Big Fire Restaurant

Case Study:

BigFire American Fare

Scope:

Total renovation of the existing Emeril’s restaurant to create the new big fire grill. JK2 increased the existing floor area of the structure to 14,000SF on the first and second floors of the three story building after stripping the interior of the building back to the original structure. An all new kitchen with wood burning exhibition grill and exhaust scrubber offer guests a view into the heart of the restaurant. All new mechanical, electrical and plumbing and fixtures were added. The focal point of the interior finishes is a 50′ lighted canoe hanging from the exposed structure three stories above the open air dining area.

Challenges: 

Located in the heart of CityWalk, construction took place during the day and night with double shifts to meet the complex schedule to coincide with the opening of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Demolition commenced as the final construction drawings were being developed, requiring a close partnership with the design team and the client to maintain the project schedule and provide solutions to complex unforeseen existing conditions not detailed in the drawings.

Today Show Cafe

CASE STUDY:

TODAY CAFE

Scope:

Exterior and interior demolition and renovation of the former Beverly Hills Boulangerie located inside Universal Studios Florida into a Cafe with finishes and ambiance to pay tribute to Studio A1, where the TODAY Show television program is filmed. 

Challenges:

Situated just inside the entrance to Universal Studios Florida, this project was completed after hours within a three month time frame. Highlights include all new finishes, custom electrical fixtures, custom millwork, full service kitchen equipment and exterior renovations to the building facade. JK2 procured the design intended FF&E for this project within this tight timeline. 

Silver Oaks Community Amenities

Silver Oaks 

JK2 Construction completed the Silver Oaks amenity center in Apopka last week for one of our valued clients. The project was a design/build effort with an accelerated schedule consisting of multiple program elements. The design phase included coordination with the City of Apopka, the developer and integrating finishes matching the existing models. The construction elements included the following: 2,500 SF community building with meeting space and bathrooms, playground area, mailbox kiosk, and hardscape. The total project duration was 110 days.

 

 

Nicklaus Clubhouse at Reunion Resort & Golf Club

CASE STUDY:

Nicklaus Clubhouse

Scope: 

Ground up construction of 16,460 SF Spanish Monterrey style clubhouse overlooking the Nicklaus Course 18th Green, complete with proshop, offices, sales center, fitness room, restaurant, bar and basement-level golf cart storage. Site work included utility, parking, hardscape, landscape and irrigation. 

Challenges: 

Discrepancies in drawings sets did not delay this build, nor did the delicate sitework which had to work around the Florida Gas Transmission Pipeline which feeds the entire west coast of Florida and was located 25 feet from the corner of the clubhouse.  JK2 value engineered various materials and finish selections to satisfy the owner’s design intent. Despite a shut down of the municipality mid project and delayed inspections of structural components as a result, the project delivered on time. 

Orlando Science Center – The Hive: A Makerspace

Orlando Science Center – The Hive: A Makerspace

The Hive: A Makerspace is over 3,000 square feet of collaborative work space in which children can use high-tech tools and real materials to design and build their own projects.

JK2 Construction was brought on to manage the complete design and renovation of the construction project. The company worked closely with the architect and Science Center team to come up with a vision for the space and make it blend seamlessly with the existing design of the building. JK2 Construction completed the demolition of the existing space and managed the build-out of new framing, drywall, carpet, and painting of the newly created Makerspace.  In addition, the company worked to safely and effectively relocate mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety elements while working around guests and operational constraints of the facility.

 

 

Brian Colville

As Project Manager for JK2 Construction Brian has been responsible for the entirety of a multitude of projects from the design phase all the way to turnover to owner. Utilizing his management skills and experience to guarantee the project meets the owner’s expectations of budget and schedule, and working closely with the JK2 team, Brian oversees all aspects of the project to ensure seamless communication with the owner regarding the project as a whole.

Growing up, Brian had a passion for building, and worked throughout high school and college as a carpenter for a general contractor on residential and small commercial projects. After graduating from The University of Notre Dame with a B.S. in Business Administration, Brian stepped away from the industry to pursue his career in management in other fields before ultimately starting his own company in the medical arena.

All the while, Brian maintained his love of construction through outreach programs such as Habitat for Humanity, and mission work, including building schools and homes in the Dominican Republic. Ultimately, his love and passion for construction brought him back into the industry and led him to use his management skills to oversee the construction process as a Project Manager.

