Dear Readers –
As summer begins to wind down, many of us are wondering where the time went. The long days, vacations and family activities will soon give way to new school schedules, busier calendars, and the familiar push to finish the year strong.
Of course, the end of summer does not necessarily mean the end of summer weather. August and September can bring everything from extreme heat and heavy rain to tropical storms and hurricanes. For those of us in construction, uncertainty is part of the job. Weather conditions can disrupt schedules, affect productivity, and create new safety concerns with little warning. While we cannot control the forecast, we can prepare our teams, communicate clearly and remain flexible when conditions change.
That same ability to prepare and adapt is essential when addressing one of our industry’s most pressing challenges: building and maintaining a skilled workforce – which is the focus of this month’s issue of The Contractor’s Compass.
The tools, technologies and expectations shaping construction continue to evolve. At the same time, experienced workers are retiring, companies are competing for qualified employees and the next generation is considering what our industry has to offer. Hiring good people is only part of the solution. We must also invest in the people already on our teams by providing opportunities for training, professional development and advancement.
Upskilling strengthens our companies from within. It helps employees work more safely and efficiently, prepares future supervisors and leaders, and demonstrates that construction offers more than a job—it offers a long-term career. Whether through apprenticeships, certifications, mentoring, technology training or leadership development, every investment we make in our employees helps build a stronger and more resilient industry.
Workforce development, as well as other relevant topics, will be an important part of the conversations taking place at our upcoming convention, SUBExcel, September 29 through October 1 in Bonita Springs, Florida. This annual gathering is an opportunity to step away from the demands of our daily schedules and focus on the broader issues affecting our businesses and our industry.
In addition to educational sessions and professional development, the convention provides something equally valuable: the chance to connect with other subcontractors, suppliers and industry leaders who understand the challenges you face. Some of the best ideas come not only from formal presentations, but also from conversations between sessions, over dinner or during a chance meeting with someone who has faced—and solved—a similar problem.
I encourage you to join us in Bonita Springs. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from colleagues from across the country. Whether you are looking for new approaches to workforce development, ways to strengthen your company or simply an opportunity to reconnect with industry friends, the convention offers tremendous value.
As we move through the final weeks of summer, let us remain attentive to changing conditions, committed to the safety of our teams and focused on preparing our workforce for the future. I look forward to seeing many of you in Florida.
In partnership and progress,
Tony Vermaas
President, 2026-27
American Subcontractors Association
