The Pipeline - September - October 2023

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,

It is with immense pride and excitement that I write to you today from our new building! After years of separation and many months of construction, it fills me with such joy to walk through the doors each morning and see how our vision was brought to life. It makes me even more proud to know that our own hard-working employees were a significant part of making this building a reality. Thank you to each of you for your effort, your creativity, and your unwavering dedication. Together we have built something extraordinary and together we will continue to shape the future of this company.

Even with all the changes in the Jacksonville office, it is important to remember that we are one company. Our success and growth are a direct result of the collective effort and dedication of every single member of our team. Whether you’re in Gainesville, VDC, Fab Shops, Orlando, Estimating, C&G or any other department, your role is integral to our overall success. We succeed or fail together, and our individual achievements are intertwined with our company’s success. It’s easy to get caught up in our day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, but I hope you can take a moment to pause and reflect on the bigger picture. We are all here to help push our company forward. No matter the task at hand, we should each consider the impact it could have on our colleagues and the company. By focusing on “us”, we strengthen our bonds and drive better outcomes.

“By focusing on “us”, we strengthen our bonds and drive better outcomes. ”

As we approach the final stretch of the year, I’m confident that we have the momentum and spirit to finish 2023 on a high note. We want continued success carried to next year so I challenge you to keep pushing during these upcoming months. As we’re gearing up for Q4, here are some points to not lose sight of:

Goal Alignment: Let’s ensure that everyone understands their role in achieving our quarterly objectives. Communicate with your teams and departments to make sure we are all on the same page and working together efficiently.

Customer Focus: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Let’s continue to exceed their expectations, delivering exceptional service that strengthens our relationships and builds long-term loyalty.

Teamwork & Collaboration: Our success takes each of us! In all our offices, let’s continue to foster an environment of collaboration where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.

Celebrate the Small Wins: Never lose sight of our achievements, both big and small. Recognizing our successes fuels our motivation and reminds us of the incredible things we can accomplish together.

Remember, we are all in this together. I have full confidence in each and every one of you, and I believe that together we can reach new heights. Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. Let’s rally together, support one another, and finish this year stronger than ever before. Together, we will achieve greatness.

Thank you for being the Best in the Business!

Paul Jones CEO

New Building Update

Since our last update, big things have happened with our new headquarters building! While Hurricane Idalia put a damper on our plans for a Grand Opening, nothing could slow us down from occupying our new home.

As scheduled, during the week of Labor Day, we relocated several teams from different areas of our organization into their new work areas. In total 144 team members now have new offices and workstations in our headquarters building.

Since move-in, we have continued to put the finishing touches on every detail of the building. Check out some of those features on pages 8 and 9.

Several of the most exciting things about our new building have little to do with construction and everything to do with the people that fill the spaces. Whether it be special fundraisers in Durban’s Diner, awards ceremonies in the Lackawanna training room, or strategic meetings with our service and project teams in the many conference rooms, our environment is fostering more collaboration and community than ever before.

Every day I am excited to be a part of W.W. Gay, and I have been so honored to help lead this project over the past two years. We all imagined this building would make a difference for our company, but the results far outweigh the expectations.

Matthew Furlong Vice President, Preconstruction

Earlier this month, we were thrilled to honor our quarter three 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 quarters ceremony will be sent out comanywide soon, so be sure to submit yours! The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 13 with a formal invitation to follow.

JOHN WILSON

Gainesville

John Wilson, with our Gainesville office, has been interested in mechanical work for as long as he can remember. He was raised around construction as both his father and stepfather were in the industry. Growing up, John would visit their job sites and become inspired by the magnitude of the buildings. John was placed at W. W. Gay through Local 234 and started off in a plumbing crew. He later transitioned to the AC Service Department and finally ended up in his current role, running mechanical projects. John has been an HVAC technician in Gainesville for over nine years.

John loves that he is constantly challenged in his role but is never set up to fail. Throughout his time at W. W. Gay, he has appreciated the quality of detail in his work. John has been noticed for his exceptional eye for quality as he was recommended by the manufacturers to conduct training for future jobs. John is dedicated to every job being successful. During the fall of 2022, John worked as a foreman on the GTI GreenThumb Project in neighboring Ocala. The job was fastpaced, seven days a week, and to be completed as quickly as possible. John worked above and beyond to ensure that it was completed on schedule and under budget. John is truly a wonderful asset to this company.

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

The largest project I have ever worked on was Green Thumb Industries GtI in Ocala Florida. I had the reigns handed over to me and was given independence for the first time. This was a big steppingstone in my career.

Biggest Influence

Jeremy Geiger has had the biggest influence on my career. I started off as Jeremy’s apprentice when I was first introduced to the service department. Starting out my career with him as a mentor was the best scenario that could have happened to me. His attention to detail is incomparable and he is always willing and able to answer any question.

What Motivates You

The challenges at work keep me motivated and I am always looking to problem-solve and improve. The biggest motivation overall in life is my family. I have a 2 ½ year old and a sixmonth-old. They are my driving force for trying to be the best at what I do. My success is related directly to their well-being.

Define What Success Means To You

Success is a feeling, not quantifiable or linear, or even a finite destination. Success is the feeling you have after you have set a goal and through the sum of your hard work and perseverance, you have attained the satisfaction of accomplishing what you have set out to do while maintaining your integrity.

An example of success for me is when I have prepared everyone on my team well enough, so I no longer have to look in and down at all specific issues. Instead, I can look up, out, and ahead to stay in front of bigger issues in order to smoothly achieve what we have set out to do.

Core Value That Best Describes You

Stewardship is most important to me. My interpretation is that to exemplify stewardship, you must have enough knowledge to pass on to the next generation. If you are demonstrating your knowledge and providing quality work, the other values will all go hand in hand.

JOSHUA CHILDERS Jacksonville

Humble and hardworking, Josh Childers is a wonderful asset to the W. W. Gay team. He has been known to always go the extra mile to provide the best service to our customers. Josh provides timely updates, well after typical work hours, to remain detailed and organized with shipments. All concerns regarding freight shipments can be put to rest when working with Josh.

