Forty members of Alabama’s construction community are being recognized by the Alabama Associated General Contractors as AGC’s 40 Under 40 for 2023. The group will be honored at an event Sept. 28 at Birmingham’s Back Forty Beer Company.
Here’s a look at this year’s honorees:
Joseph Antinarella, 39
Starting his career at Ammons & Blackmon Construction LLC in 2006 as a skilled laborer, Joseph Antinarella has learned all aspects of civil road construction, working his way up to his current role of supervisor. Along the way, he has worked on road and utility crews, before running crews on industrial sites. During an unscheduled break in the field due to a shoulder injury and surgery, Antinarella took the initiative to get his OSHA 30, allowing him to work on industrial sites as a safety supervisor. Currently, he is handling the day-to-day operations of a road widening project in Baldwin County. A graduate of Fairhope High School, Antinarella and his family currently live on the Eastern Shore, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, fishing and hunting.
Eric Baker, 37
A senior project manager with Rabren General Contractors, Eric Baker brings experience working on projects overseas to the projects he is now heading out of the company’s Birmingham office. Currently, Baker is leading The Helmsman student housing complex in Savannah, Georgia, as well as a build-out project in downtown Birmingham. He provides consistent support to the field teams. He also exhibits patience when dealing with interns and co-op students, allowing them to learn on the job and from their mistakes. “There are many people in our industry who do a great job delivering results, but in my opinion, there are few that can also develop the next generation of construction workers, and Eric Baker does a great job making this a priority in his professional career,” said Jacob Drescher of Rabren.
Carlton “CJ” Barker, 34
CJ Barker entered the fire protection industry after graduating from high school in 2008. He joined S&S Sprinkler in 2017 as foreman and now is a sprinkler service superintendent. During his career, he has actively sought more knowledge through a number of certifications, including the NICET Level III certification in inspection and testing of water-based systems from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. He shares his knowledge with others through being an NCCER Apprenticeship Program instructor and encouraging co-workers to pursue certifications. Currently, he oversees, directs and develops the S&S service team in various environments including chemical plants, refineries, paper mills, manufacturing facilities and more. Barker is a husband and father.
Sarah-Ashley Boling, 35
A graduate of Auburn University where she received the Auburn Women of Distinction Award, Sarah-Ashley Boling is project manager for Crucible Construction. During her career, she has managed several marquee high-rise projects including working on higher education, research facilities, commercial, multi-family and medical projects. She also is detail-oriented, working with clients, subcontractors, vendors and her team to bring projects to fruition. Off the jobsite, Boling is active in organizations, such as Associated General Contractors, the Construction Leadership Committee’s steering committee and the Auburn Industry Advisory Council.
Preston Bray, 30
Preston Bray has worked in construction for 10 years, with the last seven at Wiregrass Construction Co. During his time with Wiregrass, he has held multiple positions including estimator and project manager, where he bid and oversaw heavy civil Alabama Department of Transportation projects and commercial work. For the last two years, Bray has managed the aggregates side of the company as aggregates area manager, especially after the company acquired Goodhope Contracting. In this role, he has overseen aggregate facilities at Drummond, Blount Springs, Battleground and Ashville quarries. Bray has a civil engineering degree from Auburn University. When not on the job, Bray and his family are active in their church, and he is a supporter of multiple FOCUS Missionaries through the fellowship of Catholic University students.
Thomas Cochran, 29
Thomas Cochran is business development manager of Threaded Fasteners. He began his career with Threaded Fasteners fresh out of high school and has expanded his responsibilities through a series of promotions to his current position with the company. During this time, he earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of South Alabama. A strategic thinker, Cochran has spearheaded innovative business initiatives and identified new growth opportunities for the company. He also seeks out professional development opportunities, attending workshops and conferences to stay up to date on the latest developments. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and the occasional round of golf.
Will Crosby, 29
An Auburn University graduate, Will Crosby joined Corporate Office Properties Trust as a project manager in 2021 and now serves as senior project manager. In his current role, he is responsible for overseeing design and construction at Redstone Gateway, a 468-acre master planned, mixed-use project in Huntsville. He also has managed projects for Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Davidson Technologies and the Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to his role with COPT, he worked with BL Harbert in markets across the Southeast. “His best asset is the way he motivates people,” said Kerry Wilkerson, of COPT. Crosby also holds several certifications including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management certification and the Construction Infection Control Training Institute certification.
