As hurricane season approaches, construction projects across Florida face increased risk from severe weather. High winds, heavy rain, and unpredictable conditions can impact safety, schedules, and jobsite stability.
At Ausley Construction, storm preparedness is built into the construction process from the start. Through disciplined preconstruction planning, jobsite protection strategies, and experienced project management, we help reduce risk and keep projects moving forward.
Our approach is straightforward and proven:
Effective storm preparation begins in preconstruction. Site logistics, drainage, and grading are carefully planned to manage water and reduce flooding risk. Materials are stored with protection in mind, and critical scopes of work are scheduled around seasonal weather patterns. This early planning allows our teams to identify vulnerabilities and implement solutions before construction begins. The result is fewer delays and stronger protection for both the project and the surrounding community.
Active jobsites require clear and consistent storm protection protocols. Our teams secure equipment, stabilize structures, and implement temporary weatherproofing as needed. Subcontractors are aligned on safety procedures and response plans well before severe weather arrives. These measures help protect workers, maintain site conditions, and preserve progress throughout storm events.
Hurricane season can impact construction schedules without proper planning. We incorporate contingency time, clear communication plans, and rapid response protocols so projects can recover quickly after storms. Our teams assess conditions, restart work efficiently, and keep owners informed at every stage. Disciplined planning supports schedule reliability and helps control costs when conditions change.
Storm preparedness continues through design and construction decisions. We coordinate closely with architects and engineers to ensure facilities meet Florida building codes for wind resistance and structural performance. Durable materials and proper installation methods support long-term reliability. These decisions contribute to facilities that perform consistently under demanding conditions.
Construction in Florida and across the Southeast requires regional expertise developed over time. Understanding local weather patterns, building codes, and construction sequencing allows our teams to anticipate challenges and respond quickly. Established relationships with subcontractors and partners support efficient coordination when it matters most.
Emerging technologies are also beginning to influence how construction teams prepare for and respond to severe weather. AI-powered tools are increasingly being used to support project managers by combining weather forecasting, scheduling, and resource coordination into a more proactive planning process.
Rather than replacing decision-making, these systems act as strategic support tools that help teams respond more efficiently to changing conditions. For example, as weather patterns shift, AI can help analyze project schedules and identify opportunities to reorganize tasks, adjust sequencing, and minimize downtime before storms impact the site.
While construction will always depend on experienced leadership and field coordination, technology continues to strengthen the planning tools available to project teams.
Hurricane season is a defining factor in construction across Florida, and one we are prepared to navigate alongside our clients. With proactive planning, jobsite protection strategies, and experienced teams, projects can remain on track while maintaining safety and quality. At Ausley Construction, this approach supports consistent delivery and long-term building performance across every industry we serve.
Across the construction industry, one of the most important conversations today is about the future of the workforce. Nationally and across Florida, demand for skilled labor has outpaced the number of trained professionals entering the field. As of January 2026, the Associated Builders and Contractors estimates 349,000 new workers will need to be added to the construction industry to maintain current supply and demand. Additionally, the National Center for Construction Education and Research estimates 41% of the current construction workforce nears retirement by 2031, further widening the labor gap.
Beyond our industry, as communities grow and infrastructure demands increase, the need for skilled professionals in public safety, healthcare, and technical trades continues to rise. This urgency inspires us at Ausley Construction to invest meaningfully in the people who design, build, protect, and maintain the spaces our communities depend on.
That belief is why Ausley Construction partnered with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County to establish a $25,000 scholarship fund supporting local students pursuing high-skill, high-wage careers.
The State of Florida defines “high skill, high wage” careers as professions that require specialized training, technical knowledge, or certification and offer strong long-term earning potential. Many of these careers are also essential to the continued growth and stability of local communities.
The Ausley Construction scholarship program supports Marion County high school seniors pursuing careers in fields such as:
These careers represent the backbone of thriving communities. From the builders who construct our schools and hospitals to the teachers, nurses, and first responders who serve within them, each role plays a critical part in creating places where people can live, work, and grow.
