Introduction
Are you a construction professional, contractor, HR leader, or an emerging talent looking to advance your career in the industry? The topic of “rising stars of construction” is more relevant than ever in 2026, as the demand for skilled leaders and innovative thinkers continues to grow across the Ohio Valley. This article explores how the Dayton Business Journal’s 2026 Rising Stars of Construction list highlights the next generation of industry leaders, with a special focus on the role of ABC Ohio Valley’s merit shop pipeline in developing and recognizing top talent. You’ll discover what it takes to become a rising star, why merit shop construction is driving success, and how programs like apprenticeship, professional development, and networking are essential for building a skilled workforce and advancing careers in construction.
Key Takeaways
- On May 19, 2026, the Dayton Business Journal released its 2026 Rising Stars of Construction list, with four of the six honorees coming from ABC Ohio Valley member companies.
- The honorees reflect leadership across project management, engineering, business development, and executive roles.
- DBJ’s selection process rewards career growth, measurable impact, leadership, and community involvement.
- ABC Ohio Valley programs give contractors a practical way to build, train, mentor, and retain the next generation.
- Firms that act now will be better positioned for the 2027 rising stars cohort.
DBJ’s 2026 Rising Stars of Construction: A Breakthrough for Merit Shop Leaders
The “rising stars of construction” are at the forefront of industry innovation and leadership in 2026. The Dayton Business Journal released its 2026 rising stars of construction list on May 19, 2026, naming six emerging leaders shaping the construction industry across the Dayton-Cincinnati corridor and Northern Kentucky. Four of those six work for ABC Ohio Valley member companies—a striking concentration and a clear message to contractors, executives, HR leaders, and emerging professionals: the merit shop pipeline is producing recognized talent.
This is more than a feel-good headline. It is living proof that member firms are actively developing people who can lead projects, serve clients, manage risk, create trust, and deliver exceptional construction services in a competitive regional market.
Meet the 2026 Dayton Business Journal Rising Stars of Construction
The 2026 honorees are:
- Nathan Arndts, CEO, Willow Creek Developers and Builders.
- Austin Dicke, Special Projects Manager, Ferguson Construction – ABC Ohio Valley member.
- John Gray, Senior Construction Engineer, Bowser-Morner.
- Brooke Johnston, Senior Project Manager, Messer Construction – ABC Ohio Valley member.
- Rob Lupidi, Director of Business Development, Danis Construction – ABC Ohio Valley member.
- Zach Sherman, Project Manager, Bruns General Contracting – ABC Ohio Valley member.
This group represents the breadth of construction: general contractor leadership, construction engineering, business development, project management, and company growth. Their firms operate in the commercial, healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, industrial, and affordable housing sectors. They are not all on the same career path, but each shows what a rising star construction career can look like when talent meets opportunity.
ABC Ohio Valley will continue raising visibility for these rising stars through chapter communications, networking opportunities, LinkedIn updates, and future events where members can hear directly from recognized professionals.
How DBJ Selects a Rising Star: What It Really Takes
DBJ’s Rising Stars of Construction program is driven by nominations and editorial review. Honorees are selected through a competitive process evaluating career progression, notable achievements, measurable impact on the local construction industry, leadership qualities, and meaningful community involvement.
What separates a rising star from a solid performer?
For Company Leaders:
- Increased responsibility over time
- Contributions to significant regional projects
For Project Managers and Field Leaders:
- Measurable results such as safety gains, cost-effective solutions, on-time completion, time completion improvements, or innovation
- Proven leadership with a crew, project team, or client group
For Emerging Professionals:
- Professionalism, transparency, and service beyond the job site
In other words, DBJ is looking for people who exceed expectations, not just complete assigned work. The best nomination should include information, a quote from a client or mentor, project outcomes, and evidence that the nominee is committed to making a difference in the community.
Why So Many Rising Stars Come from ABC Ohio Valley Member Firms
The concentration of honorees among ABC Ohio Valley member companies is no accident. The merit shop philosophy emphasizes hiring based on skills and performance rather than union affiliation, promoting a competitive environment in the construction industry. Merit shop construction allows contractors to freely choose their workforce, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity on job sites. The merit shop approach encourages innovation and cost-effective solutions, as contractors are motivated to find the best methods and materials to complete projects successfully.
Merit shop firms reward performance, safety, high-quality workmanship, and advancement based on ability. That environment allows a high performer to move faster when they demonstrate planning skill, field credibility, and the power to lead people.
Ferguson Construction, Messer Construction, Danis Construction, and Bruns General Contracting are examples of firms serving clients with a standard built around delivering high-quality workmanship, job discipline, and measurable results. Whether a business is a large corporation, family-owned company, or LLC, the formula is the same: identify talent early, provide training, give responsibility, and keep the bar high.
That is the mission of ABC Ohio Valley’s chapter model. It gives members a framework to enhance productivity, strengthen safety, and build the future leadership bench before competitors do.
