A.O. Wagner Construction Moves Full-Steam Ahead, Goal of Being the Leading Midsize Contractor Along I-4
A.O. Construction and Wagner Construction were two well-established companies when A.O. bought the latter in May 2023. Now that all of Wagner’s open contracts have been completed, the company has been renamed A.O. Wagner Construction – and its future looks bright.
“The name change reflects the merger,” said A.O. Wagner Construction President Gannon Olmert. “After completing Wagner’s open contracts (the company operated out of Leesburg and Tampa), we decided that merging the two entities under one name would simplify operations and create a unified identity.”
The consolidation allowed the company to streamline overhead. They now offer a comprehensive suite of services under one umbrella and retained all employees, Olmert said. “The result is a stronger, more efficient company better equipped to serve our customers’ needs across Central Florida.”
A.O. Wagner Construction offers preconstruction services, construction management, general contracting and trade work, including demolition, concrete, masonry, carpentry, steel erection and drywall. It aims to provide high-quality construction services on time and within budget, working out of its Winter Haven headquarters.
The company started as Tucker Construction, which was founded in 1961 and incorporated in 1968. In 2019, Olmert bought out his partners and changed the name.
2024 in Review for A.O Wagner
2024 was a remarkable year for A.O Wagner Construction, Olmert said. “We experienced over 30% growth compared to the previous year. This success reflects our ability to capitalize on market opportunities, efficiently manage projects, and continue building trust with our clients.”

In the past two years, the company has expanded significantly, he said.
“Our staff has grown by about 20%, which aligns with the growth we’ve experienced as a company. While our geographic footprint hasn’t changed, we’ve expanded the size and scope of the services we provide. Our presence now extends beyond Polk County into neighboring counties, allowing us to better serve clients with multiple facilities across the Central Florida corridor. This expanded reach has strengthened our relationships with existing clients and opened new opportunities for growth.”
Outlook for 2025
“2025 is shaping up to be another strong year for us,” Olmert said. “We’re starting the year with a robust backlog of projects and a healthy pipeline that shows no signs of slowing down. If these trends continue, we expect to sustain a growth pattern similar to what we achieved in 2024.”
A.O Wagner Construction’s goal is to become the leading small to midsize contractor along the Interstate 4 corridor. They continue to pursue this in 2025.
“We’ve made significant progress toward achieving that goal. Particularly with the merger of the two firms, which has solidified our status as a midsize construction company,” Olmert said. “Our increased local presence, strategic growth and targeted social media marketing efforts have enhanced our recognition in the region.”
But reaching the goal remains an ongoing process, he said. “The construction industry is dynamic, with market fluctuations, strong local and outside competition, and economic drivers constantly reshaping the landscape. We are committed to adapting to these changes, investing in our team and maintaining high-quality service to sustain our growth and leadership position.”
In 2024, the company was a finalist for the Central Florida Development Council’s Jim Brantley Economic Development Award – Success in Small Business award.


Olmert banks on this year’s highlight to be “continued growth. And, if opportunities arise, additional expansion into new markets or service areas,” he said.
But challenges remain. “The primary challenge we face is the labor market. Finding skilled labor remains one of the largest obstacles to maintaining high production levels. As demand for construction services increases, the need for qualified workers continues to outpace availability, making recruitment and retention a top priority.”
Personal Success
Olmert said he loves what he does. Especially “working on projects where we see tangible results that bring value to our clients. Whether it’s a large-scale commercial build or a more specialized project, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in watching an idea take shape and become a reality. The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do positively impacts our clients and their communities.”
He also loves working with staff members.
And he’s not afraid of hard work. “I’ve always been an active person. My father put me to work at an early age, teaching me the value of hard work and instilling a strong work ethic. What drives me is seeing our completed projects, the growth of our employees throughout the process, and the joy and satisfaction of our clients when their visions come to life. Interacting with clients and helping turn their ideas into reality is an incredibly fulfilling experience that keeps me motivated every day.”