Key Takeaways

• Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) 2026 Top Performers list ranks contractors by total work hours while recognizing outstanding achievements in safety, quality, and project excellence across the construction industry.
• Turner Industries Group claims the No. 1 spot as Top Performer by work hours for 2026, followed by BL Harbert International, Performance Contractors, Brown and Root Industrial Services, and MMR Constructors.
• To qualify as a top performer contractor, firms must achieve gold status or higher in ABC’s STEP safety management system and hold the accredited quality contractor credential.
• ABC Greater Tennessee members, including American Constructors, BL Harbert International, Brasfield & Gorrie, Skanska USA Building, T.W. Frierson Contractor, and others, represent the strength of merit shop construction across Tennessee and the Southeast.
• Disciplined safety systems, robust programs for workforce development, and proven project delivery excellence are what truly define a top-performing contractor within the ABC network.

ABC’s 2026 Top Performer Contractor Announcement

The Associated Builders and Contractors organization has released its highly anticipated 2026 Top Performers lists, establishing a national benchmark for construction excellence that recognizes the best-performing contractors in America. These performer lists identify contractors who have demonstrated measurable, documented success across multiple performance dimensions.

The rankings reflect more than just size—they capture what it means to be a true industry leader:

• Contractors are ranked by the number of hours worked in the previous calendar year, with top general contractors and specialty contractors alike competing for recognition
• Recognition extends to firms demonstrating outstanding achievements in safety, quality, project management, and workforce development
• Within the merit shop construction community, earning the designation of top performer contractor represents one of the highest distinctions available
• The performers’ lists span 19 market segments, including industrial, commercial, health care, infrastructure, and high-tech data centers
• Only contractors who prioritize safety and maintain rigorous quality standards earn placement on ABC’s top performers

National 2026 Top Performers: Who Leads the Industry

The 2026 national results spotlight contractors that not only log millions of safe work hours but also consistently deliver high-quality construction projects on schedule and within budget. These top-performing companies share common approaches to safety, talent management, and operational discipline.

Turner Industries Group (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) claims the No. 1 position as the ABC Top Performer by work hours for 2026. The company’s leadership in industrial and heavy construction markets reflects decades of commitment to workforce development and safety practices.

The remaining national leaders include:

• BL Harbert International (2nd) – A major force in commercial, institutional, and international construction with projects spanning sports complexes, healthcare facilities, and government buildings
• Performance Contractors (3rd) – Industrial construction specialists known for turnaround and maintenance services in the energy and manufacturing sectors
• Brown and Root Industrial Services (4th) – Infrastructure and industrial contractors with deep expertise in complex maintenance and capital projects
• MMR Constructors (5th) – Electrical and instrumentation specialists serving industrial and commercial markets nationwide

Beyond the overall rankings, segment-specific leaders show how top performers excel across specialized markets. Faith Technologies Inc leads in high-tech and data centers, while Allan Myers dominates infrastructure segments. These special designations within ABC’s annual publication highlight that project excellence ranked across market segments matters as much as overall volume.

What Defines a Top Performer Contractor Today

The 2026 rankings arrive amid rising expectations for safety performance, quality control, and project delivery across the construction industry. Owners and developers increasingly demand contractors who can navigate complexity while maintaining rigorous standards.

As Michael Bellaman, ABC president and CEO, said, these companies develop smart strategies that set them apart. His remarks emphasize that top-performing contractors:

• Prioritize total human health alongside traditional safety metrics
• Make substantial investments in workforce development through apprenticeships and continuing education
• Deploy new technologies on jobsites to improve efficiency and reduce risk
• Embrace competition as a driver of continuous improvement

A top performer contractor integrates construction excellence into every phase—from preconstruction planning and design coordination through commissioning and closeout. These firms treat safety performance as a core management system rather than a compliance checkbox, anchoring decisions in leading indicators and continuous improvement rather than reactive measures.

Financial strength, transparent leadership, and the ability to cultivate a positive company culture are equally non-negotiable. Top performers create environments where craft professionals find opportunity amid uncertainty and see a clear path to advancing their career dreams through robust programs for professional growth.

STEP: The Safety Foundation of Top Performer Contractors

ABC’s STEP Health and Safety Management System serves as the prerequisite for consideration as a top-performing contractor. Firms must achieve gold status or higher to even qualify for recognition on the performers’ lists.

The program evaluates leading indicators rather than waiting for incidents to occur:

• Safety training hours completed across all crew members
• Frequency and quality of jobsite audits
• Near-miss reporting and investigation processes
• Employee engagement in safety decision-making
• Management education on industry-leading health practices

STEP participants achieving Gold level and above routinely post incident rates that are significantly safer than the industry average. According to ABC’s historical data, STEP Gold participants achieve a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.45 compared to the construction industry average of 2.0—making them more than four times safer. Their Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rate of 0.12, compared with the industry’s 0.9, further demonstrates this gap.

The 2026 Top Performers, including Turner Industries and other national leaders, have documented safety records multiple times better than industry norms. Recognition is rooted in this documented safety data, not subjective nominations. The safety management system approach transforms safety from an afterthought into a core business function.

