Scott Cox is a 4th generation Tampa native who grew up in the industry. He is currently the Director of Preconstruction at Cox Fire Protection, a member of the ABC Florida Gulf Coast and Florida First Coast Chapters. As a National YP committee member and a founder of the ABC Florida Gulf Coast NexGen program, Scott is a strong believer in mentorship and networking, and encourages his entire staff to both contribute to the professional development of young people in the industry, and to broaden their own personal and professional network.

Q: How did you get into the construction industry? 
A: Cox Fire Protection has been in business since I was one year old. I have grown up in the industry and started working part time at Cox Fire at the age of 13. 

Q: What’s one thing that surprised you about the industry? 
A: The biggest thing that surprised me about the industry is how small of an industry it really is. I’m constantly surprised with how fast things get around and how fast word travels.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? 
A:Being in business development, I really enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the pursuit of a specific project.

Q: How have you been involved with ABC? 
A: Cox Fire has been members of ABC for as long as I can remember. I initially got plugged in through a course offered by ABC called Future Leaders in Construction (FLIC). Since that class, I’ve sat on several committees. Most recently, myself and two other ABC members started a new program in the Gulf Coast Chapter. The program is called NexGen and is tailored to help develop the next level of leadership within ABC and the construction industry in whole.

Q: What is your favorite part of being involved with the ABC Young Professionals? 
A: Meeting others in a similar position and building on that relationship. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to as you start working with the committee? 
A: Meeting peers in other markets, finding out what works in their market and bringing that back to my own markets. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone entering the industry?  
A: The easiest way to go to work every day and enjoy what you do is get plugged in to something you enjoy. Find an association, committee, or organization you can get involved in and really get involved. Attending the events only to make a mental check mark that you participated doesn’t count!