Who doesn’t love flipping on the TV to watch as in just minutes, construction crews build a fantastic home from the ground up?

JK2 Construction was excited to be part of that TV magic in real life last week with Taylor Morrison and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

The iconic Extreme Makeover: Home Edition bus is back on the move as the show is set to return, and this time it was in Auburndale, Florida. In partnership with national builder Taylor Morrison, the show built two homes for Polk County families. One home has six bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms while the other has five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms.

JK2 Construction was proud to contribute as a donor to this transformative project. Not only that, but our very own Griffin Molotky served as one of more than 100 volunteers who donated time and expertise in construction to make the project happen. As one of Taylor Morrison’s leaders shared with the Ledger, making the “TV magic” happen actually meant the reality of a five-day build—which takes plenty of muscle.

The crew worked tirelessly, even through Hurricane Debby’s impact, all to get the homes ready for some deserving families. We’re so proud of Griffin and happy to have contributed to the efforts of an amazing partner like Taylor Morrison. We can’t wait to tune in to see them “Move that bus!” when the episode is live—and love imagining the wonderful memories these families will have in these homes.

JK2 Construction was honored to work with Foster Conant & Associates and several other partners on Windsor Island Resort, an amenity package and hardscape project with a 15,000-square-foot amenity center. Foster Conant & Associates recently shared the project in a feature in Landscape Architect. This is a beautiful article on a great project! Check it out HERE, starting on page 38.

JK2 Construction is proud to announce that we were named to Orlando Business Journal’s list of top general contractors and construction companies in Central Florida.

The list features the largest privately held companies in Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties based on 2020 operating revenue. We were ranked No. 25 and are proud to serve the Central Florida area.

To see the full rankings, click here.

JK2 Construction is proud to announce that we were named to Orlando Business Journal’s 2020 Golden 100 list.

The list features the largest privately held companies in Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties based on 2019 gross revenue. We were ranked No. 67 and are proud to be in such great company.

To see the full rankings, click here.

JK2 Construction was named to the Orlando Business Journal’s list of Largest General Contractors once again.

The list consists of companies in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties ranked by 2019 Central Florida operating revenue. JK2 was ranked No. 18 and is proud to be in the company of outstanding peers in the industry.

This is the JK2 Construction’s third time making the list. To see the full rankings, click here.

Company named to Gator100 list for fourth time

APOPKA, Fla. (March 3, 2020) – Many JK2 Construction employees got their start at the University of Florida. Now, the company has been honored for how far it has come by the university itself.

JK2 Construction was named to the elite Gator100 list for the fourth time because of its incredible growth.

The Gator100 awards, in their sixth year, recognize the 100 fastest-growing businesses in the world that are owned or led by alumni of the University of Florida. The list comprises some of the most innovative and successful businesses in U.S. and beyond.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a UF alumnus,” said Paul Holmes, founder of JK2. “I know what I learned there gave me the foundation to build my business, and UF gave many of my staff members the tools they need to do the work we do every day. To be recognized among other outstanding alumni businesses is truly an honor.”

The honorees are chosen and ranked based on compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over a three-year period. To qualify, companies must have been in business for at least five years and had revenues of $250,000 or more every year since 2016. From January 2016 to October 2019, a UF alumnus or alumna must have owned 50 percent or more of the company, or have served as chief executive, or have founded the company and served on the senior management team. Ernst & Young calculates the CAGR. Hundreds of companies apply for the honor each year.

“The Gator100 honors UF alumni from across the university who are founding and growing amazing companies around the country,” said Matt Hodge, Associate Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations at University of Florida Advancement. “It’s an incredible affirmation of the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Gator Nation.”

Representatives from JK2 Construction attended the awards ceremony in Gainesville on February 28, 2020. The company was ranked No. 61 with a CAGR of 35 percent, up from a ranking of 85 and CAGR of 29.46 percent last year.  

This growth reflects a record year in 2019 for JK2 Construction. JK2 saw its highest revenue growth since the Great Recession and its second highest revenue mark in its 33-year history. JK2 Construction also completed several banner projects for theme parks and national home builders in the last year and took home three Excellence in Construction awards from ABC Central Florida.

JK2 currently has several UF graduates in leadership roles, including: JK2 Founder Paul Holmes; JK2 Construction leaders Rick Amundson, COO, and Dan Shaffer, Pre-Construction Director; Office Manager Joan Holmes and JK2 Scenic President Julie Holmes.

