Pensacola’s ESA South has earned national recognition, landing at No. 220 on Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2026 Top Performers list and No. 114 among the nation’s Top General Contractors.
- The annual ranking, established in 2018, identifies ABC member contractors who demonstrate outstanding achievement in health and safety, quality, and project excellence—measured by hours worked.
Craftsmanship and Integrity
For ESA South CEO Sean P. Harmon, the recognition reflects something deeper than a ranking. “Being recognized on ABC’s Top Performer list is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity our team brings to every project,” he said. “We’re proud of this achievement, and we remain committed to raising the standard of excellence for our clients, our partners, and our industry.”
The veteran-owned design-build firm has been a fixture in federal, military, healthcare, and disaster relief construction since its founding in 1999 by two Marine Corps veterans. With more than 200 completed projects and a bonding capacity of up to $400 million, ESA South has built a national presence that this latest recognition only reinforces.
Elite Quality Standards
To qualify as an ABC Top Performer, ESA South achieved Diamond status in ABC’s STEP® Health and Safety Management System. This distinction places the company among contractors operating at incident rates nearly seven times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average. The company also holds AABC’sAccredited Quality Contractor credential, recognizing excellence across quality performance, talent management, education, and community relations.
- ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman praised the honorees for their resilience and forward thinking. “ABC Top Performers find opportunity amid uncertainty, embrace competition, cultivate positive company culture, prioritize safety and total human health, and invest in leadership and workforce development,” he said.
Background: Construction Executive magazine presents the eighth-annual ABC Top Performers lists and covers 19 market segments, including airports, data centers, healthcare, military, and infrastructure. Rankings are based on hours worked in 2024 as reported in 2025 STEP applications. The full list is available at abc.org/topperformers.