Paul is the Founder and President of JK2 Holmes Constructors, LLC. The company was originally started in 1983, as a part time sole proprietorship after Paul earned his State of Florida General Contractors license, and in 1987 it was operating as a full-time business. Paul oversees the operations of both the Construction and Scenic Divisions, making strategic decisions for the management and growth of the company. His role has evolved from founder, with initial duties including everything from dealing with construction projects as an estimator, superintendent, and project manager, to managing the overall administrative duties of payroll, payables, receivables, accounting, and human resources of the company. The JK2 full time staff has grown to over 23 employees and his role has evolved from managing daily operations to the visioning and strategic growth planning of the company.
Paul started his construction career in 1982 as a Project Scheduler for Tishman Construction Company of Florida, who at the time was the Construction Manager for the build-out of Disney’s Epcot Project. After leaving Tishman, Paul worked for the Florida Division of Omni Construction on the Orange County Administration Building, serving as Assistant Project Manager, and then went to McDevitt Street Company and served as a Project Manager. While at McDevitt Street Company, Paul guided daily construction activities on two hotels, an office building, and worked with the estimating department on numerous pre-construction and hard bid projects. After gaining this experience and confidence working for three large General Contractors, Paul decided it was time to enter the construction business and founded JK2.
Paul earned a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 1976. He attended graduate school at the University of Florida, School of Building Construction, from 1980 thru 1981. He holds a State of Florida General Contractors License (CGC 024901), a State of North Carolina General Contractors License (No. 63373) and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Paul has been married to his wife Joan for over 37 years and together they successfully raised and college educated three daughters (JK2), all earning degrees from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). Paul currently serves on the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Facilities and Maintenance Committee and serves on the Diocese of Orlando Mission Office, Construction Steering Committee.
Why did you name the company JK2?
I named the company after my three daughters J-Julie, K-Karon and K-Kelin, thus JK2. I wanted a unique company identity that captured the essence of what is important in my life, my family. Along with my wife Joan, JK2 has inspired me to press forward through the ups and downs of the economy, which every business encounters.
What was your favorite construction project and why?
My most memorable construction project was the Universal Studios Entrance Archway and Hardscape Package, which encompassed all hardscape work from the Islands of Adventure entrance bridge to the Universal Studios bridge. The project was built in 1998 and tested all prior construction and business skills that myself and staff developed throughout our careers. It required leading a skilled construction management team, hard bid estimating, value engineering after being awarded the project, CMP scheduling, a stretch of our bonding capacity and technical understanding of all aspects of construction.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Besides running a construction company, I enjoy all outdoor activities such as snow skiing, scuba diving, golfing, boating, fishing and traveling. Most rewarding of all is being able to enjoy these activities with my family. I have also been able to utilize my construction skills outside of the business to help build schools and houses in the Dominican Republic, on numerous mission trips, and was a founding Board member of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Apopka, for which I won a Jefferson Award for Community Service.
– BSBA University of Florida 1976