By supporting students entering these fields, the scholarship program helps create a pipeline of skilled professionals who will continue strengthening Marion County for decades to come.
Workforce development initiatives like this scholarship program are one way communities can begin addressing the labor gaps in major industries, including construction. By encouraging students to pursue technical training, certifications, apprenticeships, and specialized education, organizations can help create clearer pathways into stable, rewarding careers.
Construction offers opportunities for long-term growth, competitive wages, and meaningful work that leaves a visible impact on communities. Whether someone chooses a path in project management, skilled trades, engineering, or construction operations, the industry provides career opportunities that can last a lifetime.
Ausley Construction’s scholarship commitment also reflects the company’s longstanding relationship with education in Marion County. Over the past several decades, the firm has helped build many of the schools and educational facilities that serve students across the region today.
Supporting students who will go on to work in these essential fields represents a natural extension of that work.
When businesses, schools, and community organizations collaborate, they create opportunities that reach far beyond a single project or program. Scholarships help open doors for students who are ready to work hard, develop specialized skills, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
At Ausley Construction, our mission has always been to build facilities that serve communities for generations. That mission extends beyond the buildings themselves.
It includes investing in the people who will shape those communities in the future.
Through partnerships like the Public Education Foundation scholarship program, we are proud to support the next generation of builders, educators, healthcare professionals, and public servants who will carry our communities forward.
Each year, Women in Construction (WIC) Week and International Women’s Day on March 8th offer an opportunity to reflect on the progress being made across the construction industry and the vital role women play in shaping its future. At Ausley Construction, this month is a meaningful reminder of how grateful we are for the talented women who strengthen our company every day.
Construction has long been a male-dominated field, yet many trailblazing women have helped shape and strengthen the industry. Did you know about these women who transformed construction and engineering?
Barbara Res made history in 1979 as the first female site foreman on a major U.S. skyscraper project, overseeing construction at Trump Tower in New York City.
Emily Warren Roebling (1843–1903) led the technical management of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband became ill, overseeing its successful completion in 1883 and earning recognition as one of the first field engineers in the United States.
Julia Morgan (1872–1957) became the first woman admitted to Paris’s prestigious École des Beaux-Arts and went on to design hundreds of significant buildings across California.
Linda Alvarado, founder of Alvarado Construction, built one of the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned construction firms and became the first Hispanic woman to own a Major League Baseball franchise.
Women continue to make meaningful gains in the construction industry, now accounting for just over 14 percent of the workforce. Between February and late 2024 alone, construction employment grew by more than 133,000 workers, with nearly one in seven of those new roles filled by women, signaling steady momentum despite ongoing labor challenges. Construction also offers one of the narrowest gender wage gaps among major industries, with women earning approximately 94 cents for every dollar earned by men, compared to about 81 cents nationally.
While women remain underrepresented, particularly in skilled trade roles, their presence is expanding across finance, project management, engineering, operations, and leadership. Increased female representation has also improved jobsite culture, leading to safer environments, stronger communication, and greater respect across teams. It has driven practical improvements such as better jobsite facilities and properly fitted personal protective equipment (PPE). Women play a vital role in moving the construction industry forward, and studies show that companies with higher gender diversity are significantly more likely to outperform financially.
At Ausley Construction, we are proud of the women who lead, collaborate, and deliver excellence every day. Their perspectives strengthen our teams, elevate our projects, and reinforce our commitment to disciplined planning and strong partnerships.
We asked two awesome #WomeninConstruction here at Ausley to describe their experience in the industry, what makes construction a meaningful and rewarding career path for women, and what advice they’d give to women considering a career in construction:
Jodie Barnes, Chief Financial Officer, plays a vital role in guiding Ausley’s financial strategy, protecting client investments, and ensuring long-term stability across projects. Her work supports the transparency and accountability that clients rely on throughout the construction process.