Paul Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in business, followed by graduate studies at the School of Building Construction. Rick Amundson received a Bachelor of Building Construction. Dan Shaffer received a Bachelor of Finance. Julie Holmes was a Cum Laude graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and is a three-year letter winner of the University of Florida women’s swimming and diving team.

For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com. For more information about the Gator100, visit gator100.ufl.edu. 

About JK2 Construction

JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.  JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.

Both divisions honored by Associated Builders and Contractors

APOPKA, Fla. – JK2 has once again been recognized for its outstanding work in the construction industry in Central Florida—this time with an incredible eight Eagle Awards from a top trade organization.

JK2 Scenic received five awards for Excellence in Construction with two merit awards. Three of the four projects considered for the “Project of the Year” award belonged to JK2 Scenic. JK2 Construction received three awards for Excellence in Construction.

The awards, known as Eagle Awards, are given by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.  They are presented annually to members of ABC Central Florida, recognizing top workmanship that raises the level of construction standards.

The company’s two divisions worked together on two of the projects—Universal CityWalk’s Voodoo Doughnut and the Orlando Science Center’s collaborative workspace, The Hive: A Makerspace.

On the Voodoo Doughnut project, JK2 Construction handled the demolition and interior build-out, including a fully operational kitchen. JK2 Scenic then added finishing touches, from the decorative props to the famous rotating doughnut cabinet.

On the Orlando Science Center project, the two again worked together to transform a space. JK2 Construction managed the entire design and renovation of the project, completing the demolition and interior build-out. JK2 Scenic manufactured custom millwork, including storage cabinets, work spaces countertops, bins and wall art.

JK2 Scenic also won Eagle Awards for its work on SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street Neighborhood, Novel Lucerne apartments, and a Lake Nona office project. The company received merit awards for work on Margaritaville Resort Orlando and for the retail space at Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

JK2 Construction received another Eagle Award for its work on the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse in Reunion. For this project, JK2 Construction built an underground cart storage, fully-equipped fitness center, full-service restaurant and bar, golf pro shop and a member sales center. It was completed after just 11 months, three months ahead of the already tight deadline.

The awards ceremony took place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

This year’s awards add to an exemplary track record for JK2, which received four awards in 2018, three in 2017 and another in 2016.

For more information about both divisions of JK2, please visit www.jk2.com.

About JK2 Construction

JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.  JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.

About JK2 Scenic

JK2 Scenic focuses on building dreams and bringing unique construction visions to life in a creative way. The company specializes in themed architectural millwork, custom props and specialty items for retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant clients. Founded in 2008 as part of the JK2 family of companies, JK2 Scenic became its own company in 2017. Led by President Julie Holmes, the company has seen amazing growth and has been honored numerous times, receiving multiple Associated Builders and Contractors Eagle Awards and making the Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list. JK2 Scenic provides creative solutions to uncommon ideas and has worked with world-class theme parks and national brands. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com or call (407) 880-8400.

Guests can now enjoy Bigfire at Universal CityWalk

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 29, 2019) – Campfire food just got a gourmet update with Universal Orlando Resort’s latest restaurant, Bigfire—and a leading Central Florida contractor helped bring the look to life.

Bigfire, located in the heart of Universal CityWalk, brings guests back to lakeside family vacations, with the emphasis on open flame cooking. A new exhibition kitchen allows guests to watch their meals being cooked on a custom-built grill over an open flame within view of the main dining area.

JK2 Construction saw the project through from demolition of the existing venue to completion of the new dining experience. The company was charged with demolition of all interior components, all existing electrical and mechanical systems, many exterior walls and storefront. JK2 then built out the new space, including a complete state-of-the-art kitchen, additional seating areas, balcony seating and exhibition grill.  Structurally, JK2 expanded the balcony area seating and the waterfront dining area. The firm also constructed essential operational aspects for the full-service kitchen and modern bar.

All of the handcrafted custom seating, banquettes and wood interior finishes were made of reclaimed barn wood. Other finishing touches included new flooring throughout, floor to ceiling storefronts and a private dining area.  All work, deliveries, and equipment had to be scheduled during non-park hours of 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. and cleaned before guest arrival.

“Universal Orlando is always on the cutting edge of attractions, restaurants and other experiences,” said Paul Holmes, president and founder of JK2. “We are proud of our work helping to bring these big visions to life.”

