March 2024 Weigh-In

Williams Company’s 6th Annual Take Aim At Diabetes

Williams Company has been a steadfast advocate for the American Diabetes Association for more than 15 years, emphasizing our commitment to giving back to our community and supporting charitable causes. We have a genuine passion for assisting others.

This year marks our 6th consecutive year sponsoring a sporting clay shoot in aid of ADA’s Tour de Cure event. We enhanced our tradition of hosting well-coordinated and enjoyable events by introducing a new event in the Tampa market, led by our dedicated staff in the Tampa office.

Collectively, we saw an impressive turnout with over 280 participants firing over 14,000 shots, all aimed at combating diabetes. We successfully met our fundraising goal, generating over $200,000 through donations, sponsorships, raffles, and prizes. Williams Company takes immense pride in being recognized as the nation’s top donor to the American Diabetes Association this year, setting a new record for the State of Florida by surpassing all previous corporate and individual contributions. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, participants, and the dedicated Williams Company staff who volunteered their time to orchestrate this exceptional event.

Looking ahead, we’re already in the planning stages for next year’s event. Stay tuned for opportunities to join us in making a difference!

SDOC Island Village Elementary School Grand Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Williams Company was honored to be a part of the grand ribbon-cutting for the School District of Osceola County’s Island Village Elementary School. The festivities were complete with breakfast, and the musical talents of the Celebration High School Band, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of this very significant occasion.

In addition, our Project Manager, Freddy Torres, gave an amazing speech on how honored we are as a company to play a pivotal role in building vibrant educational environments that inspire learning and creativity and enhance our communities.

Island Village Elementary School is a Schenkel Shultz Architecture 2-story school prototype designed for 948 students and focuses on a modern learning environment with flexible and collaborative spaces. We are proud to say the school’s construction surpassed the high-performance air leakage requirement of 0.15 cfm/sq. ft of surface area and accomplished an impressive air leakage rate of only 0.04 cfm/sq. ft. of surface area! 

Want to learn more? Check out this video: https://youtu.be/AqRDWCYoCdQ

Williams Company Celebrates Women’s History Month with Mabel Sanchez

In celebration of Women’s History Month and the monumental impact women have made throughout history, we take a moment to acknowledge Mabel Sanchez’s contributions. For a remarkable 25 years, Mabel has been a pivotal figure at Falcon Construction Services, a key sector of Williams Company specializing in self-perform concrete.

Mabel’s tenure at Williams Company spans her entire career, during which she has found her role as a carpenter and finisher immensely fulfilling. She reflects, “Everything I have learned from day one has been rewarding. It is exhausting, heavy work considered only for men, but I like everything I have achieved and learned. I am not a woman who gives up!”

For an in-depth look into Mabel’s journey and insights, here is our exclusive interview with her:

How long have you worked for Falcon Construction Services?

I have been working with the company for almost 25 years.

¿Cuánto tiempo lleva trabajando para Falcon Construction Services?

Llevo casi twenty-five años trabajando en la empresa.


Can you share your journey into the construction industry and what inspired you to pursue this career path?

I have worked in the company my entire life. Everything I have learned from day one has been rewarding. It is exhausting, heavy work considered only for men, but I like everything I have achieved and learned. I am not a woman who gives up. I like the challenge, and construction has made me grow and trust that I can achieve and contribute more.

¿Puedes compartir tu trayectoria en la industria de la construcción y qué te inspiró a seguir esta carrera?

Llevo trabajando aquí en la empresa prácticamente toda mi vida, todo lo que he aprendido desde el primer día ha sido gratificante. Es un trabajo agotador, pesado, agotador y considerado sólo para hombres; pero me gusta todo lo que he logrado y aprendido. No soy una mujer que se rinde, me gustan los retos y la construcción me ha hecho crecer y confiar en que puedo lograr y aportar más de mí.


Could you highlight a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of in your construction career?

My first job was in 1999 at Williams Company in Vistana. This project was one of the most complicated, there were days when I was tired but at the end of each day, I was excited to see the progress and quality of our work. Every day that passed, I was excited to see the result, which was an achievement and a source of pride for me. This project was the one I was most proud of because it was my start in construction.

Podrías destacar un proyecto o logro del que estés particularmente orgulloso en tu carrera en la construcción?

Mi primer trabajo fue en 1999 y fue en la empresa Williams en Vistana. Este proyecto fue uno de los más complicados. Había días en los que estaba cansado, pero al final de cada día estaba emocionado de ver el progreso y la calidad del trabajo que estábamos haciendo. Cada día que pasaba solo esperaba ver el resultado final y eso es un logro y un orgullo para mí. Este proyecto fue del que me sentí más orgulloso porque fue mi inicio en la construcción.


As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, what message would you like to share with young women considering a career in construction?

