About Us

How We Got Our Start

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) was founded in 1950 when seven contractors gathered in Baltimore, MD to create an association based on the shared belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and responsible low bidders. The courage and dedication of those seven contractors – Charles Mullan, C.K. Wells, Jr., Philip Cloves, Ernest Shultz, Edward Colwill, Charles Knott and Edward Dickinson – helped quickly spread the merit shop philosophy and ABC became the fastest growing association in the United States.

Where We Are Now

Today, ABC is a national trade association with 68 Chapters and 22,000 members representing more than 19,000 construction and industry-related firms. We are the VOICE OF THE MERIT SHOP® and the only organization to serve contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associates of all trades who want to conduct business in an unrestricted market regardless of labor affiliation. Our services include federal, state and local government representation, legal advocacy, education, workforce development, communications, technology, recognition through national and chapter awards programs, employee benefits and information on best practices and business development.

ABC South Texas History

ABC South Texas was founded in 1972 in San Antonio, Texas. In 2011, we  moved to our current office on Arion Parkway. Today we represent over to 200 large and small companies across South Texas and train 180-200 apprentices per year.