Jeff Callahan, Senior Vice President, Moss Construction
In an interview with Invest:, Jeff Callahan, Senior Vice President at Moss Construction, highlighted the firm’s continued growth, innovation, and community impact across the Tampa Bay region. With over $500 million in projects delivered in 2023 alone, Moss has solidified its reputation as a leader in both luxury and large-scale developments. “We’re not just building projects; we’re building communities,” Callahan said, emphasizing Moss’ commitment to quality, resilience, and talent development in a fast-evolving market.
What are some standout achievements for Moss Construction and its regional footprint?
Moss Construction has been a key player in mid-Florida since 2011, growing into the region’s top contractor by revenue. In 2023, we surpassed $500 million across vertical construction and solar. Our 120 professionals serve Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, ensuring they remain close to their communities and families. Recent achievements include delivering the world-class St. Regis Longboat Key Resort and Residences, a five-star project with over 150 hotel rooms, 100 condo units, and 47 water features, as well as the 101 Meridian project in Tampa’s Channelside district.
What are your current projects, and how do they address regional needs?
With housing shortages affecting Florida, much of our focus is on condos and multi-family markets. We’re constructing One Tampa, which will be Tampa’s tallest residential tower at 42 stories, and beginning the Ritz Residence Sarasota Bay, the second phase of a major development in Sarasota. Hospitality also remains a core focus—we’re completing Opal Sol in Clearwater and will break ground on a new Lido Beach hotel later this year.
What is Moss’ approach to luxury and high-end construction?
Luxury is in our DNA. Our team of top-tier professionals consistently delivers complex, high-end projects with meticulous quality control and schedule certainty. Over the last decade, Moss has set the standard for branded luxury real estate, including condos, hotels, and apartments, helping developers fulfill their visions and exceed market expectations.
How are you addressing workforce challenges in Tampa Bay?
The Tampa Bay market is resource-constrained compared to other regions, with shortages of subcontractors, project managers, superintendents, and architects. As demand outpaces supply, we prioritize building relationships with top subcontractors and investing in our team. At Moss, we provide employees with tools, training, and growth opportunities, ensuring our success is built on their development and dedication.
How does Moss engage with the community and future talent?
We’re strong supporters of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) programs, which introduce high school students to trades. Our focus isn’t just recruitment for Moss—it’s about strengthening the construction industry as a whole by encouraging young people to pursue careers as electricians, plumbers, and masons.
How is technology shaping Moss’ operations?
Tools like BIM and 3D modeling have become industry standards, but the next frontier for us is AI. In a resource-constrained market, AI enables teams to work smarter, increasing productivity and improving resource management. We’re actively investing in AI to better serve clients and streamline operations.
What sustainability initiatives are driving Moss projects?
Efficiency and durability are top priorities, particularly with long-term owners and publicly traded companies. Using sustainable materials reduces post-construction issues and aligns with modern expectations. After a brief decline in sustainability efforts during the pandemic, we’ve seen a strong rebound as markets stabilize.
How is Moss incorporating resilience into its developments?
Florida’s updated building codes have significantly improved storm resilience. Features like flood panels and impact-resistant glass are now standard, ensuring newer buildings withstand major weather events far better than older ones. Moss continues to lead in adopting these innovations.
What are Moss’ priorities for the next two to three years?
Our focus is on being the best place to work, attracting and developing top talent, and maintaining strong relationships with our core clients. With 75-80% of our business coming from repeat clients, preserving those connections is vital. Additionally, we’re exploring ways to expand our offerings during slower cycles without detracting from our core business.
Operational excellence remains our benchmark. We take pride in our unmatched quality control, schedule certainty, and commitment to community service. Last year, our team logged 850 hours of community service, reflecting our culture of giving back. At Moss, we’re not just building projects; we’re building communities.
