toothbrush and paste , deodorant , body wipes , snacks , protein bars , water , first aid items , dry shampoo , socks , Visa gift card , sunscreen , hand sanitizer . Jay drives around on the weekends search for those in need of supplies and respectfully distributes the essentials . Jay is authentic , wants nothing in return and says he feels blessed to have overcome personal circumstances and is merely “ paying it forward .”
Vince Hafeli , Ajax — Winner of the Joe Antico Community Service Award , Individual
Vince Hafeli , President of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida , is passionate about employees ’ physical and mental wellbeing because of his lived experiences . Vince has been recognized in the field for internationally promoting mental health and suicide awareness in the Construction
Industry , presenting all over the US as well as England , raising awareness for suicide rates in the industry . Vince spearheaded the Construction Hike for Hope in conjunction with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention . The inaugural Hike for Hope raised $ 117,360 and 153 participants registered . The Hike took place in five locations across the state and Vince ’ s goal is to turn this into a national hike in 2024 . Vince presented a nationally- recognized “ Suicide Proclamation ” at the Florida Transportation Builders Association annual construction conference earlier this year . Vince reached out to industry leaders including contractors , engineers , equipment manufactures and consulting firms to sign the proclamation to declare that they would put an extra emphasis on mental health and suicide awareness at their respective firms . In total he received 31 signatures . The proclamation is now a virtual document and can be signed electronically . Vince hopes to gain one million signatures .
Petticoat Schmitt Civil Contractors — Winner of the Joe Antico Community Service Award , Company
Petticoat-Schmitt ’ s CEO , Ryan Schmitt , and COO , Lauren Atwell , have individually and collectively supported life-changing organizations , programs , and events by donating their time , expertise , and / or financial contribution . Both invest in the future of the industry by engaging in activities such as the ACE Mentor Program , Construction Career Days , University of
JULY 2023 • DITCHMEN 35