For Jodie, working in construction is about contributing to something larger than herself. “It means being part of something bigger and offering a different perspective on how projects are structured, budgeted, and billed,” she explains. Although she works behind the scenes, her role is essential in helping projects run smoothly and efficiently. “I get to collaborate with very smart people, learn from them, and help keep things organized and clear when presenting numbers to owners.”
Jodie’s journey at Ausley reflects the opportunities the industry can offer. Starting as a project secretary ten years ago, she worked her way to Chief Financial Officer by asking questions, learning the business, and building trust with both her team and clients. Her advice for women considering construction is simple: “Jump right in and learn as much as you can. Ask questions, understand the process, and if you’re working on the financial side, prioritize transparency and accuracy. In this industry, that goes a long way.”
Aimee Johnson, Project Manager, leads complex projects with coordination, clarity, and accountability from early planning through closeout. Her leadership reflects the high standards Ausley brings to every facility we build.
For Aimee, working in construction represents meaningful progress. “When I began my career, it was uncommon to see women on jobsites, in construction meetings, or leading project teams,” she says. “Today I see women represented across every trade, and witnessing that growth is something I appreciate.”
She finds construction particularly rewarding because the work creates something lasting. “At the completion of a project, you can stand in front of a finished building and know you played a role in bringing it to life,” she explains.
Aimee also emphasizes that construction management requires a wide range of leadership skills because no two days are the same. “You collaborate with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients while managing budgets, schedules, and risks. It demands strong critical thinking, organization, communication, and leadership, qualities many women bring naturally and effectively to the industry.”
For young women considering construction, her message is: “If you have the desire to work in construction management, follow it. The industry needs capable, driven professionals, regardless of gender. Seek out mentors, learn from those with experience, and never hesitate to ask questions….Leadership in construction is about relationships as much as results. Treat people with respect, communicate clearly, and stand by your word. Your reputation will follow you throughout your career, and integrity will always be one of your greatest assets.”
Together, the leadership and contributions of women across Ausley Construction strengthen our culture, elevate our work, and help ensure we continue building facilities that serve communities for generations. Thank you, Jodie and Aimee, for sharing your experience and insights!
The future of construction depends on fully embracing the talent and leadership women bring to the industry. At Ausley Construction, we are committed to fostering a culture where women can grow, lead, and thrive. Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a collaborative environment, we aim to support the next generation of women in construction.
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to every woman who designs, manages, finances, coordinates, and builds the spaces that serve our communities.
You are shaping the future of the construction industry and strengthening the communities we are proud to serve.
At Ausley Construction, leadership has always been about stewardship. For more than six decades, the company has grown through thoughtful planning, trusted relationships, and a deep commitment to serving clients and communities well. As part of that continued evolution, Ausley Construction is entering a new chapter marked by intentional leadership transitions that honor the past while preparing for the future.
Effective January 2026, Ken Ausley will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer, and Dustin Magamoll will assume the role of President. These leadership updates coincide with the well-earned retirements of Steve Ausley, retiring as Principal and President, and Todd Duffy, retiring as Principal and Chief Operating Officer.
Leadership transitions are most successful when they are rooted in continuity, clarity, and shared values. At Ausley Construction, these changes reflect a deliberate approach to succession planning that ensures the firm remains strong, stable, and client-focused.
“Strong companies are built when leadership evolves with intention,” said Ken Ausley, CEO of Ausley Construction. “This transition reflects continuity of values, trust in our people, and confidence in the future of Ausley Construction.”
These leadership updates align experience with responsibility, ensuring that decision-making, client service, and project delivery remain seamless throughout the transition.
Ausley Construction proudly recognizes the retirements of Steve Ausley and Todd Duffy, both of whom leave behind extraordinary legacies that have shaped the company and the communities it serves.
