor Hill. Taylor’s commitment to excellence is shining through as he diligently oversees every aspect of this contract including documenting all equipment, conditions, and service provided with care and attention to detail. We couldn’t be more grateful for his attention to detail and the care he extends to our clients!

Since the execution of this contract, the Orlando team has looked at (2) turnkey equipment retrofits for our newly contracted service clients, one of which is well over $500k. As we continue to expand our footprint in this new marketplace, strategic alignment with valueadd partners is one of our top priorities.

We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this monumental milestone of growth. This achievement marks not only our progress but also the beginning of lasting relationships with new clients. We are extending a big kudos to everyone involved in this extraordinary effort! Your dedication and hard work keep us forging ahead, laying the foundation for even greater successes ahead.