W. W. Gay has been a part of Josh’s life for as long as he can remember. Working out of the Jacksonville office, Josh is a 2nd generation employee. His father, Bill Childers, made an impression on his future by sharing his experience with W. W. Gay. After high school, Josh started off his career in the field as a pre-apprentice, working under Josh Curtis and Brad Rodan on the UF Health job site. Josh attributes much of his field knowledge to them.

After working in the field, Josh took some time off, before receiving a call out of the blue, offering him a position in shipping and receiving.

He has now been with W. W. Gay for seven years. As the current manager of his department, Josh oversees the warehouse, including scheduling of all inbound and outbound freight. Josh takes pride in what he does by always keeping the warehouse organized, to make the process as seamless as possible.

Josh is grateful for all the mentors that have helped him along the way. He says that he would not be where he is today without all the influences in his life.

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

I am most proud when I witness my colleagues, especially the young and new, grow personally and professionally. I take pride in helping others grow into the people they are supposed to become.

Biggest Influence

My Family has always been my biggest support system.

Bill Houser has been a role model for me. He exemplifies how a Christian man should be by showing love and kindness to everyone.

Kellie Walton has also influenced my career by giving me the confidence necessary during my time of growth.

What Motivates You

I enjoy being a positive influence, helping to encourage others and push them to be their best.

I define success through the support and morale we can provide our 234 field personnel. Define What Success Means To You

Core Value That Best Describes You

Quality. They all go hand in hand, but quality is the value that I really strive to demonstrate each day. I want my reputation to reflect my character. A quote that I was always told growing up is “The tongue in your shoes should go the same direction as the tongue in your mouth.”

LAURA JONES

Orlando

Laura Jones has been an incredible asset to our Orlando office, working as a Project Manager for over three years and was recently promoted to Senior Project Manager in March of this year. Laura is involved in nearly all projects for the Orlando office and is one to stay as busy as possible. In addition to managing projects, Laura helps train Assistant Project Managers and supports the implementation of Procore, among many other things.

Laura grew up in the construction industry, working for her family’s general contracting business in Atlanta, GA, then relocated to Orlando, FL in 2018. She joined W. W. Gay in December 2019 with an eagerness to learn about the mechanical industry and the subcontractor side of construction.

Laura loves her position because every project is completely unique. She has learned about what it takes to manage people and the fascinating technical aspects of the mechanical trade. Laura goes the extra mile to help her teammates, dedicating additional time to work when necessary and always shining a positive light on any situation.

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

Putting my spin on the annual awards ceremony at our Christmas parties. I put a lot of effort into giving recognition to as many people as possible because we have some awesome and talented folks! Getting to see their reactions when awards are presented is the highlight of my year.

Biggest Influence

Jimmy Poff and Steve Haupt have been the biggest influences in my current success. Jimmy is our General Superintendent and Steve is an Assistant Project Manager (formerly Foreman). They have both gone above and beyond in their roles and have never hesitated to help. Jimmy is extremely passionate about our team and is instrumental to Orlando. Steve is passionate about his work and educating the future leaders of W. W. Gay. Collectively, they have influenced my passion for my job and encouraged my connection with the field team. They inspire me every single day.

What Motivates You

My fiancé and kids are my biggest motivators. My oldest son’s father passed away when he was a baby and for 17 years, I have strived to ensure he never suffers from that loss. I hope to show them how hard work pays off.

Define What Success Means To You

Success is doing your best at whatever it is you are going to do and never giving up. If you can say “I tried my best,” then you had a successful day.

Core Value That Best Describes You

Stewardship. As a Project Manager and leader of our individual projects, I like to lead by example, not dictatorship. If a ship goes down, I am going down with it. I will always take responsibility for my team and my project. That embodies a successful leader.

MELISSA CLAY

Jacksonville

In the Jacksonville office, Melissa Clay is known for her hard work and positive attitude. Working as a service administrator for seven years, she manages all the plumbing service billing, takes dispatch calls, and works as Wes Shaver’s assistant. Melissa takes pride in her work, is a true team player, and has formed lasting relationships with customers. She works hard to ensure that the company is organized, and each job runs smoothly, going above and beyond to help an employee or customer.

As a Jacksonville native, Melissa remembers seeing the W. W. Gay Christmas decorations as a child and hearing her father speak highly of the company as he was also in the construction industry. When her friend mentioned the opportunity, Melissa handed in her resume and has been with us ever since. She is proud to be working for a company with our reputation and is excited about her future with W. W. Gay.

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

“I have made major accomplishments recovering collections which, in turn, has boosted our numbers tremendously.”

Biggest Influence

“My dad is my biggest influence because of his work ethic. He taught me that if you are going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. I’ve never been one to say, “That’s not my job.”

What Motivates You

“I am motivated by the growth of this company. A lot of people fear change, but I have seen the company change for the better in the past seven years of working here. It is very encouraging to be part of it.”

Define What Success Means To You

“Success is every little victory and every step forward. As long as you keep pushing yourself for the better, you are succeeding. Success is more of a path than an end goal.”

Core Value That Best Describes You

Dedication. “This value resonates with me because I am dedicated to doing the best I can do, not just for the company, but for myself as well. I am dedicated to being the best that I can be for my own integrity. I am dedicated as a mother, an employee, and a daughter. Dedication comes from within yourself.”

ROBBY WALTON

Jacksonville

Robby Walton’s commitment to our company has carried him far in the 30 years he has worked out of the Jacksonville office. To ensure our jobs are kept on budget, Robby is dedicated to searching for multiple quotes for material purchases. He is well-organized and maintains working relationships with various vendors and suppliers. Robby is known to always go the extra mile to best serve our project managers.

Robby was first introduced to W. W. Gay by a deacon at his church, where he began his career as a truck driver. He then transitioned to a position as the yard supervisor before eventually working as the warehouse manager at C&G. In this position, he became very familiar with purchasing and developed relationships with our vendors. He has since been promoted to Purchasing Agent for the company, alongside Victoria Fawthrop. In his role, Robby deals directly with vendors and our employees.

