ABC recognizes Gaylor Electric as ‘Highest Performing National Contractor’

Gaylor Electric has earned multiple prestigious awards from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) at the 35th annual Excellence in Construction Awards during ABC Convention 2025 on Feb. 26 in Las Vegas.

At the forefront of these achievements, Gaylor Electric has been named ABC’s 2025 Contractor of the Year – one of the industry’s most coveted honors. This award recognizes the company’s outstanding commitment to corporate integrity, workforce development, safety, and innovation. Gaylor Electric is the first company in history to receive this honor twice.

“For 26 years, ABC has recognized a Contractor of the Year; Gaylor is the first company to be named ABC Contractor of the Year for a second time,” said 2025 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors David Pugh, partner, Bradley, Birmingham, Ala. “It is fitting that the nearly 40-year member would receive such an accolade during ABC’s 75th anniversary because this contractor daily embodies the merit shop philosophy in the ways they win work, upskill their workforce, defend fair and open competition, deliver projects safely and contribute meaningfully to communities. Join me in congratulating the entire Gaylor team, which demonstrates an unparalleled commitment to cultivating strong business relationships, resulting in continued client loyalty. ABC is a better organization because of members like Gaylor.”

The Contractor of the Year is selected by ABC’s National Executive Committee for embodying the values outlined in the association’s bylaws. Gaylor Electric is an ABC Top Performer, an ABC Accredited Quality Contractor and has achieved the highest level in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System, Diamond. The company has won numerous ABC National Excellence in Construction Awards and National Safety Excellence Awards.

Gaylor CEO Chuck Goodrich served as chair of the ABC National Board of Directors in 2016. Gaylor will be featured in an upcoming cover story of Construction Executive magazine.

“Our mission has always been to elevate the industry by championing excellence, integrity, and open competition,” Goodrich said. “To be recognized as the National Contractor of the Year on our 40th anniversary – coinciding with the 75th year of ABC’s remarkable legacy – is truly one of the greatest honors of my professional career. This achievement is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to quality and the values that drive our industry forward. I am incredibly grateful to our employees, partners, and clients who have made this journey possible.”

Established in 1984 as a merit shop electrical contractor, Gaylor has grown to a nearly $1 billion company with approximately 3,500 employees spread across 16 offices in seven states. The company offers design-build electrical construction and 24/7, on-demand electrical support and utility service.

Honoring leadership
Ray Wallace named ABC’s 2025 Young Professional of the Year

Adding to Gaylor Electric’s celebration, Ray Wallace, Operations Manager for the company’s Nashville office, has been named ABC’s 2025 Young Professional of the Year. This award recognizes construction professionals under 40 who demonstrate outstanding leadership, career achievement, and dedication to the merit shop philosophy.

Wallace, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, transitioned to the construction industry after his military service. Since joining Gaylor Electric in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in growing the company’s Nashville operations by 60 percent, leading major projects such as Nashville Yards, Tanger Outlets, and Amazon distribution centers.

“Ray’s unwavering determination and proactive approach to leadership sets him apart from the rest,” Goodrich said. “His commitment to excellence and his team-focused mentality make him truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Wallace serves on the board of ABC Greater Tennessee, supports Go Build Tennessee, and is involved in Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled veterans.

Commitment to safety
Gaylor Electric receives National Safety Pinnacle Award

Gaylor Electric’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards was also recognized with a National Safety Pinnacle Award, an honor shared by only 52 contractors nationwide. The award is presented to companies that exemplify exceptional jobsite safety practices and proactive risk management.

“Safety has always been our top priority,” Goodrich said. “This award reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every team member goes home safely at the end of each day.”

Pugh added, “Gaylor Electric exhibits an unrelenting commitment to jobsite safety. The leadership and employees at Gaylor make a choice every day to create a culture that refuses to compromise on safety, ensuring every employee leaves the jobsite in the same or better condition than they arrived.”

A legacy of excellence

Founded in 1984, Gaylor Electric has grown into a nearly $1 billion company with 3,500 employees across 16 offices in seven states and jobsites nationwide. The company continues to lead the industry through its design-build electrical construction, 24/7 on-demand electrical support, and utility services, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to workforce development and safety.

Gaylor Electric will be featured in an upcoming cover story in Construction Executive magazine, further highlighting its leadership and achievements.