Brian came into the JK2 family after meeting Paul while building a school in the Dominican Republic and discovering some of their similarities and shared excitement for building. In the time he has been with JK2 he has had the opportunity to oversee a variety of projects including: the home office and warehouse of JK2 Scenic; a host of amenity centers, pools, and cabanas; The Orlando Science Center: Hive; work within the hotel industry at Sheraton Vistana, Royal Pacific Resort, Aventura, and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort; and within the theme parks including projects like Auntie Anne’s, Globus Mundi, Wet N’ Wild Demolition, and Universal’s Big Fire American Fare.

AECC Industrial Park

AECC Industrial Park

Design / Build Contractor for the construction of 5 buildings and tenant build out within the Apopka Expressway Commercial Complex Multiple Flex Space Metal Buildings. Land development, civil engineering, and site permitting for this 10 acre industrial park were included services.

When completed, AECC will be comprised of 17 buildings ranging in size from 3,000 to 14,950 SF. Each building has been subdivided into units ranging from 875 SF to 2,500 SF. This allows the owners to sell or lease portions of the individual building in accordance with the predetermined unit designations. There are eight building pads remaining. ACEE is conveniently located off US Hwy 441 in North Apopka, 1 mile from exit 34 off the 429. Interested parties please contact with Fusilier Realty Group.

Voodoo Doughnut

Voodoo Doughnut

or this 2,418-square-foot project, JK2 Construction completed everything from demolition of interior components, exterior walls and storefront to constructing a fully operational kitchen. JK2 Construction was charged with building a chef’s office, viewing kitchen, a display line and POS stations, both fixed and mobile. The construction company also added a new lighting and dimming package, A/C distribution, automatic opening entry doors and elevator access to the restaurant. In addition, JK2 Construction added flooring, storefront windows, architectural aluminum finish, built-in banquettes, custom seating and multiple specialty finishes.

After JK2 Construction completed the interior build-out, JK2 Scenic added the “wow factor” with the final touches that brought the signature style of Voodoo Doughnut to life. JK2 Scenic fabricated decorative props, the POS service station and display line, custom display shelves, and the famous rotating doughnut cabinet, which showcases the crazy-flavored doughnuts in the center of the sales floor.  All of the eclectic art and show pieces, bringing the creatively weird and edgy space to life, were coordinated, purchased and installed by the JK2 Scenic team.

“I’m proud that both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic have been able to work on the Voodoo Doughnut shop at Universal’s CityWalk in Orlando,” said Paul Holmes, JK2 Construction president and founder. “Together, we’ve created something iconic that is both a complement to the other outstanding venues at CityWalk and a showpiece visitors will enjoy for years to come.”

Both companies were able to overcome the logistical challenges of working inside a small retail footprint within a high-traffic tourist destination, completing the project in the allotted time frame.  JK2 collaborated with Universal Creative and the interior designer to ensure the look and feel of the space was delivered with perfection.

Tucker Holmes

Tucker Holmes, Project Manager

Professional Summary

During his career Tucker has completed a variety of projects, carrying them from the logistic planning phase through turnover.

  • Results Driven Project manager, tucker insures all projects are completed on time, on budget, and of the highest quality standards by gathering a deep understanding of the project and then communicating this information to the operations team
  • Skillful communicator Tucker is the critical link between the architect, owner, and sub-contractors.
  • Solutions driven, Tucker understands every project will have issues but the key to his success is developing solutions that allow these issues to be solved quickly and efficiently

Work History

JK2 Construction, Project Manager

  • Manage budgets, contracts and change orders
  • Conduct weekly OAC meetings for numerous projects
  • Manage Superintendents, Project Engineers and Administrative Assistants
  • Estimate and prepare budgets for project proposals
  • Facilitate Design-Build Projects for the Clients
  • Business Development- maintain client & vendor relations, meet with potential clients and attend social business functions.
  • Manage RFI and Submittal Process

Central Florida Investments (Westgate Resorts), Construction Manager

  • Owner representative (Construction Manager) for Southeast projects
  • Manage numerous General Contractors of numerous projects simultaneously
  • Managed “Queen of Versailles” largest home in America for CEO of CFI/Westgate
  • Conducted and coordinated meetings with Municipalities for permitting and variances requested from the owner.
  • Managed project budgets and verified GC Change orders
  • Managed team of Project Managers with delegated responsibilities
  • Identified and solved project issues whether it be Design, Field Conditions or Municipality Requirements

PCL Construction Services, Field Engineer/Area Superintendent

  • Maintained RFI log and correspondence between Architect, Owner and Subcontractors
  • Coordinate and manage field operations
  • Maintained and update project schedules
  • Safety coordinator and conducted weekly safety meetings
  • Conducted weekly subcontractor meetings and troubleshooting field issues
  • Lead Technology Beta testing for the company with project tasks

  Construction Specialties of North Florida, Superintendent/ Operations Manager                      

  • Installed hurricane protection according to Florida Building Code providing home protection for the Customer.
  • Maintained inventory of sales and materials by using Microsoft Excel.
  • Remodeled foreclosures for resale.
  • Managed Installation crews and scheduled projects for work crews

Coastal Mechanical Services,                                                                                              

  • Installed HVAC, and water systems for a State Hospital and University.
  • Coordinated inspections and pressure tested plumbing systems.
  • Scheduled materials for install.