He’s responsible for compiling quotes from multiple vendors and then delivering them to the Project Managers so they can decide on purchase.

Robby loves his position and couldn’t imagine a more perfect role for him. Through his time at W. W. Gay, he has brought a level of respect to the position and the vendors have been receptive to it. Robby holds integrity when working with vendors and is very perceptive to receiving the best outcome for the company.

Robby is honored to be working for a Christian company. Robby remembers asking Mr. Gay how he could sleep at night with a company as large as W. W. Gay. Mr. Gay replied that it was his faith in God that pushed him to keep going. Robby is excited about where W. W. Gay is headed and his future with the company.

In My Own Words...

Proudest Moment

My proudest moment was when I was promoted to Purchasing Agent.

Biggest Influence

My biggest influence is Frankie Mack because he gave me a chance when he hired me back in 1993 as a truck driver. He also taught me all about pipes, valves, and fittings. He would always tell me to learn as much as I could because no one could ever take away my knowledge. He carried the mindset that no matter how difficult the job is, never give up.

What Motivates You

My faith in God motivates me to be a good example to others. My family also motivates me because I would be lost without their love and support. My fellow employees motivate me to be the best person possible in my position with the W. W. Gay family.

Define What Success Means To You

Success doesn’t just happen by accident. It takes hard work, sacrifice, and the willingness to learn and dedicate yourself to being the best you can be.

Core Value That Best Describes You

Dedication. To me, dedication takes time, practice, and responsibility. It also means loyalty. No one can be dedicated to something without the support of others. I truly value the time I have spent with W. W. Gay and look forward to many more years to come.

September Anniversaries

09/02 – Jamie Webb – 26 Years (Jacksonville)

09/02 – Dalton Price – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

09/02 – Connor Fielder – 3 Years (Gainesville)

09/03 – William Back – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

09/03 – William Stewart – 8 Years (Orlando)

09/03 – James Carr – 4 Years (Gainesville)

09/04 – Daniel Ranard – 15 Years (Gainesville)

09/04 – Nathan Starling – 5 Years (Gainesville)

09/04 – Ona Long – 27 Years (Jacksonville)

09/04 – Robert Brannon – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

09/04 – Mark Hudson – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/05 – William Roberts – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

09/05 – Chase Smith – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/06 – Kenneth Sims – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

09/06 – David Trantham – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

09/06 – Andre Staton – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/07 – Josh Childers – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

09/07 – Kyle Touchton – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

09/07 – James Hopkins III – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

09/07 – Thomas Ward – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

09/08 – Joshua Gamble – 2 Years (Gainesville)

09/08 – Steven Haupt – 26 Years (Orlando)

09/08 – Raymond Hunt – 15 Years (Orlando)

09/08 – Darren Wesley – 26 Years (Jacksonville)

09/08 – William Craven – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

09/08 – Jordon Clay – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

09/08 – Christopher Starr – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

09/08 – Trevor Bowen – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

09/08 – Tristan Fernandez – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

09/10 – Gregory Labastille – 8 Years (Orlando)

09/10 – Daniel Gaskin – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/10 – Elvin Jones Jr. – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

09/11 – Joshua Hodges – 32 Years (Jacksonville)

09/11 – David King Jr. – 16 Years (Jacksonville)

09/12 – Caleb Brill – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/12 – Justin Gibson – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

09/12 – Hunter Carnley – 1 Year (Gainesville)

09/13 – Dennis Graybush – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/13 – Richard Davis – 4 Years (Orlando)

09/13 – Scott Parenteau – 2 Years (Orlando)

09/14 – Terry Johns – 36 Years (Jacksonville)

09/14 – Junior Rodney – 8 Years (Orlando)

09/15 – Samuel Townsend Jr. – 25 Years (Jacksonville)

09/15 – Jeffry Smith – 2 Years (Orlando)

09/15 – David Richetti – 1 Year (Orlando)

09/16 – Sabrina Bourque – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

09/17 – Irvine Leonard – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/17 – Justin Freese – 3 Years (Orlando)

09/19 – Bobby Finch – 35 Years (Jacksonville)

09/19 – Zachary Culverhouse – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

09/20 – David Bryan – 21 Years (Gainesville)

09/20 – Paul Jones – 19 Years (Jacksonville)

09/20 – Stephen Lacourse – 18 Years (Jacksonville)

09/20 – Cody Davis – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

09/20 – Demetrius Brisby – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

09/20 – Tylor Vause – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

09/21 – Brent Worthington – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

09/21 – Samuel Gibson – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

09/22 – Monica Wilkey – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

09/22 – Kameron Steele – 2 Years (Gainesville)

09/22 – Wadly Theophile – 2 Years (Orlando)

09/23 – Michael Hartley – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

09/23 – Shannon Jervis – 14 Years (Jacksonville)

09/23 – Ellis Ard – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

09/23 – Christopher Cron – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

09/24 – Michael Scribbins – 42 Years (Jacksonville)

09/24 – Jared Crews – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

09/24 – Stuart Babins – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

09/26 – Krystian Piwowarczyk – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

09/27 – Walter Planz – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

09/27 – Landon Schwartz – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

09/28 – Devon Chambers – 5 Years (Orlando)

09/29 – James Cassels – 20 Years (Gainesville)

09/29 – Albert Nichols – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

09/29 – Elizabeth Coley – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

09/30 – Sean Mooney – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

09/30 – James Carmichael – 2 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.

