ABC of Wisconsin
ABC of Wisconsin is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association representing 1,132 merit shop construction contractor and supplier members across Wisconsin. Founded in 1976 as a chapter of national ABC, it delivers apprenticeship training, safety consulting, HR support, and legislative advocacy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersMadison, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ABC of Wisconsin does
ABC of Wisconsin is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association and the Wisconsin chapter of the national Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), founded in 1976 and headquartered in Madison, WI. It represents merit shop (non-union) construction contractors, suppliers, and associate organizations across Wisconsin, serving 1,132 member companies that collectively employ at least 25,000 construction workers as of 2026, with 2,500 apprentices enrolled in 12 construction trades. Core service lines include apprenticeship training and credentialing (including ABC's Accredited Quality Contractor program), safety consulting and OSHA-related compliance support, HR and labor relations guidance, legislative and regulatory advocacy at the state and federal levels, professional development through the ConstructionU platform, and member discount programs (health insurance, retirement, vehicles, technology).
The chapter's revenue model is driven by tiered annual membership dues — $1,175 to $11,850 for contractor members based on volume tier, and $1,360 to $1,770 for supplier and associate members — supplemented by event registration fees (gala, golf outings, conferences), apprenticeship training fees, safety training revenue, and merchandise sales. Go-to-market is membership-driven and relationship-led rather than transactional. ABC of Wisconsin operates with a 26-person staff from a single Madison headquarters and does not maintain proprietary technology infrastructure; digital education delivery is routed through third-party platforms including ConstructionU, Streamery, JADE Learning, and BlueVolt. The organization is governed as a nonprofit chapter under the national ABC federation, with Wisconsin-specific bylaws and an elected board representing member companies.
In 2026 the chapter achieved record membership for the 13th consecutive year and launched new workforce development initiatives including the Money Jobs Program featuring former Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch as Jobs Ambassador, an HR Fundamentals Web Series, and Construction Inclusion Week programming. Recent internal additions include a Director of Education, Creative Director, Member Engagement & Events Manager, and Director of Workforce Outreach. Ongoing advocacy emphasizes right-to-work protections, apprenticeship funding, and opposition to project labor agreements (PLAs).
ABC of Wisconsin firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ABC of Wisconsin
- Legal name
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc.
- Website
- https://abcwi.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ABC of Wisconsin is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association representing 1,132 merit shop construction contractor and supplier members across Wisconsin. Founded in 1976 as a chapter of national ABC, it delivers apprenticeship training, safety consulting, HR support, and legislative advocacy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where ABC of Wisconsin is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Madison
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
ABC of Wisconsin business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership dues based on company type and revenue/employee count. Contractors pay based on annual volume ($1,175-$11,850), suppliers based on employee count ($1,465-$1,770), and associates ($1,360-$1,515). Dues fund association operations, advocacy, and member services.
- Event Registration Fees: Revenue from golf outings ($175/person), skill competitions, networking events, conferences (HR+ Conference, SuperCon), and training events.
- Training and Education: Fees for online education, Bluebeam training, apprenticeship tuition, and professional development courses.
- Merchandise Sales: ABC Gear merchandise sold through Lands' End store including apparel and branded items.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Contractor membership (Categories 3-16) based on annual revenue volume |
| Subscription | Annual | Supplier membership based on employee count |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate membership for service providers |
| Subscription | Annual | HR Fundamentals Web Series - per session or bundle |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Golf Outing Registration |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Building Your Next Level Team Registration |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
ABC of Wisconsin product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ABC of Wisconsin is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association that delivers membership services, apprenticeship training across 12 construction trades, workforce development, safety training, political advocacy, and networking opportunities to 1,132 member companies employing approximately 25,000 construction workers across Wisconsin. The association is the state affiliate of the national Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) merit shop network.
