For the first time since COVID-19 struck more than six years ago, Florida Tech participated in the ABC Construction Management Competition, the annual test for the nation’s top construction management students sponsored by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) member chapters around the country. Florida Tech returned to the competition in March in Salt Lake City, Utah, sending eight students. Included in the eight were senior Aren Marsh, one of four core team members who applied their skills in estimating, project management, quality control and safety, and Genevieve Spitaletto ’26, who served as an alternate team member.
Marsh is a construction management major who serves as president of Florida Tech’s ABC student chapter. He joined as a freshman and has previously served as chapter treasurer and vice president. Spitaletto graduated with a bachelor’s degree in construction management and a minor in finance and served as ABC chapter president for two years, helping revive the club from just a few active members into a thriving organization.
We spoke with Marsh and Spitaletto about all things ABC and the impact it has had on their college experiences and those of other members.
What is ABC all about? What does membership entail?
Marsh: Florida Tech ABC is the student chapter of the parent organization, Associated Builders and Contractors, which includes more than 24,000 commercial and industrial contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and construction-related firms. As part of the student chapter, members get involved in events alongside some of these contractors, opening the door to potential job opportunities. Membership involves a monthly meeting, along with any additional involvement a member chooses to commit to.
What opportunities or benefits does ABC offer to students?
Spitaletto: ABC offers students countless opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally. Members have access to networking with contractors, project managers and company executives, as well as internships, full-time job opportunities, jobsite tours, guest speakers, leadership development, construction competitions, scholarships and community service projects. It also helps students build confidence, improve communication skills and establish professional relationships before graduation.
How has your involvement in ABC impacted your college experience?
Marsh: My involvement with ABC has allowed me to make friends and connections with a lot of like-minded people. It has given me many opportunities for jobs and let me learn much more while in college, including through my internships.
Spitaletto: ABC had one of the biggest impacts on my college experience. It helped me develop leadership skills, expand my professional network and gain confidence in communicating with industry professionals. When I became president, our chapter had only a few active members. Over the next three years, we rebuilt the organization into an active and engaged chapter by increasing membership, hosting regular events, strengthening relationships with local contractors and creating meaningful opportunities for students. Those experiences prepared me for my career far beyond what I learned in the classroom.
What is your favorite part of being a member of ABC?
Marsh: My favorite part about being a member of ABC is meeting all the people that I did and making the connections that I still have to this day.
Spitaletto: My favorite part was building relationships with both students and industry professionals. It was incredibly rewarding to watch our chapter grow and see members earn internships and full-time positions because of the connections they made through ABC. I also enjoyed organizing events that brought students and professionals together, knowing those experiences could have a lasting impact on someone’s career. Seeing the chapter evolve from just a handful of members into a thriving organization is something I’ll always be proud of.
Final thoughts?
Spitaletto: ABC was the greatest accomplishment in my college career. From an inactive club of just three members, no bylaws or constitution, and no foundation, I put in the effort I knew would pay off because of the potential that the organization had for impacting our students beyond my time at Florida Tech. I am forever grateful for the experiences from our networking events with our parent chapter, ABC Florida East Coast, and our ABC National Construction Management Competition. ABC has bridged the gap between college students and industry professionals and has given many students internships, jobs and knowledge that cannot be learned from a textbook.
This piece also appeared in the fall 2026 issue of The Conduit.
