ABC Bestows Awards at 2023 Convention

Jared Foster, Senior General Superintendent at Gaylor Electric, Noblesville, Indiana, is the 2023 Craft Professional of the Year. The annual award is given to a construction craft professional who excels in their field, demonstrating a commitment to safety, workforce development and the merit shop philosophy.

"In his nomination, Jared was described as embodying and upholding ‘every value that is defined in the merit shop philosophy of ABC, proving time and time again that one truly dedicated and inspiring leader can help shape the future of the electrical trade,’” said 2023 National Chair of the ABC Board of Directors Milton Graugnard, executive vice president, Cajun Industries LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “On and off the jobsite, Jared is a construction industry leader, excelling in total human health, quality, innovation and attitude. With more than 17 years of experience in the construction industry, Jared exemplifies the best of the best among his colleagues, who are building their local community stronger through the electrical trade.”

In his current role at Gaylor, Foster ensures that every project is completed with the highest quality of craft work—on schedule and with safety as the highest priority. Senior general superintendents must possess leadership abilities in project controls, including safety compliance, schedule, materials management, labor projection and jobsite personnel mentorship. He also travels the Midwest to provide leadership to construction projects and leans into his ability to bring teams together.

During his career in construction, Foster has been recognized by colleagues, industry experts and clients nationwide for his ability to form genuine connections. Moving up the ranks from a helper, Foster is now a journey-level electrician, the highest-ranking field title in the industry, all while being under the age of 40. 

“I deeply believe in helping people reach their potential,” said Foster “This award means everything to me. It shows my daughters the why behind the work I do. This award represents the countless craft professionals who help mentor me. My hope is to inspire a new generation of craft professionals, who will take pride in working with their hands and building America.”

As Craft Professional of the Year, Foster received a $10,000 cash prize. Co-sponsors of Craft Professional of the Year are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for the construction industry, and Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft professional staffing resource. Foster will also be profiled in the June issue of Construction Executive magazine.

Craft Instructor

Gabriel Galvan, Construction Prep Academy Instructor, ABC Indiana/Kentucky Chapter, Indianapolis, is the 2023 Craft Instructor of the Year. The annual award is given to an instructor with an inspiring passion for their craft, creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to transfer knowledge through outstanding communications skills and forward-thinking teaching to future construction professionals.

"The countless hours that Gabe has poured into the next generation of craft professionals is truly inspiring and worthy of this recognition,” said Milton Graugnard. “It speaks volumes that his nominator said ‘Gabe Galvin is motivated to teach tradespeople because he enjoys inspiring others to be their best. He instills a strong foundation for apprentices that follows throughout their career.’ Congratulations to Gabe on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for your dedication to the craft, the merit shop construction industry and, most importantly, the students.”

With 20 years of experience in the industry, Galvan has taught as a carpentry apprentice instructor and a construction trades and HVAC instructor. He has also been a contractor owner/operator and a carpentry and masonry specialist for the Army National Guard in Indiana.

“Over the past 18 years, I have served in the Army National Guard. I have been honored to mentor soldiers not only for combat situations but also to guide them through personal and family struggles,” said Galvan. “I am always available and ready to answer any call, to listen to concerns from soldiers and to provide problem-solving solutions. I have spent years investing in the betterment of soldiers’ lives, and I bring that same dedication and leadership into the classroom. I have also worked with our local community in building partnerships where our construction programs build needed housing for people in the community.”

As Craft Instructor of the Year, Galvan received a $10,000 cash prize. Co-sponsors of Craft Instructor of the Year are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the training, assessment, certification and career development standard for the construction industry, and Tradesmen International. Galvan will also be profiled in the June issue of Construction Executive magazine.

Young Professional

Matt Terry, executive vice president for TDIndustries, Dallas, received ABC’s 2023 Young Professional of the Year Award. The award is given to an industry professional under the age of 40 who is employed by an ABC member company and is chosen based on leadership qualities, career achievement and vision for the future of commercial and industrial construction. Terry, 40, was selected based on his contributions and dedication to the industry and ABC.

“Young construction leaders like Matt ensure that the future is bright for the business community and industry,” said Milton Graugnard. “Based on great dedication to his community, company, colleagues and the ABC TEXO Chapter, it’s apparent that Matt places great importance on making the merit shop industry safer and more forward-thinking. It is also impressive that Matt is heavily involved with youth sports and his company’s work in Dallas-Fort Worth community with the United Way, veterans’ service organizations and local food banks.”

“Recruiting and developing new leaders within our industry is the biggest professional achievement in my career,” said Terry. “Over the past 15 years at TDIndustries, I’ve had the chance to lead many aspects of our construction business in north Texas. Many people have leaned on me for guidance. Now, I look around and see these leaders bettering the communities we work in. This brings meaning and purpose to my career. We have worked on some amazing projects, such as hospitals and entertainment venues, and these environments make our communities thrive. When I have a positive impact on other leaders, our customers and industry partners receive excellent work and value.”

Terry supports and works with the Construction Education Foundation, a local trade school in north Texas that heavily promotes the merit shop philosophy and a free enterprise workplace environment. TDIndustries has created its own training facility, TD Exchange, to increase the skills and achievements of its employee-owners. Additionally, Terry is actively engaged in advocacy efforts and promotes the ABC merit shop philosophy.

The award is sponsored by Autodesk Construction Cloud, which empowers teams to connect workflows across every stage of construction to reduce risk, maximize efficiency and increase profits. As Young Professional of the Year, Terry received a $10,000 cash prize and will be featured in the June issue of Construction Executive magazine.

The Young Professional of the Year Award is one of numerous ABC award programs that promote lifelong learning and achievement at every level of the construction industry. To learn more about ABC’s commitment to workforce development at workforce.abc.org.