ABC Ohio Valley Programs Powering the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
Developing a skilled workforce and advancing careers in construction requires more than just on-the-job experience. Professional development opportunities in construction often include training programs, workshops, and certifications that help enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the industry. Apprenticeship programs in the construction sector are essential for developing a skilled workforce, providing hands-on training and education to new entrants in the industry. Networking is a critical component of professional development in the construction industry, allowing professionals to connect, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities. ABC Ohio Valley serves commercial contractors, subcontractors, specialty trades, suppliers, and industry professionals across its 22-county footprint. Its workforce system moves people from awareness to skills, credentials, leadership, and industry recognition.
Next Gen Leaders: Building a Peer Network of Rising Stars
Next Gen Leaders is ABC Ohio Valley’s professional development and networking program for construction professionals under 40. It gives emerging leaders access to peers, executives, site visits, business conversations, and leadership development.
For executives and HR leaders, this is a practical fit for employees who already show promise but need broader exposure. A project engineer, estimator, superintendent, or business development professional can gain confidence, relationships, and experience that later support a DBJ nomination.
Nine-Trade Apprenticeship: From Skilled Craft to Recognized Leader
ABC Ohio Valley’s nine-trade apprenticeship program includes training in carpentry, craft laborer, electrical, HVAC, pipefitting, plumbing, roofing, sheet metal, and sprinkler fitting. Classes are held at Diamond Oaks in Cincinnati and Sinclair Community College in Dayton.
The model combines paid work, classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and safety education. Apprentices earn credentials while working for member firms, creating a path from craft professional to foreman, superintendent, project manager, and executive leader.
TOOLS Program: Introducing Young People to Construction Careers
The TOOLS Program introduces students and young people to real construction careers through exposure, mentorship, and employer connection. The program has been recognized with a CURT Workforce Development Award, making it a proven model for early career engagement.
TOOLS matters because the region’s workforce need is real. Students need to see that construction is not a fallback; it is a career home with opportunity, income, technology, and leadership potential.
Ohio Valley Construction Education Foundation: Credentialing and Career Development
Through the Ohio Valley Construction Education Foundation, ABC Ohio Valley supports credentialing, continuing education, and career development. OVCEF creates a bridge between classroom learning and real project demands, helping ensure training stays relevant to what owners, executives, and field leaders need.
For rising stars, ongoing education is often the difference between technical competence and leadership readiness.
Why This Matters Now: Competing in an Expanding Regional Construction Industry Pipeline
The Ohio Valley construction pipeline is expanding through semiconductor investment, healthcare construction, manufacturing reshoring, and infrastructure spending. Owners want teams led by people with judgment, safety discipline, and the ability to coordinate complex projects.
That creates an economic advantage for firms that develop talent systematically. The gap between firms with a leadership plan and firms without one will show up in profitability, retention, quality, and reputation.
Recognition like DBJ’s 2026 Rising Stars of Construction is a signal to owners, recruits, and partners. It says: ” This company develops people who can lead.
How Contractors and Emerging Professionals Can Act Now
For Company Leaders
- Review your internal bench and ask: Who should be enrolled in apprenticeship or OVCEF courses?
- Identify employees who belong in Next Gen Leaders this year.
- Track results, community service, and leadership records to prepare strong nominations for 2027.
For Project Managers and Field Leaders
- Identify crew members with leadership potential.
- Document wins such as safety improvements, schedule gains, quality milestones, client feedback, and innovation on-site.
For Emerging Professionals
- Ask managers about training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Stay visible within your organization and the industry.
- Serve the industry and build a record that can be nominated.
Call to Action: Build Your 2027 Rising Stars Today
The 2027 rising stars are already on today’s projects and in today’s training rooms. Do not wait for the next nomination cycle.
To enroll apprentices or upskill craft professionals, contact Wendy Harris at wendy@ovabc.org or 937-521-1580. Join the Next Gen Leaders program through ABC Ohio Valley. Partner with the TOOLS Program. Work with ABC Ohio Valley and OVCEF to create a development plan for your top performers.
The future of the Ohio Valley construction industry is being written now by firms that train, mentor, and recognize people before the market forces them to catch up. That is the merit shop advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DBJ’s Rising Stars of Construction list?
Eligibility generally includes construction professionals in the greater Dayton-Cincinnati region and Northern Kentucky who demonstrate leadership impact in the early or mid stages of their careers.
Does a nominee need to work for an ABC Ohio Valley member company?
No. However, ABC Ohio Valley member firms are strongly represented because many actively develop talent through apprenticeship, leadership programs, safety education, and workforce partnerships.
How can my company prepare a strong 2027 nomination?
Start tracking measurable achievements now: project outcomes, safety performance, community involvement, client feedback, leadership roles, and examples of innovation.
What if my company has never worked with ABC Ohio Valley before?
Contact ABC Ohio Valley to discuss membership, apprenticeship registration, Next Gen Leaders, TOOLS partnerships, and the best first step for your team.
How do I get apprenticeship information?
Email Wendy Harris at wendy@ovabc.org or call 937-521-1580 for apprenticeship enrollment details.