Steve Ausley, retiring as Principal and President, brought more than 30 years of leadership in the Ocala and Central Florida construction market. Throughout his career, Steve was responsible for hundreds of commercial projects, including schools, churches, banks, multifamily developments, medical offices, specialty healthcare facilities, retail, industrial, and manufacturing buildings. His work supported clients such as Marion County Public Schools, The Villages, the City of Ocala, Marion County, the University of Florida, On Top of The World, and the College of Central Florida, among many others. Steve’s leadership helped establish Ausley’s reputation for quality, reliability, and integrity across the region.
Todd Duffy, retiring as Principal and Chief Operating Officer, concludes a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in the Atlanta and Ocala construction markets. Todd was instrumental in the construction of many of the schools that serve Marion County today, playing a key role in projects including Forest High School, Hammett Bowen, Jr. Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Marion Oaks Elementary School, Legacy Elementary School, Winding Oaks Elementary School, Williston Middle-High School, Crystal River High School, Bradford K–7 School, and Palatka Intermediate School. His operational leadership and dedication to education construction have had a lasting impact on students, educators, and families across multiple communities.
Ausley Construction extends its deepest gratitude to Steve and Todd for their leadership, mentorship, and decades of service. Their influence and example will remain part of the firm’s foundation for generations to come.
As President, Dustin Magamoll brings deep operational experience and a strong understanding of Ausley’s project delivery standards, client relationships, and team culture. In this role, Dustin will focus on organizational alignment, operational execution, and strategic growth across education, healthcare, commercial, and public-sector projects.
Together, Ken Ausley and Dustin Magamoll will continue to guide the firm with a shared commitment to disciplined planning, collaboration, and client-centered construction services.
Ausley Construction’s leadership evolution comes at a time of continued activity and opportunity across the construction industry. With ongoing projects throughout Florida and Pennsylvania, the firm remains focused on delivering projects that allow clients to enjoy the building process.
For clients and partners, this transition reinforces what has always been true at Ausley Construction: the company’s foundation is strong, its values are clear, and its leadership is prepared to guide the organization forward.
As Ausley Construction looks ahead, the focus remains on building with purpose, strengthening communities, and delivering lasting value for generations to come.
As we begin 2026, the construction industry stands at a point of transition. After several years of elevated costs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Success this year will require strategy, early planning, and thoughtful execution. Insights from Nationwide’s Construction Industry Outlook highlight the trends shaping how, when, and where we build.
At Ausley Construction, we have navigated cycles like this for more than 67 years. Our commitment to detailed planning, collaborative delivery, and client-focused execution positions our partners to succeed even in complex market conditions. Below are the themes we are watching most closely in 2026 and what they mean for your projects.
According to Nationwide’s End-of-Year Construction Outlook, overall construction spending growth in 2026 is expected to be more modest than in recent years. However, several sectors remain strong. Public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and specialized facilities continue to attract investment supported by federal and state funding programs.
Community-focused projects such as schools, medical buildings, and public safety facilities reflect long-term priorities for families and municipalities. For owners and developers, this means demand has not disappeared. Instead, it has shifted toward projects that deliver essential services and long-term value, which is our specialty here at Ausley Construction.
Nationwide’s Year-End 2025 Construction Industry Report notes that material cost escalation and limited labor availability continue to influence project budgets heading into 2026. While price increases have slowed compared to prior years, many materials and skilled trades remain more expensive and harder to secure than before the pandemic.
In this environment, early planning is essential. Comprehensive pre-construction services allow project teams to identify long lead items, cost drivers, assess risks, and align scope with budget realities before construction begins.
Nationwide’s reporting continues to highlight labor availability as one of the most significant challenges facing the construction industry. Many trades remain constrained, particularly in skilled and specialized roles, directly affecting schedules and sequencing.
Projects that prioritize early subcontractor engagement, realistic scheduling, and strong trade relationships are better positioned to maintain quality and momentum throughout construction.
Industry outlooks emphasize a growing focus on resilience. Owners are planning facilities that can adapt to future needs, evolving operations, and regulatory change. At the same time, supply chain disruptions and workforce constraints reinforce the importance of risk awareness early in the planning process.
