ABC Alabama Honors First West Alabama FLIC Graduates

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama (ABC of Alabama) is celebrating a major milestone with the graduation of its first class from the West Alabama Future Leaders in Construction (FLIC) program. The announcement was made Friday as the organization continues to strengthen its mission of advancing workforce development and leadership training across the state.

The new program reflects ABC of Alabama’s commitment to nurturing up-and-coming talent in one of Alabama’s most crucial economic sectors. With construction responsible for more than 200,000 jobs and nearly 5% of statewide economic output, industry leaders say developing strong, innovative leadership is critical to sustaining growth.

“FLIC represents our commitment to investing in the next generation of industry leaders,” said Tim Harrison, ABC Board Chairman and President of Harrison Construction. “These graduates are the future of Alabama’s construction workforce, and programs like this ensure our industry continues to grow stronger, more innovative, and better prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow.”

Leadership Training With Industry Impact

FLIC is designed as an immersive leadership development experience, giving emerging professionals hands-on training, business development tools, and workplace communication skills needed to advance in roles like:

• Project management
• Field supervision
• Estimating and preconstruction
• Business operations and general management

Each participant gains mentorship exposure, conflict-resolution skills, and training on strategic thinking — a combination that provides value to both the individual and their employer.

“As the facilitator of Future Leaders in Construction, my goal is to equip emerging professionals with timeless leadership principles they can carry throughout their careers,” said Program Coordinator David Salters. “We’re building more than just skills—we’re building confidence, clarity, and connection to the future of our industry.”

Salters emphasized the long-term vision:
“FLIC is more than a class—it’s a launchpad for leadership that lasts,” he said. “Our goal is to cultivate leaders who not only excel in their companies but also elevate the construction industry as a whole.”

2025 West Alabama FLIC Graduating Class

• Max Holcombe — Harrison Construction Co., Inc.
• Sam Maughan — Harrison Construction Co., Inc.
• Ross Reed — Harrison Construction Co., Inc.
• Heather Mitchell — HPM
• Justin Burkhalter — Premier Service Company, Inc.
• Brodey Caldwell — Premier Service Company, Inc.
• Charlie Gibson — Premier Service Company, Inc.
• Cager Weeks — Premier Service Company, Inc.
• Travis Cunningham — Remmert & Company, Inc.
• Destyni Hall — Remmert & Company, Inc.
• Jared Crocker — Tusco, Inc.
• Tom Traylor — Tusco, Inc.
• Charles Cobb — University of Alabama
• Samantha Lockett — University of Alabama
• Russ Logan — WAR Construction, Inc.
• Slayton Thompson — WAR Construction, Inc.

Strengthening Today’s Workforce — Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

ABC of Alabama says this first graduating class demonstrates the state’s ongoing investment in leadership and talent retention within commercial construction — especially in fast-growing regions like West Alabama.

With FLIC planning continued expansion and future class offerings, program leaders hope graduates will go on to drive innovation, mentorship, and stronger project outcomes statewide.

Originally reported by Staff Report in yellow hammer news.