September Birthdays

09/01 – Ryan Hovsepian (Gainesville)

09/01 – Kendel Seay (Gainesville)

09/02 – Ashton Johnson (Gainesville)

09/02 – Shannon Jervis (Jacksonville)

09/02 – Michael Adams (Jacksonville)

09/02 – Micah Parnes (Orlando)

09/03 – Richard Sadler (Jacksonville)

09/04 – Tyler Rollins (Gainesville)

09/04 – Kathi Jennings (Jacksonville)

09/04 – Albert Nichols (Jacksonville)

09/04 – Bobby Crawford Jr. (Jacksonville)

09/04 – Jeffrey Crump (Jacksonville)

09/05 – William Clark (Jacksonville)

09/05 – Andrew Watson (Orlando)

09/06 – William Willis (Jacksonville)

09/07 – Angel Feliciano Jr. (Orlando)

09/08 – Charles McLaurin (Orlando)

09/08 – Dustin Nobles (Jacksonville)

09/08 – Kevin Medina (Jacksonville)

09/08 – Nicholas Jones (Gainesville)

09/08 – Kyle Asbell (Gainesville)

09/09 – Patrick Price (Gainesville)

09/09 – Andrew Mercer (Jacksonville)

09/09 – Charles Crouch (Jacksonville)

09/09 – Kyle Crews Jr. (Jacksonville)

09/09 – John Vogel Jr. (Jacksonville)

09/09 – Gavin Losco (Jacksonville)

09/09 – Hunter Fields (Gainesville)

09/10 – James Treece (Jacksonville)

09/10 – Jordan Nichols (Jacksonville)

09/10 – Kameron Steele (Gainesville)

09/11 – Artis Bryant (Jacksonville)

09/11 – John Tickner (Jacksonville)

09/11 – Matthew Taylor (Jacksonville)

09/11 – Delford Omdal (Jacksonville)

09/11 – Jacob Gatlin (Jacksonville)

09/11 – Ezra Johnston (Gainesville)

09/12 – Ryan Moxley (Jacksonville)

09/13 – Leighton Sweat (Jacksonville)

09/13 – Kevin Peeples (Jacksonville)

09/13 – Shurronn Sibley (Jacksonville)

09/13 – Joshua Arp (Jacksonville)

09/15 – Kent Liddon (Gainesville)

09/15 – Brian Copham (Jacksonville)

09/15 – Andre Staton (Jacksonville)

09/15 – Michael Rice (Jacksonville)

09/15 – Josh Niederwemmer (Jacksonville)

09/16 – Joseph Roach (Jacksonville)

09/17 – Angela Lowe (Gainesville)

09/17 – Hannah Laforge (Jacksonville)

09/18 – Taylor Hill (Orlando)

09/19 – John Dehoff (Gainesville)

09/19 – Jacob Sapp (Jacksonville)

09/19 – Joseph Vennard (Jacksonville)

09/19 – James Johnson (Orlando)

09/19 – Justin Gibson (Jacksonville)

09/19 – Hiram Negron (Orlando)

09/19 – Jesse Mason (Jacksonville)

09/20 – Clinton Dona (Jacksonville)

09/20 – Reece Fay (Gainesville)

09/20 – Aaron Gann (Jacksonville)

09/21 – Joshua Waters (Gainesville)

09/21 – Connor Fielder (Gainesville)

09/22 – Christian Bordeloy (Orlando)

09/23 – Deborah James (Jacksonville)

09/23 – Warren Shearin (Jacksonville)

09/24 – Tony Glover (Gainesville)

09/24 – Bill Childers (Jacksonville)

09/24 – Troy Richardson (Jacksonville)

09/24 – Dan Luca (Jacksonville)

09/25 – Bernard Newman (Orlando)

09/25 – Andrew Brown (Jacksonville)

09/25 – Matthew Wilson (Gainesville)

09/26 – Kenneth Varnes Jr. (Jacksonville)

09/27 – Antonio Pratt (Orlando)

09/27 – Robert Moore (Jacksonville)

09/28 – Johnny Boehm (Jacksonville)

09/28 – Carl Lee (Jacksonville)

09/29 – Gregory Labastille (Orlando)

09/29 – James Young (Gainesville)

09/29 – Anthony Davis (Gainesville)

09/30 – Samuel Townsend Jr. (Jacksonville)

09/30 – Trace Milton (Jacksonville)

October Anniversaries

10/01 – Aimad Ait Darmouch – 5 Years (Orlando)

10/01 – Kenneth Hovey – 5 Years (Gainesville)

10/02 – Vincent Gocek – 15 Years (Jacksonville)

10/04 – Travis Edwards – 11 Years (Gainesville)

10/04 – Steven Langston – 2 Years (Gainesville)

10/04 – Ty Welder – 1 Year (Gainesville)

10/04 – Dylan Julio – 4 Years (Orlando)

10/04 – Steven Lane – 18 Years (Jacksonville)

10/04 – Brady Moses – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

10/04 – Evan Barrett – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

10/05 – James Elliot – 8 Years (Orlando)

10/05 – Ryan Painter – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

10/06 – Brittney Hutchins – 9 Years (Gainesville)

10/06 – Anthony Davis – 9 Years (Gainesville)

10/07 – Trestan White – 10 Years (Gainesville)

10/07 – Kaylob Carnley – 4 Years (Gainesville)

10/07 – Ryan Beckelheimer – 4 Years (Gainesville)

10/07 – Shane Davey – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

10/07 – Emily Andrews – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

10/07 – David Gray – 1 Year (Jacksonville)

10/08 – Carl Naegele – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

10/09 – Colton Lott – 6 Years (Gainesville)

10/09 – Jack Rhoden – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

10/09 – Danny Kerr – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

10/09 – Joshua Curtis Jr. – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

10/10 – George Broughton – 11 Years (Jacksonville)

10/10 – Laura Horst – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

10/11 – Michael Rice – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

10/11 – Justin Bassett – 2 Years (Gainesville)

10/12 – Val Kazia – 8 Years (Orlando)

10/12 – William Joiner – 5 Years (Orlando)

10/12 – Dennis Reed – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

10/12 – Jordan Terrell – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

10/13 – James Losco Jr. – 9 Years (Jacksonville)

10/13 – Jay Edwards – 2 Years (Gainesville)

10/14 – Troy Richardson – 20 Years (Jacksonville)

