Breakfast Keynote

  • Greg Sizemore is the vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development for ABC. Greg is a leader in the construction industry and business community on safety, total human health and workforce development. Prior to joining ABC in 2015, Sizemore worked at Zachry Industrial, where he played an integral role in the formation of Zachry’s competency-based safety, professional and craft workforce development programs. Greg also developed several new initiatives, including a craft university that targeted the construction industry’s critical crafts areas and a competency-based craft advancement and safety program. Prior to his time at Zachry, Sizemore held several management positions at BE&K Construction Co. in Birmingham, Alabama. Sizemore is also a volunteer leader in the safety and workforce development space. He is a past chair of the ABC National Craft Championships Committee and NCCER Workforce Development Committee. Currently, he serves on the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health and the board of directors of NCCER and chairs the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Lunch Keynote

  • Adam San Juan is the Managing Director of Retirement Plan Services & Financial Advisor for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Illinois Multiple Employer Plan. With 25 years of experience in the retirement industry, he brings deep expertise in retirement plan design and implementation, combined with a unique understanding of human dynamics and generational relationships in the workplace. His recent book "The Most Honest Book on Prospecting Selling and Servicing 401(k) Plans" and upcoming release "A Case for K(s)" demonstrate his commitment to demystifying retirement planning for both financial professionals and business owners.

     

    Through his Argo Publishing works, including "What Are You Looking At?" and "What Am I Doing Here?", Adam has established himself as an authority on workplace dynamics and human interaction. His blend of financial acumen (holding Series 6, 63, and 65 licenses) and interpersonal insight makes him uniquely qualified to help business owners navigate the challenges and opportunities of managing multi-generational workplaces in today's evolving business environment.

  • Aaron Mills is the founder and CEO of Daaxit, Inc., a professional financial services company offering fraction CFO services to established contractors. Aaron’s 25 years of financial oversight for several contracting companies with up to $90 million in annual revenue gives him a unique perspective into how to scale businesses through a framework he calls Financial Resource Optimization. His expertise has been nationally recognized for multiple awards, including Crain’s Chicago Business Fast 50, four-time INC’s 5000’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies, and Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) Top 600 Specialty Contractors. Aaron enhances profitability and improves employee revenue output for every contracting company he works with while helping owners discover financial freedom. He founded DAAXIT to serve, educate, and grow construction industry businesses and increase their profitability.

  • DeAnna Thomas serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for ABC. In this role, she oversees all aspects of HR and payroll, driven by a purpose for creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and respected. With over 25 years of experience in human resources, DeAnna has a proven track record of developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives as well as transforming workplace cultures. She has extensive experience in employee relations and policy development. DeAnna is passionate about training and developing employees and managers, and she continuously seeks innovative ways to foster a commitment to continuous learning. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management. She is also a certification HR professional, SHRM-SCP and SPHR.

  • Jeff Risch has many years of both private practice and in-house counsel experience. In his practice, Jeff handles both employment and traditional labor matters. Such matters include: countering various union tactics; navigating government audits; defending discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination claims; avoiding employee wage and hour controversies; complying with prevailing wage and minimum wage laws; litigating employment contract disputes and unfair competition controversies; upholding independent contractor and contingent workforce relationships; and negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

    Jeff’s legal knowledge is accompanied by his understanding of his clients’ industries, which include construction, banking, manufacturing and food processing, health care (particularly long term care), and transportation, among others. Jeff participates in various trade and professional associations devoted to his clients’ diverse industries. He is passionately committed to helping employers stay up-to-date with legal developments and trends unique to their industry.  

  • John concentrates his practice in construction and mechanics lien litigation, contract and commercial disputes, information technology litigation, corporate internal investigations, appeals, tort and products liability law, real estate and property loss, real estate, landlord/tenant, housing, and debtor/creditor law. He has handled hearings, trials and appeals in the state and federal courts, as well as arbitrations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the American Arbitration Association, and the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration.

    John has been appointed, and has served, as a court-designated sole arbitrator for the Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He also frequently serves as an arbitration panelist and panel chairman for the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program, and has been appointed a designated mediator for the Chancery Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. All the bar associations in Cook County recently rated Mr. Walker as “Qualified” to serve as a Cook County Circuit Judge.

  • Katie George brings over 18 years of experience in business development and workforce training within career and technical education. A seasoned professional, Katie has a proven ability to identify strategic opportunities that connect education to industry, creating seamless pathways from classroom to career. Her passion lies in leveraging innovative tools and technologies to foster economic growth and equip individuals with the skills needed for success in the modern workforce.

