Beyond the Build - Kelvin Enfinger

Kelvin Enfinger

Beyond the Build with Kelvin Enfinger takes you behind the scenes of the commercial construction industry. From workforce development and skilled trades to technical deep-dives, economic growth, and the politics that shape our industry, this show brings real conversations with the people who build our communities. Supported by Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida and Florida Construction News, this podcast connects industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals who are shaping the future of construction across our region. Whether you’re a contractor, student, policymaker, or industry partner, you’ll gain insights, stories, and perspective that go far beyond the build.

Episodes

  1. Episode #8 - Infrastructure, Industry & Opportunity w/ Congressman Jimmy Patronis

    3d ago

    Episode #8 - Infrastructure, Industry & Opportunity w/ Congressman Jimmy Patronis

    Congressman Jimmy Patronis discusses Northwest Florida, addressing workforce shortages, infrastructure investment, permitting reform, skilled trades, and economic development. He emphasizes the importance of federal support for transportation and infrastructure initiatives, the value of construction in Florida's economy, affordability of home ownership, workforce shortages, and the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry. Additionally, he highlights the role of small businesses in job creation, the impact of federal regulations on small businesses, and the economic growth in Northwest Florida driven by leadership and investments. Takeaways Economic GrowthInfrastructure InvestmentHome Ownership Construction's Impact in FL Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Congressman Jimmy Patronis07:31 Infrastructure Needs in Northwest Florida and Targeted Federal Funding14:20 Challenges of NIMBYism and the Importance of Home Ownership for Community Development21:35 Small Business Initiatives and Support for Economic Growth28:17 Impact of Federal Regulations on Small Businesses and Construction Projects34:48 Safety and Security in Northwest Florida and the Importance of Strong Leadership

    30 min
  2. Episode #7 - Building a High-Performance Team w/ Tyson Lamond

    Apr 22

    Episode #7 - Building a High-Performance Team w/ Tyson Lamond

    Tyson Lamond, COO of American Magic, shares insights on building high-performance teams, the journey to professional sailing, creating opportunities in Pensacola, the importance of team sports, the impact of American Magic on Pensacola, mentorship and leadership, decision-making in high-pressure situations, and the team sport philosophy. Takeaways Building high-performance teams requires understanding individual motivations and fostering a culture of accountability.Mentorship and leadership play a crucial role in developing the next generation of skilled workers and leaders within any industry. Chapters 00:00 Building High-Performance Teams06:27 Creating Opportunities in Pensacola23:20 Mentorship and Leadership41:39 Decision-Making in High-Pressure Situations

    41 min
  3. Episode #6 - Building Bay County's Economic Momentum w/ Becca Hardin

    Apr 1

    Episode #6 - Building Bay County's Economic Momentum w/ Becca Hardin

    The conversation with Becca Hardin, President of the Bay Economic Development Alliance, covers a wide range of topics related to economic development in Bay County. Becca shares her background in economic development and the challenges and successes of Bay County's economic outlook. She discusses the impact of Hurricane Michael, the rebuilding efforts, and the next phase of growth. The conversation also delves into the opportunities and challenges in the construction industry, workforce availability, and the impact of tariffs on the global economy. Takeaways Economic development is a crucial factor in shaping the future of communities and industries.The impact of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Michael, can lead to opportunities for growth and revitalization.Workforce availability and site readiness are key factors in attracting and retaining businesses in a community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Economic Development in Bay County05:57 Background in Economic Growth in Columbus, Georgia13:57 Aviation and Maritime Industry Growth in Bay County25:37 Challenges and Opportunities in Economic Development34:36 Impact of Tariffs on the Global Economy41:20 Future of Bay County and Economic Development

    44 min
  4. Episode #5 - The Future of Economic Development in Escambia County w/ Chris Platè

    Mar 3

    Episode #5 - The Future of Economic Development in Escambia County w/ Chris Platè

