The Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA) proudly celebrated another successful Build My Future Lee County, with the 5th annual event once again inspiring the next generation to explore high-demand careers in construction and the skilled trades.
Held at JetBlue Park, the event welcomed hundreds of students from across Lee and Hendry counties — including traditional, charter, and technical schools — as well as educators, industry professionals, and community partners. Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiences designed to showcase real-world career opportunities within the construction industry.
Students had the opportunity to weld, operate equipment, work with electrical systems, experience HVAC simulation, participate in carpentry and concrete finishing demonstrations, and more. With direct mentorship from industry experts, students gained firsthand insight into in-demand trades and future career pathways available locally.
“Build My Future continues to serve as an instrumental workforce development initiative for our region,” said Phillip Ford, Executive Vice President of the Lee BIA. “By pairing students with real hands-on experiences and direct industry connections, we’re helping them discover meaningful careers while strengthening the future of our skilled workforce.”
Event Support & Sponsorship
Build My Future Lee County is made possible thanks to generous community support. Special thanks to this year’s Program Sponsors, Wright Construction Group and Fallsafe Walls & Ceilings, as well as The School District of Lee County, the American Subcontractors Association of Southwest Florida, and the dedicated volunteers and staff who contributed to the success of the event.
Participating Sponsors and Exhibitors (Alphabetical): Alair Homes • Allstar Equipment and Sales • Berkshire Bay Contractors • Brand 1 Ink • CFS Roofing LLC • Coastal Waste & Recycling, Inc. • Diamond Glass 2, LLC • EHC Inc • Electrical Council of Florida • Elite Permits • Estate Landscaping Lawn & Mgmt • FGCU – Stock Development Department of Construction Management • Florida Masonry • Florida
SouthWestern State College • Ford Drywall and Stucco • Franzese Plumbing Inc • Grabber Construction Products • Grande Aire Services LLC • Gulf Coast Nail & Staple • Haley Ward, Inc. • Land Perc, Inc. • LCEC • Lee County BOCC DOT Operations • Lee County Community Development • Lee County DOT Traffic • Lee County Government • Lee County Solid Waste • Lee County Utilities • Lee Drywall, Inc. • M/I Homes • Ogden Brothers • Preferred Materials • RDJ Construction Inc. • Roof Right • Sallee Promotions • Service Contracting Solutions • THREAD SOURCE • Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy • United Mechanical • United Rentals
About Build My Future
Build My Future Lee County is a workforce-development initiative that provides high school students with hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to real construction career pathways. The program is part of the Lee BIA’s ongoing commitment to support workforce growth, trade education, and the future of the building industry in Southwest Florida.
About Lee Building Industry Association
The Lee BIA is a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to advancing the building industry in Southwest Florida through advocacy, education, networking, and workforce development. To learn more, visit www.bia.net.