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This Year’s BX Craftsmanship Nominees Are…


The BX is proud to recognize the nominees for this year’s Craftsmanship Awards. A total of four individual craftsmen and 25 crews received a nomination for the 2026 awards. This annual program honors those who exhibit skill, expertise and artistry through their work, which exceeds industry standards.

The judging process is currently underway by a panel of industry professionals. Winners will be announced next month and awards presented at the BX Annual Meeting in November.

As you complete work in and around central Ohio, consider your craftsperson for one of the highest honors for the trades in the commercial construction industry. For more information about the awards, contact Pam Austin.


Thank You Sponsors

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The 2026 nominees are:

Individual Award

  • Shannon Baker (Elford, Inc.) for the installation of framing, drywall and ceilings at OhioHealth Women's Hospital; nominated by Blake Estep (Elford, Inc.)
  • Bryan Temple (Environmental Management, Inc.) for the installation of landscape and hardscape on the terrace of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; nominated by Annabelle Weisgerber (Environmental Management, Inc.)
  • Travis Evans (Geiger Brothers, Inc.) for the installation of emergency switchboard and ATS equipment at Huntington Business Center; nominated by Mike Nespor (Geiger Brothers, Inc.)
  • John Adams (Superior) for the replacement and upgrade of the main switchgear and generator at the State of Ohio DAS; nominated by Brooke Hilty (Superior)

