In an industry where artificial intelligence threatens white-collar jobs but can’t replace skilled trades, Kelvin Enfinger Jr. offers a refreshing perspective on what the future of construction really needs: leaders who understand the work from the ground up.

As Vice President of Greenhut Construction and the 2025 Chair of ABC Florida – the state’s largest commercial construction association – Enfinger’s career trajectory from tradesman to C-suite executive provides a blueprint for addressing one of construction’s most pressing challenges: the skilled workforce shortage.

Enfinger’s leadership philosophy stems directly from his early years working in various skilled trades. “Starting in the field as a tradesman gave me a unique opportunity to understand the aspects of what individuals do day in and day out,” he explains. This hands-on foundation shaped how he approaches leadership on multi-million dollar projects across healthcare, aviation, education, industrial and office sectors.

That intimate knowledge of field operations translates to practical decision-making. When complications arise – whether it’s underground contamination at a site or logistical challenges in congested environments – Enfinger’s team can draw on experience that only comes from having actually done the work.

As ABC Florida’s chair, Enfinger has a front-row seat to the industry’s most critical challenge: attracting young talent to skilled trades. His diagnosis is blunt: society pushed an entire generation toward higher education when many would have thrived in the trades.

“We pushed a lot of kids into higher ed that probably didn’t need to be pushed into higher ed,” Enfinger notes. “We’ve just gotten away from the basicsFthat you can attain a really good job in the skilled trades and certainly provide for your family without student debt.”

The irony isn’t lost on him. While recent graduates learned to code, AI has begun automating those very jobs. Meanwhile, Enfinger points out, “What we won’t see in my lifetime, probably in anyone’s lifetime, is artificial intelligence being able to take the place of a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech, carpenters, anybody that works with their hands.”

Greenhut’s tagline – “Choose Local, Choose Greenhut” – reflects more than marketing. For Enfinger, being a local contractor in Northwest Florida means something specific in 2026: deep knowledge of local conditions, entrenched community partnerships, and a commitment to circulating economic benefits within the region.

“When clients contract with us, they’re contracting with a local general contractor who’s using local subcontractors who have local employees,” he explains. “We’re circulating those tax dollars back in the community.”

This local expertise has proven invaluable on projects throughout the Pensacola market, where Greenhut regularly navigates budget constraints, complex structures, and unique site conditions. “We understand local conditions,” Enfinger says simply. “We’ve been here a long time.”

While Greenhut has worked on prominent projects, including the original Pensacola Airport build and most of Sacred Heart Hospital’s expansions, Enfinger reserves special pride for healthcare and education facilities. “Any time that we complete a healthcare project, I see that as something that leaves a legacy that will continue to serve a community,” he reflects. Education facilities run a close second – seeing students at desks in a building his team constructed represents tangible community impact.

Recent completions include the Leonardo MRO hangar facility, which drew Governor DeSantis for the ribbon cutting, Myrtle Grove Elementary School, and the American Magic Facility – all finished in 2025.

Enfinger’s advocacy extends beyond individual projects. He participates in ABC’s Capitol Days, engaging directly with Florida lawmakers on industry issues. His primary concern? Immigration reform – “Unfortunately, this isn’t something we can tackle at the state level; it has to happen in DC” – ABC National is specifically focused on merit-based visa programs for construction workers.

“We have a lot of great men and women in this country that come here to work and provide a living, families that want to be a part of this great country,” he says. “For the ones that are here that are not bad actors and don’t have criminal records, I think we should be able to expedite their visas through a merit-based visa program.”

For young superintendents eyeing C-suite positions, Enfinger’s counsel is straightforward: never stop learning, find a strong mentor, and listen more than you speak. “I had some really great mentors in my career,” he reflects. “I tried to immerse myself in learning anything I could that was beneficial to this industry.”

As Northwest Florida experiences growth in aerospace, manufacturing, and distribution – fueled by economic development efforts and the region’s quality of life – Enfinger remains optimistic about construction’s future. The key, he believes, is pairing that growth with a renewed commitment to skilled trades education and workforce development.

In an industry often criticized for short-term thinking, Enfinger’s approach – grounded in field experience, community commitment, and workforce advocacy – offers a model for sustainable leadership. As he puts it simply: “Northwest Florida is not just our home; it is our legacy.”

Disclosure: Individuals or companies mentioned may have a commercial relationship with KeyCrew.

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