The ABC Mission.

ABC will continually strive to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the construction industry. ABC will promote and defend the merit shop philosophy. This philosophy encourages open competition and a free-enterprise approach to construction based solely on merit, regardless of labor affiliation.

ABC values economic freedom within a free-market economy, with open and fair competition and diverse participants constantly striving to achieve the highest levels of personal and company performance.

ABC values the highest levels of personal and corporate standards of behavior characterized by responsibility, accountability and integrity, with demonstrated personal and industry professionalism by all participants.

We exist to advance the merit shop in the construction industry and to provide members and their employees with an opportunity to succeed.

Meet the Team

ABC Southeastern Michigan formed under the leadership of six southeast Michigan contractors in 1982 who believed construction projects should be awarded based on merit to the most qualified and responsible, lowest bidder, and not based on third party affiliations. Since then, the Southeastern Michigan chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors has connected more than 250 members with this shared value. Nationally, ABC represents more than 21,000 members through 68 local chapters. We value economic freedom within a free-market economy, with open and fair competition, and diverse participants constantly striving to achieve the highest levels of personal and company performance. Our members are the backbone that builds America – 86% of construction work in the country is done by merit shop workers. In southeastern Michigan alone, our contractor members generate more than $650 million in revenue annually and employ thousands in the skilled trades. We develop people, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC Southeastern Michigan members work.

  • Keith Ledbetter

    President/CEO

    kledbetter@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3600

  • Deanna Morley

    Vice President

    dmorley@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3600

  • Dave Staudt

    Chief Financial Officer

    dstaudt@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3610

  • Drew Maltese

    Director of Safety

    dmaltese@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3600

  • Marissa Downs

    Director of Education

    mdowns@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3603

  • Grace Bonventre

    Deputy Director of Education

    gbonventre@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3604

  • Kaylee Cohen

    Education Services Coordinator

    kcohen@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3612

  • Michelle Wood

    Operations Manager

    mwood@abcsemi.org
    (248) 965-3245

  • Kelly Forrester

    Communications Manager

    kforrester@abcsemi.org
    (248) 298-3602

Contact us


(248) 298-3600

31800 Sherman Ave.
Madison Heights, MI 48071