     

    As an active contributor to national, state, and local boards, including her current role on the ACTE Trade and Industrial Advisory Council, Katie collaborates with industry associations to address talent recruitment challenges and advance workforce development initiatives. Her unique expertise and dedication to fostering partnerships make her a dynamic leader in transforming workforce ecosystems.

    Katie holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University and resides in College Station, TX, with her husband and daughter.

    Discover how cutting-edge technology is reshaping workforce development, equipping individuals with the skills needed for success in an ever-evolving job market. This session explores innovative tools such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and AI-driven solutions that are bridging the gap between education and industry. Gain insights into how these technologies enhance accessibility, provide hands-on training opportunities, and deliver real-time workforce analytics to align talent development with industry needs.

  • Kristi Pronovost serves as the director of marketing and brand strategy for Associated Builders and Contractors. In this role, Kristi oversees the creation and execution of national marketing strategies that align with ABC’s overarching strategic plan, while raising the association's brand profile and serving as a resource and liaison for ABC’s 67 chapters nationwide. Kristi is committed to leveraging emerging technologies like AI to enhance marketing and communication efforts. She is passionate about integrating AI, omnichannel marketing campaigns, cost-effective strategies and story-telling to drive efficiency, heighten brand awareness and drive ROI. Prior to her current role, Kristi served for nearly seven years as the director of marketing and communications for the ABC Keystone chapter. Kristi holds her degree from the University of Minnesota and brings a comprehensive background in association management, marketing and communications, graphic design and business management.

  • Phil Hayes

    Graduate of Florida State Risk Management Insurance School in 2013

    SVP , National Construction practice leader at AssuredPartners

    Risk and Insurance Construction Power Broker and Rising Star Award Winner in 2024

    Member of Chicagoland Roofing Contractor Assn. Safety and Insurance Committees since 2017

  • Zach Giglio is CEO of GCM, an award-winning agency that shows organizations how to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. He is certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI strategy for business, is a curriculum committee member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management, a TEDx speaker and was recently honored as one of Charleston’s Forty under 40.

     A frequent speaker at conferences, he provides insights into the practical applications of AI in small- and medium-sized businesses and organizations and runs in-depth AI Training and Implementation programs.

     Beyond work, Zach is involved in his community and is a passionate traveler, wine enthusiast, and storyteller. He lives in Charleston, S.C., balancing an active professional life with his love for family and culture.

  • I am a Mom of two beautiful girls, who love my need to fix and work on just about everything. I was born into construction and stayed in it almost my entire life. My heart has always been in the industry. Learning about the complexities in the back office vs just facing the field was a huge eye opener for me. I now love to be able to help those in the office space, who seem to be more stressed than the workers on the job sites.

  • As President and CEO of Strategic Navigators Inc., Joshua R. Sherrard brings visionary leadership, strategic oversight, and a passion for helping businesses thrive. With a specialization in advanced tax planning and comprehensive business strategy, Josh plays a pivotal role in aligning the Strategic Navigators family of companies to deliver cohesive, results-driven solutions. His work guides clients beyond success—toward lasting significance—by uncovering hidden opportunities and structuring their businesses for sustainable growth and legacy impact.

    Josh’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of twelve when he launched his first business— demonstrating an early and instinctive aptitude for innovation and leadership. Since those early days, he has amassed a diverse and dynamic portfolio of experience that spans startup ventures, corporate America, and global business development initiatives. His expertise includes over a decade in the nonprofit sector, where he successfully led multi-million-dollar organizations, as well as extensive tenure as a financial advisor and business efficiency strategist.

    Josh’s multidimensional background in Business, Finance, Executive Leadership, Real Estate, Sales, and Operations uniquely equips him to coach and mentor business owners, executives, and teams. His comprehensive perspective makes him a sought-after advisor for those navigating complex business challenges, scaling operations, or preparing for generational wealth transfer and legacy- building.

