Construction Corps named finalist for GrowFL's Florida Companies to Watch awards

Construction Corps, the Clearwater veteran-owned design-build contractor, was named one of 95 finalists for GrowFL's 16th Annual Florida Companies to Watch Awards. The recognition puts the company in line for one of 50 honoree spots, to be announced in October and celebrated in Orlando in February 2027.

Why it matters: - Construction Corps is being recognized among Florida's high-growth second-stage companies, a group that signals where jobs, investment and expansion are building across the state. - The finalist spot also highlights a veteran-owned contractor that has grown quickly while serving residential, commercial and government clients in the Tampa Bay area. - The awards program is designed to spotlight companies that are strengthening and diversifying Florida's economy.

What happened: - Construction Corps was named a finalist for the 16th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards. - GrowFL selected 95 finalists from more than 500 nominated companies statewide. - The company is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and was founded in 2022. - The 50 honorees will be announced in October.

The details: - GrowFL's awards program honors privately held second-stage companies that show leadership, innovation, growth potential and community impact. - Eligible companies must be headquartered in Florida, employ 6 to 150 full-time equivalent workers and generate $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital. - GrowFL also considers growth, innovation, response to adversity, community involvement and overall impact on Florida's economy. - Construction Corps says it grew from a standing start to about $8 million in annual revenue by 2025. - The company operates with a W-2 field workforce and in-house staff covering engineering, design, estimating, project management and operations. - Construction Corps holds six Florida licenses in-house: general contracting, engineering, electrical, plumbing, mold remediation and mold assessment. - Those licenses allow the company to self-perform work many general contractors subcontract. - The firm holds active SBA certifications as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and Veteran-Owned Small Business and is registered for federal contracting. - Matt Thompson, a U.S. Army combat veteran and licensed general contractor since 2007, founded the company after more than 30 years in the trades. - Thompson co-owns and leads the company with his wife, Vice President Serena Lorien, while Director of Construction George Thompson leads field operations. - Construction Corps provided demolition, construction and mold remediation help after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. - The company also loaned tens of thousands of dollars of drying equipment to people in need. - Finalists will be recognized at regional events across Florida, with registration available at GrowFL. - The 50 honorees will be celebrated at the awards gala on Friday, Feb. 26, 2027, at Hard Rock Live, Universal CityWalk in Orlando.

Between the lines: - The finalist list suggests GrowFL is rewarding companies that pair growth with local service, not just revenue gains. - Construction Corps' in-house licensing and trade capabilities set it apart from many general contractors that rely heavily on subcontracting. - The company's disaster-response work likely strengthened its community profile during a period of heightened need in the Tampa Bay region.

What's next: - Construction Corps now moves deeper into the judging process for a possible spot among the top 50 honorees. - GrowFL will announce the honorees in October. - The gala recognition follows in February 2027. - Media inquiries for Construction Corps go to Rebecca O'Leary at office@constructioncorps.com or 727-999-1855; GrowFL media contacts are Tammie Sweet at Tammie@GrowFL.com or 407-498-5323.

The bottom line: - Construction Corps is gaining statewide visibility as a fast-growing Florida contractor with veteran leadership, in-house technical depth and a community service record that helped it stand out.