Hunt Construction, Assistant Superintendent                                                                                      

  • Communicated with subcontractors to coordinate inspections and manage sections of the jobsite.
  • Attended weekly subcontractor meetings and reported progress to management.
  • Addressed RFI’s, resolving conflicts between the engineer and subcontractor.
  • Obtained Forklift License
  • Obtained OSHA 10-hr Safety Certification

Barrier Island Construction, Skilled Carpenter                                                                      

  • Learned advance carpentry skills while constructing custom homes.
  • Worked with carpentry tools to install unique roof systems per structural drawings.

AH2 Site Work, Site Foreman                                                                            

  • Working as a site foreman to produce the infrastructure of warehouse community.
  • Operated forklifts, bobcats, and excavators to install underground systems.
  • Assisted Superintendent with Field Operations
  • Managed Labor Force

Education

University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL                                                                            

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

Apopka High School, Apopka, FL                                                                                                            

Member of National Honor Society

Engineering, Science and Technology Magnet Program

Licenses/Certifications

  • Certified General Contractor
  • LEED Green Associate
  • OHSA 30HR

Affiliations

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, President, Vice President
  • Design Build Institute of America
  • UIFI Leadership Graduate
  • ABC Leadership Graduate

Susan Boshers

Controller

Susan joined the JK2 team in 2018.  She is responsible for the delivery of financial services for the organization, such as accounting, reporting, budgeting and insurance management.  She has a Masters Degree in Accounting from Stetson University and over 40 years of experience.  Prior to joining JK2, she held senior finance positions in several different organizations working in such varied fields as governmental accounting, not-for-profit and construction.  She also owned a very successful small construction company in Maryland for over 15 years until she made her move to Florida in 2001.  She helps the company to reach its goals using her background in both accounting and construction.

Dan Shaffer

Dan Shaffer, Director of Pre-Construction

Professional Summary

  • Relationship focused, during his 10 years’ experience in purchasing and estimating Dan has built long lasting relationships with leading subcontractors in the central Florida area.
  • Strategic approach to estimating, During the bidding phase of the project Dan gathers a deep understanding of the requirements of the project and teams with subs that can deliver the desired level of quality, price and staffing needed to deliver the project on time and on budget
  • Integral part of the construction team, Dan oversees both the bidding and buyout stages of the estimate thus creating a seamless transition with the operations team

Skills

  • Ability to professionally communicate with all levels of management and external clients
  • Excellent communication, time management and problem solving skills
  • Proactive, self-starter, fast learner and effective working independently, yet equally comfortable contributing in a team environment
  • Strong reasoning and decision making skills with the ability to deal with multiple issues and details at once
  • Planning & Organization
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Experience with JDE Software, Primavera P6, Prolog Converge, Spitfire

Work History

2015-18           Jordan Brothers Construction, LLC, General Contractor                                 Orlando, FL

Estimating/Purchasing Manager; IT Support

  • Helped grow company from $1-3Mil Revenue per year to $15+Mil per year
  • Responsible for all aspects of the estimating process:
    • Identify projects to pursue
    • Create invitations to bid
    • Identify the total scope of the project and inviting the correct subcontractors to bid
    • Complete material take-offs via PlanSwift software
    • Ability to comprehend plans/contracts in order to put together competitive bids
    • Inquire RFIs to architects and engineers to clarify any conflicts prior to bid submission
    • Attend pre-bid meetings and perform site visits necessary to complete bids
    • De-scope all Subcontractor proposals
    • Construct entire bid packages/presentations needed for clients
    • Create project budgets with correct accounting cost codes prior to project turnover to Operation Team
    • Aid in initial Subcontractor buyout
    • Bid on $120+Mil in public solicitations winning $40+Mil in work
    • Successful bid and won $18+Mil of private work
    • Construct conceptual estimates based on historical unit pricing and market pricing
  • Experience with vertical and horizontal construction estimating
  • Responsible for creating Purchase Orders and Subcontracts
  • Responsible for purchasing and maintaining IT equipment, thereby creating new domain users and email addresses

2013-2015       Cherry Lake Tree Farm DBA LegacyScapes Inc., Landscape Contractor         Groveland, FL

