The New Jersey Subcontractors Association (NJSA) recently held its 52nd Annual Awards Reception at The Palace at Somerset Park, celebrating the “heartbeat of the industry.” The newly rebranded Subby Awards recognized the state’s most impactful construction leaders, labor advocates, and firms that maintained elite safety standards over the past year.
The evening emphasized the critical partnerships between subcontractors, general contractors, and labor unions that drive New Jersey’s economy.
“Fair construction is better construction,” Jai Patel, president of NJSA said. “The Subby Awards are our way of recognizing the people and firms who lead with character, collaboration, and a real commitment to safety.”
The 2025 awards highlighted individuals who have dedicated decades to the trade, as well as the projects that are reshaping New Jersey’s skyline.
| Award Category | Recipient / Project | Affiliation / Organization |
| Lifetime Achievement | Steve Sweeney | Former Senate President; General VP, Iron Workers International |
| Labor Leader of the Year | Anthony Abrantes | Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters |
| Subcontractor of the Year | Christopher Neto | Phil Neto Construction Co., Inc. |
| General Contractor of the Year | Vic Wortmann Jr. | VRH Construction |
| Project of the Year | The Valley Hospital | Valley Health System (Paramus) with Torcon |
| Citizenship & Impact Award | Ashlee Sullivan | Turner Construction Company |
| Constructing Character Award | Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco (Blairstown, NJ) | Scouting America’s Northern New Jersey Council |
Steve Sweeney, a former New Jersey Senate President and a union ironworker by trade, was celebrated for his career-long advocacy for the construction industry and organized labor. Similarly, Anthony Abrantes was recognized for his leadership within the Carpenters Union, specifically for his efforts in community building and strengthening apprenticeship opportunities.
A cornerstone of the NJSA mission is the advancement of job site safety. This year, the association honored 15 subcontractor member firms through its Construction Safety Awards program. These firms were selected based on a rigorous, documented review of their safety performance and the strength of their internal safety programs.
The 2025 Safety Champions include:
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Alpine Painting and Sandblasting Contractors
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Century Electric Inc.
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Eii, Inc.
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Electrical Design & Installation Ltd.
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Five Star Electric Corp.
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Forest Electric New Jersey
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Furino and Sons Inc.
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Landmark Fire Protection Inc.
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Loading Dock, Inc./Overhead Door Co.
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Modern Electric Co.
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Phil Neto Construction Co., Inc.
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Scalfo Electric Inc.
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Sloan & Company, Inc.
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TGG Floors
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Zack Painting Company
Founded in 1968, the New Jersey Subcontractors Association is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, and suppliers statewide. The organization focuses on promoting an equitable business environment through government advocacy, education, and industry communication.
The event was supported by several major industry sponsors, including the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (Platinum), VRH Construction, Turner Construction, and the International Ironworkers (Gold).