Crew Award

  • Brock Baker, Mike Baumberger, Kyler Medley and Ethan Walter (Acoustic Ceiling & Partition of Ohio) for the installation of rotunda and specialty wood ceiling at Thomas Worthington High School; nominated by Kayleigh Buchbinder (Acoustic Ceiling & Partition of Ohio)
  • Mark Frump, Dylan Gaskill and Trevor McCoy (Acoustic Ceiling & Partition of Ohio) for the installation of specialty framing, baffles, glass fiber reinforced gypsum & reflectors at Lancaster High School; nominated by Kayleigh Buchbinder (Acoustic Ceiling & Partition of Ohio)
  • Mike Anderson and Zach Petrie (Adena Corp.) for the elevated Walkway & Stair Tower at 20 S. Third St.; nominated by Mitchell Zahn (Adena Corp.)
  • Tim DiPietro, Dan Hamilton, John Meyer, Mike Remy and Scott Smallwood (Anderson Aluminum Corp.) for the renovation of an existing building, including the complete removal of the existing curtain wall and installation of a brand-new curtain wall system at JPMC Easton Office; nominated by Taylor Anderson (Anderson Aluminum Corp.)
  • Chuck Boring, Logan Boring and Matthew Brettrager (Berglund Construction) for the historic restoration and modern brick additions at Whitehall City Hall; nominated by Justin Meek (Berglund Construction)
  • Nicholas Barret, Kyle Fletcher, Chad Mullennex and Christian Wolford (Claypool Electric, Inc.) for the complete restoration and installation of lighting fixtures at OSU Bricker Hall Department of Economics Relocation; nominated by Brian Henderson (Robertson Construction Services, LLC)
  • Sam Austrino, Marvin Bailey, Zack Benton, John Dotts and Donny Holloway (Converse Electric) for the complex integration of electrical systems and power distribution at Warabeya North American, Inc.; nominated by Laura Cameron (Converse Electric)
  • Ashton Crowder, Laird Cunningham, Raymond Frazier, Trevor Meade and Doren Patton (Elford, Inc.) for the installation of a cupola at Fire Station 36; nominated by Mark Duncan (Elford, Inc.)
  • Santos Diaz Gomez, Leobardo Garcia, Ivan Martinez, Lexi Szukala and Hector Ventura (Environmental Management, Inc.) for the installation of landscape and hardscape at the Preston Park Elevated Walkway; nominated by Annabelle Weisgerber (Environmental Management, Inc.)
  • Jae Cutter, Matt Seebach, Myron Seebach, Angel Valdivia and Shane Whitt (Fairfield Insulation & Drywall, LLC) for the installation of framing, drywall and ceilings for the theatre room at Prototype: The Experimental Museum; nominated by Chase Beckmann (Spectrum Builders)
  • Matt Antanasio, Chris Clucus, Marc Dickerson, Mike Jones and Brenden Kelley (John W. Danforth Company) for the installation of piping, ductwork and air handling units at OSU East Hospital; nominated by Alex Grant (John W. Danforth Company)
  • Imar Dunlap, Ian Law, Crystal Lowery, Derek Malone and Mike Malone (Messer Construction Co.) for the uninterrupted hospital maintenance and infection control management at the OhioHealth Critical Facilities Systems Infrastructure; nominated by Lance Schneider (Messer Construction Co.)
  • Jaret Christiansen, Steve Mendera, Bryce Payne, Cole Stevens and Bill Switalski (Mid-City Electric / Technologies) for the installation of lighting, fire alarm systems, electrical gear, site lighting, rooftop mechanical equipment connections, and underground infrastructure at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Canal Winchester Branch; nominated by Emily Predmore (Mid-City Electric / Technologies)
  • Anthony Cook, Chris Fooce, Mike Granger, Colton Hiles and Phill Price (Mid-City Electric / Technologies) for the electrical improvements and upgrades to the power distribution systems at Circle K Project Buckeye; nominated by Emily Predmore (Mid-City Electric / Technologies)
  • Evan Callahan, Christian Hardin, David Medley, Jr., Dave Taylor and Matt Vanarsdale (Mid-City Electric / Technologies) for the electrical panel replacement and electrical lighting upgrades at the Rhoads State Office Tower; nominated by Emily Predmore (Mid-City Electric / Technologies)
  • Rick Collins, Phil Harris, Heath Hooper, Hunter Hooper and Noah Lucas (Midstate Contractors, Inc.) for the restoration of a historic grain mill at O.P. Chaney Grain Elevator; nominated by Doug Hooper (Midstate Contractors, Inc.)
  • Dawson Andrews, Stephan T. Pazur and Steve Walczak (MIELKE Mechanical, Inc.) for the fabrication, layout and installation of process plumbing systems at The Ohio State University Multi-Species Animal Learning Center; nominated by Paul Bryan (MIELKE Mechanical, Inc.)
  • Mario Feria Hernandez, Steve Keene, Oscar Palma, Connor Reames and Denver Wren (Pepper Construction Company of Ohio, LLC) for the Installation of wood structures located in the North America Trek at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; nominated by Kelly Zemcik (Pepper Construction Company of Ohio, LLC)
  • Aaron Decker, Don Graber, Jr., Jeremy Hollar, Dylan McQueen and JJ Thompson (Pierce Construction, Inc.) for the installation of custom fabricated wood wall panels at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; nominated by Oliver Pierce (Pierce Construction, Inc.)
  • Charley Blakely, Connor Gessner, Rylion Johnson, Carl Shapaka and Kent Sparks (Settle-Muter Electric, Ltd.) for the coordination and installation of the theatrical lighting, fire alarm and custom lighting systems at Gahanna Lincoln High School; nominated by Ryan Clouse (Settle-Muter Electric, Ltd.)
  • Tyler Copper, Jeremy Hall, Kevin Hanson, Phil Ludwig and Calib McPeck (Speer Mechanical) for the installation of piping and cooling towers at the Huntington Cooling Tower Project; nominated by Mike Roberts (Speer Mechanical)
  • Vince Borean, Chris Endicott, Josh Kirk, Troy Miller and Colton Thompson (Speer Mechanical) for the chiller replacement at Nationwide Plaza 3; nominated by Mike Roberts (Speer Mechanical)
  • Aaron Easterday, Don Elswick and Ron Elswick (Superior) for the replacement and upgrade of the main switchgear, redundant power sources, and upgrading all generator control systems at the State of Ohio Computer Center; nominated by Brooke Hilty (Superior)
  • Luke Ford, Calvin Hatem and Shawn "Scooter" McDaniel (Superior) for the replacement of the electrical distribution infrastructure at The Ohioan; nominated by Brooke Hilty (Superior)
  • Kyle Brubaker, Jeffrey Holmes, Kevin Jahn and Charles Thomas (Valley Interior Systems, Inc.) for the fabrication, layout and installation of soffit and structural framing at Gahanna Lincoln High School; nominated by Kelly Croslin (Valley Interior Systems, Inc.)

Meet Our Leadership Program Participants

 

Greg Dennis (Adena Corp.) headshot Greg Dennis
Project Manager
Years in the Industry: 7
Adena Corp. 

RLI  |

Braydon Hoskinson (Lang Masonry & Restoration Contractors) headshot Braydon Hoskinson
Estimator
Years in the Industry: 3
Lang Masonry &
Restoration Contractors
 

RLI  |

Josh Yigitbasi (Claypool Electric, Inc.) headshotJosh Yigitbasi
Warehouse Manager
Years in the Industry: 8
Claypool Electric, Inc.
 

RLI  |

 

 


  • The Rising Leaders Institute (RLI) has become one of the most sought-after professional development programs in our community. Developed in partnership with The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, this is the 20th year for the program, with a class of 30 future industry leaders.

    For more information about the Rising Leaders Institute, contact Kelly Stover.