Product overview
ABC of Wisconsin is a construction industry trade association representing merit shop contractors. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of member services including apprenticeship programs in 12 construction trades, Construction U education and professional development, safety consulting services, human resources support, and legislative advocacy. The membership includes over 1,000 companies with approximately 25,000 workers. Key programs include the Apprenticeship Program (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, etc.), Construction U Education, Safety Services, HR Services, Legislative Advocacy, Member Discount Programs, Projects of Distinction Awards, an Online Education Platform (featuring Construction U On-Demand, U Chapter 2 Bluebeam training, Training Network/Streamery, JADE Learning, BlueVolt), HR Fundamentals Web Series, Construction Inclusion Week initiative, Money Jobs workforce outreach program, and Employee Retention Kit resources. The association also maintains the Construction Users' Guide member directory and provides networking events and awards programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ABC of Wisconsin Membership Annual membership for Wisconsin-based merit shop construction contractors and industry businesses, providing access to workforce training, political advocacy, networking events, safety resources, and member benefits. The organization represents 1,132 member companies and approximately 25,000 construction workers, with a 92% member retention rate.
- Multi-Trade Apprenticeship Program State-approved apprenticeship training across 12 construction trades, training approximately 2,500 apprentices per year through member employer sponsorship. Delivered via in-person and online Learning Management System (LMS) instruction, delivering recognized construction trade credentials.
- Political Advocacy and PAC Government affairs advocacy and a Political Action Committee (PAC) representing merit shop construction contractor interests on Wisconsin legislative, regulatory, and procurement issues.
- Safety Training Services Standardized safety training curriculum and credentials delivered to member construction firms to support OSHA compliance and on-site safety performance.
- Professional Development and Continuing Education Professional development courses and continuing education for member firm staff, including management and supervisory training delivered through the LMS and in-person workshops.
- Networking Events and Industry Recognition Member networking events, expos, and recognition programs such as Projects of Distinction awards that connect Wisconsin construction professionals and showcase member project excellence.
- Scholarship Program Scholarship awards supporting construction workforce development and member employees and their families pursuing construction-related education.
Quantifiable outcome
- 92% member retention rate
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use ABC of Wisconsin
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
ABC of Wisconsin technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
ABC of Wisconsin partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered major sponsor, core partner, partner and minor.
- Sentry Insurancemajor sponsorMajor sponsor of ABC of Wisconsin offering property/casualty dividend program and insurance services to members. Provides member discount programs.
- Milwaukee Toolmajor sponsorMajor sponsor providing tool discounts and brand partnerships for ABC Wisconsin members.
- DeWaltmajor sponsorMajor sponsor offering tools and equipment discounts to ABC members.
- Daily Reportermajor sponsorMajor sponsor and construction industry publication partner providing news coverage and advertising.
- Hausmann Groupmajor sponsorMajor sponsor (formerly Hausmann-Johnson Insurance) providing insurance and benefits services to ABC members. Offers workers' compensation expertise.
- Ansay & Associatesmajor sponsorMajor sponsor providing insurance and financial services to ABC members.
- AKA Custom Lidsmajor sponsorMajor sponsor providing custom branded merchandise and promotional products.
- Boardman & Clark, LLPcore partnerLaw firm partner presenting HR Fundamentals Web Series sessions on fringe benefits, travel pay, per diems, and bonuses.
- Husch Blackwell, LLPcore partnerLaw firm partner presenting HR Fundamentals Web Series on mental health accommodations and workplace issues.
- OgletreepartnerEmployment law firm partner for HR education programs.
- O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing, S.C.core partnerLaw firm partner presenting HR Fundamentals Web Series on terminations and layoffs.
- Jackson Lewis, P.C.core partnerLaw firm partner presenting on unemployment claims response and wage/hour compliance.
- Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.core partnerLaw firm partner presenting on wage and hour (overtime) compliance.
- ConstructionUcore partnerOnline education platform partner providing on-demand construction industry coursework, leadership skills, communication skills, project delivery training, and NEC exam prep.
