YP Lunch with Leaders: Meet the 2026 YPOY Finalists

Description

Get to know this year's Young Professional of the Year finalists ahead of the Excellence in Construction Awards! Join us for a panel discussion to hear about their career growth journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and their valuable insights into what it takes to excel in the construction industry.

Alaina Ekdom, Director of Brand & Experience at EV Construction

Alaina is proof that there is no single path into a career in construction. A graphic designer by education, she found her way into the industry on accident 13 years ago and now leads EV's marketing, proposal development, and experience teams.

During her nearly nine years at EV, Alaina has led the company's rebrand, serves on the Leadership Council and other internal committees, and is actively involved with ABC Western Michigan and workforce development initiatives throughout the region. She is passionate about helping others discover the wide variety of careers available in construction and believes the industry's future depends on strong leadership, meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Bill Fryling, Safety Director at Buist

Bill has spent more than 20 years helping shape the company's culture of safety, leadership, and continuous improvement. Beginning his career as a high school co-op student and working his way through the field, Bill is passionate about empowering employees to take ownership, mentoring the next generation of construction professionals, and creating systems that help people succeed. 

An active leader within ABC Western Michigan and the broader construction industry, Bill is committed to strengthening safety through trust, collaboration, and education. Throughout his career, Bill has been recognized for his servant leadership, dedication to workforce development, and lasting impact on both his company and the construction industry.

E.B. Sonheim, Director of Marketing at Feyen Zylstra

E.B. has spent the past 13 years helping strengthen the company's brand, relationships, and workforce development initiatives. Passionate about building systems that invest in people, E.B. has led programs that enhance employee development, strengthen partnerships with customers, and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in construction. 

A dedicated advocate for the industry, she is actively involved with ABC Western Michigan and serves in leadership roles with several community organizations. E.B. is recognized across the industry for her people-first leadership, commitment to workforce development, and vision for the future of the construction industry.