Purchasing/Logistics Manager

  • Responsible for all landscape purchases for all projects
  • Aid in managing 15+ Foremen
  • Negotiate with vendors to get the best price on materials
  • Set up logistics on materials sent to jobsites

2012-2013       Cherry Lake Tree Farm, Wholesaler                                                                Groveland, FL

Production Cost Accountant /Process Improvement

  • Hand-picked by CEO for this position
  • Responsible for analyzing production cost for our material and develop lead indicators that our growers can use to lower their cost and be more efficient
  • Identify and carry out special projects set out by the CEO and CFO
  • Involve in many cross-functional teams where the goal is to identify areas in our organization where we can be more efficient
  • Continue to handle financial reporting for my previous department

2008-2012       Cherry Lake Tree Farm, Wholesaler                                                                 Groveland, FL

Outsourcing & Shipping Manager

  • Manage Outsourcing Division for 1200 Acre Containerized Tree Farm, including 5 staff employees
  • Responsible for financial reporting including maintaining a balance sheet, P&L statements, and projecting
  • Set yearly budget
  • Achieve $12+Mil in Revenue / $2+Mil in Gross Margin during my 4 years as Manager
  • Negotiate competitive priced deals through strategically sourcing materials and leveraging strong vendor relationships
  • Develop the P&L reporting process and integrated into that of the company

Education

University of Florida   Gainesville, FL

Bachelor of Science in Finance, Cum Laude, April 2005

Canyons Community Amenities

The Canyons at Highland Ranch

JK2 Construction, a leader in the Central Florida construction industry, recently completed work on a luxury amenity center in the booming city of Clermont.

The amenity center is part of Taylor Morrison’s Canyons at Highland Ranch development. The project features a cabana, pool, splash pad and dog parks. In addition to these amenities, JK2 Construction also created volleyball, basketball and tennis courts for residents.

The amenity center JK2 Construction built offers something for all residents, whether they want to relax and unwind with family and pets or get active on the court.

This is the first project JK2 Construction has completed with Taylor Morrison. Thanks to its success, the two companies have continued their partnership, with multiple projects already in the works.

“Taylor Morrison is known for building homes tailored to the needs of residents,” said Paul Holmes, JK2 Construction’s president and founder. “Our efficient, quality building approach allowed us to produce a luxurious amenity center quickly and affordably while they focus on constructing homes their clients will love. We look forward to growing this partnership.”

The Hello Kitty Store

CASE STUDY:

Hello Kitty / Betty Boop Store

Scope:

Interior and exterior demolition of the “I Love Lucy Store and Museum”.  All Lucy memorabilia had to be carefully removed and prepared for shipping prior to the demolition, overseen by the Arnaz Family.  Once complete the store interior was removed back to the structure, and the exterior windows, doors, and partial façade removed and prepared for new materials.  The store was themed in three different finishes and merchandise for 1) Hello Kitty, 2) Universal Studios Store, and 3) Betty Boop.  Exterior work was performed to change the finishes and window displays of the entire structure prior to painting and adding canopies. 

Challenges:

All new mechanical and electrical systems were added to the existing HVAC and electrical equipment, requiring cleaning and updating.  Floor prep and leveling had to be completed prior to laying the laser cut specialty flooring (each laser-cut tile was numbered from the factory prior to shipping) so that the specified pattern could be duplicated.  Work hours and deliveries were performed after park closing because the building sits in the middle of the park.

Lakeshore Community Amenities

Lakeshore Community Center

The Lakeshore Community Center consists of a 5,416-square foot building situated on 3.4 acres. Key features of the center include a clubhouse with a fitness center and meeting room, pool, mail kiosk, dog park, half basketball court, picnic area and tot lot.

JK2 teamed up with Winter Park’s PVK Architects on the design-build project, which is the latest in a string of projects with premier home builder Pulte Homes.

“This is our third community center for Pulte,” JK2 President Paul Holmes said. “Our expertise in the design-build approach of quality amenity centers allows Pulte to focus on revenue-generating home construction.’’

Lakeshore at Narcoossee is a gated, lakefront community with access to Fells Cove and East Lake Toho. The community offers three series of home designs, starting in the low $200s. The community will consist of 208 townhomes and 208 single-family homes.

The ongoing collaboration between JK2 Construction and Pulte Homes has resulted in clubhouses at Royal Estates of Orlando and Lakeview Pointe in Winter Garden. JK2 has previously completed similar residential community projects for Starwood Land Ventures, Winter Garden’s Orchard Hills Community, Summerlake Community in Windermere and Hickory Hammock Community.