Accredited Quality Contractor: Beyond Safety to Total Performance

Every top-performing contractor on ABC’s 2026 list must also hold the accredited quality contractor credential through ABC’s accredited quality contractor program. This designation recognizes excellence that extends far beyond safety into comprehensive business performance.

The AQC credential evaluates five core areas:

AQC status signals to project owners that a contractor has third-party-verified systems for delivering consistent quality and project delivery excellence across multiple sectors. Data indicates that AQC firms experience up to 30% fewer quality-related rework incidents than non-credentialed competitors.

Contractors must demonstrate continuing performance annually to retain AQC status. This ongoing verification keeps the bar high and current, ensuring that yesterday’s achievements translate into today’s performance. The accredited quality contractor credential functions as a living commitment rather than a one-time accomplishment.

ABC Greater Tennessee’s 2026 Top Performer Contractors

Shifting focus from national results, the ABC Greater Tennessee chapter celebrated an impressive showing of member firms earning recognition on the 2026 performers lists. These regional companies compete under the same rigorous standards as national leaders.

ABC Greater Tennessee members recognized as 2026 Top Performers include American Constructors, BL Harbert International, Brasfield and Gorrie, Brindley Construction, Carden Co., Doster Construction, F. L. Crane and Sons, Faith Technologies Incorporated, Gaylor Electric, Hensel Phelps, Hoar Construction, Ironsmith Fire, Ivey Mechanical Company, Limestone Building Group, Lithko Contracting, M. J. Harris Construction Services, M.C. Dean, RNGD, Robins and Morton, Skanska USA Building, T.W. Frierson Contractor, W. G. Yates and Sons Construction Company, and Wolfe and Travis Electric.

These firms collectively represent the strength of merit shop construction across Tennessee and the broader Southeast. The roster spans commercial builders, industrial contractors, top electrical contractors, top specialty contractors, and trade contractors serving healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, and advanced technology markets. Each of these companies has met the dual benchmark of STEP Gold (or higher) and AQC credentials, proving that their recognition stems from documented performance—not nominations or popularity.

How ABC Greater Tennessee Members Exemplify Construction Excellence

ABC Greater Tennessee’s top-performing contractors model how disciplined systems translate into real-world construction excellence that clients can measure and verify.

Workforce Development Investment

These firms invest heavily in workforce development through multiple channels:

• Apprenticeship programs aligned with NCCER standards, where participants complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related classroom instruction
• Ongoing leadership development for project managers, superintendents, and field supervisors
• Craft certifications that build specialized expertise in electrical contractor work, mechanical systems, and specialty trades
• Retirement packages commit to long-term employee retention and satisfaction

Structured Project Management

Successful delivery of enduring innovative high-quality construction projects requires more than skilled labor. These contractors deploy: construction labor shortage solutions:

• Detailed scheduling with milestone accountability
• Risk analysis conducted during preconstruction phases
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration, which top firms report boosts productivity by 20-30%
• Collaborative preconstruction processes that align all stakeholders before ground breaks

Safety Culture in Action

Tennessee jobsites led by these contractors feature visible, active safety cultures. Daily toolbox talks, field-level risk assessments, and engaged executives characterize their approach. Recognition as top performers rests on multi-year performance metrics, including completed work hours, low incident rates, repeat clients, and successful delivery of complex commercial and industrial projects.

Examples from the region illustrate these principles in practice. Brasfield and Gorrie completed the 1.2 million-square-foot University of Tennessee Medical Center expansion on budget and two months ahead of schedule. Hensel Phelps managed the $1.1 billion Nashville Yards mixed-use development, achieving zero lost-time incidents across 5 million man-hours. These outcomes don’t happen by accident—they result from systematic excellence.

Why Top Performer Recognition Matters for Owners and the Industry

ABC’s 2026 Top Performers lists provide owners and developers with a vetted signal of contractor reliability and project delivery excellence. In a market where contractor selection can determine project success or failure, these rankings offer meaningful differentiation.

For Project Owners

Learn the essentials of construction risk management to keep your project safe and profitable.

Top Performer contractors often earn opportunities on high-profile projects because their safety performance and quality systems reduce owner risk. Sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, and advanced technology demand contractors who can navigate complexity without compromising standards. General contractors and specialty contractors listed here have already demonstrated their capabilities through documented metrics.

For the Broader Industry

Recognition often leads to increased visibility through coverage in ABC’s award-winning magazine and other trade publications, as well as invitations to bid on prestigious projects. This visibility strengthens long-term growth prospects for merit shop construction firms.

The Top Performers framework also raises the bar across the industry. When leading contractors demonstrate what’s possible through STEP and AQC participation, competitors face pressure to improve their own safety, workforce development, and quality management practices. Even firms not yet ready for top trade contractors status benefit from the elevated standards.

For Communities

These contractors contribute to regional economies through job creation, apprenticeship training, and community relations initiatives. ABC chapters train over 100,000 apprentices annually nationwide, contributing to a 15% reduction in turnover rates compared to non-participating contractors.

