David Turcios, surety bond specialist for Nielson, Wojtowicz, Neu & Associates in the Tampa Bay, Fla. area and currently serves as the chairman of the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter’s programs & marketing committee and co-chairman of the membership committee. He joined the ABC National Young Professional Committee in July 2014.

Q: How did you get into the construction industry? 
A: It was an accident, really.  While attending college, I responded to a job posting for a data entry position. I got the job, and after a couple of weeks, I started being given other tasks to perform.  As time went on, I learned what a surety bond was and started to learn all aspects of becoming a surety bond agent. Nineteen years later I’m still working in the industry and cannot imagine doing anything else for a living.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Contractors who perform work in the public sector, and even some who perform in the private sector, need a surety bond in order to secure work. Not all companies qualify for bonds; a lot of times the bond agent has to get creative in order to help the contractor secure a bond. When I’m able to help a contractor qualify for a bond that they were not able to qualify for beforehand, or help a contractor qualify for a better bond program than what they had, it gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction to know that I’m helping a company not only keep their doors open, but also have the ability to support their families.

Q: How have you been involved with ABC?
A: I’ve been a member of ABC through the companies for which I’ve worked, for roughly 15-years now. However, I started attending events about 10-years ago.  In that time I’ve attended almost all of the events the association puts on, including traveling to Tallahassee for ABC of Florida’s Legislative Conference and to D.C. for ABC National’s Legislative Conference. Additionally, I’ve participated in many of my chapter’s committees including the Legislative Committee, Membership Committee, and Programs & Marketing Committee.

Q: What is your favorite part of being involved with the ABC Young Professionals? 
A: It’s a bonding experience with those who are trying to also make a mark in the industry.  We all come from different backgrounds and work in different aspects of the construction world, but we’re all trying to advance our careers. We are learning how to do so by observing those who are more seasoned, and by leaning on each other for advice and perspective.

Q: What are you most looking forward to as you start working with the committee?
A: Being a part of a committee that is helping other YP’s advance their career.

Q: What advice would you give to someone entering the industry? 
A: Be active in associations like ABC.  It’s something that I wish I would have done earlier in my career.  Since actively participating, my business has become more successful.  I feel I owe it not only to hard work, but also to the contacts that I have made through my involvement with ABC.