Our dear colleague, Jim Hardy, retired on Friday, September 29, after dedicating 38 years to APG. Jim started his journey with us as one of our first APG family members back in February 1985 as a licensed journeyman electrician. Within a few months, he was promoted to Project Foreman, and the following year to Project Superintendent.

His expertise was evident early on in his career. In 1998, he was chosen to work on the construction of Universal Studios Islands of Adventure — The Lost Continent, the largest contract in our company’s history at that time. That project served as the catalyst for our expansion into the Central Florida region and the basis for other successful high-profile projects on which Jim worked.

In 2014, Jim’s hard work led to his promotion to General Superintendent for our healthcare projects. 

Managing multiple healthcare projects and teams at the same time is no easy feat, but Jim was always up to the task, ably directing personnel to accurately complete the job, on time. 

BayCare, HCA, and Advent Health hospitals throughout the greater Tampa Bay region, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, Palm Gardens Nursing Home, and the USF Yuengling Center (Sun Dome) are just a few of the notable projects on which Jim served as the Superintendent. Even more notable was Jim’s serving as the Senior Project Superintendent on three greenfield hospitals: St. Joseph’s Hospital – North, St. Joseph’s Hospital – South, South Florida Baptist Relocation Hospital – Plant City.

Although we are saddened to see Jim leave, we are thrilled that he will finally have the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved retirement with his wife, Linda, and spend more time out on the boat. His presence on the job and in the office will be deeply missed.

Thank you, Jim, for everything you’ve contributed throughout the years. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!


For testimonials on Jim from co-workers, friends, and colleagues, click READ MORE​ below.

The University of South Florida’s Tampa campus is now home to the brand-new Judy Genshaft Honors College building – an 85,000 square foot, five-story structure that promises to be a hub of intellectual activity. The building boasts open-design classrooms, signature learning lofts, and dedicated studio spaces for art, food, culture, music, and technology. These facilities will support and cater to talented students from all corners of the university while also providing a space for unique Honors College classes and programming.

Breaking ground in December 2020, APG was contracted to provide the electrical, fire alarm, VESDA, audio/visual, and BIM coordination systems on this show-stopping center for higher learning. In addition to providing the distribution of a 277/480V power system, APG was responsible for tying this new facility into the existing 13.2kV medium voltage service loop that feeds the entire campus. We coordinated closely with Beck and the USF owner group to develop a plan to safely splice into the existing utility loop and extend new medium voltage conductors to a new MV switch and 750kVA transformer.

The stunning atrium featured a unique challenge for our installers, as a specialty light fixture was to be incorporated in between decorative wood slats that would be installed on the same walls. Extensive coordination and hundreds of labor hours were needed to identify each stage of rough-in and to layout installation points of each fixture run so they would fit seamlessly between the decorative wood slats. We worked together with the millwork contractor on a massive five-level scaffolding system, which was gradually removed as we worked our way down to level 1.

​Our BIM Group was also involved in creating models for all major components of the project. This was particularly important for tying new electrical feeders into an existing distribution system. Our installers made use of iPads to regularly consult the preliminary BIM model in real-time as the installation took place, which prevented material location conflicts with other trades and kept our schedule on track.

​We are incredibly proud to have taken part in this landmark education project, as it will benefit future generations of students and educators for years to come. A special thanks to everyone who took part in this stellar project, and to our partners, Fleischman Garcia Architecture, Morphosis, VoltAir Consulting Engineers, Inc., and The Beck Group, for their continued support and trust!

We are proud to recognize our APG BIM team this month! For over a decade, this team has been an integral part of our organization, providing a range of services such as 3D visualization, clash detection and coordination, change management, prefabrication, and operations and maintenance.

Building Information Modeling (or BIM) is a method of creating a digital model of a building that is accurate to the original or planned structure. These information models are used for planning, designing, constructing, and operating facilities. By simulating what will be built in a virtual environment, architects, engineers, and contractors can identify potential design, construction, or operation problems.

Originally started as an extension of the Engineering Department, Kevin Gerhart and Brian Kavula were initially tasked with our first BIM project, the USF – ISA building in Tampa, Florida. The APG superintendent for the project was fully invested in the BIM process, which was new to APG. 

Because of the excellent communication from all team members, the project went smoothly, and the benefits of using BIM became very clear. After a few other projects, the need arose for an additional BIM designer. 