Becoming a Future Top Performer Contractor

Contractors aspiring to appear on future ABC Top Performers lists can follow a practical roadmap that builds toward recognition over time. The path requires commitment, but the steps are clear.

Step 1: Join ABC and Enroll in STEP

Membership in associated builders and contractors opens access to the STEP safety management system. New participants typically start at Bronze or Silver levels, then work methodically toward Gold-level performance or higher through documented improvements.

Step 2: Pursue Accredited Quality Contractor Status

The AQC credential requires documenting policies and programs across safety, quality, talent management, management education, and community engagement. Companies must demonstrate systematic approaches rather than ad-hoc practices.

Step 3: Invest in Workforce Development

Formal strategies yield measurable results:

• Register apprenticeship programs with state and federal agencies
• Pursue craft certifications for field personnel
• Develop leadership training for foremen and supervisors
• Create a positive company culture that retains skilled workers

Step 4: Track Key Metrics

Aspiring top performer contractors should track:

These metrics provide the documented evidence needed when applying for ABC recognition. The performers demonstrate excellence through numbers, not claims.

Conclusion: Top Performer Contractors Setting the National Standard

ABC’s 2026 Top Performers lists, led nationally by Turner Industries Group and featuring a strong contingent from ABC Greater Tennessee, define what it means to be a Top Performer in today’s competitive market. The associated builders and contractors network has established clear criteria that separate leading firms from the pack.

Rigorous STEP safety performance, accredited quality contractor credentials, and proven project delivery excellence create the foundation for recognition. These aren’t participation trophies—they represent verified achievement across safety, quality, innovative high-quality construction practices, and operational discipline.

The success of ABC Greater Tennessee’s top performers demonstrates how disciplined management systems, investment in people, and unwavering commitment to safety and quality create long-term growth and industry leadership. From Brasfield and Gorrie’s healthcare projects to Hensel Phelps’ mixed-use developments, these firms deliver results that owners trust.

Looking ahead, these contractors are setting the bar for future generations. They’re showing that merit shop construction can lead the nation in safety performance, workforce development, and construction excellence. For contractors ready to pursue this path, the roadmap exists—and ABC’s top performers prove it works.

Whether you’re a project owner seeking reliable partners, an aspiring top performer contractor ready to improve your systems, or a professional considering where to build your career, ABC’s recognized excellence framework offers a clear path forward.

FAQ

How does ABC determine the rankings for its 2026 Top Performer contractors?

ABC ranks Top Performers primarily by total work hours reported for the previous calendar year. However, eligibility requires meeting baseline criteria, including STEP Gold (or higher) status and AQC credentials. Only active ABC member contractors in good standing are evaluated, and rankings span multiple categories—general contractors, specialty contractors, electrical contractor firms, and others. While work hours drive the numerical order, inclusion itself signals that a firm has demonstrated strong safety performance, quality systems, and workforce development programs. The performed triggered evaluation ensures that companies can’t simply buy their way onto the list through volume alone.

What makes merit shop construction significant in the context of Top Performer recognition?

Merit shop construction operates on a philosophy in which contracts and employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and qualifications rather than on union affiliation. ABC’s Top Performers program is built around this model, rewarding contractors that compete on safety performance, quality, price, and project delivery excellence. This approach encourages innovation and efficiency as firms must continuously improve to remain competitive. The success of ABC Greater Tennessee’s Top Performer contractors illustrates how the merit shop model can deliver high-quality outcomes for owners and communities while providing meaningful career opportunities for workers who build their skills over time.

Can smaller or mid-sized contractors become ABC Top Performers?

Absolutely. While the very top of the national list often features large contractors with millions of work hours, ABC recognizes high-performing firms of various sizes across different market segments. Smaller and mid-sized companies can stand out by achieving STEP Gold or higher, earning AQC status, and demonstrating consistently strong safety and quality metrics. These firms should focus first on building robust safety and workforce development programs, then grow their work hours and project portfolios over time. Many regional leaders started small and built their reputations through documented performance rather than attempting to compete on scale from the start.

How do project owners use ABC’s Top Performer lists when selecting contractors?

Many owners and developers consult ABC’s Top Performers as a trusted reference when prequalifying bidders or assembling shortlists for complex projects. Top Performer status gives owners confidence in a contractor’s safety performance, quality systems, and workforce capabilities before procurement even begins. This pre-vetting reduces due diligence burden and provides a security solution against selecting underperforming contractors. Owners working in Tennessee and the Southeast can look specifically to ABC Greater Tennessee’s 2026 Top Performers when seeking proven regional partners for commercial, industrial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between ABC Top Performers and other industry awards?

ABC Top Performers are ranked and recognized based on documented criteria such as work hours, STEP safety performance, and AQC accreditation, rather than solely on individual project submissions. This differs from project-specific awards (such as Excellence in Construction honors) that highlight single standout projects rather than overall company performance. Top Performer status reflects sustained, company-wide excellence across safety, quality, workforce development, and project delivery year over year. Think of it as the difference between winning a game and having a winning season—Top Performers prove consistent performance across their entire operation, not just exceptional results on a certain word or single project.