WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) congratulates Justin Baker, executive vice president of Gaylor Electric in Mooresville, N.C., for being named ABC's Young Professional of the Year. Baker accepted the award Nov. 8 during ABC's Leadership Week Conference in Orlando, Fla. 

 
Baker was among three finalists chosen based on their career achievement, leadership and vision for the future of the construction industry.

A member of the ABC Carolinas Chapter, Baker took over Gaylor Electric's Carolinas branch five years ago, building it into one of the top-performing locations in the company. Baker believes the construction industry needs to harness technology and innovation to attract younger generations into the profession and make creativity as much a part of the trade as manual labor and teamwork.

“Justin is exactly the kind of young leader and thinker the construction industry needs as it searches for the next generation of skilled workers, designers and innovators,” said ABC Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety & Workforce Development Greg Sizemore. “Justin is an industry leader who values safety and quality and promotes those values to everyone he comes in contact with. We look forward to seeing the ideas and leadership Justin will bring to our industry for decades to come.”

Outside of work, Baker is active in his church, his community and with his family. When he's not coaching his four kids' multiple football, basketball and baseball teams, he helps those less fortunate. For instance, Baker and his family make and serve meals for the homeless with a group at their church, and he has traveled to Panama on mission trips to help impoverished communities by building schools and other community buildings.

Along with a trophy, Baker received a $1,000 check. ABC’s Young Professionals program was founded in 2014 and aims to shape the future of the construction industry by supporting the growth of professionals under the age of 40 who are employed by ABC member companies.