​Over time, Corey Schiller came in from the field for training and, due to his rapid progress, became the lead BIM designer for the St Joseph’s Hospital South project. Ultimately, as more projects required BIM, it became apparent that there would continue to be a need for additional members. Artie Hackett also came in from the field and got his start on the St Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Power project. He quickly became proficient at the process and began taking the lead on several of his projects. Due to his attention to detail and excellent ability to communicate, Artie became the manager of the BIM team, which now has seven members.

​The procedures are more efficient since the first project, but many of the lessons learned are still in use today. Our BIM team has become a trusted source of information that aids in the effective development and constructability of the intended design. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the group’s efforts to continue enhancing our presence as a full-service contractor.

Coachman Park, situated just beyond one of America’s top-rated beaches, has been a beloved community landmark since 1945. The City of Clearwater undertook a complete renovation of the park to enhance the connection between central downtown and the intracoastal waterfront. The project boasts 19 acres of redeveloped park space, a fun pirate-themed playground, and the centerpiece of it all — The Sound, a 9,000-seat outdoor venue.

​In 2021, a few months after the initial groundbreaking, APG Technology was selected to be the audio-visual contractor for The Sound’s new bandshell AV system. With extensive experience in high-end stadium installations, working on a bandshell audio and video system was an exciting new challenge for the team.

The audio, video, control, and network areas were distributed across several sections of the venue. These included the stage, production offices, dressing rooms, a VIP multi-purpose area, a front-of-house production area, a catwalk with various camera and intercom locations, and the bandshell structure, which houses both current and future audio and video systems. 

In anticipation of future needs, we installed a range of inputs and outputs, including audio, video, dante signals, cameras, and display locations. Our Stagecomm intercommunication system accommodates both analog and digital transmission, with a complete cabling system in place to support it. This comprehensive system ensures The Sound’s infrastructure is future-proofed, and ready for whatever comes next.

The bandshell’s unique construction created some challenges. Each portion of the shell’s structure had to be meticulously scanned and inspected before being transported across the US border, which caused scheduling delays for our APG team. Despite this, they were able to finish the project on time, and the venue opened without a hitch!

Being involved in a project of this nature, which benefits and brings together the community, was a privilege and a great source of pride for us.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in this groundbreaking job.  We give our sincere thanks to the City of Clearwater, Skanska, and Stantec for entrusting us with their audio-visual needs, as well as our partners, L-Acoustics and EMG, for their unwavering support throughout the project.

​On Saturday, June 10th, our employees and their spouses gathered at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater to celebrate the 2022 safety year and to recognize our teams’ outstanding achievements. The event kicked off at 5:00 pm with a variety of appetizers, sliders, and desserts at food stations surrounding the theater. The slider stations featured chicken caprese, pulled pork, grilled veggie wrap along with macaroni and cheese and house-made kettle chips, and desserts included chocolate mousse and key lime pie. Guests also enjoyed a selection of craft and domestic beers, wine, sodas, and bottled water. 

At 6:30 pm, Mike Henley welcomed the crowd into the auditorium for the service and apprenticeship awards, followed by the safety prize drawing. The grand prize was $10,000 this year.

It was a pleasure to be back at Ruth Eckerd Hall, celebrating with our colleagues outside of work. The dramatic light fixtures in the Grand Lobby were designed by APG Senior Electrical Designer Bill Evans and were installed by Project Foremen Quentin Clark and Sergey Kharchenko.

​APG would like to acknowledge the hard work of all those who put this event together. Bonnie Gerhart coordinated the event with the help of Rachel Kotsch, Corrie Fernandez, Averi Lew, Zach Snyder, Jenna Durst, Katie Kotsch, Michelle Acosta, Denzil Randolph, Patty Mellon, Jessica Griffith, Charmin Henley, Erick Shepard, Kevin Gerhart, and our DJ, Zak Davis. This talented team acquired the facility and handled the set-up, awards, certificates, apprentice bonus checks, tickets for the safety drawing, prizes for the safety drawing, catering, photography, audio, video, entertainment, and much more. 

​A special thank you to Megan Gurba, the Director of Catering & Sales at Ruth Eckerd Hall, and her team for the delicious food, beverages, and effort that went into a lovely event.

​The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter celebrated the 2023 Excellence in Construction Awards Gala on May 5 at the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, and APG was well represented at the biennial event! 