    Born and raised in Hawaii, Josh brings a global worldview shaped by both his heritage and international work. He is adept at working with clients from a wide range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, fostering meaningful relationships built on trust and shared values. His academic journey includes studies at the University of Hawaii, Simpson Bible College in California, and The Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

    Beyond his professional achievements, Josh is a devoted husband to his wife Amy and proud father to their three children: Joshua II, Julianne, and Gabriel. He is also an ordained minister who actively serves in missions, combining his business acumen with a deep commitment to faith, service, and community. In his free time, Josh enjoys playing the guitar, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

    Select Accomplishments

    • International Business Consultant to start-up companies in Europe, Africa, and Asia

    • Regular contributing author for Forbes magazine

    • Executive Officer of a thriving company with 135+ employees

    • Pastor to a congregation of over 2,000 members

    • Founder & Partner of Strategic Wealth Inc.

  • Lou Perez is the co-founder of Lumber, the AI-powered workforce management platform built for construction. With roots tracing back to the Oregon Trail, Lou comes from generations of builders who helped shape America through construction and agriculture. He grew up on a small family farm that his father and grandfather expanded from just a few acres into 800, while his mom ran the accounting. That mix of field grit and back-office insight gave Lou a front-row seat to the challenges contractors face, from payroll headaches to compliance risks.

    From professional snowboarding to carpentry, Lou’s career has always been about performance and pushing limits. After years on the jobsite, he co-founded Lumber to carry the legacy of America’s builders into the AI age. Today, Lou is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) to transform how contractors run their businesses, automating payroll, mastering compliance, and unlocking real-time workforce insights so they can build smarter, scale faster, and win bigger.

  • Michael D. Bellaman has served as president and chief executive officer of Associated Builders and Contractors, a national trade association representing more than 23,000 members from 67 chapters across the United States, since 2011. In his role, Bellaman leverages the merit shop philosophy to help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.

    Under his leadership, ABC has deployed a five-year, association wide strategic planning framework to align all chapters and members which, over the last decade, has led to results including growing contractor membership by 7%, increasing the number of fair and open competition states by 1,100% and the number of right-to-work states by 22%, and expanding Free Enterprise Alliance fundraising by 200%.

    Bellaman has also launched initiatives that have strengthened ABC members’ value proposition, such as a construction technology and innovation initiative, a grassroots political advocacy app, growing national recognition for the National Craft Championships and Construction Management Competition and deploying an inclusion, diversity and merit strategy.

    Bellaman is dedicated to helping ABC members and the entire construction industry achieve industry-leading safety. He is a co-founder of the Construction Coalition for a Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace and has championed a roadmap for companies whose leaders want to transform their safety programs through ABC’s STEP Safety Management System.

    A 1985 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Bellaman earned a bachelor’s in architectural engineering and spent more than two decades in the construction industry before joining ABC.

  • Dillon Mitchell is an accomplished Professional Electrical Engineer with over 15 years of experience managing $1 billion in commercial construction projects. He has completed more than 75 Arc Flash Studies and led projects across diverse sectors, including K-12, higher education, healthcare, hotels, restaurants, multi-family housing, dormitories, corporate offices, warehousing, and manufacturing. Dillon excels in managing MEP teams and leveraging cutting-edge BIM and AI technologies to drive project success.

  • As CEO of the QBC companies, Brian Keller has over 45 years in construction and more than 25 years experience in planning, developing, and executing successful business initiatives. His entrepreneurial background has provided him with progressive experience in operations and leadership. He excels at identifying and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency and productivity. His expertise in business development and strategic planning has consistently driven positive growth and profitability. He is a strategic problem-solver, change manager, and visionary executive. He has a proven track record of successful client relationship building, achieving sales goals, and leadership coaching and training. His key expertise lies within the construction industry and leadership development. Outside of the office, you can find Brian on the golf course, or reading, or relaxing with family and friends.

  • Girish Ramachandra is the Head of LumberCare, where he leads the development of Agentic AI systems to transform construction compliance. With a strong foundation in product strategy, enterprise SaaS, and workforce management, Girish is driving innovation at the intersection of AI and regulatory compliance in construction. His work empowers construction companies to simplify prevailing wage, certified payroll, and HR compliance with intelligent, proactive solutions. A seasoned builder and entrepreneur, Girish brings deep experience from prior leadership roles at Wipfli, Iteamic, and other startups, combining human-centered design with cutting-edge AI to solve some of the industry’s most complex challenges.

    From professional snowboarding to carpentry, Lou’s career has always been about performance and pushing limits. After years on the jobsite, he co-founded Lumber to carry the legacy of America’s builders into the AI age. Today, Lou is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) to transform how contractors run their businesses, automating payroll, mastering compliance, and unlocking real-time workforce insights so they can build smarter, scale faster, and win bigger.