Devin Donnell, 38
Devin Donnell has been working for Wiregrass Construction Co. for almost 16 years, beginning his career as a co-op student before coming to work full time in 2009. Starting as an assistant to the construction operations manager, Donnell has been promoted several times to his current position as superintendent, working out of the Southeast Alabama area. As a superintendent, he has managed highway, airport, commercial and sitework projects. He also specializes in asphalt work. When not at the jobsite, he enjoys spending time with his family.
Brandon Donoghue, 28
Brandon Donoghue has been with C&H Construction Services LLC since graduating from Spring Hill College six years ago. As vice president of operations at C&H, he manages and assists daily in the operations on all sides of the company’s portfolio. He works with traffic control and guardrail managers daily, guiding them from pre-construction to final execution of the project. He also acts as the lead estimator for the company, providing pricing to customers. Donoghue is also an active member of the community, working with the Work Zone Safety Committee in Mobile, the Associated General Contractors and the Construction Leadership Committee’s steering committee. When not working, he is a coach on the McGill-Toolen baseball staff.
Alexandra Dubose, 33
In her role as marketing coordinator for Express Employment Development, Alexandra “Allie” Dubose matches qualified candidates with the right role to fill various positions in the construction sector. Highly engaged about her work, she actively participates in industry events, seminars and workshops and keeps up with the latest trends. She also is a problem solver, developing innovative marketing strategies to leverage the company’s reach. Dubose also is active in the community.
Kevin Edmondson, 36
Kevin Edmondson is a project engineer and assistant branch manager for the Huntsville branch of Building and Earth Sciences. Since joining Building and Earth in 2015, he has worked his way up from a field professional, logging soil samples and managing small testing projects. A professional engineer with more than 13 years of experience, Edmondson regularly manages large-scale materials testing and inspection projects and prepares geotechnical engineering proposals, evaluations and recommendations for the Huntsville and Nashville branches. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Edmondson also is active in several construction organizations, as well as serving as a youth basketball coach.
Drew Ellis, 31
Drew Ellis began his career with Caddell Construction in 2014 as an assistant project engineer. Since then, he has continued to develop his skills to his current role of project manager. He has worked on several complex projects, including the renovation of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa and several government-oriented projects. He currently is leading a crew of 18 in San Antonio, where they are building a training dormitory, dining facility, central energy plant and more at Lackland Air Force Base. However, his leadership doesn’t stop at the jobsite. He has encouraged his staff in San Antonio to give back to the community by volunteering at the local food bank. Ellis also has mentored upcoming construction students at the local university.
Wilford “Junnie” Ellis, 36
Junnie Ellis currently is project manager at McInnis Construction LLC. He got his start at McInnis when he was still earning his building science degree from Auburn University as part of a co-op program. Once he graduated, he started full-time with McInnis, but left the company in 2014 only to return four years later. As a project manager, Ellis often juggles multiple projects and manages all aspects of project scheduling, resource management, subcontractors, cost tracking and more. He has successfully managed many projects, but two unique projects are the State Road 158 roadway extension overpass over a tributary of EB Seabury creek in Mobile for the Alabama Department of Transportation and a bridge replacement on Dunlap Drive over Pinto Pass in Mobile, also for ALDOT. When not on a jobsite, Ellis has created a mentor program for developing future project managers.
David Esfeller, 38
David Esfeller is the manager of Esfeller Construction Co. Inc., a role he serves with humor, happiness and humbleness. A hard-working individual, Esfeller has worked in the family business since a very young age. He enjoys operating all types of equipment and is even a certified crane operator. He also manages jobs in the field, as well as estimating projects. He also oversees the C & D Landfill. A husband and father of four, he shares his passion for the construction industry with his children.
Josh Garrett, 25
Garrett Contracting President Josh Garrett started the company in 2019, specializing in site preparation for new construction. He has grown the company from zero employees to more than 15 workers and is expected to hit $3.5 million in contracts this year. His work ethic, integrity and dedication are key attributes to his job, and his youth allows him to work seemingly endless hours. JJ Humphrey, an employee, says of Garrett, “Almost every employee that works for Garrett claims that Josh is the best boss they’ve ever had.”