BX Membership Directory: More Important Than Ever!

With all the new projects and contractors entering the central Ohio construction market, it’s more important than ever to promote your company's name and image. One of the best ways to do this is the BX Membership Directory, which is both online and in print.  Deadline to return your Company Information Form is July 31. 

If you have questions, can’t find your Company Information Form or need more information about how to increase your company’s visibility, contact Sanda Elkins


Don’t let your company get lost in the list. 
Make sure it stands out with a Blue Box Ad!

BX Directory Category Image


 Directory Advertising Opportunities     |       Category Checklist

Roll Back in Time While Growing Your Network

Expand your network in a fun, relaxed setting! Join BX Young Professionals (and the young at heart) for an exciting 80s-themed night at the bowling alley! 

Throw on your jelly bracelets, leg warmers and retro gear as you connect, socialize and enjoy the throwback vibes. Whether you’re a pro on the lanes or just in it for fun, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Registration includes bowling, two (2) drink tickets and hearty appetizers. For more information about this event or to become a sponsor, contact Kelly Stover.



BXYP May Event: 
Bowl-A-Rama (80s Edition)

May 28 | 4 – 6 PM
Sequoia Pro Bowl
5501 Sandalwood Blvd. (43229)

REGISTER NOW

$55 BX members |  $65 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log in to receive the member rate.

 

THANK YOU!

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SILVER SPONSOR

 

BXYP Sponsorship Opportunities

 

Who Supports Your Support Team?

 

Safety and HR professionals balance compliance, culture and employee care while often managing multiple responsibilities with limited resources. They are frequently misunderstood, leading to isolation despite their essential roles.   

This BX Blueprints for Well-being session explores the shared challenges these professionals face, especially when working independently, and how internal perceptions and external pressures influence their effectiveness as leaders. Discussion topics include:

  • How perception and culture can create barriers to effectiveness and support 
  • Ways Safety and HR can better collaborate and reinforce one another 
  • Strategies for building connection, relatability and trust across teams 
  • Practical approaches to self-care, peer support and sustainable leadership

Join us for this important conversation as we focus on strengthening the people behind the policies and work toward building a culture that thrives.

For more information about this workshop or the BX Blueprints for Well-being Council, contact Ashton Chapman.



BX Blueprints for Well-being Council Q3 Mtg.
Help the Helper - Safety & HR Support
July 9 | 8 – 9:30 AM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$39 BX members |  $59 Non-members
When registering online, log in to receive the member rate.

MEET THE PRESENTER:

Samantha (Sam) Frost  HealthSource Solutions, LLC headshot

Samantha (Sam) Frost
(HealthSource Solutions, LLC)

BX Foundation awards record $230,000 in Scholarships!

 

The BX is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s scholarship awards! A record-breaking $230,000 in scholarships will be awarded to 75 high school seniors and college students pursuing careers in construction-related fields—helping support and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

Recipients were selected by the BX Scholarship Trustees and were evaluated on criteria that include academic achievement, financial need and their potential future impact on the central Ohio construction community.

The Builders Exchange tradition of investing in the education of future industry leaders was started in 1959 with the presentation of the first BX scholarship. Today, the BX continues to provide financial assistance and has granted more than $2.1 million in scholarship awards.

BX Foundation logoFor more information about the BX Scholarship Program, contact Pam Austin. To establish a named fund scholarship in honor of your company or family, contact Executive Director Mary Tebeau.

 


The 2026 Recipients are...

High School Seniors:

  • John Calfee – Thomas Worthington High School
    The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering) 
  • Matthew Dwyer – London High School 
    University of Dayton (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Maxim Edsall – Dublin Scioto High School
    The Ohio State University (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Adrian Moehl – Westfall High School
    The Ohio State University (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Abigail Mulford – Licking Valley High School
    Kent State University (Architecture) 
    Tyler Ludwig Leadership Award 
  • Edward Smooth-Bangura – Metro Early College High School
    North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Construction Management)
  • Jesus Ventura – Tolles Career & Technical Center
    Columbus State Community College (Construction Management) 
    Setterlin Building Company Scholarship 
  • Oliver Yetman – Whetstone High School
    The Ohio State University (Business Economics/Organizational Leadership)
  • Austin Ziringer – Tolles Career and Technical Center
    Columbus State Community College (Civil Engineering) 
    Richard T. Lombardi Award by Turner Construction Co.