10/15 – William Childers – 37 Years (Jacksonville)

10/16 – Ricky Jackson – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

10/16 – Shawn Damron – 6 Years (Jacksonville)

10/17 - Garrett Sykes – 5 Years (Orlando)

10/17 – Joe Lazenby – 9 Years (Gainesville)

10/18 – Travis Scott – 11 Years (Gainesville)

10/18 – Ryan Moxley – 7 Years (Jacksonville)

10/18 – Cory Isaacson – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

10/19 – Charles Sweat – 14 Years (Jacksonville)

10/20 – Edward Kaminski III – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

10/20 – David Thompson – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

10/21 – Matthew Mauga – 15 Years (Gainesville)

10/21 – Ashton Johnson – 9 Years (Gainesville)

10/21 – Cato Lembrick – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

10/22 – David Colding – 4 Years (Gainesville)

10/22 – Kyle Smith – 5 Years (Jacksonville)

10/24 – Dustin Nobles – 17 Years (Jacksonville)

10/24 – Douglas Masters – 16 Years (Jacksonville)

10/25 – Peyton Welch – 4 Years (Gainesville)

10/25 – Peyton Beasley – 2 Years (Jacksonville)

10/26 – Kaine Bennett – 28 Years (Jacksonville)

10/26 – Clinton Dona – 12 Years (Jacksonville)

10/26 – Ryan Dapprich – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

10/26 – Meghan Nemeth – 3 Years (Jacksonville)

10/26 – Keshawn Highsmith– 1 Year (Orlando)

10/27 – Connor Padgett – 9 Years (Orlando)

10/28 – Leighton Sweat – 8 Years (Jacksonville)

10/28 – Jimmy Miller – 4 Years (Jacksonville)

10/29 – Joseph Bennett Jr. – 9 Years (Gainesville)

10/29 – Shelton Hunter – 2 Years (Gainesville)

10/29 – Cheryl Zimmer – 24 Years (Jacksonville)

10/29 – David Ray – 21 Years (Jacksonville)

10/31 – Cristian Arias – 5 Years (Orlando)

10/31 – David Foster – 18 Years (Jacksonville)

10/31 – Hunter Willis – 10 Years (Jacksonville)

10/31 – Zachary Hailfko – 5 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.

Pipeline 24

Pipeline 24

October Birthdays

10/02 – Maxwell Heimowitz (Orlando)

10/02 – Enmanuel Crespo (Jacksonville)

10/03 – Travis Edwards (Gainesville)

10/03 – Chloe Summerall (Gainesville)

10/04 – Brian Miller (Jacksonville)

10/04 – Sean Mooney (Jacksonville)

10/04 – Richard Jackson (Jacksonville)

10/04 – Edward Kaminski III (Jacksonville)

10/05 – John Songer Jr. (Orlando)

10/05 – Lauren Odom (Jacksonville)

10/05 – Nathaniel Greer (Orlando)

10/06 – Scott Houser (Jacksonville)

10/06 – Elvin Jones Jr. (Jacksonville)

10/06 – Athaneus Clark (Jacksonville)

10/08 – Jonathan Crews (Orlando)

10/08 – Trestan White (Gainesville)

10/08 – Gordon Brigance (Jacksonville)

10/08 – Margaret Franck (Jacksonville)

10/08 – Chase Sallie (Gainesville)

10/09 – Darren Wesley (Jacksonville)

10/09 – John Russell (Jacksonville)

10/10 – Troy Pagnotto (Jacksonville)

10/10 – Tyler Durstine (Gainesville)

10/10 – Ephraim Long (Jacksonville)

10/11 – Scott Achtemeier (Jacksonville)

10/11 – Brandon Smith (Jacksonville)

10/11 – Evan Barrett (Jacksonville)

10/11 – Nicolas Kesler (Gainesville)

10/11 – Jonathan Nichols (Gainesville)

10/12 – Joseph Bennett Jr. (Gainesville)

10/12 – Christian Reece (Jacksonville)

10/12 – Jeffery Hodge (Jacksonville)

10/13 – Carolyn Woolsey (Jacksonville)

10/14 – Garrett Sykes (Orlando)

10/14 – Steven Langston (Gainesville)

10/15 – Dustin Parrish (Gainesville)

10/15 – Wilson Mishoe Jr. (Jacksonville)

10/16 – Devon Chambers (Orlando)

10/16 – Justin Cameron (Gainesville)

10/17 – Peyton Beasley (Jacksonville)

10/18 – Dylan Crews (Gainesville)

10/18 – Timothy Rose II (Gainesville)

10/19 – Jamie Blankenship (Jacksonville)

10/19 – Shane Kennard (Gainesville)

10/19 – Gabriella Parrish (Jacksonville)

10/19 – Trenton Sweat (Jacksonville)

10/20 – Chad Cook (Jacksonville)

10/20 – Kenneth Murph (Jacksonville)

10/20 – Kevin Taylor (Jacksonville)

10/21 – Kenneth Pearce (Jacksonville)

10/22 – Hampton Wildes (Jacksonville)

10/22 – David Hicks (Jacksonville)

10/22 – David Fischer (Jacksonville)

10/22 – Seth Varhall (Jacksonville)

10/22 – Brad Rose (Orlando)

10/22 – Edwin Francisco (Orlando)

10/23 – Wanda Reaves (Jacksonville)

10/23 – Dennis Frangos (Jacksonville)

10/23 – Treyce Hersey (Gainesville)

10/24 – Trevor Putt (Gainesville)

10/24 – James Murphy (Jacksonville)

10/24 – Douglas Masters (Jacksonville)

10/24 – Austin Griffin (Jacksonville)

10/25 – Teddy Rebardo (Gainesville)

10/25 – Christopher Starr (Jacksonville)

10/26 – Halle Perez (Orlando)

10/26 – Haylee Graham (Jacksonville)

10/27 – Robert Wilson (Jacksonville)

10/28 – John Hale Jr. (Gainesville)

10/28 – Jessie Burrell (Jacksonville)

10/28 – Kyle Williams (Jacksonville)

10/28 – Justin Miller (Jacksonville)

10/29 – Steven Pinner (Gainesville)

10/29 – Jean Burmester (Jacksonville)

10/29 – Miranda Johnson (Jacksonville)

10/30 – Robert Odam (Jacksonville)

10/30 – Dustin Cornett (Jacksonville)

10/31 – Clinton Roach (Orlando)

Staff Shout - Out

Briana Scott

Briana Scott joins the W. W. Gay family as the Service Manager for Orlando and Tampa!

