Seth Johns

Seth Johns is enthusiastic about his career as a Project Manager at W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc., and grateful that he got his start as a college student in the company’s internship program.

“W.W. Gay has given me numerous opportunities for career growth and resources to learn new skills,” Johns said.

An industry leader for over 60 years, W. W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. is a full-service mechanical contractor headquartered in Jacksonville. Founded by William W. “Bill” Gay in 1962, the company is a trusted source for commercial, industrial and engineering contracting services. W.W. Gay provides first-rate services in many fields of expertise, including for HVAC, Plumbing, Carpentry, Welding, Commercial, Industrial and Residential Construction, Pre-Cast, Concrete and Facility Automation projects, within the public, private and military sectors.

As Project Manager, Johns manages all Ascension/St. Vincent’s projects throughout the Jacksonville area. He oversees each project at Ascension/St. Vincent’s from planning, through construction and to completion, spending time in the W.W. Gay office and onsite at job sites. Johns is responsible for supporting field teams, ensuring they have the information and resources needed to complete projects. His focus is to make the field team’s job as stress-free as possible, while also prioritizing project profitability and delivering quick response times and high-quality results for W.W. Gay’s customers.

“My favorite projects are the ones that require detailed coordination in order to minimize facility impacts, and projects that require creativity in the field, such as moving cumbersome equipment into a tight space,” said Johns.

Johns grew up in Fernandina Beach and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School (Nassau County School District) and Southeastern University. While attending Southeastern University, Johns joined W.W. Gay’s College Internship Program, where he gained valuable, hands-on experience across multiple departments while working alongside knowledgeable professionals. During his internship, Johns gained a well-rounded understanding of company operations and a real sense of what a career at W.W. Gay looks like.

“My internship provided a meaningful opportunity to learn new skills and build relationships with company leaders, inspiring my desire and excitement to pursue a fulfilling career at W.W. Gay,” Johns said. He continued, “I believe an internship is one of the best ways to learn if a company and a career pathway is a good fit for you.”

After graduating from Southeastern University, Johns transitioned into full-time employment at W.W. Gay as an Assistant Project Manager, supporting Mayo projects. Working with other project managers and walking job sites alongside experienced team members laid a solid foundation for his continued growth within the organization. Johns was promoted to Project Manager in January 2026.

“The team at W.W. Gay have supported me since day one, offering me their job knowledge and experience. My success required me to learn on the job and ask questions,” Johns said.

When asked what skills it takes to be successful, Johns emphasized the importance of curiosity, collaboration, confidence, and humility.

“You don’t know what you don’t know . . . Lean on those around you and never be afraid to learn,” Johns said.