Let them dare to challenge themselves. Do not be afraid; yes, it is a heavy job considered only for men, but here I am with more than 25 years of experience, and I do not regret working here; women can also dedicate themselves to construction. Always be safe and respect yourself.

Mientras celebramos la Semana de las Mujeres en la Construcción, ¿qué mensaje le gustaría compartir con las mujeres jóvenes que están considerando una carrera en la construcción?

Que se atrevan a desafiarse a sí mismos. No tengan miedo, si, es un trabajo pesado considerado solo para hombres pero aquí estoy con más de twenty-five años de trabajo y no me arrepiento de trabajar aquí, las mujeres también pueden dedicarse a la construcción. Esté siempre seguro y respétese.


What advice would you give to other women who are navigating their way through the construction industry?

Good luck to all of them, and may they not give up; we can show that there are also great women in construction. We have the same ability to create and carry out large projects, whether as a team or alone.

¿Qué consejo le darías a otras mujeres que se están abriendo camino en la industria de la construcción?

Mucha suerte a todas y que cada una de ellas no se rinda, podemos demostrar que también hay mujeres chingonas en la construcción. Tenemos la misma capacidad para crear y llevar a cabo grandes proyectos ya sea en equipo de trabajo o solos.

Meet our newest Senior Project Manager and Superintendents!

We are thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome to the newest members of our team who joined us in February of 2024, as they embark on an exciting journey with us! Please welcome: 

David Hotvedt, Senior Project Manager 
Dave brings 23 years of construction expertise with significant achievements in the Education, Multi-family and Senior Living markets throughout Central Florida. We are thrilled to have Dave join our talented staff as we continue expanding into new markets.

Brandon Rustin, Superintendent II
Joining us in Orlando, Brandon Rustin has an impressive 25 years of experience in the construction industry. His expertise spans a preconstruction background and, most notably, as a lead Superintendent. Brandon’s diverse project portfolio features significant contributions to educational, municipal, and healthcare sectors, underlining his comprehensive skill set and dedication to excellence.

Scott Richardson, Superintendent II
We are also delighted to welcome Scott Richardson, a seasoned Superintendent from Tampa with over two decades of experience. A Chicago native, Scott has distinguished himself as a Superintendent II specializing in healthcare facilities. His extensive background includes working on several college campus projects, which include ground-up, multi-level dormitories.

We look forward to working alongside our newest team members! 

SDOC Kindred K-8 School Groundbreaking Ceremony

Williams Company is excited to start a new school with our partners at the School District of Osceola County!

Last week we celebrated the groundbreaking of Kindred K-8, a visionary school designed to shine as a beacon of learning and sustainability. With its innovative 3-story design by Schenkel Shultz, this school will welcome 1,415 students into a high-performance educational environment and will support the community. Our commitment to sustainability is evident as we aim for an impressive Energy Utilization Index (EUI) of 25 or less and .20 cfm air infiltration per square foot of envelope. Here’s to building a brighter future together!

Also, check out this article from the Osceola News-Gazette: https://www.aroundosceola.com/news/osceola-district-breaks-ground-new-kindred-k-8-school-open-25

#Groundbreaking #KindredK8 #SustainableFuture #SDOCGoodtoGreat

Scott Palmer promoted to Superintendent II

We are thrilled to share the news of Scott Palmer’s promotion to the position of Superintendent II. This advancement is a testament to Scott’s outstanding commitment, high-performance client service, and valuable contributions to our team and the company’s overall success. 

Throughout the past year, Scott has been instrumental in the construction of three Target stores, including a new store at Grove Station in Miami, FL, and a Super Target Remodel in Naples, FL. He is working on Stonefield, a 227-unit apartment building in Charlottesville, VA. Please join us in congratulating Scott for his exemplary performance!

Meet our Newest Team Members!

We are thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome to the newest members of our team, as they embark on an exciting journey with us! Please welcome: 

Andrew Kennelly, Senior Project Manager 
With an impressive 20-year background in Project Management, Andrew brings a wealth of expertise, especially in the field of Education. His successful leadership in numerous projects spanning Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, and Brevard County Schools highlights his mastery in educational construction. 

Andy Burch, Project Manager II 
With a wealth of experience totaling 15 years in both the public and private sectors, Andrew has made significant contributions to K-12 and Higher Education projects. A graduate of Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University, he takes pride in his career journey and has played a key role in various projects across the Northeast. Andy will complement our standards of construction excellence!

Rob Hall, Systems Administrator
With 13 years in Construction Information Technology, Rob Hall is stepping into the Systems Administrator role at Williams Company. Simultaneously, he’s a candidate for a Juris Doctor in IP and Technology Law at UNH Franklin Perce School of Law. Rob’s tech-savvy expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements make him a valuable asset to our team.

Logan McGinnis, Field Engineer
After interning with Williams Company for the last two years, Logan McGinnis recently graduated with a degree in Construction Management from the University of Florida. He has now become a valuable Williams Company Tampa Team member as a Field Engineer!