Briana brings over 20 years of experience in the industry and has been involved in many facets of the business including plan & spec, HVAC, controls, owner-direct contracting and design and selection of equipment. While she was originally hired to build the Tampa market, the opening arose in Orlando, and she jumped at the opportunity. From the beginning, Briana has been thoroughly impressed by the passion of our people and will quickly admit that she chose to work here because of our talented employees.

Welcome Briana, we’re so glad you’re here!

Bryan Rose

We are excited to introduce Bryan Rose as the new Facilities Coordinator!

Bryan will be maintaining the grounds of our brand-new, Jacksonville office building. After working as a truck driver for over ten years, Bryan is excited to be in an office environment, where he can connect with people each day. Bryan has a seven-year-old daughter who motivates him to be the best he can be. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his daughter, visiting nature trails, and beaches around Florida.

If you see Bryan’s smiling face, please introduce yourself. Welcome to the team Bryan! We are excited to have you as a part of the W. W. Gay family!

Chris Stalnaker

Congratulations to Chris Stalnaker on his promotion to Vice President of Central Florida Operations. Chris will now oversee the Gainesville, Orlando, Fort Meade, and Tampa markets.

Chris has been with the company since 1998. Starting out as a pre-apprentice in Gainesville, he continued his education through the Jacksonville Plumbers Pipefitters JATT where he graduated in 2003 as a Foreman. Shortly after, he was promoted to Project Superintendent where he worked on and oversaw projects of many different sizes and types including healthcare, industrial, higher education buildings, sports complexes, and more. He held that position from 2003-2012 before being promoted to Field Operations Manager where he managed all labor produced out of the Gainesville office.

After 8 years in that role, Chris was promoted in 2020 to Director of Operations where he oversees the operations, management, and development for the Gainesville office.

Chris’s focus is to add value to others and hopes to build the company into an even stronger foundation for generations to come.

Derrick Stoelton

Introducing Derrick Stoelton, our newest addition to the Gainesville team, taking on the role of Project Manager!

In his new role, Derrick oversees the preconstruction planning and construction activities for every project. His responsibilities include managing procurement, documentation, labor forecasting, and more, all geared toward ensuring timely and budget-conscious project delivery. Derrick is excited to be working for W. W. Gay, mentioning “When I first walked through the doors, I could tell the atmosphere was one that really takes care of its employees. It is laid back but structured, and that makes a difference.”

Derrick’s career began with a six-year tenure in the U.S. Navy. Following this, he embarked on a decade-long career in plumbing in San Diego, CA. Beginning as an apprentice, Derrick quickly ascended the ranks, ultimately achieving the role of Project Manager.

In 2016, Derrick returned to his Florida roots, balancing remote work with frequent travel to San Diego until 2021. His career then took a turn as he assumed the position of Project Manager for a General Contractor. Coming to us with extensive knowledge, Derrick eagerly joins the W. W. Gay family.

What truly resonates with Derrick about his role is the diversity, learning, and challenges it brings. He thrives in this dynamic environment and is enthusiastic about contributing to the team. Outside of work, Derrick loves spending time with his 5 children, hunting, and camping.

Welcome to the team Derrick!

Staff Shout - Out

Jamie Webb

We welcome Jamie Webb as he returns to Jacksonville.

Jamie Webb returns to Jacksonville as the new Vice President of Industrial. Jamie began his career with W. W. Gay in June 1992 as a truck driver and laborer. From there, he was promoted to a Field Officer office position where he worked on his first job at JEA Northside. After nearly 6 years in that position, Jamie moved into the office and became a Project Manager, working directly with Michael Scribbins. In addition to his Project Manager role, Jamie also assisted with ASME Quality Control, managing both positions for over two decades. In 2021, Jamie moved to the Gainesville office where he led their industrial team for two years. Jamie is thrilled to be back in Jacksonville and looks forward to leading the Industrial department.

Jeff Smith

Congratulations to Jeff Smith on his promotion to Superintendent of our Orlando office.

With a career spanning over thirty years, Jeff Smith’s journey began in 1987 as an apprentice steamfitter with Local 250 in Southern California. Over the years, he honed his skills, earning a third-year apprenticeship welding certification and eventually becoming a Journeyman. His move to San Francisco led him to join the Local 38 union, where he continued to excel for over twenty years.

In 2019, Jeff transitioned to Florida, joining Local 803. This move marked a significant shift, both geographically and professionally. During this time, he found his new home at W. W. Gay, stepping into the role of Superintendent. Jeff is currently working on the Integrated Capabilities Office Project at Cape Canaveral. His expertise and experience made him the ideal candidate for this complex and crucial project.

Throughout his career, Jeff attributes much of his success to the mentorship he received from his superiors. Dave Hebert and Tony Loimo instilled in Jeff the importance of asking questions and the idea that constant learning is the key to progression in any trade. Jeff’s father also played a pivotal role in shaping his work ethic. Punctuality, planning, and the importance of organization were instilled early on.

He hopes to pass on these skills as he now mentors the younger generation. Jeff approaches his leadership role very seriously as he wants to support his team in the best way possible by demonstrating these principles himself.

Beyond work, Jeff enjoys golfing and fishing. He loves being back in Florida, closer to his family. Jeff holds a deep appreciation for working at W. W. Gay, where he says, “Everyone is incredibly supportive and caring towards one another.”