Casey Gedgoudas, 38
Casey Gedgoudas is vice president and chief financial officer for Dunn Building Co. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he earned an accounting degree, Gedgoudas entered the workforce in the private sector before joining Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore PC and earning his CPA license. In 2017, he joined Dunn Companies, where he implemented accounting systems and software. In 2018, he moved over to Dunn Building Co. as assistant controller, then was promoted to controller. During his tenure with Dunn Building, he has implemented more new systems and procedures that not only make the accounting and project management staffs more efficient, but also ensure trade partners get paid earlier. He was promoted to CFO, where he is focused on the finance and profitability of the company’s various operating units. Gedgoudas also is active in Construction Financial Management Association.
Daniel Haas, 29
A graduate of the University of Alabama, Daniel Haas is project manager of Rogers & Willard Inc. Prior to joining Rogers & Willard, Haas worked for more than four years as a project manager for BLOX, a modular building manufacturer. Since joining Rogers & Willard, Haas leads multiple project teams, overseeing timely buyout, submittal management, project budgeting, schedule monitoring and overall project delivery. He also is very active in the Mobile chapter of AGC. Outside of work, Haas enjoys hunting, fishing, playing golf, cooking and time spent with family and friends.
Austin Halfmann, 28
A site superintendent with Hurst Construction LLC, Austin Halfmann got his start with the company as a carpenter, working his way up the ranks with more responsibility in each year on the job. With a residential construction background, Halfmann learned to put the customer first. In his current role, he coordinates subcontractors on site, material arrival, enforces safety protocols and keeps communication flowing between the company and the project owners. When not on the job, he and his wife are active in raising their three children. Halfmann currently volunteers as a coach for his children’s youth football league and will be league president in next year’s season.
Thomas Haring, 29
Thomas Haring has worked in construction engineering since 2014, while still earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Many of those years have been spent in various positions at Hargrove Engineers + Constructors, where today he is onsite project controls specialist. He also holds a master’s degree in construction engineering management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. No matter where Haring works, he has found ways to improve processes — from creating cost control and reporting tools at Hargrove to implementing an earned value management system at VT Halter Marine. When not on the jobsite, Haring has led Boy Scout Troops and became an Eagle Scout in 2009. He has helped collect donations and clean up areas after hurricanes and tornados and assisted the elderly doing routine household maintenance.
Jacob Johnston, 25
Jacob Johnston is safety director and project manager at Martin & Cobey. Since taking over the safety program, he has improved communication between the office and field personnel and ensured that all employees, no matter their job position, have earned OSHA 30-hour certification. He also manages the owned equipment fleet and makes sure that repairs and maintenance are carried out when needed with minimal impact on the jobsite. “In two short years at Martin & Cobey, Jacob has already left his mark on the company,” said Brian Nelson of Martin & Cobey. “His positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to help with any part of the construction process are a shining example to everyone in the company.”
Matt Kirkland, 35
With experience in the Birmingham civil market, Matt Kirkland brings an understanding of underground utility cost, management and installation to his current role as project manager with T.E. Stevens Co. Inc. He joined T.E. Stevens in 2022, and in that short time he has played a key role in solving problems and overcoming obstacles in the installation of underground utilities. He currently manages approximately 25% of the company’s projects. “His positive attitude and determination to provide clients with the best finished product has helped us grow existing business relationships, as well as build new ones,” said William Drennen, of T.E. Stevens Co.
Jeff Krogsgard, 39
As vice president and controller for Brasfield & Gorrie, Jeff Krogsgard oversees the company’s corporate accounting department. His responsibilities, which include financial reporting, budget and forecasting, audit and payroll, are also expected to increase as his role with the company expands. Before joining Brasfield, Krogsgard worked as an auditor with Ernst & Young for 11 years, including working with private and public clients. A member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of CPAs, he also continuously seeks improvement, currently serving as president of the Alabama chapter of Construction Financial Management Association and the University of Alabama Accounting Advisory Board. He and his wife have three children, and he serves on the junior boards of Sight Savers America and Sozo Children.
Clay Kyzar, 34
Clay Kyzar began his career with BL Harbert International as an intern while in college, where he earned experience in estimating, scheduling and project management. Since coming on board as an employee, he has managed more than $428 million in construction projects, including Auburn University Montgomery’s Wellness Center and ServisFirst headquarters in Homewood. Most recently, he has helped the company procure 10 contracts of more than $800 million at Tyndall Air Force Base, including a five-story lodging facility and a WEG subscale drone facility. Due to his success, Kyzar recently was promoted to operations manager. Kyzar is also a husband and father of two daughters.