- U Chapter 2core partnerPartner providing Bluebeam Revu online courses including Baseline Basics, Material Takeoffs, Advanced Estimating, and Administrative Professional training.
- Streamerycore partnerE-learning platform partner offering 600+ safety, management, and HR training videos including 365+ in Spanish.
- JADE Learningcore partnerPartner providing State of Wisconsin approved online Electrical CEUs through ABC Apprenticeship and Training Trust.
- BlueVoltcore partnerPartner providing online electrical apprenticeship classes and CEUs through Wisconsin DSPS-approved courses.
- Kwik TripminorMember discount program partner offering fuel discount program for ABC members.
- US BankminorMember discount program partner providing banking and financial services discounts.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ABC of Wisconsin competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): National non-profit that develops standardized craft training and credentialing curricula used across the construction industry. ABC's apprenticeship programs in 12 trades rely on comparable curriculum frameworks and compete for the same training dollars.
Direct peers
- Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): The leading competing U.S. construction industry trade association with state chapters including AGC of Wisconsin. Serves the same contractor customer base with overlapping services (training, advocacy, safety) but historically aligned with union/open-shop mixed membership rather than ABC's strict merit-shop positioning.
- AGC of Wisconsin: Direct in-state competitor to ABC of Wisconsin. Competes for the same Wisconsin contractor membership base with overlapping services in workforce development, safety, and legislative advocacy, but represents a mix of union and merit shop contractors.
Emerging players
- Mechanical Contractors Association of Wisconsin (MCAW): Wisconsin trade association focused on mechanical/specialty contractors. Provides comparable trade-specific apprenticeship, safety, and advocacy services to a narrower member subset within the same Wisconsin construction ecosystem.
Regional players
- ABC of Minnesota/North Dakota: Another regional ABC chapter covering the Upper Midwest. Comparable business model and member service mix as ABC of Wisconsin; useful benchmark for membership growth and dues pricing in adjacent Midwest markets.
- ABC of Illinois: Sibling ABC chapter serving Illinois construction contractors under the same merit shop philosophy. Operates the same chapter-level trade association model with apprenticeship, safety, and advocacy services.
Broad incumbents
- Associated Builders and Contractors (National): National parent organization of ABC of Wisconsin, representing 23,000+ members across 67 chapters. Operates the same merit shop trade-association model at a national scale with shared programs (STEP, AQC, Excellence in Construction).
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): National trade association for the residential construction industry with state/local affiliates. Comparable association model (membership dues, advocacy, education, apprenticeship) but focused on residential rather than ABC of Wisconsin's commercial/industrial merit shop constituency.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ABC of Wisconsin social profiles
Digital presenceABC of Wisconsin financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ABC of Wisconsin leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
ABC of Wisconsin funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ABC of Wisconsin M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ABC of Wisconsin
What does ABC of Wisconsin do?
ABC of Wisconsin is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association that delivers membership services, apprenticeship training across 12 construction trades, workforce development, safety training, political advocacy, and networking opportunities to 1,132 member companies employing approximately 25,000 construction workers across Wisconsin. The association is the state affiliate of the national Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) merit shop network.
Is ABC of Wisconsin a public or private company?
ABC of Wisconsin is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was ABC of Wisconsin founded?
ABC of Wisconsin was founded in 1950. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ABC of Wisconsin based?
ABC of Wisconsin is headquartered in Madison, United States, in the North America region.
How does ABC of Wisconsin make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are event Registration Fees, training and Education and merchandise Sales.
Who are ABC of Wisconsin's main competitors?
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is listed as an others. Direct peers are Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and AGC of Wisconsin. Mechanical Contractors Association of Wisconsin (MCAW) is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are ABC of Minnesota/North Dakota and ABC of Illinois. Broad incumbents are Associated Builders and Contractors (National) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Does ABC of Wisconsin have an API?
No public API is recorded for ABC of Wisconsin.