    In this episode, Kelvin Enfinger sits down with Chris Platé , CEO of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, for a forward-looking conversation about where our region is headed and what it will take to get there. From attracting new companies and closing transformative deals to tackling infrastructure priorities and addressing community perception, this episode dives deep into the real work behind economic growth in the Pensacola area. We also explore: Strategic infrastructure investmentsConvention space and tourism opportunitiesJob creation and long-term economic impactThe importance of accurate information in shaping public dialogueEconomic development doesn’t happen by accident but requires collaboration, vision, and intentional investment. This conversation offers valuable insight for contractors, design professionals, business leaders, and anyone invested in the future of Escambia County. Chapters ·         00:00 Introduction to Economic Development ·         09:00 Attracting Companies and Deals ·         15:17 Community Perception and Misinformation ·         25:15 Convention Space and Tourism ·         34:02 Upcoming Opportunities and Infrastructure

    35 min
  5. Episode #4 - Building the Future of Florida’s Great Northwest w/ Jennifer Conoley

    Feb 20

    Episode #4 - Building the Future of Florida’s Great Northwest w/ Jennifer Conoley

    In this episode of Beyond the Build, Kelvin Enfinger sits down with Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest, to discuss the strategy behind economic development in Northwest Florida. Jennifer shares how regional collaboration, site readiness, infrastructure investment, and workforce alignment are driving major industry recruitment across the Panhandle. From aerospace and defense to advanced manufacturing, we explore what it really takes to compete for high-impact projects, and why long-term vision matters more than ever. If you care about jobs, infrastructure, and keeping young talent in our region, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

    50 min
  6. Episode #3 - Inside ABC's National Advocacy Effort w/ Kristen Swearingen & Melanie Pfeiffenberger

    Feb 6

    Episode #3 - Inside ABC's National Advocacy Effort w/ Kristen Swearingen & Melanie Pfeiffenberger

    In this episode of Beyond the Build, Associated Builders & Contractors Kristen Swearingen, Vice President of Government Affairs, and Melanie Pfeiffenberger, Senior Director of Political Affairs, take us inside the advocacy work shaping the commercial construction industry. We discuss how ABC’s political programs - including the ABC PAC and the Free Enterprise Alliance - support merit shop policy for contractors across the country, where key issues like Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and merit-based visa reform stand today, and what contractors should be watching as we head into the 2026 election cycle. This conversation offers practical insight into how policy decisions in Washington and in the states directly impact contractors, workforce development, and the future of our industry.

    45 min
  7. Episode #2 - How Policy in Tallahassee Shapes Florida’s Construction Industry w/ Carol Bowen

    Jan 13

    Episode #2 - How Policy in Tallahassee Shapes Florida’s Construction Industry w/ Carol Bowen

    This podcast episode features a conversation with Carol Bowen, Chief Lobbyist of Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida. The episode provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the construction industry and the impact of political dynamics on legislative priorities. The conversation covers various legislative bills and industry challenges, including the statute of repose, commercial construction permitting, property tax reform, owner direct purchase, anti-development pressure, and the importance of advocacy at the legislative conference. Takeaways Lobbying and AdvocacyLegislative Planning and AdvocacyConstruction Industry Challenges

    59 min
  8. Episode #1 - From the Jobsite to Capitol Hill: Construction’s Real Challenges w/ Greg Sizemore

    12/30/2025

    Episode #1 - From the Jobsite to Capitol Hill: Construction’s Real Challenges w/ Greg Sizemore

    In this episode of Beyond the Build, host Kelvin Enfinger sits down with Greg Sizemore to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry today - the workforce shortage. But as Greg explains, this isn’t just a labor problem. It’s a cultural, educational, and policy issue that affects how young people view the trades and how decisions are made far from the jobsite. Greg shares insights from a national perspective on why the industry struggles to attract talent, how policy and perception impact workforce development, and what contractors, educators, and communities can do to change the narrative. From apprenticeships to advocacy, this episode goes beyond the headlines to unpack what it will take to build the next generation of skilled professionals.

    45 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Beyond the Build with Kelvin Enfinger takes you behind the scenes of the commercial construction industry. From workforce development and skilled trades to technical deep-dives, economic growth, and the politics that shape our industry, this show brings real conversations with the people who build our communities. Supported by Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida and Florida Construction News, this podcast connects industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals who are shaping the future of construction across our region. Whether you’re a contractor, student, policymaker, or industry partner, you’ll gain insights, stories, and perspective that go far beyond the build.

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