The ABC awards program highlights  members’ achievements and showcases their finest work completed within the previous two years. Projects are judged based on safety, innovation, personnel management, quality control, scheduling, and degree of difficulty. 

We often say that every APG team member — no matter their level of expertise — also works in business development. Our craftsmanship and attention to detail at the office and at the job site; the professional relationships we build and maintain; and the customer experience we create; all play a part in “landing the next job.” They also played a big part in being recognized at this prestigious award ceremony. 

APG received an honorable mention and two Eagle Awards for our outstanding work:
Honorable Mention:
• FDOT SunTrax Connected / Automated Vehicle Test Facility
Eagle Awards:
•  Amalie Arena  –  Central Energy Plant
• Tampa International Airport (TPA) – Blue Side Main Terminal Curbside Expansion & Central Energy Plant

The Tampa International Airport underwent a multi-phase and multi-year renovation and expansion project. This involved constructing three new buildings, namely, the Vertical Circulation Building (VCB), Central Utility Plant (CUP), and Emergency Service Building (ESB). The VCB, a three-level building, was designed to enhance passenger traffic from the entrance to airline gates. The CUP and ESB, on the other hand, were newly built facilities intended to be the heart of the airport, providing all mechanical and power services essential to the operation of the airport. 

Meanwhile, the Amalie Arena project replaced and relocated existing chiller equipment with a new external modular plant. It was installed on a highly compressed schedule during an unusually short off-season. To ensure the success of the project, it was crucial to stick to the 87-day project schedule. This was achieved by working six days each week, creating a detailed BIM coordination model before construction began, incorporating prefabricated conduit systems, and redesigning the gear to eliminate equipment that would be delayed by supply chain shortages. 

The successful completion of these projects was made possible by the efficiency and communication prowess of our field and office staff. They were able to overcome many obstacles including the scarcity of materials and labor, scheduled shutdowns, and unforeseen alterations during the construction process.

​This type of recognition is a huge honor, not only for APG as a subcontractor, but for our general contractors who depend on us to uphold their high values as we work together on so many successful projects. We are tremendously grateful to everyone who contributes to our “excellence in construction,” especially those who worked on these outstanding projects and those who helped prepare the award submissions to ABC. Let’s keep on “doing it right”!

Our team’s expertise, dedication, and hard work have resulted in an impressive milestone for APG — three peak manpower projects are running simultaneously: Epic Universe, the latest Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, BayCare Plant City Replacement Hospital, and AdventHealth Riverview Hospital. Our diverse portfolio — from entertainment to healthcare— highlights our company's versatility and ability to tackle complex projects across different industries. Here are a few project highlights:

Epic Universe: 
APG is responsible for the Back of House Project 931 for the new park, comprised of three backstage operation buildings. With so many contractors on site and so many moving parts, constructing an entire theme park in today’s complicated construction climate is a testament to the commitment and perseverance of all those involved. Material shortages, supply chain delays, and a high demand for skilled trade workers have complicated the project from the start, yet with our team of 80 skilled professionals working together, APG is on track to finish Phase 1 this fall. We are very proud of the work being done and look forward to the park’s grand opening in summer 2025.

BayCare Plant City Replacement Hospital: 
Located off I-4, the hospital boasts a massive 420,000 square feet of space, featuring two six-story towers with a total of 146 private, state-of-the-art rooms. Patients will be staying in smart rooms, enabling them to control features like lighting and blinds right from their beds. The campus also includes a medical office building and central energy plant. Despite the challenges posed by post-COVID issues, we are still on track to open the hospital in the fourth quarter of 2023. This massive project involves over 100 skilled electrical, fire alarm, engineering and security professionals, and many floor foremen. We owe the success of this project to our excellent field supervision.

AdventHealth Riverview Hospital:
​This extensive 300,000 square foot space features a four-story tower with 90 beds at opening and additional space for future expansion that will accommodate over 200 beds. The hospital will cater to the community's growing healthcare needs, providing emergency, cardiology, obstetrics, orthopedic, and many more services. The facility also includes standalone office space for all the necessary medical and administrative services. APG has been able to overcome obstacles thanks to the efforts of our hardworking field personnel, and the project is on track to be completed by summer 2024.

It is with great pride that we contribute to the betterment of the Tampa Bay community, and we know it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our crews in the field. To all those involved in these outstanding projects, thank you for going the extra mile to get the job done right…the APG way!