Projects that address these factors proactively are more likely to stay on track and avoid costly changes during construction.
Nationwide’s analysis reinforces that construction conditions vary significantly by region and sector. Markets experiencing population growth and public investment continue to see demand in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, while other segments remain more selective.
Local market knowledge is essential. National data provides context, but regional insight drives smart decision-making. Ausley’s experience across Florida and Pennsylvania allows us to align broader industry trends with local realities.
Based on current industry conditions, we encourage clients to focus on a few key priorities:
At Ausley Construction, we help clients navigate market realities while delivering long-term value. With more than 67 years of experience delivering projects on time and under budget, and with no owner litigation in our history, our focus remains on disciplined planning, clear communication, and collaborative execution.
As you refine your plans for 2026 and beyond, we are ready to help translate industry trends into successful outcomes.
Let’s start the conversation.
At Ausley Construction, we believe that the strength of a community is built through consistent care, shared responsibility, and a willingness to serve. The same principles that guide our work on every project, like commitment, collaboration, and integrity, also guide the way we show up for our neighbors.
This season, as we reflect on what we’re thankful for, our team is especially grateful for the opportunity to give back to the place we call home all year long. Marion County has supported our company for generations, and we see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to invest that support back into the community.
Our team members volunteer their time across a wide range of organizations and local boards that make a tangible difference every day. Their involvement touches many corners of Marion County life: education, public planning, family safety, economic growth, and health and wellness.
Child protection and family safety: Through our involvement with Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, we help support children and families healing from abuse and neglect. They provide forensic interviews, medical exams, trauma-informed counseling, and advocacy – all in a safe, child-friendly environment. The need is real: nationally, 1 in 4 children experience abuse or neglect by age 18.
Health and community wellness: Our participation in the Marion County Heart Walk aligns with our belief that healthy communities are stronger communities. This event raises awareness of cardiovascular emergencies, trains bystanders in lifesaving CPR, and supports medical research.
Workforce development and economic growth: Through roles with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership and local school boards, we invest in creating opportunities for students, professionals, and businesses to grow together. Economic stability and opportunity lift entire communities.
Each of these commitments reflects our belief that progress happens when people choose to serve. Whether through a construction project, a board meeting, or a fundraising effort, every contribution matters.
As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we’re reminded that the heart of Ausley Construction has always been people: our employees, partners, and the communities we help build. Together, we look forward to continuing that work, creating spaces that strengthen lives and stories that last for generations.
At Ausley Construction, we believe that building strong communities starts with investing in education. As an Ocala-based construction company with deep roots in Marion County, we’re proud to help create spaces and opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a $50,000 donation to support education in Marion County.
This gift will be split between two important initiatives:
This announcement was made during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Winding Oaks Elementary School on September 23, 2025, a recent milestone project proudly built by Ausley Construction. The moment symbolized more than the completion of a new school; it reflected our ongoing commitment to helping Marion County students, teachers, and families flourish.
From classrooms to communities, our mission extends beyond construction. We’re proud to stand alongside educators and local leaders who share our belief that quality education and workforce readiness are the foundation of a thriving community.
As specialists in K-12 and higher education construction, Ausley Construction has built some of the region’s most trusted learning environments, including Crystal River High School, Bradford K-7 School, and the College of Central Florida AdventHealth Center for Nursing.
Now, through this scholarship initiative, we’re helping students take the next step, from learning in those classrooms to building careers in fields that strengthen our communities every day. By supporting high-demand, high-skill careers, we’re investing in the entire ecosystem of local service and care.
For more than six decades, Ausley Construction has been known for delivering exceptional construction management services throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. But what truly defines us is our dedication to advancing the missions of our clients and communities.
This $50,000 donation reflects that commitment to building excellent state-of-the-art facilities and the next generation’s future. Whether it’s supporting educators, students, or the trades that keep our county strong, we’re honored to play a part in the ongoing story of Marion County’s success.