John Combs

Congratulations to John Combs on his well-deserved promotion to the role of Fleet Manager. In this role, John is committed to ensuring the safety and compliance of all our fleet units on the road.

John’s journey with W. W. Gay began in 1979 when he was first introduced by his brother, who worked for the company and mentioned that Mr. Gay was hiring. Starting as a yard dog, John has remained a dedicated member of the Gay team ever since. He has contributed his skills to various roles, including warehouse and tool room positions. In 1986, John completed his degree at the University of North Florida, after which he took on the responsibility of managing the tool room.

Over the course of a decade, John excelled in his role as Facilities Manager. He now embraces this new opportunity with enthusiasm and takes pride in passing the torch to Robert Wilson. John has grown tremendously, both in his career and personally since being with the company. Mr. Gay’s work ethic and genuine care for the W. W. Gay community have deeply influenced John. John mentioned that “his impact went beyond that of a boss, leaving a lasting impression on those he worked with.”

John eagerly anticipates stepping out of his comfort zone to broaden his knowledge in the industry. Throughout his time at the company, he has forged invaluable friendships and is eager to see what the future holds.

Johnny Boehm

We welcome Johnny Boehm as he transitions to the office from the field as General Superintendent.

Johnny started his career in the field with Local 234 in 1980, following in his older brother’s footsteps. He began working for W. W. Gay as an apprentice in 1982 and transitioned to a foreman under the guidance of Richard Tyson, Newt Murray, and Terry Shepard. Johnny attributes much of his knowledge to them as they have mentored him along his journey to Superintendent. Johnny has been with W. W. Gay for a total of 41 years, exemplifying unwavering dedication.

Johnny mentions that when working in construction “there can’t be two sets of facts. If it’s right, it’s right and there is no room for error.”

In his current Superintendent role, Johnny oversees Mayo

Hospital’s vertical expansion. He loves passing on his knowledge to those new to the field. Johnny can’t see himself working for any other company.

Staff Shout - Out

Linda Cummings

We are thrilled to welcome Linda Cumming back to the Jacksonville office!

Linda previously worked as a Project Administrator for our Government and Healthcare Divisions before taking some time off to be with her children. She returns to us as the new Field Operations Administrator. Linda is honored to be working alongside John Russell and our Superintendents to ensure our men and women in the field have all the resources they need to do their jobs safely and successfully. Outside of work, Linda loves going on adventures and fishing with her husband and two children. She enjoys exploring all of Florida’s natural and pristine landscapes from the Keys to Steinhatchee and everywhere in between.

Welcome back to the team Linda!

Mark Bracken

Congratulations to Mark Bracken on his well-deserved promotion to the position of Sheet Metal Superintendent!

Mark’s career began in the apprenticeship program, which led him to devote fourteen years to Local Union 15. Recognizing his skills and dedication, John Songer promoted Mark to the role of Assistant Project Manager. When the opportunity for a Superintendent position arose, Mark stepped up with confidence.

In his current role as Sheet Metal Superintendent, Mark takes charge of setting up bids, coordinating schedules, and overseeing all sheet metal operations. His hands-on approach at the job site is a testament to his commitment and expertise. Mark thrives on navigating through challenges and conquering obstacles that arise during a project.

He has looked to John Songer as a mentor, admiring his ability to maintain composure in demanding situations, emphasizing, “It is important to remain calm because there are many things that could go wrong on site.”

Mark’s composed demeanor has not only served him well in his career but also positions him as a mentor to the younger generation, eager to pass on his skills to sustain the trade. What Mark cherishes most about being a part of W. W. Gay is the camaraderie within the company. He shares, “Everyone here is so accepting and welcoming.”

You are a wonderful asset to the team. Congratulations Mark!

Matthew Furlong

Congratulations to Matt Furlong on his promotion to Vice President of Preconstruction!

After joining the company in 2015 as an Assistant Project Manager, he quickly jumped to the position of Project Manager. There he gained experience in manufacturing, clean rooms, central energy plants, process piping, FDA life science facilities, and high-end office buildings. After 7 years of managing work in the commercial and light industrial markets, he continued to grow his leadership skills as the Vice President of Special Projects with responsibilities that included leading W.W. Gay’s Information Technology department, overseeing the construction of our new headquarters, as well as supporting the pursuit and management of special projects.

In his new role, Matt oversees preconstruction activity across the company. He is pleased to continue the family legacy in the company as his grandfather worked as a chiller mechanic for Mr. Gay decades ago.

Matt graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering as the Mechanical Engineering Student of the Year. He is also a proud member and past president of ASHRAE Jacksonville Chapter.

You are a wonderful asset to the team, congrats Matt!

Morgan McMillian

We are delighted to introduce Morgan McMillian as the new smiling face when you enter the building!

Morgan has joined the team as our new receptionist, alongside Haylee Graham. Morgan currently attends FSCJ with Haylee and learned about this opportunity through Haylee’s referral. Morgan loves her position because she gets to connect with our people every day and she already feels part of the W. W. Gay family. Outside of work, Morgan loves coaching softball and spending time with her friends.

Welcome Morgan, we are excited to have you!

Staff Shout - Out

Robert Wilson

We are delighted to introduce Robert Wilson as the newly appointed Facilities Manager for our Jacksonville office.

Robert’s journey with us began in 1999 when he started his career in the yard. He later transitioned to the tool room, working under the guidance of John Combs. After a period dedicated to his studies at the University of West Florida, Robert returned to the W. W. Gay family in 2011, where he continued to grow both personally and professionally.

Throughout his time at the company, Robert has looked up to John as a mentor and has absorbed valuable lessons in patience and leadership.

He now eagerly steps into John’s shoes as Facilities Manager. Embracing this new role, particularly within our brand-new Jacksonville office building, is a challenge that Robert is enthusiastic about undertaking.

Your promotion is a testament to your hard work and dedication. Congratulations Robert! We welcome Shane Davis as our newest asset, working in the tool room.