Blake Lamont, 29
Blake Lamont is the financial controller for John G. Walton Construction Co. Inc. In this role, he oversees all financial aspects of the company and the day-to-day financial operations. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Lamont worked in public accounting for five years before moving into his current position. A native of Mobile, Lamont and his wife have two children. In his spare time, Lamont enjoys boating, fishing and coaching CYO boys basketball.
Chase Malone, 29
Chase Malone is an account representative for Davison Fuels & Oil LLC, which serves construction firms with their fuel and lubricant needs. A graduate of the University of South Alabama, Malone works with companies ranging from construction and trucking to agriculture and industrial applications, serving Alabama and the areas along the Gulf Coast. An 8-year employee of Davison, Malone has been active in Associated General Contractors, attending meetings, golf tournaments and conventions. He also is a member of the Alabama Trucking Association and the Transportation and Logistics Club.
David Marsh, 40
David Marsh moved back to Birmingham from Asheville, North Carolina, six years ago to open the Birmingham office of ECS Southeast LLP, where he serves as branch manager and vice president. Since then, he has built one the company’s fastest growing engineering consulting firms, recruiting and retaining talent to better serve the company’s clients and the community. A graduate of North Carolina State where he earned his master’s degree in geotechnical engineering, Marsh is a dedicated team builder, helping his employees realize and attain their career goals while solving complicated engineering, development and construction problems. He and his wife, Sara, have three children.
Lauren Marsh, 37
Lauren Marsh is president and co-founder of Ridgeline Construction, a roofing and exterior contractor she co-owns with her husband, Terry Marsh. Since it was founded in North Alabama in 2012, the company has grown to four locations in Alabama and Florida. In addition to being a licensed Alabama general contractor, Marsh is also a licensed Alabama homebuilder with NASCLA certification. She was recently recognized with the Executive Leadership award from the Athens Limestone Chamber of Commerce for her leadership in the community. She is a member of a number of construction associations, as well as Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. She also is a mother of four children.
Drew McKibben, 35
Drew McKibben is an Auburn University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in building science. He currently is project manager at McCord Contract Floors Inc. Jake McCord, of McCord Contract Floors, says, “Drew is able to bring an understanding of the overall construction process far beyond that of most others in the flooring sector.”
Jacob Odom, 33
A graduate of the University of Montevallo, Jacob Odom joined Doster Construction Co. in 2017 and has recently been promoted to project director in the company’s health care division. He currently is overseeing a $30 million expansion and a four-story new patient tower for Cullman Regional Medical Center. In his role as project manager, he oversees multiple project teams, reviewing submittals, projecting project cashflow, monitoring the schedule and project delivery, among other tasks. He also acts as a mentor to other project management staff, while actively growing the company’s health care division by pursing new opportunities and clients for Doster.
Chad Patterson, 39
A collaborator by nature, Chad Patterson began his career with Brasfield & Gorrie when he was still in college, completing three co-op sessions and working during the summers. Upon graduating from the University of Alabama with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Patterson was offered an assistant project manager position. Now, 16 years later, he is an operations manager and has overseen more than 36 projects totaling more than $700 million in value. One of the things he likes best about his new role in operations is mentoring younger employees, especially those who are on the road with the company, as he has traveled extensively overseeing projects for Brasfield. Patterson and his wife have four children, and he spends his free time coaching youth sports teams.
Andrew Peter, 35
Attention to detail, organization and communication are skills that have made Andrew Peter stand out among Ben M. Radcliff Contractor Inc. employees. Currently a project manager with Radcliff, Peter has managed some of the company’s notable projects, including the Spring Hill Fire Station, Gulf Shores Elementary STEM Lab and UMS-Wright’s new dining hall. A graduate of Southern Miss with a bachelor’s in construction management, Peter is currently managing a 41,000-square-foot Mack Truck Service Center and a 15,000-square-foot classroom building at Gulf Shores Elementary School.
Joshua Price, 32
Joshua Price is an assistant vice president of surety at Turner Insurance & Bonding, assisting in managing the firm’s surety operations. A graduate of Troy University, he began his career at Travelers Insurance Co., where he spent six years training in construction surety before transitioning to Turner in 2021. Price is active in a number of organizations including currently serving as president of the Alabama Surety Association, an associate board member of the Montgomery Chapter of the AGC and a member of the NASBP’s 5-15 Committee. Outside the office, he is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling.