HoneyDukes™

HoneyDukes™ – Universal Studios

Negotiated Design/Build project and Pre-construction services for a heavily themed venue. The expansion of the Candy store included new displays, cabinetry, and themed finishes. Store remained open during entire expansion and remodel. Additional support and construction services provided for the installation of props and animatronics.

Harmony Community Amenities

Harmony Recreation Center

The Harmony Recreation Center will include a 6,240 square foot building containing a fitness center, recreation room, community room, kitchen, men and women’s restrooms, breezeway, conversation porch and ramada with outdoor fireplace situated on a 2.43 acre lot.

The center amenities will include a resort style zero entry pool, spacious sun deck, gazebo, and two tennis courts.

JK2 Construction has been providing amenity packages for residential community developers for more than 25 years.

“JK2 has really developed a niche by building outstanding recreation and community centers for all types of developments,” said Paul Holmes, President. “Our expertise in amenity construction allows the quality home builders in the growing Harmony community to focus on what they do best.”

Universal City Market – Moe’s™

Universal City Market – Moe’s™

General Contractor for Food Court at CityWalk – Three Story Build Out of vacant space which included a central food court area, new entry and exterior glass balcony. Three national restaurant chains – Moe’s, Panda, and the brand new Whopper Bar by Burger King. Included full service kitchens, hoods, Prep and serving areas with coolers, freezers and storage facilities on the third level. Entire project build-out was above existing ground floor venues

Simpson’s™ Games – Design/Build

Simpson’s™ Games – Design/Build

Design/Build General Contractor for the renovation of existing hardscape area, which included heavy civil engineering to work with existing drainage and grading but allowing for ADA access to the new game structures, and construction of the new façade to fit prefinished graphic wraps.

Universal City Market – Burger King™

Universal City Market – Burger King™

General Contractor for Food Court at CityWalk – Three Story Build Out of vacant space which included a central food court area, new entry and exterior glass balcony. Three national restaurant chains – Moe’s, Panda, and the brand new Whopper Bar by Burger King. Included full service kitchens, hoods, Prep and serving areas with coolers, freezers and storage facilities on the third level. Entire project build-out was above existing ground floor venues.

Starbucks Islands of Adventure™

Starbucks Islands of Adventure™

General Contractor for total interior and partial exterior demolition of existing Ice Cream Shop renovated to create the new Starbucks IOA Venue. All new MEP, Kitchen Hoods, custom Storefront exterior, and Re-Themed the exterior. All demolition and construction completed while the venue sharing the space stayed open.

Universal City Market – Panda™

Universal City Market – Panda™

General Contractor for Food Court at CityWalk – Three Story Build Out of vacant space which included a central food court area, new entry and exterior glass balcony. Three national restaurant chains – Moe’s, Panda, and the brand new Whopper Bar by Burger King. Included full service kitchens, hoods, Prep and serving areas with coolers, freezers and storage facilities on the third level. Entire project build-out was above existing ground floor venues.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – 12V Bar & Airport™

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – 12V Bar & Airport™

General contracting services on multiple outdoor deck and covered canopy expansions. Built new kitchen and bar to handle outdoor seating expansions. Built the Lone Palm Bar which included Jimmy Buffets Airplane. Built the island themed 12 Volt Bar and exterior deck.

Westgate Palace Towers 1 & 2

Scope of Work:

Tower 1 – Renovation of the existing, occupied, 18-floor tower, while the floors above and below were occupied with guests. Noise and work hours were restricted so the guests’ experience was not affected, and the floor under construction was kept under negative pressure to contain all dust and debris.

Tower 2 – Demolition of all interior improvements to concrete structure. Provide new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for all 18 floors. Provide new penetrations in the existing post tension slab for the new MEP layout. Build out of all new rooms and common areas for the tower.

Universal Archway, Globe & Hardscape

CASE STUDY: 

Universal Archway & Hardscape

Scope:

Demolition of existing arch and globe construct a new and iconic entrance for Universal Studios Florida. This included the massive Universal globe, 65′ archway, the waterway hardscape between the two parks, as well as hotel access walkway connected to Universal Studios. 

Challenges:

The main ticket office and guest travel path was just outside the jobsite fence without disruption to the guest experience. Logistics were challenging as access was shared through our jobsite with several other contractors. New mechanical, electrical and plumbing were added. Multiple situations required the expertise of our team; aerial delivery by helicopter to place specialized xenon lights on the top of the arch; unique engineering installed to create the misting surrounding the globe; custom-made, sand-cast, decorative railing procured and installed for over 1000 FT from the Universal Studios bridge to the Islands of Adventure bridge.