Two-Year College Students:

  • Maggie Cundiff – Columbus State Community College (Construction Trades Electrician) 
    Lincoln Construction Scholarship for Central Ohio Students 
  • Seth Hoop – Columbus State Community College (Construction Management)
    Lincoln Construction Scholarship for Central Ohio Students 
  • Allysa John – Cincinnati State Technical College (Civil Engineer/Construction Management) 
    Wanner Family Scholarship 


Four-Year College Students:

  • Noah Adam – Miami University (Electro - Mechanical Engineering Technology)
    James F. Dew Scholarship
  • Maria Alvarez – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering)
  • Joe Amato – University of Cincinnati (Construction Management)
  • Lane Baker – Ohio University (Civil Engineering)
    cHc Manufacturing Scholarship
  • Arianna Bennardo – Kent State University (Construction Management)
    Thomas C. Fitzpatrick Award for Community Service and Leadership
  • Ethan Benner – The University of Akron (Civil Engineering)
    Roger Allen Carper, Sr. Scholarship
  • James Brickner – The Ohio State University (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Mason Brown – Eastern Kentucky University (Occupational Safety)
  • Grace Burke – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering)
    Gerald L. Daily Scholarship for Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University
  • Brooke Byerly – University of Cincinnati (Civil Engineering)
    O’Shaughnessy Women in Construction Scholarship
  • Giovanni Carlo – Bowling Green State University (Construction Management)
    SME - William L. Muter Scholarship
  • Tyler Collura – Ohio Northern University (Construction Management)
  • Cy Conrad – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management)
    Liberty Scholarship
  • Maggie Daiber – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management)
  • Kaleb Duarte – The Ohio State University (Architecture)
    Construction Leadership Circle Scholarship
  • Aiden Finley – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering) 
    Peter E. Korda Scholarship 
  • Grace Flippin – Ohio Northern University (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Willem Frank – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management) 
    Mock Family Scholarship
  • Madelyn French – Eastern Kentucky University (Occupational Safety)
  • Jerome Goodloe, Jr. – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering)
    Igel Anniversary Scholarship
  • Mallory Goubeaux – The Ohio State University (Architecture)
  • William Grant – University of Cincinnati (Construction Management)
  • Ashley Harper – University of Cincinnati (Architectural Engineering)
  • Ellie Hitchcock – Bowling Green State University (Architecture)
  • Hannah Houck – University of Cincinnati (Architectural Engineering)
  • Jacob Hudepohl – University of Cincinnati (Civil Engineering)
  • Lannie Hunt – Columbus College of Art and Design (Interior Architecture and Design)
    James F. Dew Scholarship
  • Simiya Johnson-Hunter – University of Cincinnati (Construction Management)
    Samone Melson Scholarship
  • Isabelle Laser – University of Cincinnati (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Manh Le – Youngstown State University (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Sabrina Li – The Ohio State University (Architecture)
  • Colin Machcinski – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management)
  • Kael Margraf – Ohio Northern University (Civil Engineering)
    Columbus Coal & Lime Scholarship
  • Jakob Markwood – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management)
  • Kaden Maxwell – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management)
    Tarullo Family Scholarship
  • Domenic Melaragno – The Ohio State University (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Dustyn Miller – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management)
  • Abdul Samad Mohammed – The Ohio State University (Construction Management) 
    Pruneau Family Scholarship
  • Roberto Morgan – Ohio University (Civil Engineering/Construction Management)
    Donald W. and David M. Righter Scholarship for Civil Engineering and Construction Management
  • Cannon Moser – The University of Toledo (Civil Engineering)
  • Dawson Mullins – University of Cincinnati (Architectural Engineering)
  • Ximena Nunez – Bowling Green State University (Architecture & Environmental Sciences)
  • Charles Oakleaf – Ohio Northern University (Mechanical Engineering)
    Samuel A. Shuman Scholarship for Mechanical Engineering and Construction Management
  • Davis Ober – University of Cincinnati (Architectural Engineering)
  • Alba Ordonez – Miami University (Electrical Engineering)
    Mid-City Electric / Technologies Scholarship 
  • Zada Ortlieb – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering)
    Cathy Blackford Scholarship
  • Lilian Osborne – Kent State University (Construction Management)
  • Catherine Pierce – University of Cincinnati (Architecture)
  • Nick Puhl – University of Cincinnati (Civil Engineering) 
    Ralph "Andy" W. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
  • Jessica Reece – Bowling Green State University (Interior Design)
  • Jakub Romig – The University of Dayton (Electrical Engineering)
    Mid-City Electric / Technologies Scholarship 
  • Grant Ruffing – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management) 
    Ben W. Kramer Scholarship
  • Braden Sapp – The University of Akron (Civil Engineering and Surveying)
  • Owen Schnipke – University of Cincinnati (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Camille Seikel – The Ohio State University (Architecture)
  • Zackary Smock – University of Cincinnati (Construction Management)
  • Jack Suttle – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering)
  • Caden Wengerd – Ohio University (Project Management)     
  • Stuart White – University of North Dakota (Civil Engineering) 
    Miller Family Scholarship
  • Sontino Williams II – University of Cincinnati (Construction Management)
  • Aydin Withem – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering) 
    Igel Anniversary Scholarship
  • Matthew Yeager – Ohio Northern University (Civil Engineering)
  • Kyle Ziringer – The Ohio State University (Construction Systems Management)