Sean Murphy, Project Manager
A proud Tampa native, Sean has been immersed in the construction industry since 1994, earning his Structural Engineering degree from the University of South Florida. Sean brings valuable expertise in the Tampa area and is poised to deliver exceptional customer service to our healthcare and education market sectors.

Andy Yarber, Divisional Manager
Andy embarked on his construction industry journey in 1994, graduating from Michigan State with a degree in construction management. Starting as a Site Superintendent, he progressed through the ranks, serving as a Project Manager and later as a Senior Project Manager after three years. As our new Divisional Manager, Andy brings valuable expertise and is poised to deliver exceptional customer service to our industrial and hospitality market sectors.

We look forward to working alongside our newest team members! 

January 2024 Weigh-in

Home For The Holidays, Habitat For Humanity

Williams Company has recently completed their 4th consecutive new home for Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County’s “Home for the Holiday’s” building initiative. Our veteran team was able to build this new home for a well-deserving family in just 10 days, with having all the labor and materials donated by our amazing subcontractor team! The “Home for the Holidays,” build is a great event that brings our team together each year to create a positive impact on our community and create affordable housing for families that are a part of the Habitat for Humanity program. For over 100 years, Williams Company has embraced supporting local charities and we plan to continue giving back to our community for another 100 years!

A Flavorful Tradition: Williams Company’s Annual Christmas BBQ Recap

What a festive season 2023 has been! At Williams Company, the spirit of the holidays comes alive through our cherished Annual Christmas BBQ tradition, a legacy that began in the 1950s. This heartwarming event, initiated by Randall Williams, the son of our founder, JJ Williams, continues to be a highlight for our employee-owners.

Originally held at Randall’s home the Saturday before Christmas, the BBQ lunch is a feast of tradition, featuring spareribs, grilled chicken, sliced pork, and an array of delicious sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, and sautéed mushrooms. The secret to the mouthwatering BBQ sauce originated with Randall and has been passed down through generations, now held by the Williams Company employee-owners and family.

With the growth of our company, the tradition has evolved and involves days of preparation at the office, where food is smoked in our parking lot, and tents and chairs are set up for everyone to mingle. This year, we even introduced a bloody mary station for the early risers who kick off the festivities at 5 am! Before indulging in the delectable spread, the day is marked by recognizing outstanding achievements. Awards are presented for the projects of the year, employee of the year, and milestone tenures ranging from 5 to 35 years.

In 2023, we proudly honored two exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of excellence – Scott Palmer, Superintendent, and Colin Williams, Senior Project Manager. Scott’s expertise in commercial and industrial projects, particularly in freezer/cooler spaces and cold storage, sets a remarkable standard for us all. Colin’s dedication to perfection and outstanding customer service in the industrial and cold storage market makes him truly deserving of recognition.

The esteemed project of the year, Central Shopping Plaza in Miami, Florida, reflects our commitment to excellence. Williams Company played a pivotal role in the transformation of this significant shopping plaza, spanning 330,000 square feet and housing renowned tenants. The project included a new roof, interior and exterior façade revitalization, and a comprehensive makeover of the surface parking area—all executed with strategic planning to minimize disruption to current tenants.

Our Christmas BBQ also celebrated the dedication of our team members, with special recognition for 5, 10, 15, and 25-year tenures. These individuals, including Drew Broderick (5 years), Tyler Cichon (5 years), Lucas Denman (5 years), Mike Lukasik (5 years), Nick Mercurio (5 years), Mark Poorman (5 years),  Tony Rouse (5 years), Taylor Samsil (5 years), Chris Simac (5 years), Simon Stoddard (5 years),  and Kareem Wint (5 years). Roger Whitty (10 years), Hilda Goodwin (15 years), and Ralph Hefner (25 years), have been instrumental in our success.

As we reflect on the achievements of 2023, we eagerly anticipate more successes in 2024. The Christmas BBQ not only marks the end of a festive season but also serves as a reminder of the strong bonds and shared commitment that define the Williams Company family. Here’s to a flavorful tradition and a prosperous year ahead!

November 2023 Weigh-In

Tunnel To Towers Fundraiser, Tampa FL

Williams Company makes a difference, one step at a time! And that is exactly what we did by helping sponsor a fundraiser for the Tunnel To Towers Foundation. This year’s event was the “Tower Climb” which is an ascent of forty flights of stairs in support of our first responders and in remembrance of September 11th. Twenty-two dedicated individuals took the challenge to support this great organization and completed the climb. Another great example of Williams Company paying it forward and supporting our community. Founded in 2002, Tunnel To Towers Foundation was a tribute to New York Fire Department firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on September 11, 2001. Since then, the organization focuses on supporting wounded First Responders and Military Members as well as the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. To learn more about Tunnel To Towers, visit their website at https://t2t.org.