Gaylor Electric Sweeps National Awards, Sets New Industry Benchmark

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – March 23, 2026 – In a commanding display of industry leadership, Gaylor Electric has emerged from the national Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Convention with a remarkable collection of top-tier awards, affirming its comprehensive excellence in safety, project execution, and workforce development. The Indianapolis-based company's standout performance in Salt Lake City was highlighted by a historic individual honor, prestigious project awards, and an elite company-wide safety distinction, setting a formidable benchmark in the competitive electrical construction sector.

A New Standard in Safety Leadership

At the forefront of the accolades was a landmark moment for both the company and the industry. Jennifer Ferdinand-Stong, Gaylor Electric's corporate safety manager, was named the inaugural recipient of the ABC 2026 Health and Safety Professional of the Year award. This first-of-its-kind honor was created to recognize an individual who not only champions but fundamentally redefines safety culture. In a field where safety is paramount, Ferdinand-Stong’s selection as the first-ever winner underscores a deep, proactive commitment that goes far beyond mere compliance.

Thomas "Murph" Murphy, the 2026 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors, lauded her impact. "Jenny's daily actions center on total human health, exemplifying her resilience and unwavering commitment to safety," he stated. "She is fully present in the field, pairing prevention-focused hazard recognition with uncompromising ethics, stop-work empowerment for all and safety embedded in all planning."

This individual recognition was complemented by one of the association's most selective corporate honors: the National Health and Safety Pinnacle Award. Gaylor Electric was one of just 59 contractors nationwide to receive this distinction, which is reserved for companies demonstrating sustained, best-in-class safety performance. The award is tied to ABC's rigorous STEP (Safety Training and Evaluation Process) Safety Management System, a framework that helps companies measure and improve their safety programs. Achieving Pinnacle status signifies that a company operates at the highest levels—Diamond or Platinum—of the STEP system, a level of performance that makes participants up to 655% safer than the industry average.

This commitment to safety is particularly significant against the backdrop of the construction industry's inherent risks. With the sector accounting for approximately 20% of all U.S. occupational fatalities despite employing only 6% of the workforce, awards that recognize a proactive and deeply embedded safety culture are not just symbolic; they represent a tangible dedication to protecting lives and setting a new standard for what is possible.

Excellence in Execution: From Resorts to Runways

Gaylor Electric’s success extended from its safety protocols to the tangible results of its craftsmanship on complex, high-profile projects. The company secured two national Excellence in Construction (EIC) awards, a program that celebrates the most outstanding construction projects and the teams that build them.

The firm received the prestigious Eagle Award, the program’s highest honor, for its intricate electrical work on the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Winning an Eagle Award requires a project to be judged as truly exceptional across criteria including quality, safety, innovation, and complexity. Large-scale hospitality projects like this demand comprehensive and sophisticated electrical systems for power distribution, lighting, security, and specialized guest amenities, all while adhering to tight schedules and high aesthetic standards.

Further demonstrating its versatility, the company also earned a Pyramid Award for the HSV Concourse Renovation at Huntsville International Airport. Airport renovations present unique and formidable challenges, requiring contractors to perform complex electrical upgrades to power systems, gate operations, retail spaces, and advanced security networks, often while the facility remains fully operational. Securing a Pyramid Award in this environment speaks to a high level of logistical planning, technical expertise, and an unwavering focus on safety and minimal disruption.

These project awards validate the company’s technical capabilities and its ability to deliver quality on a national scale. For Gaylor Electric's leadership, however, the honors point back to a single source. "These recognitions reflect the caliber of our people," said Chuck Goodrich, CEO of Gaylor Electric. "When our employees succeed, our company succeeds."

Cultivating Craftsmanship from the Ground Up

Goodrich’s sentiment was vividly illustrated at the ABC National Craft Championships (NCC), an intense competition that showcases the talents of the nation’s top apprentices and craft professionals. Two Gaylor Electric employees distinguished themselves among their peers, providing a powerful testament to the company’s investment in its workforce.

Journeyman Alan Rich was part of a four-person team that won both the Gold Medal and a Safety Award in the demanding Team Commercial category. Simultaneously, apprentice Cooper Fowler secured the Bronze medal in the highly competitive Electrical: Commercial-Industrial competition. The NCC is a rigorous event, combining a comprehensive written exam with a six-hour, hands-on performance test designed to simulate real-world jobsite challenges, judging participants on safety, precision, and quality of workmanship.

These individual victories are more than just personal achievements; they are a direct reflection of a corporate culture that prioritizes training and skill development. In an industry facing a critical shortage of skilled labor, with retirements outpacing the entry of new talent, a demonstrated ability to cultivate and elevate craft professionals is a powerful competitive advantage. By fostering an environment where apprentices and journeymen can hone their skills to a national-championship level, Gaylor Electric is not only ensuring the quality of its own projects but also actively building the next generation of industry leaders.

This holistic approach—marrying elite corporate safety systems with award-winning project execution and a ground-up investment in individual craftsmanship—paints a picture of a company built for sustained success. As the electrical construction market, valued at over $450 billion, continues to expand and evolve with the demands of electrification, AI data centers, and renewable energy, companies that can master all facets of the business will be best positioned to lead the way. Gaylor Electric's sweeping success in Salt Lake City demonstrates it is not just participating in the industry's future, but actively defining it.