JK2 Construction has been a proud partner of Universal Orlando Resort for many years. Other memorable projects the company has completed include: TODAY Café, Voodoo Doughnut, NBC Media Lab and the Hello Kitty store.

For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com.

About JK2 Construction

JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.  JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.

JK2 Construction completes Jack Nicklaus “Golden Bear” clubhouse in Reunion, Florida

One generation to the next

REUNION, Fla. (March 29, 2019) – At a young age, it’s not uncommon for brothers to play with building blocks together – but few get the chance to turn it into a career.

JK2 Construction, a family owned business, is passing one generation of brothers’ work to the next. Recently, siblings Garrett and Tucker Holmes came together to complete the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse, their first major project as a professional team.

The grand clubhouse in Reunion, Florida, features two stories, and 17,000 square feet of beautifully designed space. For the project, JK2 Construction built an underground cart storage, fully-equipped fitness center, full-service restaurant and bar, golf pro shop and a member sales center.

Originally, the clubhouse was scheduled for 14 months of construction, but the client requested it be finished by the start of peak season. Under the leadership of the brothers and diligence of the team, the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse was completed in just 11 short months!

JK2 Construction was founded in 1987 by Paul Holmes. Always a family man, Paul brought his brother Michael on staff to help establish and grow the business, along with business partner Rick Amundson. Garrett and Tucker, Michael’s sons, then joined the business, and Paul’s daughter, Julie, now leads JK2 Scenic, the other business in the JK2 family of companies.

Over 30 years after its founding, JK2 Construction has grown into a leader in the construction industry with ties to major theme parks and national home builders. The company is known for its high level of service and dedication to delivering excellence for its customers.

“JK2 was always a family company, and I know it makes both Michael and I proud to see the next generation not only taking interest in the company, but initiative,” said Paul Holmes. “We know they will continue to build on the success we’ve had as they take JK2 into the future.”

For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com.

About JK2 Construction
JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.

JK2 Construction Receives 2019 Gator100 honors

Company acknowledged among innovative businesses led by University of Florida alumni

APOPKA, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2019) – The JK2 family of companies is ready for a celebratory Gator Chomp. Both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic were named to the elite Gator100 list for the third time based on their impressive growth.

The award recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses worldwide that are owned or led by alumni of the University of Florida. The list, which is presented by the UF Alumni Association, in partnership with the UF Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center, is in its fifth year.

To qualify, companies must have been in business for at least five years and had revenues of $250,000 or more every year since 2015, or for the past three full fiscal years. From January 2015 to September 2018, a UF alumnus or group of alumni must have owned 50 percent or more of the company, or have served as chief executive, or have founded the company and served on the senior management team.

The honorees of the Gator100 list are chosen based on a company’s compounded annual growth rate, or CAGR, over a three-year period. The JK2 family of companies made the list out of hundreds of companies that applied.

“The University of Florida was an integral part in preparing several of our team members, myself included, to do the work we do in the construction industry,” said Paul Holmes, founder of JK2. “To be recognized for that work by our alma mater is an incredible honor.”

This is JK2’s third time making the prestigious list. Since JK2 Scenic was spun off into a separate company last year, this is the first year both companies made the list on their own. JK2 Construction was ranked No. 85 with a CAGR of 29.46 percent, while JK2 Scenic was ranked No. 70 with a CAGR of 34.34 percent.

As a combined company, JK2 was ranked No. 45 in 2017 and No. 72 in 2016.

Both companies have experienced an extraordinary amount of growth over the last few years. JK2 Construction has completed several notable projects at Universal Orlando Resort, the Orlando Science Center and several amenity centers for national home builders. JK2 Scenic has seen a growth in revenue by over 1,000 percent, and completed work at Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Springs and the Margaritaville Resort Orlando.

The JK2 family of companies has five UF graduates currently in leadership roles: JK2 Founder Paul Holmes; JK2 Construction leaders Rick Amundson, Vice President, David Ressler, Director of Operations, and Dan Shaffer, Pre-Construction Manager; and JK2 Scenic President Julie Holmes.

Paul Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in business, followed by graduate studies at the School of Building Construction. Rick Amundson received a Bachelor of Building Construction. David Ressler received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. Dan Shaffer received a Bachelor of Finance. Julie Holmes was a Cum Laude graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and is a three-year letter winner of the University of Florida women’s swimming and diving team.

For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com.

For more information about the Gator100, visit gator100.ufl.edu.

About JK2 Construction

JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.  JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.