Rivers Price, 38
Rivers Price started his career with Brasfield & Gorrie as an assistant project manager, but he quickly established himself as an asset to the company. After a brief stint in preconstruction, he was elevated to project manager and then promoted in 2021 to senior project manager. He has managed more than a dozen projects totaling almost $450 million in value. As a leader, he encourages relationships and collaboration on the jobsites. Price has two bachelor’s degrees — a marketing degree from Auburn University and a civil engineering degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also was selected to participate in the Project Corporate Leadership program, an organization that works on service projects in Birmingham. He also has completed the OSHA 30-hour course. Price has been active in the community, including as a founding member of the junior board for the Birmingham Chapter of Start the Adventure in Reading, and with United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society and March of Dimes.
Devin Roberson, 33
Devin Roberson began his career at United Rentals in 2013 after graduating from Auburn University. He began his career with the company in Dothan before moving to the Mobile location in 2016 as territory manager. His success in growing business year over year enabled him to be promoted to key account manager in 2022. Roberson has participated in several community service projects, as well as in events sponsored by Associated General Contractors and Construction Leadership Committee. He and his wife, Brandi, have two children and are active in their church.
Mason Rollins, 28
An attorney for Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Mason Rollins works with construction clients across the firm’s many locations. Among some of his most recent work accomplishments has been drafting contracts to help clients protect their rights and interests, recording liens to secure collateral for contractors that have gone unpaid, and assisting clients with tight deadlines to file complaints or address project issues. In addition to his work with contractors, he has been active in attending AGC meetings, as well as writing articles for AGC BuildSouth and speaking at construction conferences.
Tyler Schnell, 34
Tyler Schnell started with Doster Construction Co. in 2015 as an assistant project manager. A graduate of Auburn University, Schnell is now a senior project manager, working on several high profile and complex projects. In his role as a senior project manager, he mentors assistant project managers and project engineers. He also develops relationships with clients and has been instrumental in securing repeat business, growing Doster’s multi-family division. Schnell also is involved in the community and a committed husband and father.
Tyler Smith, 32
Tyler Smith’s positive energy flows throughout the jobsite, helping to shape his relationships with superintendents, subcontractors, owners and employees. As project manager for Whaley Construction Co. Inc., he has developed even more experience on a wide variety of projects including educational, industrial, commercial and manufacturing construction. With more than 10 years of experience, he successfully manages multi-million-dollar projects and is well versed in contract negotiations, project estimating, budget management, safety and more. Outside of work, he is active in the community and enjoys spending time with his family.
W. Andrew Smith, 38
Following his graduation from Auburn University with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Andrew Smith went to work with MidSouth Paving. Since then, he has gained 16 years of experience managing an extensive number of paving projects in the Wiregrass area. As a project manager, he handles special projects like the current project he is on — phase three of the Ross Circle widening project, where he is managing both the day-to-day activities and the long-term strategic planning of the $42 million endeavor. When not on the jobsite, Smith lends his expertise as a member of the Wiregrass area American Society of Civil Engineers.
Samuel Southard, 35
Samuel Southard began his career as a superintendent at Rolin Construction in 2013. Over the course of his 10-year tenure, the company has experienced significant growth, with Southard playing a key role in driving the company’s success. He has been assigned as the lead superintendent on a number of multi-million projects, showcasing his dedication and skill set. “Sammy’s reputation precedes him, as project owners and subcontractors often specifically request his involvement on buildings, which is a testament to the value he brings to both the company and its projects,” said Stephanie Rolin, president of Rolin Construction.
Jamison Taylor, 36
Jamison Taylor joined Caddell Construction in 2010, fresh out of Auburn University. Starting as an assistant project manager, Taylor has showed his work ethic, most often working abroad with local project teams where he shares his knowledge through training to improve their skillsets. He currently is a senior project manager, handling two international projects — the $168 million U.S. Embassy project in Nairobi, Kenya, which is in its final stages, and the new U.S. Embassy project in Juba, South Sudan, which has a contract value of more than $500 million. His attention to detail is critical on the jobsite. “He thoroughly understands all the requirements and complexities of working abroad and leading international teams,” said Rodney Ceasar, senior vice president, international, of Caddell.
This list originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of Business Alabama magazine.