Shane Davis

After high school graduation, Shane became aware of the tool room opportunity through his older sister, Amanda Davis-Crider who currently manages the C & G warehouse. Shane expresses, “Choosing to join this team has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” He describes his new colleagues as some of the kindest people he has ever met, making him feel exceptionally welcome. Under the guidance of his mentors, Robert Wilson and Josh London, Shane has already learned so much. He eagerly anticipates each workday, knowing he’s playing a vital role in supporting those on the demanding job sites. Beyond work, Shane enjoys spending time with his friends and bass fishing.

Welcome to the W. W. Gay family Shane!

Shannon Jervis

We are pleased to welcome Shannon Jervis back to our team as a General Foreman Iron Worker.

Shannon has been a part of our team since 2009 and recently spent some time away from W.W. Gay. He is enthusiastic about rejoining W. W. Gay and overseeing the progress of our job sites. Shannon embarked on his career as an apprentice in 1997 and held various positions in his trade before assuming his current role as an ironworker. He thrives on the diversity of his work, finding constant challenges that drive his professional growth. He loves that his career allows him to travel across the state, exploring different cities in Florida. Shannon’s favorite part about working for W. W. Gay is that it is a big company with a small company feel. “I am always meeting new people and making instant connections,” says Shannon.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys golfing, boating, and doing anything outdoors.

Welcome back to the team Shannon!

Walt Traxler

Congratulations to Walt Traxler for being promoted to Vice President of Gainesville Operations.

Walt has been with W. W. Gay since 2002. He was hired as a Project Engineer at the Brain Institute Minors Office while attending college at the University of Florida, assisting on various projects at the UF Health Science Center Complex. He worked full-time while finishing his degree at the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management where he graduated in 2003. Shortly after graduation, Walt was promoted to Project Manager and worked on the UF Cancer Genetics Research Complex, a $23 Million Dollar HVAC Mechanical project, which was, at the time, the largest in Gainesville company history.

From 2003-2020 Walt has managed many types of projects with the Commercial team, including laboratory research, with the Commercial team, including laboratory research, animal care, site utilities, energy plants, and the majority in healthcare. After 17 years in that role, Walt was promoted to VP of Commercial Operations where he oversaw operations, management, and development of the Commercial Team, as well as the Estimating department.

Walt’s focus is on teaching and coaching the next generation and building on the solid foundation that was laid by the incredible field and office staff that came before him.

Safety Corner

FROM YOUR DIRECTOR OF SAFETY

Autumn comes with its own unique set of seasonal hazards. Cooler weather brings relief from the summer heat, but many regions of the country also experience an increase in severe weather like snow and ice, though our main weather events are thunderstorms and hurricanes. Shorter days can also increase the dangers for our employees who may be working or driving in the dark. With that in mind, now is a good time for us at W.W. Gay to reevaluate your safety practices and remind our workers to be vigilant about the hazards they may encounter during this season.

Prevent the flu. Fall marks the start of flu season, and flu shots will be especially important. We encourage all employees to get a flu shot at their local pharmacy or doctor’s office.

Practice ladder safety. Whether you are at the job site or hanging decorations in the office, or cleaning gutters at home, employees should be reminded of best practices for ladder use, including choosing the right ladder for the job and maintaining three points of contact at all times.

Prevent slips and falls. Keep walkways clear of leaves, which can become slick when it rains.

Make sure our company vehicles are ready for winter by replacing wiper blades, checking tire wear and air pressure and fluid levels, and restocking your emergency kit.

Our drivers need to be alert to autumn road hazards. Rain, fog, fallen leaves, and deer crossing are common hazards this time of year.

Make time for mental health. The holidays can be a difficult time for many people. We should be on the lookout for signs of mental illness and, if employees need support, point them to the appropriate resources.

Improve indoor air quality. Simple steps everyone can take include staying home if you are sick, following the company’s smoking policy locations, and notifying your supervisor if you suspect an indoor air quality issue.

Fire Prevention. With the Fall there is a high likelihood of fires. Candles, heaters, over-burdened electrical outlets, and sparks from outdoor equipment are among common causes of fires. No space heaters allowed. Inspect equipment such as chain saws and trimmers, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers. A small amount of effort now will ensure these are in good working order.

Be safe and take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy the festive time of the year. Reconnect with friends and family. Enjoy the Holiday Season. Don’t forget that Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 5th, so set your clocks back 1 hour. Remember the Safety Department is available to all employees. If you have any questions or safety-related concerns, please reach out.

Thank you for your help and stay safe,

Steve Ray Director of Safety

Jacksonville

Dreams Come True

Over the past few months, our Jacksonville office has united to support the Dreams Come True Foundation. This local Jacksonville organization brings hope and joy to every First Coast child battling a life-threatening illness by providing invaluable support to these brave children and their families. This foundation holds a special place in the hearts of our Jacksonville team. The past few weeks, we have successfully raised an impressive $5,300 towards fulfilling the cherished dream of a deserving child.

Our various fundraising efforts have included a bake sale, an ice cream sale, a chili cookoff, a raffle, and a company cookout. Members of our team also participated in the Dreams Come True 5k, 1-mile dash for Dreams and Dreamfest. It has been immensely heartwarming to see the W. W. Gay family come together in support of these courageous children and their families.

Gainesville

Control-ing the Fun

The Gainesville branch is excited to unveil their Controls Training Lab, featuring the Honeywell and KMC Control product ranges that the Gainesville office endorses. Over the past few months, the Gainesville team has diligently cycled various teams through the lab. They have taken advantage of the space by utilizing it as a teaching lab for our in-house technicians and as a platform to showcase our team’s capabilities to local engineers, contractors, and facility groups.

Orlando

It’s Time to Get Jazzy!

W. W. Gay Orlando spent the afternoon networking at ABC of Central Florida’s largest Construction Expo. Held annually, contractors decorate booths in the style of the annual theme. The Orlando team brought the Mardi Gras party to this exciting event and enjoyed meeting new vendors and potential clients. The familiar faces enjoyed receiving their W. W. Gay Mardi Gras beads as well!