Construction Leader Advocates for Skilled Trades as AI-Resistant Career Path

Kelvin Enfinger Jr., Vice President of Greenhut Construction and the 2025 Chair of ABC Florida, the state's largest commercial construction association, represents a leadership model born from the trades. His career path from tradesman to executive offers a direct response to the construction industry's skilled workforce shortage, emphasizing that artificial intelligence cannot replace hands-on skilled labor.

Enfinger's leadership philosophy is rooted in his early field experience. "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 explained. This foundation informs his management of multi-million dollar projects across healthcare, aviation, education, industrial, and office sectors, allowing for practical decision-making when site complications arise.

As ABC Florida chair, Enfinger addresses the critical challenge of attracting young talent. He critiques societal pressure toward higher education, stating, "We pushed a lot of kids into higher ed that probably didn't need to be pushed into higher ed." He highlights that skilled trades offer good jobs and family support without student debt. While AI automates some white-collar jobs, Enfinger asserts, "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 local contractor model, encapsulated in its tagline "Choose Local, Choose Greenhut," emphasizes community economic circulation. "When clients contract with us, they're contracting with a local general contractor who's using local subcontractors who have local employees," Enfinger said. "We're circulating those tax dollars back in the community." This local expertise aids projects in the Pensacola market, navigating budget constraints and complex conditions. Recent completions include the Leonardo MRO hangar facility, Myrtle Grove Elementary School, and the American Magic Facility, all finished in 2025.

Enfinger takes particular pride in healthcare and education projects, viewing them as legacy-building community services. He also engages in policy advocacy through ABC's Capitol Days, focusing on immigration reform. He supports merit-based visa programs for construction workers, stating, "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." He notes this requires federal action, as detailed by ABC National's advocacy efforts.

For aspiring leaders, Enfinger advises continuous learning, mentorship, and attentive listening. As Northwest Florida grows in aerospace, manufacturing, and distribution, he remains optimistic, pairing economic growth with skilled trades education. His approach, grounded in field experience and community commitment, offers a sustainable leadership model for an industry facing workforce challenges, affirming that skilled trades provide AI-resistant, meaningful careers essential for regional legacy.