Meet Our Leadership Program Participants

 

Gina Bell (Superior) headshot Gina Bell
Project Manager
Years in the Industry: 5
Superior

RLI  |

Corey Laird (Metropolitan Holdings LLC) headshot Corey Laird
Senior Project Manager
Years in the Industry: 15
Metropolitan Holdings LLC

RLI  |

Mitchell Keadle (Continental Building Co.) headshotMitchell Keadle
Project Manager
Years in the Industry: 9
Continental Building Co.

RLI  |

 

 


  • The Rising Leaders Institute (RLI) has become one of the most sought-after professional development programs in our community. Developed in partnership with The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, this is the 20th year for the program, with a class of 30 future industry leaders.

    For more information about the Rising Leaders Institute, contact Kelly Stover.

BX Accepting Applications for Next Executive Leadership Program

 


This fall, the Builders Exchange will again offer high-level professional development through the BX Executive Leadership Experience (BXLX). Applications for the Class of 2027 are currently being accepted, and the limited number of seats are filling fast.

Monthly class sessions begin Sept. 15 and continue through May 2027. Featuring nationally recognized experts in construction leadership and business development, BXLX topics include:

  • Leading Yourself While Leading Others
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Developing Your Next Generation of Leaders
  • The Value of an Inclusive Culture in Today’s Workplace 
  • Executive Communication for Results & Relationships
  • Leadership Essentials and Applications
  • …and more!

With last week’s graduation of the Class of 2026, nearly 350 industry leaders have participated, including company presidents, vice presidents, operations managers, project executives and project managers.

The remaining seats in the next class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your spot now to ensure your leader is ready for the first session this fall.

For more information on this construction-specific leadership program or to reserve a seat, contact Deb Murphy.

Cybersecurity, AI & IT Strategy in Construction

 

As the construction industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, IT leaders are under growing pressure to drive innovation while maintaining security, scalability and operational efficiency. To explore these challenges, we’re bringing together industry professionals for an interactive, roundtable-style discussion.

During the session, participants will examine critical topics shaping construction firms today, including:

  • Whether priorities such as cybersecurity, cloud adoption, AI integration, compliance and innovation are realistically aligned with the day-to-day demands of construction operations 
  • How strategies and challenges vary among organizations with different sizes, structures and levels of IT maturity 
  • Which solutions are delivering results in real-world environments, and where firms continue to face obstacles

More than just a conversation, this session is an opportunity to exchange practical insights with peers tackling similar issues across the industry. Whether you oversee IT strategy for a growing company or manage complex technology systems within an established firm, you’ll leave with valuable perspectives and ideas to share with your team.

Join us for a collaborative conversation that goes beyond theory and focuses on what’s actually working in the field today.

For more information about the BX Tech Group, contact Kelly Stover or Deb Murphy.

 

BX Tech Group Meeting: 
Aligning IT Strategy in Construction
June 2  |  3 - 5 PM
Superior
535 Reach Blvd., Suite 400 (43215)

REGISTER NOW

Free for BX members | Not available to non-members
When registering online, be sure to log in to access this members-only program.

   

Detecting Fraud in Construction

 

Fraud within the construction industry often goes unnoticed, emerging through overstated costs, questionable billing practices and hidden financial arrangements. Designed for financial and legal professionals serving construction clients, this session provides deeper insight into how fraudulent activity occurs and the methods used to detect it.

Attendees will explore common fraud schemes, identify key red flags and gain an understanding of how forensic accounting and legal strategy intersect when fraud is suspected or investigated.

For more information about this presentation or the BX Law & Finance Group, contact Kelly Stover.



BX Law & Finance Group Presents:
Fraud in Construction 
 What's Hidden Beneath the Numbers
June 12  |  8:30 – 10 AM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

Free for BX members | Not available to non-members
When registering online, be sure to log in to access this members-only program.

MEET THE PRESENTER:

Mallory Ashbrook (GBQ Partners LLC) headshot
Mallory Ashbrook
(GBQ Partners LLC)

June SCGC Meeting Reminder

June Safety Council of Greater Columbus Meeting Reminder