Kelvin Enfinger Jr. has launched a new podcast aimed at exploring the policy, workforce and economic factors shaping the construction industry in Northwest Florida.
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The podcast, titled Beyond the Build, is produced in partnership with Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida and Florida Construction News. The show features conversations with industry leaders, economic development officials and policymakers about trends affecting commercial construction projects in the region.
According to organizers, the podcast will examine issues such as legislative policies, workforce shortages and economic development strategies that influence project costs, timelines and feasibility.
Enfinger brings a unique industry perspective to the podcast after advancing from a trades position to a leadership role at Greenhut Construction. He also previously served as chair of Associated Builders and Contractors Florida, giving him close connections with both policymakers and industry stakeholders.
That background allows him to explore construction challenges from multiple angles, including workforce development, regulatory policy and business strategy.
The podcast aims to provide insight into how public policy decisions and economic conditions affect commercial construction activity throughout Northwest Florida.
Early episodes of Beyond the Build have featured discussions with several construction and economic development leaders.
In one episode, Carol Bowen discussed the organization’s legislative priorities for 2026, including proposed reforms to the statute of repose and efforts to streamline permitting processes for commercial construction projects.
Another episode included leaders from Associated Builders and Contractors discussing federal advocacy efforts and the role of the organization’s political action committee in supporting pro-construction policies.
A separate episode examined regional economic development trends with Jennifer Conoley, who highlighted workforce opportunities linked to the region’s strong military presence. According to Conoley, about 5,200 service members separate from military service annually in the region, and nearly half indicate they would remain locally if employment opportunities were available.
She also pointed to the $1.5 billion Triumph Gulf Coast economic development fund as a major driver of regional investment and infrastructure growth.
While contractors are the primary audience, the podcast is also designed to serve developers, investors and real estate professionals evaluating construction opportunities in Northwest Florida.
Topics covered on the show include workforce shortages, policy debates affecting federal construction projects and the broader economic conditions shaping development decisions.
For example, Enfinger has addressed issues such as project labor agreement debates on federally funded projects, visa policies affecting skilled labor availability and legislative initiatives aimed at addressing workforce shortages in the construction industry.
Workforce development remains a central theme throughout the podcast series. Industry leaders have increasingly highlighted labor shortages as one of the biggest challenges facing construction companies across the country.
Associated Builders and Contractors Florida operates one of the state’s largest private apprenticeship programs, helping train skilled trades workers entering the industry.
Meanwhile, Lively Technical College hosts classroom training programs that support the region’s construction workforce pipeline.
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These programs are designed to prepare workers for careers in fields such as electrical work, carpentry and heavy equipment operation.
Upcoming podcast episodes will continue to focus on legislative developments during Florida’s current legislative session before shifting to a series examining economic development and site selection.
Future discussions are expected to explore how companies choose construction locations, what infrastructure factors influence investment decisions and how workforce availability affects regional development.
Enfinger has also secured commitments from several federal lawmakers representing Northwest Florida to appear on future episodes.
By connecting industry leaders, policymakers and economic development professionals, the Beyond the Build podcast aims to provide deeper insight into the policy and economic forces shaping the construction industry across the region.
Originally reported by City Biz.
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